The Pays de Cornouaille - Quimper
The Pays de Cornouaille is a vast region stretching from the Odet to the banks of the River Laïta in South Finistère offering a wide range of activities, popular with families.
An unspoilt corner of Brittany
The Pays de Cornouaille is a vast region stretching from the Odet to the banks of the River Laïta in South Finistère offering a wide range of activities, popular with families. The unspoilt natural environment of this little corner of Brittany is much appreciated by walkers along the GR34 coastal footpath, inland country paths and traffic-free ‘greenways’. There are beaches, coves, tiny harbours, seaside resorts and architectural germs around every corner, making this an ideal destination for a holiday with family or friends to discover the culture of Finistère.
Nicknamed the Brittany Riviera, the Odet Estuary and the Baie de la Forêt are home to the 3 delightful seaside resorts of Bénodet, Fouesnant and La Forêt Fouesnant. From its source in the Montagnes Noires to the sea, the Odet thoroughly merits its title of « the prettiest river in France ». I definitely recommend taking a boat trip down the Odet past Porz Meillou and the Anse de Saint Cadou to enjoy listening to many legends including those of the rocks known as "Le saut de la Pucelle" (Virgin’s Leap) and the "La chaise de l'Évêque" (Bishop’s Throne).
Don’t miss Bénodet with its thalassotherapy centre and its lovely sea front. On the other side of the river is Pays Bigouden and the delightful litle fishing village of Sainte Marine from where early birds can enjoy the sunrise and night owls the sunset over Bénodet : simply magnificent.
The heart of South Finistère
The coastline of Fouesnant features beaches and also the Mousterlin Marshes, a site owned by the Conservatoire du Littoral. The Glénan Isles, which belong to Fouesnant, offer a complete change of scene, a real haven of peace with crystal clear water dotted with numerous islets. This is also an exceptional venue for sailing, thanks to its renowned Sailing School. La Forêt Fouesnant is home to the training centre for professional yachtsmen at Port la Forêt.
Concarneau is an absolute must to visit during your stay in Cornouaille. This ‘Art and History town’ has a walled town with the fishing harbour and marina on either side. To know more about the world of fishing, visit the Musée de la Pêche (Museum of Fishing) in the centre of the walled town. The delightful artists’ town of Pont-Aven is an enchanting place with galleries, mills and a lovely riverside walk along the Aven. It first became well-known at the end of the 19th century when famous painters including Gauguin and Emile Bernard spent time there.
For lovers of fine food, Belon oysters need no introduction and can be enjoyed raw or cooked, maybe accompanied by a glass of Fouesnant cider. The Pays de Cornouaille has strong links with the sea with no less than ten watersports centres offering introductions to kayaking, canoeing, sailing, paddle-boarding and surfing. The Route du Cidre is a great way to discover the rich diversity of the cider farms (more than 40) for which Cornouaille is famous.
The ancient city of Quimper
No visit to Cornouaille is complete without spending time in its capital, Quimper, an ancient "Art and History town". Stroll through the narrow streets lined with charming timber-framed houses to the 13th century cathedral, whose 75 metre high spires flank the statue of the legendary King Gradlon. The Musée Départmental Breton in the former Bishop’s Palace has many unique archaeological objects and a stunning collection of Breton costumes to delight lovers of Brittany. Walk beside the Odet to Locmaria, the oldest part of the town which owes its wealth to the pottery which can be seen at the nearby HB-Henriot factory and Musée de la Faïence.
« What I love about the Pays de Cornouaille is its central position, ideal for exploring the south of Finistère. And when I want to get away from it all I drive long the old road through the Monts d’Arrée which has some superb scenery. »
The Pays de Cornouaille is easy to get to by road (RN165), by train (TGV stations at Quimperlé, Rosporden and Quimper) and by plane (Aéroport de Quimper-Pluguffan) via regular flights from Paris."
