Pays Bigouden – Pont l’Abbé
The Pays Bigouden is a land of traditions to be discovered during the Festival des Embroiderers with costumes and headdresses. It is also a country turned towards the sea with beaches, water sports and shore fishing. Welcome to Finistère at the tip of Brittany.
Pays Bigouden, beaches and traditions
Let me take you to a corner of Finistère whose beautiful scenery will sweep you off your feet and where you can have a relaxing holiday lazing on the beach, going sea wading or digging for cockles and clams during spring tides. It’s a great place to explore at any time of year with a partner, family or friends.
Let’s start with some traditional Breton games at the Maison des Jeux Bretons, a covered play centre with a range of games for both children and grown-ups of all ages, including Breton boules, quoits and lots more.
Pays Bigouden is an area steeped in traditions like the local costumes and headdresses which can be seen during the Festival des Brodeuses in July. But visitors are welcome at any time of year and the winter storms are an awesome experience.
Discovering South Finistère
The fishing port of Guilvinec to the south needs no introduction. The daily return to harbour of the local fishing fleet is an absolute must to see for both children and grown-ups. I recommend watching from the roof terrace of the fish market to get the best view of the boats landing their catch. Right next door is Haliotika a discovery centre dedicated to the world of fishing. There are plenty of delicious speciality foods to taste including crêpes, galettes, kouigns, langoustines, fish and seafood in general.
The ‘Route du Vent Solaire’ coastal discovery route, which runs from Penmarc’h to the Pointe du Raz, offers an original way to explore the area. Another memorable way is to hire a kayak for a day or half-day on the River Odet. For those with a good head for heights, the spectacular view from the top of of Phare d’Eckhmuhl lighthouse is well worth climbing the 307 steps ! The short ferry crossing from Loctudy to Ile Tudy is great fun for children and you can even take bikes on the boat to enjoy cycling or strolling through the lanes.
The towpath is a lovely place to walk at any time of year through unspoilt scenery rich in birdlife. Dunes with swaying marram grass and fields of colourful tulips are also part of the beautiful local landscape.
Like to meet a local celebrity ? The well-known fisherwoman and seaweed farmer, Scarlette Le Corre, has been growing, harvesting and processing edible seaweed for over 20 years. Visitors can buy her seaweed-based products from her workshop and at food fairs. Scarlette also runs culinary workshops to promote the benefits of edible seaweed.
Breathtaking scenery on the tip of Brittany
Take a deep breath and admire the impressive, unspoilt scenery of La Torche, a conservation area since 1965. It is also a world-famous, all year round surf spot whose highpoint is the annual Wave Games. Thrilling sensations guaranteed for surfers, paddle boarders, windsurfers and kite surfers. For a more tranquil experience, horse riding at La Torche is a great way to discover the area and, in particular, the Chapel of Tronoën.
After such a busy day, it’s time to stop off at the delightful little fishing port of Sainte Marine to walk around, have a drink at a pavement café and admire the view of Bénodet. Don’t miss the Thursday market at Pont l’Abbé with its local produce and stroll through the streets of charming shops to the Château. After a rest, walk or cycle along the ‘voie vert’ (traffic-free green way) to Quimper. It’s 18km so you may want to take a few crepes with you to eat on the way !
« What I love most about Pays Bigouden is always being surrounded by nature. The sun and wind play a natural part in everything, from spectacular sunsets to delicious picnics. »
During your sight-seeing trip, you are sure to pass a few Bigouden ladies wearing the famous headdress ! Pays Bigouden welcomes visitors at any time of year by plane, train or car. Take the Quimper exit from the RN165 dual-carriageway and follow the signs for Pont l’Abbé."
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