Discover the richness of Concarneau
Camping les Prés Verts aux 4 Sardines is located in the commune of Concarneau in the South Finistère. Concarneau is famous for its walled city but offers many other attractions.
The Ville Closethe jewel of Concarneau
A former stronghold dating from the end of the 11th century, the Ville Close houses the oldest dwellings in the city and ensured the safety of its inhabitants thanks to its ramparts and nine towers. Granite or timber-framed houses (rare) line the narrow streets and of the three gates that existed at the time, only one, equipped with a drawbridge, allows access to the interior of this superb place. The belfry, built in 1906 and now the emblem of the town, welcomes you at the entrance. Shops and restaurants bring the cobbled streets of the walled city to life, but you can also enjoy the many relics and details of history as you wander through the nooks and crannies of the walled city, which was classified as a historical monument in 1899.
Concarneau, a city full of historystory
The walled city remains the emblem of Concarneau, but the town is also marked by its industrial and maritime history. Along the ports, this history is embodied in the fish market and the shipyards, but it is also found in the canning factories (about thirty in the 30s). Go and stroll along the quays!
Other visits with a cultural dimension are possible: the Maison du Patrimoine located in the former Governor's house, at the entrance to the Ville Close, offers exhibitions related to Concarneau's heritage and the Musée de la Pêche, also in the Ville Close, bears witness to the maritime dimension of the town. Visit also the Marinarium where you can discover the local biodiversity. Finally, make a detour to the Keriolet castle, which was once owned by a Russian imperial princess.
A long history linked to the sea
Concarneau has always lived by the sea. As early as the 17th century, maritime trade developed in Concarneau, and commercial relations were established, with sardines as the currency of exchange. Later, in the 20th century, faced with the lack of sardines, albacore tuna became the main catch. The outer harbour became too small, and new harbour infrastructures were installed behind the Ville Close, as well as quays and the new fish market which was built in 1938. At the same time, the canning industry developed, with no less than 32 factories opening in the 19th century. Concarneau became industrialized.
The arrival of exiled fishmongers and shipowners during the Second World War changed the face of the town, replacing the canneries with a flourishing fresh fishing activity. Today, this activity is still as important as ever and Concarneau is the 3rd largest French fishing port for fresh fish, and the leading tuna port in Europe.
The inner harbour of Concarneau is home to about fifty shipbuilding and repair companies.
To learn all about the past and present of the fishing economy in Concarneau, visit the Fishing Museum located in the Ville Close. Take a walk along the quays and discover the different facets of Concarneau's deeply rooted maritime identity: fish auction (when the fish is unloaded), schipchandlers, or shipyards, everything links the city to the sea.
The sea also for the pleasure
Concarneau also takes advantage of its situation as a maritime town by exploiting the yachting and leisure sector. The marina has harbour basins located around the Ville Close and welcomes more than 25,000 yachtsmen per year. A short walk on the ramparts allows you to see the flags of the boats calling.
If you wish to go for a sea trip yourself, you will find many cruise boats ready to take you to the Glénan archipelago and its paradisiacal landscapes or for a stroll. You can also cross to Beg-Meil, on the other side of the bay and enjoy a breathtaking view. Are you more of a freshwater sailor? Take the smallest cruise in the world by taking the ferry to reach the area opposite from the Ville Close!
For sportsmen and women, many water sports are available in Concarneau: paddleboard, kayak, jet-ski or sea fishing, sailing, diving... There is something for all levels and all tastes. Finally, for lazing around and swimming, Concarneau is home to several beaches: safe family beaches, more intimate and quiet beaches, and even small creeks accessible by walking along the customs path.
Concarneau has taken advantage of all the economic aspects linked to the sea. Discover the town from one of its many angles: Concarneau will never cease to amaze you!
