Discover the maritime heritage of South Finistère

The ports emblematic of Finistère

Let's start with the nearest port to our campsite, Concarneau!

The port of Concarneau

From the 19th century onwards, Concarneau developed and expanded outside the walls of the walled town. It was the golden age of canning factories, set up around the harbour. Fishing for sardines and tuna was a powerful driving force behind the town's development. Today, the port is home to inshore fishing boats, pleasure craft and shipbuilding companies. There is also an offshore racing centre. You can stroll along the quays and observe the different types of boats they accommodate.

The port of Le Rosmeur in Douarnenez

There are no cars in this harbour, it's a pedestrian-only area, perfect for a stroll. This port is part of the local history. It was once home to the sardine boats. Nowadays, you'll find pleasure boats at anchor, while the modern fleet of fishing boats moor in the new harbour. Restaurants and cafés offer a gourmet break overlooking the sea.

Le Guilvinec, France's largest small-scale fishing port

For a century, Le Guilvinec has been home to a fleet of boats between 12 and 16 metres long dedicated to small-scale fishing, i.e. inshore fishing and small-scale fishing. It is the leading French port for small-scale fishing and the third largest French port for all types of fishing (deep-sea, inshore and small-scale). You can stroll along the quays and watch the boats being unloaded on their return from fishing. A panoramic terrace overlooks the fish auction, offering a spectacular view of the arrivals and departures of the trawlers.

The headlights mythical Finistère

A light in the night... lighthouses are an integral part of Finistère's maritime history!

The Pointe Saint-Mathieu lighthouse, symbol of the Iroise Islands

This listed lighthouse dates back to 1835. What makes it special is that it stands at the foot of a ruined medieval abbey, from where the monks used to keep up a light to guide ships into the Brest Narrows. You can visit the site with a guide who will tell you all about its history. You can admire the magnificent panorama of the Pointe du Raz and the Ouessant rail, passing by the Mer d'Iroise and the Molène archipelago. Night tours are organised in summer.

The Eckmühl lighthouse, an architectural gem

Inaugurated in 1897, the Eckmühl lighthouse in Penmarc'h reaches a height of 65 metres. Built from Kersanton stone, the lighthouse's interior is just as spectacular, clad in opaline stone and adorned with wood panelling and polished bronze. Its white light can be seen 45 km away. To reach the top, 290 steps await you (307 in total to reach the lantern) to reach a platform offering a spectacular 360° view.

While you're in Penmarc'h, take the opportunity to visit the old lighthouse, dating from 1835 and home to the Centre de Découverte Maritime.

The maritime museums for the whole family

To find out more about maritime life in South Finistère, there's nothing like a museum!

The Fishing Museum in Concarneau

Located in the Ville Close, this museum showcases professional sea fishing and takes you on a journey through the history of fishing. Tuna fishing, sail making, canneries... you'll find out all about fishing in Brittany! Don't miss a visit to the trawler Hémérica, moored alongside the museum quay!

Douarnenez harbour museum

Classified as a Musée de France, this port museum is housed in a former canning factory. You'll discover a multitude of objects linked to maritime life, photos and, above all, an impressive collection of boats from all eras and all origins. Four large ships moored alongside the quay welcome you aboard.

Haliotika, the city of fishing

To find out all about the daily lives of fishermen, visit Haliotika in Le Guilvinec. Here you can take a virtual tour of a trawler to find out how fish get from the sea to your plate. You can also take a guided tour of the coastal fish market and take part in workshops or lectures on fishing.