Discovering Cornouaille from Quimper

The south-west of Brittany, and the Cornouaille region in particular, is home to a magnificent coastline where beaches, bays, cliffs and rocky coves alternate.

What's more, the countryside offers a palette of greens, a beautiful nature escape where monuments and religious buildings are hidden away...

Your route covers just over 80 kilometres around Quimper. The route takes the form of a loop starting from the capital of Finistère.

We start in Bénodet and end our journey in Douarnenez, after enjoying the unique landscapes of the coast, alternating between fishing villages and spectacular coastline.

During your tour, your first stop will be at the fishing port of Audierne.

The second night will be spent in Douarnenez.

You're about to discover a typical and terribly endearing of Brittany!

The port of Douarnenez

- © Pascale Gueret / Shutterstock

Day 1 Quimper to Audierne

From Quimper, head for the family-friendly seaside resort of Bénodet, following the D34 road for around fifteen kilometres.

Bénodet offers a choice of pleasant beaches and bays for families to discover in fine weather, and is the ideal image of a Brittany seaside resort. There's a huge choice of water sports.

Bénodet beach

- © Watkeysphoto / Shutterstock

After an invigorating swim, set off again for the historic town of Pont-l'Abbé. This wonderful town is considered to be the capital of the Bigouden region.

The town's most remarkable landmark is the inhabited bridge that gives its name to the commune.

Don't miss the shipowners' and merchants' residences, which hint at the town's long and eventful history.

🍴For a meal break, stop off at the Crêperie brute de Pomme! Enjoy delicious galettes and crêpes prepared with fresh local produce.

What's more, you choose the ingredients for your galettes!

Just south of Pont-l'Abbé, don't miss the imposing Manoir de Kérazan. This typical 16th-century Breton manor house boasts a unique collection of Quimper earthenware.

You can also admire paintings by Breton artists. Finally, take advantage of the landscaped grounds with their rare and precious species.

The manor house is located in Loctudy and is open during the summer holidays. Admission charge applies.

Kérazan manor house

- © Karl Allen Lugmayer / Shutterstock

At the end of the day, we arrive at the port of Audierne. A famous town in southern Brittany, Audierne is a busy fishing port. The narrow streets in the centre lead to the fishing port, where you can admire the beautiful, colourful boats.

Finally, you can watch the sun set from the sublime Pointe du Raz, just 15 kilometres from Audierne (pay parking).

Audierne and its fishing port

- © Photomann7 / Shutterstock

⭐Where to stay in Audierne?

Les hauts de Kersudal B&B offers 3 comfortable guest rooms with bright, modern decor overlooking a well-kept, flower-filled garden.

A continental breakfast is served every morning with fresh produce.

The owners will be delighted to welcome you and answer any questions you may have about the area.

Free private parking is available on arrival.

Les hauts de Kersudal Quimper

Les hauts de Kersudal

Located in Audierne, 1.8 km from Guepratte beach and less than 2.5 km from Saint Julien beach, Les hauts de Kersudal offers a garden, terrace and free Wi-Fi.
From
£66
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Day 2 Audierne to Douarnenez

After waking up, take the road to Douarnenez and stop off at the village of Pont-Croix.

Discover the old medieval streets and the Collégiale Notre-Dame-de-Roscudon. Built in the 13th century, its porch is remarkable, as is its 15th-century stained glass window.

Continue on to the beautiful fishing port of Douarnenez. Here again you can discover authentic Brittany, where the soul of the region can be felt to perfection!

While you're there, don't miss the fishing port and its famous Port-Musée museum. This museum has a collection of over 200 boats for you and your family to discover!

In addition, the town is surrounded by beautiful beaches (plages des Sables Blancs, du Ris) ...

⭐ Where to stay in Douarnenez?

The Spa Valdys La Baie hotel in Douarnenez will offer you a bubble of well-being, an ideal address for a weekend of fitness or simply a family holiday by the sea!

Among the various accommodation options, you'll find rooms for 2 and suites for up to 4 people (a double bed and a sofa bed). Suites are around 40 m² in size.

A bar and restaurant offer on-site dining.

As an added bonus, a hearty breakfast is served every morning at the hotel (on the terrace in summer).

The swimming pool, fitness centre and spa will meet all your expectations!

Finally, note that the hotel has a car park for hotel guests.

Spa Valdys La Baie 4* hotel Quimper

Spa Valdys La Baie 4* hotel

Located in Douarnenez in Brittany, 34 km from Brest, Hôtel Spa Valdys La Baie features a spa with a heated saltwater swimming pool, a hammam and 2 whirlpool baths.
From
£131
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Practical information

🗓️ When should you visit the Cornouaille region from Quimper?

Cornouaille can be discovered all year round. From June to September, it's at its busiest. The joys of the beach and the influx of visitors bring a lively atmosphere to the region.

Out of season, the coast takes on a more serene atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for an invigorating weekend.

La Pointe du Raz

- © Stephane Bidouze / Shutterstock

🚌How do I get to Cornouaille and South Finistère?

From Quimper it is possible to reach Bénodet via the D 34 road. Then the loop follows the D 44 roads to Pont-l'Abbé, the D 2 and D 784 roads to Audierne.

The following day follow the D 765 to Douarnenez and then the D39 through Locronan to Quimper.

If you choose to travel by train, there are several SNCF connections from Paris. In fact, the journey from Paris to Quimper takes just 3? hours. Most of the journey is on a high-speed line.

🅿️Où Where to park during your journey in Cornouaille?

Several car parks are available during your journey. Some car parks charge a fee, so make sure you get there early in summer!

by Faustine PEREZ
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