Concarneau, land of legends

Brittany is a land of legends, and Concarneau, with its rugged coastline and maritime history, is no exception. With tales of sailors, mysterious creatures and sunken cities, here are some of the fascinating legends surrounding this fortified town.

La Ville d'Ys: a sunken city off the coast of Concarneau?

One of the most famous Breton legends is that of the City of Ys, a marvellous city that is said to have been sunk beneath the waves because of Dahut, the daughter of King Gradlon. The princess, attached to the cult of the ancient Celtic gods, reigned over the town of Ys, which she had made prosperous by asking a dragon to seize merchant ships. One day, as she changed lovers every night (and got rid of them by killing them), she fell in love with a mysterious visitor who turned out to be the devil. She made the mistake of entrusting him with the key to the lock that protected the town: the devil, dressed as a prince, opened the lock and the water engulfed the whole town. Only King Gradlon managed to escape in time.

Some storytellers place this town off the coast of Douarnenez Bay, but other versions place it further south, near Les Glénan or Concarneau. It is said that on stormy days, sailors can still hear its bell tower ringing underwater...

The souls in pain in the Bay of Concarneau

The sailors of Concarneau have long feared the apparitions of the Krieren, the wandering souls of the drowned seeking to return to rest in peace on earth. According to Breton tradition, the souls of the drowned return to haunt the coasts, particularly near dangerous reefs. Some claim to have seen strange lights above the water, signs of their presence...

The mysterious ghost boat

An old legend has it that a ghostly boat, the bag noz, sometimes wanders off the coast of Brittany. It is guided by the last person lost at sea, who comes to take wandering souls to the shores of the afterlife.

The korrigans

Although more often associated with inland areas, the korrigans, those mischievous little creatures of Breton folklore, have also left their mark near Concarneau. In the surrounding forests and along coastal paths, some walkers claim to hear strange laughter or see lights in the night. According to tradition, it's best not to antagonise them or risk being the butt of their pranks!

Photo Ouest-France

The tomb of Abbé Forveille

This grave in Concarneau's central cemetery is said to bring good luck in examinations! Abbé Forveille, who died in 1890, did not lead an exemplary life, as he was even forbidden to celebrate mass in church. However, when he died, the faithful who had prayed for his salvation had their wishes granted. That's where the legend comes from. A local figure who is little known outside Concarneau, Abbé Forveille's grave is still maintained and decorated with flowers today. He is said to have been particularly praised for his success in examinations and driving tests!

These legends are part of the rich intangible heritage of Brittany and Concarneau. Whether you believe them or not, they add to the mysterious atmosphere of this region between land and sea.

So, during your next stay at Camping des Prés Verts aux 4 Sardines in Concarneau, let yourself be carried away by the magical atmosphere of Brittany!