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About other departements: Morbihan | Cotes d'Armor | Ille et Vilaine
| Finistère is the westernmost point of Brittany and of France. The only city in Finistère is Brest; other large towns in the département include Quimper , Morlaix , Carhaix and Douarnenez . CountrysideMost of Finistère is low-lying, at about 100m above sea-level, but there are ranges of hills that run through the centre of Finistère, the Montagne Noires and the Arrée range. Inland, between farmlands, are moors and heathlands with gorse. The coastline ranges from granite headlands with crashing seas below the cliffs in the north-west, to bays and inlets with sandy beaches. Around the coast are ports and small fishing communities, offering many interesting and picturesque places to visit. The Path of Lighthouses (Le Chemin des Phares)There is a coastal walking route, part of which is the Path of Lighthouses on GR 34. This 100km walk runs between Portsall and Brest, with twenty three of Finistere's 111 lighthouses forming markers en route. Other places interesting to visit include the 15th century castle stronghold of Berthaume. Strategically placed on a rock at Plougonvelin, it is a reminder of times long-gone when defence against sea invaders was essential. ChateaulinPhotos of the town, river and market Ouessant and MolèneFrom Brest or Le Conquet, it is possible to take a boat to the island of Ouessant, the most westerly point in France. Cliffs rise to 60m above the sea, and inland are inviting heathlands. Molène and the smaller isles around it are host to over thirty species of seabird, including tiny storm petrels ("Mother Carey's Chickens"), and puffins, and one of the few colonies of grey seals and European otters. The archipelago has been designated a UNESCO world biosphere reserve since 1988. The French Cornwall CoastLa Côte de Cornouaille reaches from Douarnenez to Lorient. The Sizun cape has more of the stunning Breton cliffs and craggy landscape ideal for scrambling and exploring, especially at the Pointe du Raz at its extremity. On the other hand, Audierne Bay's long wide beaches and dunes offer a more restful time, although the bay also offers good surfing. The southern section of the GR34 walk along the coast here is a mix of wooded river bays, ports, beaches, dunes and marshland. Southern Finistèrewas named Cornouaile in the 6th century BC by the Celts who came here from Cornwall. The Breton culture is strong in this region of Brittany. The coastline reaches deep into Brittany between Pointe de Raz and Pointe de Mathieu, with the Crozon Peninsula in the centre, dividing bays. The abers , rugged fjord-like inlets on the north coast, are a notable feature of the landscape. Themed routes and festivalsThere are specifically-themed itineraries created by the local tourist boards to present the regional specialities. La Route des Peintres en Cournouaille (the Artists in Cornwall Trail), offers itineraries for following in the footsteps of such artists as Gauguin and Redon, while La Route des Ports de Pêche goes through some of the prettiest fishing ports. La Route du Cidre (the Cider Trail), goes in search of the home-brewed drink that has a long tradition amongst the idyllic countryside of thatched cottages and apple orchards. In July, the Fête des Pommiers (the Feast of the Apple Trees) takes place at Fouesnant. You can even follow a Sundial Trail in Finistère. |
Around the coastRoscoffNo matter what time of year it is, Roscoff can appear to be a grey town. The colour of the buildings belies the reality, though, as there is a lot to see and do in this active port. Just to the South of the main town you will find Roch-Hievec, a number of peaceful gardens packed with a variety of plants that look quite alien to Northern France. Cacti and palms are happy to grow here, due to the warm climate brought by the Gulf Stream. Le FaouThis little mediaeval port acts as the gateway to the Crozon Peninsula, one of the most attractive parts of Brittany. There is a folklore festival held here on August 15th every year. BrestOther curiosities worth visiting along the way include Berthaume fort, a 15th century castle stronghold. Strategically placed on a rock at Plougonvelin, it is a reminder of Brittany's turbulent past when defence against sea invaders was always necessary. In July and August, guided tours take place each night around the floodlit ramparts. QuimperThe medieval city of Quimper is alive with Breton culture, with plenty of Breton music on offer. Southeast of the town lies the famous Pays de Bigouden, with it's wild coastal region scattered with traditional fishing communities. ConcarneauSurrounded by ramparts, in southern Finistère 20 km from Quimper, Concarneau is France's largest fishing harbour. InlandCarhaix PlouguerThis town is situated where several old Roman roads meet, on the River Aulne on the eastern side of Finistere, close to Cotes d'Armor. The Nantes-Brest canal meets the Aulne here, with the towpath for walks and cycling. The town (pop. 8000+) has supermarkets and other shops, cinema, restaurants and bars, and a swimming pool. The many activities in the area include horse riding, swimming, fishing in the River Aulne, canoeing, activities in the multimedia centre, and golf. This region is part of the Parc Naturel Regional d'Amorique, which stretches west to the Crozon Peninsula, offering varied and beautiful landscapes. Travel: from Paris, take the Brest train, change at Guingamp By road: go to ViaMichelin, and put Carhaix Plouguer in the area box, and select France in the drop-down menu. HuelgoatA quiet village with it's own lake in the Parc naturel régional d'Armorique, halfway between Morlaix and Carhaix on the minor road D769. Nearby, east and north of the village, is the Forest of Huelgoat, with lovely walks amongst the trees, giant boulders, rivers and waterfalls. Brennilis is a village west of Huelgoat, at the foot of Mont St Michel, in the Monts d'Arrée. In this area beavers were reintroduced into the wild over 30 years ago, and have established themselves around local rivers. The Monts d'Arrée nature rexerve centre at Brennilis has beaver and badger exhibitions. Countryside features hills, moorlands, peat bog with carnivorous plants and unusuall grasses, river valleys, and the Lac de Saint Michel. SpezetThis village, with shops, bars and other amenities,
lies between the Monts Arrés and Monts Noires near Carhaix. Not far away are Huelgoat, with it's forest steeped in Arthurian myth, the
Nantes Brest Canal, and rivers. An aerial photo can be seen here: http://www.brittany-bretagne.com/pg/skyviews/spezet.htm PleybenPleyben is an historical market town, north of Quimper in Finistére, about 35kms inland. It is situated between the Monts d'Arrée and the Montagnes Noires, in the Parc Régional d'Amorique, and offers easy access to the forest at Huelgoat and the River Aulne as well as the sandy beaches of the Crozon coast. It is located by the main road route from Rennes to Brest, and the route down to Quimper. It is also the home of Chatillon chocolate makers - http://www.chatillon-chocolat.com/ - who also make and sell florentins and Breton shortcake. The church has a full wall around its parish close as well as a gigantic
calvary cross with an unbelievable number of detailed carvings. The ceiling of the church is wood and has several painted wood carvings
that line the ribbing of the vaults. It was very unique and beautiful. It also has an amazing 15th century organ which someone was using for
practice at the time. MorlaixMorlaix is a busy town of with museums and old
churches in the old town, a famous viaduct and a yachting harbour. Things to do in FinistèreFollow the sundial trailTake a map and a camera, and discover 30 sundials in Finistere. Plouguerneau Ecomuseum
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