"My Finistère", your holiday newspaper

2016 edition

My holiday newspaper for Finistère

www.finisterebrittany.com

! e m o elc

Wu're in Finistère!

Yo

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// Islands

Sein

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// Land of mystery and myth

Douarnenez

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// Finistère’s coastlines

Seriously high tides

// Treat your taste buds

The young maid of Finistère

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// From Finistère

Jean Galfione

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// Out on the water // Breathtaking panorama

Watersports for everyone!

Crozon, les abers

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// Historic towns

Full of character

14 // Events

Exhibition & festivals

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// From Finistère

Jean Galfione

«You can never tame the sea.»

He has been right round the world, from one stadium to another, defending his pole-vaulting title. Nowadays, it’s out at sea that former Olympic champion Jean Galfione finds the greatest pleasure. To become a skipper, this sportsman had to take the risk of starting from scratch. And not just anywhere. Finistère seemed the obvious placed to settle.

How do you make the move from pole-vaulting to sailing?

I retired from pole-vaulting in 2005, but the year before that, some friends had taken me out on a regatta. I was able to take part in The America’s Cup. You could say that I did my sailing apprenticeship at Formula 1 speeds, like a fast-track learning process. At the time, I didn’t have any career plan, but then, I wanted to go further. I live close to the élite training centre ‘Pôle Finistère Course’ just near Port-La-Forêt. That was what decided it for me.

What did it mean to you to join Pôle Finistère?

I was lucky enough to meet a host of talented sailors: François Gabart, Sébastien Josse, Michel Desjoyeaux, Roland Jourdain and so on. They gave me advice. We often share information out on the pontoons. Sailing with them helped me to understand the right moves. You can never tame the sea. On the other hand, you learn how to act correctly and keep a cool head in extreme situations.

Did your career as a world-class pole-vaulter help you?

It certainly opened a few doors. At the start, my crewmates were curious to meet me, but my lack of experience showed through. I was patient. You have to accept that you’re starting from scratch and that you’re no longer a big name or reference point for your sport. In sailing, the sensations are very intense, but it’s also very hard. Thanks to my experience in pole-vaulting, I know that failure is part of sports and that you can’t just give up. This year, I’m starting a new project in a Diam 24 boat, and I’m carrying on with my Class 40 project, too. I’m going to change boats and take part in several different regattas. The final goal for all of that is the ‘Route du Rhum’ in 2018.

I love this coast that can change ten times in a single day.”

What links do you have with Finistère?

My mother’s family is from Finistère, and we always came on holiday to the Pays Bigouden, so naturally, I’m very attached to this region. It’s a definite life choice to settle down here; I feel at home. I’m always sad to leave, and always happy to come back again. I’ve travelled to a lot of countries, across all the continents, so I’m fully aware how extraordinary this place is. I love this coast that can change ten times in a single day. Even when it rains, the landscapes are worth it. But it’s no coincidence that the most amazing photos of storms are taken here. As someone who is sensitive to nature, I particularly love our white sandy beaches. Inland, too, the landscapes are fabulous, in the Arrée Mountains, for example. Finistère is a land of contrasts. As for me, I live in an isolated spot but it’s just 20 minutes from Quimper, where you can find everything you need. Plus, I love the Breton culture and how genuine people are here. You feel a lot of solidarity. For me, this is the most beautiful place on earth.

FOL L OW

JEAN

GALFION E

> www.facebook.com/jeangalfioneofficiel/

www.finisterebrittany.com

Out on the water //

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Watersports that are accessible to everyone!

www.finisterebrittany.com

Over the last few years, one of the more recent watersports has been proving popular with everyone: stand-up paddle-boarding, also known as SUP. It’s a funny name for a fun activity. As the name suggests, you stand up on a long board (or you can start sitting down if you prefer), and use a paddle to propel yourself along the water – no wonder it’s won so many fans along the beaches and rivers of Finistère. There are now several watersports centres offering SUP taster sessions for the whole family. Although very accessible, this sport still gives you the sensations and pleasures of other board sports. To start off simply, Locquirec Bay and the Douron River that flows into it are perfect calm places to start. After only a few sessions, you can head off to explore little creeks and hidden spots that would be inaccessible from the land. Fun and relaxing, stand-up paddle-boarding is an all-round sport that gently uses every part of the body.

nou, the diving club also offers excursions to discover the depths of Morlaix Bay, as well as an outing ‘to meet the grey seals’ – a magical moment alongside these amazing creatures.

To make the most of the benefits of being on the water without straying too far from the beach, Aqua Jogging is another great activity. The idea is simply to walk while you’re in the water. A terribly fashionable sport, it’s attracting more fans each year. Aqua Jogging is like a session of well-being in the open air, with the backdrop of a beautiful horizon. Crozon, Penmarc’h, Plobannalec-Lesconil and Audierne offer sessions for beginners, to help you make the most of the sea air.

Their names are Telenn Mor, Skellig, Cap Sizun, Belle Angèle, Popoff, Corentin, Recouvrance, Loch Monna, Saint-Guénolé and Dahl Mad and they were terribly modern in their day. These boats also promise thrills on the water. Renovated heritage boats or faithful replicas, these treasures of Finistère’s sailing heritage take passengers on board for day trips, cruises or simple outings. You can learn the old techniques for hoisting the sails, fishing for tuna and prawns, or tracking down scallops, all explained by qualified sailors.

In the charming port of Térénez in Plougasnou, climb aboard the ‘Reder Mor’, an iconic Morlaix Bay sailboat.

Would you like to swim accompanied by seals and fish, looking at cuttlefish, surprising the crabs or anemones? To discover underwater wonders even if you don’t know how to scuba dive, nothing beats snorkelling.

In Audierne Bay, on Île de Molène or in Brest, this activity – open to those aged 8 and over – is always popular with every age group. In Plougas-

In south Finistère, you’ll find landscapes shaped by rias and waterways, and river valleys that are also swelled with seawater, guaranteed to captivate anyone who explores them. In the Aven and Bélon rivers near Riec-sur-Bélon, sports and nature guide Christophe Baur offers trips in a rowing boat on these beautiful waters whose colours change with the tide. Able to accommodate between four and six people, the rowing boat means you can experience the joys of being on the water together and of working together, whilst enjoying the enchanting tranquillity of these landscapes.

Unique experiences

Boat trips on modern vessels are also available throughout Finistère. Around the Glénan Archipelago, Crozon Peninsula, Douarnenez Bay and Morlaix Bay, you can take the time to explore on a boat.

Fresh sea air, the gulls calling overhead, the splashing of the waves – you’ll want it to last forever.

Finally, amongst the various nautical activities in Finistère, we cannot forget kayaking. Easy to handle, a kayak can explore everywhere for the whole family to enjoy.

In the heart of Finistère’s landscapes, the

Nantes-Brest canal is especially well-suited to family outings. Navigating along this peaceful, welcoming ribbon of water is a simple and accessible activity that will only leave you wanting one thing: to come back.

INFOs

> www.espace-mer-finistere.com

Love it!

Explore Finistère on the water, to the rhythm of the wind.

Douarnenez Bay, Crozon Peninsula, the islands of Sein and Molène... Treat yourself to a trip on a catamaran including a skipper!

From 50€ per adult and 25€ per child (under 12 years) for an outing of 2½ hours.

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Its 1200km of coastline that give onto both a sea and an ocean make Finistère a perfect place for top-level watersports. Michel Desjoyeaux, Samantha Davies, Vincent Riou, Jean Le Cam and many other great names in sailing have passed through PortLa-Forêt, southeast of Quimper and home to an élite training centre for offshore sailing. But this abundance of water also helps to develop watersports centres that offer all kinds of activities for the whole family.

You don’t need to be a toplevel sportsperson to enjoy your favourite activity.

OR HEAD TO: WWW.FINISTERETOURISME.COM/ BON-CADEAU-CATAMARAN

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// Islands at the edge of the world VITAL STATISTICS Number of inhabitants: 197 (Insee 2014) Surface area: 0.56km² Length: 2,800 metres Width: 25 to 800 metres Highest point: 9 metres

Île de Sein,

Secret and unique

In the waters off the coast of the Pointe du Raz, this island is one of Finistère’s jewels, for its heritage as much as its unbelievable landscapes and unique atmosphere.

Departing from the port of Sainte-Évette, just outside Audierne, the boats leave the mainland behind them and head for another world: the Île de Sein, known in Breton as ‘Enez Sun’. The landscape, history, islanders, the slow pace of life - everything here invites you to linger, whether it’s for an afternoon or a week, to enjoy an experience that feels timeless.

The magic begins the moment you get on the boat. During the hour-long crossing, you can watch the cliffs of the Cap Sizun and the Pointe du Raz pass by, and perhaps be joined by gannets or dolphins as you head out to sea. It’s an unusual, fascinating journey. Then it’s time to dock: on Men Brial jetty if it’s low tide; at the port if it’s high tide. Standing 16 metres tall, Men Brial lighthouse has been watching over and welcoming visitors since 1909.

Here, there are no cars. Only 0.56km² and an average of 1.5m above sea level, the island is easy to discover on foot. In the town, narrow, winding streets are a joy to stroll along. On the quayside or inland, visit the island shops to taste seabass, lobster and oysters that the plentiful sea offers up to the islanders throughout the seasons.

Sein: an island of heroes To discover the incredible history of this island, simply push open the doors to the Ecomuseums. In the lifeboat station, you’ll find the museum of the SNSM (sea rescue).

It traces the history of sea rescue around the Île de Sein. Throughout the centuries, these islanders have built a reputation as courageous rescuers, thanks to the extremely challenging conditions in the waters around the island. In the former ‘Abri du Marin’ (sailors’ rest), you’ll find the Île de Sein museum. Here, you can discover what daily island life used to be like and also learn about an important moment in the island’s history: the Resistance in World War II. In 1940, when Général de Gaulle called for the French to join him in England, the first group to respond included 133 men from Sein. This led to the General’s famous remark that the tiny Île de Sein represented ‘a quarter of France’.

In August 1946, he awarded the entire island the ‘Croix de la Libération’. At Men Neï, you can also see a Lorraine Cross, a memorial of the free French, inaugurated by the General in 1960 when he made his second official visit to the island.

Not far from the town centre rises the impressive church of Saint-Guénolé, named after the Saint who founded the Abbaye de Landévennec. This church was built between 1901 and 1902 using stones dug from the ground by the men, and carried by the women using baskets on their heads up to the chosen site. Two standing stones have proudly stood here since megalithic times and they are called ‘Les Causeurs’, meaning the chatterboxes or the gossips, because they look like two people whispering secrets. In 1901, they were classed as historic monuments.

This island is a little piece of paradise for everyone An exceptional natural space, a heritage port, an integral part of both the Regional Armorique Park and the Iroise Natural Marine Park, the Île de Sein is a special place whose beaches have very different personalities and mysterious names: Nomeur, Sables Blancs, Nabeur, Korrejou and Goster. The island’s watersports centre offers various trips and outings so you can discover this island from the water, in a kayak or on a stand-up paddle-board.

Near Saint-Corentin Chapel, you’ll find

Le Goulenez, Sein’s lighthouse that is open to visitors, ready to welcome fans of the sea. Built on the ruins of the original lighthouse that was destroyed by the Germans in 1944, it began operating in 1951. Standing 51 metres tall, the lighthouse offers an exceptional view over the island, the coast, the coastal points of Raz and Van and the famous Baie des Trépassés. In the distance, you can make out the silhouette of another lighthouse: Ar Men, whose lighthouse keepers nicknamed it ‘the hell of hells’. Unsurprisingly, this legendary lighthouse - built between 1867 and 1881 - proved to be extremely perilous for the workers.

The Île de Sein is also a paradise for anyone who loves fabulous landscapes and unspoilt nature. Everywhere you look, the horizon stretches into the distance. In the south-east corner of the island, Kilaourou Peninsula is home to rare, protected plant species but is only accessible at low tide, connected to Sein by a string of pebbles and rocks called Beg ar C’halé.

INFO

> www.mairie-iledesein.com

TO GET TO SEIN Penn ar Bed www.pennarbed.fr > 00+33 (0)2 98 70 70 70 (crossings all year round) Finist’mer www.finist-mer.fr > 00+33 (0)2 98 89 05 95

Each one is unique, beautiful, and different

The islands of Finistère Discover the islands of Finistère as you have never seen them before! Ouessant, Sein, Batz, Molène and the Glénan Archipelago are like microcosms of Brittany to be explored…

Ar Men lighthouse at the very edge of the waters around Sein

After you’ve visited Sein, take to the sea and head to Ouessant, the westernmost and the largest of Finistère’s islands. Its natural abundance and breathtaking landscapes are sure to seduce you. Your visit can include the museum of lighthouses and beacons and the eco-museum. In the distance, Île de Molène and its Archipelago barely break through the surface of the water. Colourful streets, the

semaphore and the ‘Maison de l'environnement’ will help you to relax. To the north, 15 minutes from Roscoff, Batz Island is a peaceful haven with both a maritime and agricultural character. Its microclimate allows even the most exotic plants to grow, plants that you can admire in the Georges Delaselle Garden.

Finally, to the south of Finistère, the Glénan Archipelago is home to the largest sailing

school in Europe and is perfect for navigating in complete safety. The turquoise waters and the beaches of white sand mean there is something to please everyone!

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Sein Lighthouse watches over the island The port and its pretty, coloured houses

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Historic towns //

‘Petites Cités de Caractère’ in Finistère

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‘Petite Cité de Caractère’ is a label awarded to a town or village with all the characteristics of an old town and blessed with an exceptional heritage in tune with its prestigious history and bygone activities.

In Finistère, 5 such towns are waiting to welcome you...

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Guerlesquin

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Located on the foothills of the Arrée Mountains, at the entrance of the Armorique Natural Regional Park, Guerlesquin is a pretty market town with three market squares, beautiful architecture and majestic monuments.

Come here for the ‘marché au cadran’ (cattle auction): Guerlesquin still holds a cattle auction open to everybody, on Monday mornings and Tuesday afternoons.

INFOS > www.tourisme-morlaix.fr/en

Le Faou

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As you explore its streets, you’ll be transported to the golden age of the town, to the days when harbour activity was at its height.

After a walk along the seaside or in the nearby Cranou Forest, take a little detour to the pilgrimage destination of Rumengol, with its 16th-century church built on a Druid site.

Come here for the 16th-century overhanging houses and make the most of your visit by walking along the Pont de Térénez, the largest bridge with curved cablestays in Europe.

INFOS > Tel 00+33 (0)2 98 81 06 85

Guerlesquin

Le Faou

Locronan

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Pont-Croix

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Roscoff

Taking its name from Saint-Ronan, the hermit who founded the town in the 6th century, Locronan rose to fame thanks to the sailcloth industry. This medieval town of blue granite boasts some beautiful architecture that is extremely well preserved.

The cobbled pedestrian streets of Pont-Croix lead towards the heart of the town, where you’ll find sacred buildings, a village green and rich architecture. Over the years, many artists have set up their easels in the picturesque streets of this market town.

Take a walk through the streets and alleyways of this historic town centre, past the richlysculpted facades of houses built by ship-owners who brought prosperity to this dynamic town that truly has the sea at its heart.

Come here for a walk through historic streets that have featured in many films and documentaries. Locronan came second in a national poll of France’s favourite villages in 2013.

Come here for the beautiful view over the peaceful waters of the River Goyen.

Come here for exploring, for the Exotic Garden (recognised as a ‘Remarkable Garden’) or to take a boat to the Île de Batz.

INFOS > www.pont-croix.fr/index_en.php

INFOS > www.roscoff-tourisme.com/en/

INFOS > www.locronan-tourisme.com/en

Locronan

Pont-Croix

Roscoff

Morlaix, a town of three hills Through

its picturesque, narrow

streets and steep alleyways, uncover the hidden treasures of the me-

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dieval town of

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Discover Morlaix Bay

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Morlaix.

Centuries of a rich and chequered history have left strong architectural traces on this town, and its particular geography means that there are several viewpoints from where you can appreciate the beauty of Morlaix. The town boasts a very rich heritage that simply begs to be explored: 152 timbered houses, alleyways, sloping staircases, terraced gardens, a history marked by smuggling and privateering, the linen trade and even tobacco manufacturing. The timbered houses are magnificently embellished with overhanging upper storeys, enri-

ching the many pedestrian streets in the heart of this old town and bearing witness to a rich and prosperous past. Among these, you can visit the ‘Duchesse Anne’ house and the ‘Maison à Pondalez’ (from the 16th century).

The port of Morlaix was once the biggest in Brittany. On the Quai du Léon, you can see the massive and solid architectural structure of the ‘Manufacture Royale des Tabacs’.

The viaduct, a fabulous structure in the heart of the town, always surprises visitors with its imposing presence.

Events & culture This multi-faceted town, a town of character and heritage, enjoys a lively programme of cultural events and fêtes. From July, Morlaix honours Brittany and its traditions with a Breton festival that brings together the music, dance and instruments of Brittany. Every Wednesday in summer, the streets and squares of the town are filled with street art and theatre, offering audiences evening entertainment of colour, humour and poetry. The ‘Bel été’ festival creates a wonderful harmony from the town’s beauty, the performers’ talent and the audience’s happiness.

INFO

> www.tourisme-morlaix.fr/en

// Land of mystery and myth

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Tested for you!

Douarnenez shaped by legends

The Pixie Trail How can we keep the children occupied during the holidays? To make the most of your time with them, why not enjoy an original outing in the fresh air? This has two advantages: they’re getting some fresh air and using up their energy!

Port Rhu

Tell me a story

Sardines, Mardi Gras festivals and more: countless stories abound in the town where French writer Georges Perros settled over 50 years ago. Douarnenez has made history, inspired stories, and created more than one legend, all set within its beautiful scenery.

Ris beach

Tristan and Isolde: the island lovers

Ys: the lost city Part of the legend of King Gradlon and Malgven, the city of Ys was a present from the King to his daughter, Dahut. In the heart of French Cornwall, King Gradlon built a city that seemed to rise from the sea. To defend it from the high waves and storms, he also built an immense moat that surrounded the town, accessed by a single bronze door to which he possessed the only key. However, his dear daughter was no ordinary princess: she loved the company of sailors and would take a different lover every night, releasing his corpse the following morning beyond the Baie des Trépassés. One day, when the storms were raging, Dahut tried to steal the key to the city from her father, but she couldn’t manage it. Disappointed and furious at his daughter’s attempt, Gradlon pushed Dahut into the bay from the top of a cliff, and the storm submerged the city of Ys, which soon disappeared.

Tales of star-crossed lovers have produced countless words and used litres of ink throughout the centuries and in Finistère, the not-so-happy couple is Tristan and Isolde. A Breton knight, Tristan was sent to Ireland to fight the giant Morholt, brother-in-law of the Irish king (some families are really complicated!). Successful, but wounded during the battle, the young knight headed home only to run aground on the Irish coast, where he was cared for by Isolde, daughter of the Queen of Ireland. So began the love story between these two young people. When he returned to Douarnenez, Tristan learned that another man wanted to marry Isolde: Roi Marc’h, the King whose château stood where we now find Les Plomarc’h, a site named after this same king.

Tristan was sent to Ireland to fetch Isolde, and she reluctantly married the king.

However, the king caught the two lovers and sent Isolde back to Ireland. Some time later, Tristan contracted a serious illness and set out to see his lady one last time. On the way, he was told (incorrectly) that Isolde was no longer alive, and he let his illness take its course. When the boats were unloading, Isolde learnt the news and died of grief. Legend has it that the two lovers are buried in a chapel on an island at the entrance to the kingdom of Roi Marc’h, an island named after one of the lovers: Île Tristan.

Legend has it that when the weather is calm you can hear the bells of the lost city from the shores of Douarnenez. One of the four main neighbourhoods of the town is called Pouldavid, a French interpretation of the Breton name ‘Poul Dahut’ (or ‘the hole of Dahut’), the place where the Princess was pushed into the sea. Part of the legend also says that the town known as ‘Lutetua’ to the Romans was renamed ‘Paris’ because ‘Par Ys’ in Breton means ‘the same as Ys’. Finally, the legend of Ys ends with the hope that one day we might see the beautiful lost city again: ‘Pa vo beuzet Paris ec’h adsavo Ker Is’ (meaning, ‘when Paris is submerged, the city of Ys shall rise again’).

île

Tristan

The meeting place is the old school in Botmeur. When everybody has arrived, the little group – mostly children - sets out on various paths, led by Youenn.

Youenn is a musician and storyteller but also close friend of the pixies, who are known as ‘Korrigans’. When the group encounters the pixies, everyone learns that it’s very bad luck to touch these little people. One of these little beings has lost her voice and the visitors need to help her by finding some possible remedies.

To the sound of the flute, and helped by the entertaining story, visitors big and small alike enjoy a wonderful adventure. At the end of the walk, the children are rewarded with a few sweets and, to round off the afternoon, everyone can enjoy a snack featuring local produce.

We loved… the story adapted to the whole family: little ones are convinced that the pixies exist, while older children are fascinated by the tales being told the magic: this walk encourages the children’s imagination the elements of Breton culture addressed in a fun way the chance for all the family to share the experience!

You can still go even if… it’s very hot, because the walk is shaded it’s a bit rainy, because the trees will shelter you the children don’t like walking – they’ll love the stories and the snacks, they won’t even notice the time!

Listen to the tales of Douarnenez Throughout the summer, Douarnenez Tourist Office organises themed visits to discover or rediscover this town famous for its sardine fishing. Visits include Les Plomarc'h: visit the site that is central to the story of Ys and the Roi Marc’h, on Wednesdays at 2.30pm Douarnenez and the Sardine industry: Mondays at 2pm and Thursdays at 5pm The fishing port: Tuesdays at 6am

When children discover the Pixies

Port

Rhu (shipbuilding, constructing wooden boats): Thursdays at 10.30am

Île Tristan can also be visited, depending on the tide times.

These visits are open to changes. For information and to book a visit, please contact the Tourist Office.

INFO

> www.douarnenez-tourisme.com/en

PRACTICAL INFO This storytelling walk, organised by the association ADDES, covers about 5km and lasts for around 2 hours. It is most suited for children aged between four and 12 years old. The stories are only told in French but the walk is open to everyone > www.arree-randos.com

www.finisterebrittany.com

Finistère’s coastline //

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Finistère at the water’s edge

Going to île Callot, in Morlaix Bay

What a fascinating spectacle it is, to watch the sea withdraw and reveal vast stretches of sand that have been hidden from view.

The tides often reveal scenes that can take your breath away. Beaches that are not always exposed or accessible attract thousands of people who enjoy a variety of original activities, including rock-pooling, crabbing and exploring.

It surprises holidaymakers as they snooze on the beach, and challenges young sandcastle-builders: the tide is a daily phenomenon that gives beach life its rhythm. This movement of water, rising then falling, is universal. It’s due to the pull of the moon and the sun that act – rather like magnets – upon our oceans. As the tide rises, the water takes over the beaches; as the tide falls, it reveals swathes of sand that are otherwise hidden from sight.

Finistère, surrounded by the sea, is an especially fine spot for observing the tides, but they also grant us an activity that Finistère people love called ‘pêche à pied’, literally, fishing as you walk - what we’d call shellfish-gathering. As the sea withdraws, it shares its bounty with us. Crabs, prawns, cockles, mussels, oysters, whelks, clams, scallops and abalones, sure to delight even the most discerning palates. Hidden in pools or in the crevices, shellfish and other sea creatures are not always easy to find, but thankfully, guides and nature officers from Finistère’s Tourist Offices can help beginners in their searches. Once you have your shellfish-gathering equipment (a basket, a rake, a knife, gloves, fishing net, and small ruler) you have every reason to look forward to a fine feast.

Head for Finistère’s Riviera South of Quimper, in an area that feels like the Riviera, fans of seafood and shellfish generally find plenty to please them. Nature guides from the Tourist Offices regularly organise outings to teach visitors practical tips and the best approach. Organised visits to the beach at low tide do fill up quickly. Why are they so successful?

‘Holidaymakers and residents alike come to enjoy the fresh air and the landscapes, but above all it’s because gathering shellfish helps you to relax completely. Some people go home emptyhanded but it doesn’t really matter,’ explains Lulu, a nature guide in Fouesnant-Les Glénan. These sociable moments encourage people to swap tips, share the best spots and even recipes.

Dazzling Morlaix Bay The spectacular landscape that is unveiled with every low tide is particularly impressive in Morlaix Bay, to the north of Finistère.

This area has a great difference between high and low tide, so boat trips to the island of Batz - run by the ‘Vedettes de l’île de Batz’ - often head out in very shallow waters.

‘You can see the sand on the seabed, crabs and seaweed - it’s incredible,’ explains Gilles Le Marec, Director of the area’s Tourist Office. For even more sensations, Roscoff’s watersports centre occasionally offers outings to the island on foot, walking in water up to your waist during the most dramatic tides. SainteBarbe Chapel on Roscoff Peninsula is the most famous viewpoint from which to enjoy the movement of the sea. There are plenty of other sites, that local greeters* will happily share with you.

In Roscoff itself, the sight of the sea rising to lap at the hotel facades makes it an unmissable spot for photographers.

In the heart of Morlaix Bay, opposite Saint-Pol de Léon

* Local volunteers acting as guides for tourists

Discover Thistheis notshore at low tide with our Tourist Offices a complete list: ask your nearest Tourist Office for more details!

Le Conquet Explore the shore with a guide at low tide Kayak trip in the waters around Le Conquet > www.tourismeleconquet.fr/en/ Morlaix Seaweed discovery trip in Locquirec, Guimaëc and Saint-Jean-du-Doigt, sometimes including cookery workshops. > www.tourisme-morlaix.fr/en

www.finisterebrittany.com

Shellfish gathering in front of the Château du Taureau

Penmarc'h w gather shellfish: the Explore the shore and visit includes protecting the environment, learning about tides, what you might meet at the water’s edge, what you can see on the shore, seaweed and gathering shellfish. > www.penmarch.fr

Fouesnant In the kingdom of "Soizic the limpet and Norbert the green crab" In the kingdom of "shellfish and crustaceans" > www.tourisme-fouesnant.fr/en

Everywhere in Finistère, Tourist Offices offer nature walks that are fun and educational for all ages.

The

nature guides will tell you the story of ‘the big blue’ as you discover the creatures of the beach, the secrets of the rock pools and the best approach for gathering shellfish.

Find all the contact Tourist Offices on www.finisterebrittany.com/ tourist-offices

details for our

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// Mythic itineraries

ON THE TRAIL OF

picturesque ports

FINISTÈRE HAS SOME ADORABLE POCKET-SIZED PORTS THAT YOU SIMPLY MUST EXPLORE DURING YOUR STAY. DISCREET AND RATHER SMALL, MANY OF THEM CAN BE EASILY OVERLOOKED, YET THEIR CHARM IS ENDLESS. WE PUT ONE OF THEM IN THE SPOTLIGHT. Doëlan (Clohars-Carnoët): make the most of the bar and café terraces to pause for refreshments at any time of day!

Doëlan (Clohars-Carnoët)

Don’t miss this!

The fishermen sailing home at the end of the afternoon, and selling their fish and shellfish in the ‘halle aux poissons’ (on the right bank).

A picture-postcard port

Here it is: the little Breton fishing port just as you’ve always pictured it! It’s a maritime jewel in a peaceful setting. The rows of pretty stone houses on the banks look like an audience for the ballet of smart fishing boats, protected by two striped lighthouses that are a photographer’s dream.

narrow estuary that offers a kindly haven. This is also the setting for the French version of ‘Doc Martin’, a village known as PortGarrec in the television series.

This picturesque port with its natural beauty is a bundle of charm that has kept all its authenticity. A long slipway, a few rocks and Beg An Tour beach all help you to swim happily.

From Doëlan, a path leapfrogs between the sand and the rocks up to Le Pouldu. This seaside resort has three beaches for holidaymakers to enjoy. At Le Kérou, you can try your hand at surfing; at Bellangenêt, gentle stretches of sand await young and old alike; at Les Grands Sables, visitors are sheltered from the wind. Le Pouldu also has its own harbour in the Laïta estuary.

A pearl on the south coast Don’t be in a hurry when you’re coming to Doëlan - the winding country roads that lead to the port reveal some delightful views.

A secret spot located between the oyster farms of Bélon and the peaceful Laïta River, Doëlan port is snuggled in a deep but

From the port to the beaches

INFO

> www.quimperle-terreoceane.com/en

A SUNDAY BESIDE THE CANAL WHAT SHALL WE DO ON SUNDAY? WOULD YOU BE TEMPTED BY A WALK THAT’S A LITTLE OUT OF THE ORDINARY? MAYBE AN ENERGETIC DAY OUT, SURROUNDED BY GREENERY BUT ALSO BY THE WATER?

Everybody loves a family walk - at least, nearly everybody! To help motivate the children, suggest a treasure hunt around the canal: they’ll be happy to explore thanks to geocaching!

Firstly, prepare your itinerary: starting at Pont-Coblant, a few kilometres from Pleyben, you can go right up to Rosveguen lock, 5km away. Don’t forget to check the website www.geocaching.com to find out where the ‘caches’ or containers are – there are 6 in this section alone!

SETTING OFF Pont-Coblant is a perfect place to start. There is a large car park where you can leave your car, there’s a picnic area and the inn ‘Auberge du Poisson Blanc’ for refreshments if you need them. With your picnic in your backpack, you can set off for an enjoyable day out in a fantastic setting. Around every corner you can enjoy the surprise of a new view over the canal, as well as looking out for the treasure!

LOOKING FOR THE DRAGON’S BED Between the two locks of Sant Algon and Buzit you will find the first 4 caches bearing the mysterious name of ‘The Dragon’s Bed’. That’s sure to spark the curiosity of your apprentice magicians! Take a break at the lock-keeper’s cottage in Buzit, where you can watch the comings and goings of the lock and explain to curious youngsters how barges worked in the canal’s golden age of the late 19th and early 20th century.

MEET VICTOR A little further on, at Pont Ti Menn, you’ll spot an imposing silhouette all in black, on the other side of the canal.

This is Victor. But who is he? A heavy barge loaded with 100 tonnes of slate that ran aground against the bridge and sank one night in December 1932. He had to wait there until 2005, when a handful of enthusiasts brought him back out of the water.

Now’s the time for your little treasure hunters to explore their surroundings and find another cache.

FINALLY - THE PICNIC! Just a few steps on from Victor, you’ll find Rosveguen lock. Open in summer and on Sundays, this site traces the history of barge people and lock-keepers. Just nearby, the Lock-Keeper Visitor Centre presents old tools and ancient crafts. This is the perfect place for a picnic. There’s a table under cover, a few games for the children, and even toilets. And the last cache is not far away!

While the children are hunting, you can stroll along the stream that joins the canal, dotted with marine paintings by Jules Noël, a 19th-century artist and contemporary of Baudelaire, originally from Quimper.

It’s now time to turn around and enjoy the scenery from another angle. A great day out beside the canal!

INFO

For further details on the Nantes-Brest canal > www.smatah.fr

www.finisterebrittany.com

Breathtaking panorama //

9

The Abers These Breton versions of fjords - though not as deep - are long, narrow grooves cut into the landscape, which the sea covers and uncovers.

Aber Wrac'h Aber Ildut Aber Benoît

An Aber is both the estuary and the river.

Here, the saltwater and freshwater landscapes mingle, creating a calm, relaxing atmosphere.

Finistère has three in total: Aber Benoît, Aber Ildut and Aber Wrac'h, dotted along the northwest coast of the region. Explore them by following the GR34 coastal path, with its breathtaking views.

TAKE

A

L OOK

Share your photos and memories of the Abers on our Facebook page for the Pays des Abers! > facebook.com/Office-de-Tourisme-du-Pays-des-Abers

Crozon

What a delightful surprise when The Guardian published its 2016 list of the world’s most beautiful beaches! There, at number 14, alongside such famous names as Bora-Bora and the Seychelles, was our very own Crozon-Morgat! Of course, British visitors value quiet beaches in a sheltered bay with various activities on offer and plenty of places to eat.

Come and judge for yourself!

TAKE

A

L OOK

Share your photos and memories of Crozon on the Facebook page for the Crozon Peninsula > facebook.com/PresquiledeCrozon.tourisme L'île Vierge

www.finisterebrittany.com

Kayaking around the Cap de la chèvre

10

// Treat your taste buds

La langoustine The young maid of Finistère

For Gwenaël Coïc, Captain of the Odyssée fishing boat based in Lesconil Port, fishing is a family affair.

Passionate about his work, he is both the son and grandson of fishermen, and he takes to the sea every day. To find the best fishing spots, he trusts his instincts and his knowledge of this sought-after shellfish.

Famous for its langoustines and the undisputed star of this delicacy in the 1970s, Lesconil Port has the particular charm of those places that are steeped in history, where the very stones keep the traces of long-gone generations. Here, visitors are amazed at how close the sea is, somehow familiar and impressive at the same time.

Gwenaël Coïc knows this port well. Born in Plobannalec-Lesconil, the fisherman followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. ‘My father fished offshore.

He’d be gone for a long time. As a child, I didn’t see him very much. Fishing for langoustine is physically hard work, but I come home every night.’

Every day, he and his crewmate Ronan Tirilly set out for a day’s fishing from dawn to 5pm, which is the time of the fish auction in Le Guilvinec. ‘On a really good day, we’ll catch around 250kg of langoustines,’ explains Gwenaël. He has chosen to be based around Lesconil Port because of its proximity to the fishing zones. ‘I tend to head to the south of the Glénan islands’. To find the best spot, he follows his instincts. ‘We also get information from other colleagues. Before, everything was done by radio, but that’s not so much the case these days.’ Gwenaël knows a lot about this particular little crustacean.

‘Langoustines are found at the bottom

The langoustine – known to us as scampi or Dublin Bay prawn – has a local nickname of ‘la demoiselle’ (the young maid) or sometimes ‘pink gold’. Famous and highly prized, langoustines can be caught in the south of Finistère, and is one of France’s favourite shellfish. Both high-quality and easy to prepare, this is a dish to suit all tastes. In Le Guilvinec and the ports of Pays Bigouden, the return of the fishing boats is an important moment for any chefs and restaurant owners who value the freshest catch.

of the sea, between 60 and 130 metres down. Occasionally, in the bay. But they live a little like moles, in holes that they dig 5 or 6 metres into the seabed.

April to June: peak time Even fishermen know fear. ‘To find the best langoustines, you have to slalom in the rocks. Your kit can get caught.’ And you have to move quickly. The nets are raised using hydraulic winders, a delicate operation that has to be closely monitored, with Ronan hands-on and Gwenaël at the helm. The langoustines are unloaded onto the sorting table and sorted immediately.

The smallest are thrown back into the sea.

‘You have to sort them as quickly as possible to get them into the tanks and keep them alive,’ explains Ronan. ‘For the buyers, this is a mark of quality.’ Langoustines are eaten throughout the year, but their ‘peak season’ is between April and June, and Gwenaël confirms that this is when they’re ‘in plentiful supply’. This is also when they are most affordable. Fans of ultra-fresh shellfish can even come and buy their fish and seafood directly from the fishermen when they return to the port. ‘A 17th-century law allows us to sell our catch directly on the quayside.’ When he gets back from his day’s fishing, Gwenaël is almost certain to bump into Didier Guillou, who runs the restaurant ‘Tara Cantine de Mer’ and selects the day’s catch to serve it, ultra-fresh, to his diners.

See the recipe below...

GO

AND

VISIT

Haliotika, the world of fishing

> www.haliotika.com/discover-haliotika

A recipe from Didier Guillou CASSOLETTE OF MONKFISH & LANGOUSTINES WITH A LEEK AND CIDER FONDUE For 4 people • 1.4kg skinned monkfish fillet • 8 rashers of smoky bacon • 100g of smoky bacon cubes • 500ml dry cider (2 x 250ml) • 750ml cream (3 x 250ml) • Salt • Espelette Chili Pepper • 12 large langoustines • 50ml Cognac or Lambig • 2 large leeks • 50g salted butter • Olive oil • Ground pepper

The monkfish

Preheat the oven to 180°C (Gas Mark 6). Fillet the fish and dot them with small pieces of smoky bacon, pushed into the fish. Place them in an oven dish with the bacon pieces and 250ml of cider. Bake for 8 minutes. Drain off the juice and pour it into a hot frying pan. Let this reduce with the fish for 4 to 5 minutes. Add 250ml of cream.

Season with salt and Espelette chili pepper.

Pan-fried langoustines

In a frying pan, brown the langoustines in olive oil for 5 minutes, then flambée in Lambig or Cognac and add 250ml of cream. Season with salt and a pinch of Espelette chili pepper then reduce for 2 to 3 minutes.

Leek and cider fondue

Take 2 leeks, chop them finely, wash and drain. In a frying pan, soften the leeks with salted butter, stirring gently.

Add 250ml of cider then 250ml of cream at the end. Season with salt and ground pepper.

In a casserole dish, spread out the leek mixture then place the monkfish and langoustines on top. Bake for 3 minutes at 180°c (Gas Mark 6).

T REAT

YOURSELF

Tara Cantine de mer Lesconil Port - 00+33 (0)2 98 822 743 > www.cantinedemer.com

www.finisterebrittany.com

For the kids //

11

OUT & ABOUT WITH

madame ordinaire www.madameordinaire.com

TOP TIP

Family & Culture!

PASSEPORT CULTUREL is a culture and heritage passport for Finistère, offering 32 museums and other sites at reduced rates or even free, once you’ve paid your first entrance fee at full price. Why wait? Information in tourist offices or in the museums & cultural sites taking part in this initiative.

> passeport.culturel.finistere.fr/en

Saint-Goazec

Plougastel-Daoulas

Plougonvelin

Little Miss n° 1: “If there’s a forest, does that mean there are wolves?”

Little Miss n° 2: “No, if there’s a château, there’ll be people, so no wolves!”

“Can we go and look for blackberries again?”

“Can we climb the steps again?”

Château de Trévarez

‘The Château de Trévarez in Saint-Goazec is a really beautiful place. I went there myself as a child. I remember there being tarpaulin on the roof, as it hadn’t yet been restored. Recently, two new rooms have been opened to the public. The château is surrounded by an enormous park, famous for its camellias and there are plenty of places for playing hide-andseek. My girls love it here. They’re also big fans of flowers. Now that my eldest knows how to read, she can find out the names of the trees for herself by reading the little panels in the park. Inside the château, they like the exhibitions, and especially enjoyed the one about life in a château. They loved finding out how the five sets of cutlery were used. In the bathrooms, they laughed a lot about the wooden toilets and the string for the flush. We visit regularly, particularly at Christmas. It’s always a great atmosphere, with workshops for the kids. We always have a good time here.’

Strawberry peninsula ‘Living in Brest, we often come to Plougastel-Daoulas. There are lots of places for nice walks. If you take Plougastel Bridge*, you can be there in just 10 minutes. Plougastel is the land of strawberries - Mara, Séraphine, there are all types.

They’re grown in large greenhouses, but they’re not sprayed. It’s all still got the human touch. And the strawberries are just the right height for the girls, who like to offer to gather the strawberries themselves. From April to late October, we go and fetch strawberries to make jam and other recipes that are easy for children. As for the taste, nothing else compares. The kids love to eat them just as they are. You can also visit the strawberry and heritage museum to learn all about the history of this peninsula. Here, there’s always something to see and do, whatever the season: storms in winter, the stone cross illuminated in the summer or out gathering shellfish – especially wild oysters!’ * The name that Brest locals use for the Pont de l’Iroise

> From 1€ to 7€ - www.cdp29.fr/en

YOUTUBE CHANNEL

Having settled in Brest two years ago, Anaïs is ‘Madame Ordinaire’, a young mum and blogger who travels through Finistère with her girls aged 4 and 6, looking for interesting and unusual places to visit. She particularly loves Brittany and places off the beaten track. Here are some of her favourite spots in Finistère.

DIY: home-made starfish A shower of stars It’s not easy to keep the kids occupied at weekends or in the holidays. So let us help you!

This easy tutorial will bring an extra boost of sea air to your stay in Finistère!

For this recipe, you will need > 1 cup of flour > 1 cup of salt > white poster paint (for the colour)

Making the salt dough Mix the salt and flour together then add the paint and a little water, and knead the dough. Next, make small balls of dough (these will keep for up to 48 hours in an airtight box).

www.finisterebrittany.com

The starfish

And to finish…

To make the starfish, you simply need a toothpick and a piece of string.

You can use the finished starfish however you wish: string them together into a garland, place them in a glass vase, on a sideboard, use them to decorate a table or perhaps a seafood platter.

1 Flatten the balls then cut the dough to create 5 ‘arms’ like a star.

Round off the ends of each arm.

Arm yourself with a toothpick and your imagination and begin to decorate! Here, we’ve made a line down the centre of each arm and small dots.

2

3 If you wish, make a larger hole at the top of one of the arms so you can hang up the starfish.

4 Place them on non-stick baking paper and bake them at 200°C for several hours. The cooking time depends on how thick they are.

Guaranteed to create a seaside atmosphere! A little something to enhance your stay in Finistère… ;-)

All about the Finistère strawberries << Scan this code

La Pointe Saint-Mathieu ‘Ever since we climbed to the top of Saint-Mathieu lighthouse, my girls made me promise to visit other lighthouses. At first, they moaned when they saw the steps, but once we’d come down again, they immediately wanted to go back up! It’s a real challenge to climb the 163 steps. This coastal point has plenty of things to see, including the ruins of the abbey, the semaphore, the chapel and the museum. The ruins have loads of secret passages. The girls want to understand everything and always ask loads of questions - thankfully, the museum explains everything very well!’

From 1.50€ to 3.50€ (free for those under 6 years) > www.amis-st-mathieu.org

Madame Ordinaire and her girls also enjoy... > Farm parks, cider farms and biscuit-makers. > Rock-pooling, especially hunting for crabs and peeking under rocks > Exploring the paths and trails, gathering sticks and leaves to make windmills and dried plant collections

12

// For food-lovers

Finistère’s Finest

AOP, AOC, IGP, IG* - it’s not easy to understand all these different labels. So, to guide you through, here are some of Finistère’s finest in food and drink.

The Onion of Roscoff This is perhaps the bestknown AOP/AOC label found in Finistère.

The famous Roscoff onion is grown in an area along the English Channel called Haut Léon, between Kerlouan and St-Pol de Léon. Onions have been grown here for many years, initially sent to ships that were stopping off in Roscoff to be exported elsewhere, particularly to Britain thanks to men known as ‘Johnnies’, who were onion-sellers on bikes. This onion is easy to recognise, thanks to its characteristic pink colour. Raw, it has a fruity perfume, plus a crunchy and very juicy texture. Its sweet flavour is not very sharp so it’s perfect for salads.

Once cooked, the fruity sweet flavour is enhanced and the texture softens. It’s a prized ingredient and indispensable for soups, sauces and pan-fried dishes.

YOUTUBE CHANNEL

oignon-de-roscoff.fr All about the Onion of Roscoff << Scan this code

Brittany’s Buckwheat Flour Gwinizh du Breizh Before it can be used to make delicious crêpes, galettes or pastries, seeds of certified buckwheat – blé noir in French - need to be ground into IGP flour

by Breton millers, the latest in a long heritage line, whose know-how has been passed down through the generations.

Buckwheat belongs to the same plant family as rhubarb and sorrel, and so it’s not a cereal, yet its nutritional values are very close to those of wheat, without containing the gluten. It’s a perfect candidate for organic farming as it won’t withstand any spraying or chemicals. Now that you know about it, you can make the most of it in crêpes and the Breton casserole, kig ha farz! www.blenoir-bretagne.com

Brittany’s free-range poultry ‘Les Volailles fermières de Bretagne’ (IGP and Label Rouge) is a group of 145 Bretons farmers. They raise chickens and other poultry in large, grassy areas that include plenty of shade. These original rustic breeds are fed exclusively on cereals, vitamins and minerals and the result is a tender, delicately flavoured meat that everyone’s sure to love, ideal for meals with friends or family!

PENN AR BOX

www.fermiers-d-argoat.org

Spirits and other treats ** When you’re enjoying a crêpe, you naturally think of cider to go with it.

The AOC/AOP Cornouaille will certainly delight your tastebuds with its delicate bubbles, fruity flavour that dances between apricot and grapefruit, and its golden hue. Produced from the Aulne Valley to the area known as Pays Bigouden and southeast Finistère, Cornouaille Cider is a blend of bitter, bitter-sweet, sweet and tart cider-apples, selected carefully in accordance with strict guidelines.

But of course, there are ciders to suit all tastes. Breton Cider - IGP Cidre de Bretagne – offers a diverse palette of ciders for you to discover, from the most fruity to the most bitter, from a golden yellow to a deep mahogany.

For those who are less keen on the bubbles, other local alcohols have been awarded their own labels: Pommeau de Bretagne (AOC - IG) and the Breton ciderbrandy (AOC - IG). This eau-de-vie, also known as ‘lambig’ in Breton, is made by distilling a fermented apple pulp, turning all the sugar to alcohol. Young, mature, or timeless, they are enjoyed as an after-dinner liqueur. As for Pommeau, this is a blend of fresh apple juice and cider-brandy. It is also made within strict guidelines as to the variety of apple used, their sugar content and the quality of the brandy.

For a taste of Brittany anywhere in the world Holidays are a time for treating yourself, and a time for discovering local specialities! But once you’re back home again, you dream of tasting those flavours again to make the holiday last a little longer.

Thanks to Loïz and Julien, young fans of salted-butter caramels and other Breton goodies, you can now do exactly that with the ‘Penn ar Box’. Extend your holiday by receiving a taste of Brittany every month, delivered to your door.

Two options to choose from ‘La Plij Box’ offers new flavours and encourages you to discover new foods that are surprising and innovative. ‘La Buhez Box’ is more of a ‘Made in Brittany’ survival kit and includes a minimum of 10 Breton items every month.

These two boxes are accompanied by their magazine ‘Ar Gazetenn’, which tells you about the products and the companies that make them. The items are further enhanced by the ‘Penn ar Chef’ that offers recipes ideas for you to try at home.

Penn ar Box certainly has a lot of surprises up its sleeve! Online, there is also a forum where you can get in touch with other fans of Breton goodies. pennarbox.bzh/en

Follow the Cider Trail (Route du Cidre) in the Cornouaille area to find out about these drinks and meet the producers who are so passionate about their work! www.cidref.fr **Alcohol can damage your health; please drink responsibly.

* WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT? AOP : Appellation d’Origine Protégée / Protected Designation of Origin AOC : Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée / Controlled Designation of Origin IGP : Indication Géographique Protégée / Protected Geographical Indicator (for natural, agricultural and vineyard products) IG : Indication Géographique / Geographical Indicator (for manufactured or craft products)

www.finisterebrittany.com

Fashion //

The Finistère Effect

13

A Concarneau designer chosen by

BEYONCÉ

In spring 2015, iconic R&B artist Beyoncé shared a picture on her Instagram account of herself in a very low-cut, black-and-white dress. ‘It’s hard to believe but yes, that’s Queen B in a PRX dress,’ commented Pierre Renaux just afterwards on his Facebook page. This young man, originally from Concarneau and trained at the very prestigious Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Anvers, was the designer of this dress, with its Breton-flag colours. Aged just 24, Pierre Renaux had already come to the attention of Queen Mathilde of Belgium, and then was chosen

by Beyoncé, so he’s certainly making a big impression in the world of haute couture.

Embroidery & Gwenn-Ha-Du

Pascal Jaouen discovered early on the richness of the heritage of embroidered clothing in Finistère’s Cornouaille. Passionate about embroidery, he teaches it and has displayed his work for over 20 years. His Gwenn-Ha-Du collection is a vibrant homage to Brittany, going from deepest black to immaculate white, and can be seen until 16th September 2016 at the ‘École de Broderie d'Art’ in Quimper.

Finistère turns to

haute couture

Are traditional Breton costumes past it? Not for Jean-Paul Gaultier. This designer, famous for the striped marinière, has found fresh inspiration in Brittany’s embroidery, hairstyling, fisherman’s tops and sailor jackets.

‘Breton folk costumes have rich colours and embroidery. I wanted to associate Brittany with Parisian chic and fashion design,’ explained Jean-Paul Gaultier during Fashion Week 2015. There, he presented his designer collection for autumn-winter 2015-2016, based on a Breton theme. The dresses were called, ‘Au raz de la pointe’ and ‘La Complète’, and the trench coat is the ‘Quimperméable’ (a play on the town of Quimper and the word 'impermeable', meaning waterproof). With more than a nod to Breton heritage, this designer’s creations reveal the finesse of the embroideries, lace, fabrics and colours of traditional costumes. Reworked by the designer, they become items that marry elegance with modernity. Jean-Paul Gaultier also continues to pay homage to the region every time he wears his favourite iconic top, the striped Breton marinière.

5€ / free for under 12 years École de Broderie d'Art de Quimper, 16, rue Haute. > www.pascaljaouen.com

FASHION: Adopt the Finistère Attitude!

Stripes by Armor Lux You know, stripes never go out of fashion. And they’re sure to be the star of the season again this year. They’re causing a sensation on the catwalks and you can find them everywhere – in shop windows, in catalogues, in adverts, these little striped tops are flying off the shelves!

Originally, the striped ‘marinière’ was worn by sailors, as the stripes made it easier to see them if they fell in the water. And stripes will certainly help you to get noticed this summer.

Find all the stripes you could hope for at Armor Lux, who have been producing wide ranges of womenswear, menswear and childrenswear for decades. www.armorlux.com/en/

www.finisterebrittany.com

You can’t miss the Breton lady of L'Aise Breizh!

You’re sure to have seen these already as bumper stickers – they’re impossible to miss! But this Breton brand is also to be seen on clothing, whether elegant, sportswear or humorous clothes. Men, women, children and babies – there’s something for all the family. Perfect for showing what Brittany means to you!

L'Aise Breizh also has on-trend accessories, household linen, decorative items and even plates. Ideal for taking home a little souvenir of a wonderful stay in Finistère! www.alaisebreizh.com

14

Events

// Events 2016

inistère!

F in ts en ev ss tle un co e ar e er th – es sid be Sporty, cultural, musical and more content! t’s ar he ur yo to y jo en to , em th of n tio lec se l Here’s a smal

Brest 2016

Temps fête

International Maritime Festival From 13th to 19th July

Douarnenez Boat Festival 19th to 24th July

This festival passed its 20th anniversary with flying colours in 2012: the Fêtes Maritimes Internationales de Brest is now enjoying its 7th edition from 13th to 19th July. There’s a grand event this year, as the Festival welcomes celebrated frigate Hermione, historical replica of the flagship of French General Lafayette, which is causing excitement among the public.

And, as always, there are vessels from all over the planet, tall ships, heritage boats, exotic boats, beautiful yachts and more.

The Festival is also an opportunity for hundreds of thousands of enthusiasts to gather for concerts, exhibitions, events and the magical maritime parades and fireworks. It’s a fantastic show to enjoy both on land and at sea. Six days of celebration, and the boats depart for the ‘Grand Parade’ on 19th July.

A pioneer of large-scale maritime gatherings, Temps Fête celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, with a popular, sociable festival that unites around 1,000 boats, 3,000 sailors and 600 artists. This exceptional flotilla creates an amazing spectacle. The skippers, proud of their boats, give their all during the parade, the nautical games, the races, commentated sculling and manoeuvring competitions and visits on board. On stage, on the quaysides and even on the water – everywhere and for everyone, you’ll enjoy magical moments in a setting of traditional boats, illuminated and displayed to create 6 days of fabulous, unusual events. There are fireworks, concerts, street shows, fanfares, sea shanties and more, day and night, to the rhythm of the tides, a whole multitude of entertainment, music and shows filling the quaysides. www.tempsfete.com

www.brest2016.fr/en

The Maritime Parade Brest-Douarnenez, 19th July

MARITIME FESTIVAL

Finistère in all seasons

Finistère renews its ties with the ‘Grand Parade’, as over 1,000 boats are expected on 19th July to symbolise the bond between the boat festivals of Brest and Douarnenez. After Le Goulet, Toulinguet Point and the famous passage in front of the Tas de Pois, the Cap de la Chèvre will be the final passing place before this impressive armada arrives at Rosmeur in Douarnenez. http://www.parademaritime.com/?lang=en

Exhibition ‘Navigating with your head in the stars’, 2nd April to 2nd November at the Port-Musée in Douarnenez www.port-musee.org Exhibition ‘Good fortune and a bad lot’, 16th June to 2nd January at the Abbaye de Daoulas www.cdp29.fr/en

Finistère is on show all year round!

Exhibition ‘Self-portraits from Exhibitions, festivals, cultural the Musée d'Orsay’, 17th June or traditional events – there’s to 26th September at the Musée no shortage of opportunities to des Beaux-Arts in Quimper www.mbaq.fr discover the 1,000 faces of this French region.

Festival of children’s books and In the meantime, here’s a taster of what’s in store!

comics ‘Rêves d’Océans’ 18th -19th June at Doëlan www.reves-doceans.fr

Exhibition ‘Chagall, from poetry to painting’, 26th June to 1st November at the Fonds Hélène et Édouard Leclerc pour la Culture in Landerneau www.fonds-culturel-leclerc.fr Festival Astropolis, 1st to 3rd July in Brest www.astropolis.org Fête des Brodeuses, 8th to 13th July in Pont-l’Abbé www.fetedesbrodeuses.com Festival des Vieilles charrues, 14th to 17th July in Carhaix www.vieillescharrues.asso.fr International Summer Optimist Cup, 16th to 23rd July in Loctudy www.cnloctudy.com/en/

Festival Cornouaille Kemper, 19th to 24th July in Quimper www.festival-cornouaille.bzh

Festival L’îlophone, 9th to 11th September on Ouessant Island www.ilophone.com

Finistère Yachting Tour, 23rd to 29th July tour-finistere-voile.com/gbr/

Days of Unusual Plants at the Château de Kerjean, 24th 25th September www.cdp29.fr/en

Illumination of Stone Crosses and Parish Churches, 5th to 7th August in Guimiliau www.7calvaires.fr Festival Fête du Bruit in Landerneau, 12th to 14th August festival-fetedubruit.com Festival Les Filets Bleus, 12th to 15th August in Concarneau www.festivaldesfiletsbleus.fr Festival Mondial Folk, 19th to 23rd August in Plozévet www.mondialfolk.org

Festival du château gourmand at the Château de Kergroadez in Brélès, 6th to 9th October www.kergroadez.fr

European Festival of Short Films, 8th to 13th November in Brest www.filmcourt.fr Festival of ‘Theatre for all ages’ from late November to late December, covering 30 towns and villages in Finistère www.tres-tot-theatre.com

Festival des Rias in and around Quimperlé, 24th to 28th August www.lesrias.com

www.finisterebrittany.com

Events 2016 //

15

in Finistère!

In Huelgoat 10th to 11th September

Although Pointe de la Torche is well known these days by fans of surfing and other boardsports, it’s actually windsurfing that first made it a legendary spot. From 22nd to 30th October, the best windsurfers in the world will come together at Pointe de la Torche to battle it out for the World Cup. Legends of yesteryear can make their great comeback on this Bigouden beach, while newcomers to the sport will finally have the chance to strut their stuff at this awesome spot.

The event will take place during the French October half-term 2016. The programme includes ‘slalom’ runs between buoys and ‘waves’ with spectacular jumps, technical performances and artistic flair.

Head to the centre of Finistère for a weekend of sports and fun! Every year, Les Roc’h brings an attack to the legendary mountains of Finistère. At more than 380 metres altitude, you’ll have views to take your breath away. On the menu: mountain bike trails, long-distance treks, technical challenges, workshops and freestyle walks or accompanied walks, plus a Fest Noz party, trial demonstrations, VTT show and more. www.lesroch.org

www.latorchewindsurf.com

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At Pointe de La Torche in Plomeur 22nd to 30th October

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Les Roc'h des Monts d'Arrée

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La Torche windsurf 2016

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Lagrimas y penas, Augustin Rouart, 1943 Oil on canvas (51x65.5cm) From a private collection Photo © Philippe Fuzeau

‘The Rouart, from Impressionnism to Magic Realism at the new Musée de Pont-Aven 26th March to 18th September

The re-opening of the museum in Pont-Aven is all about Impressionism, with an exhibition of three generations of artists and patrons: Henri Rouart (1833 - 1912), his son Ernest Rouart (1874 - 1942), and his grandson Augustin Rouart (1907 - 1997). In total, nearly 130 works are on show, drawn from private collections and major museums, including the Musée d’Orsay, Musée Marmottan-Monet and the Musée des Années 30, and this collection invites you to ponder the intimate works of each of these painters. Henri Rouart, a landscape painter, studied with Corot, and was also one of the very first to collect works by Gauguin. He created – as did his son, Ernest Rouart, - beautiful portraits of his loved ones. Degas’ only student, Ernest Rouart married Julie Manet, daughter of Berthe Morisot and Eugène Manet. As for Augustin Rouart, he moved away from Impressionism to create an original style described by Bruno Foucart as ‘Magic Realism’. www.museepontaven.fr/en/

SPORTS EVENTS

CULTURE

Special offer

ittany Bring your Br t and Ferries ticke nt! get a discou

Kann Al Loar

Fest Jazz

In Châteauneuf-du-Faou from 29th to 31st July

www.kann-al-loar.bzh

This festival in Châteauneuf-du-Faou takes place on the banks of the River Aulne and offers a rich programme going from blues to Cajun and from Swing to New Orleans.

Always focused on a relaxed, family atmosphere, this festival promotes openness and shared experiences. Thanks to the five stages, the 3,000 or more festival-goers can enjoy diverse acts in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The festival also has a policy of supporting young artists and favours a programme of high-quality international performers that contribute to its originality. It’s been said the Fest Jazz is the Marciac of Brittany, so come along!

MUSIC & DANCE

www.fest-jazz.com/english

In Landerneau from 7th to 10th July The 29th edition of the Kann Al Loar festival will once again bring together traditional and contemporary cultures through a multi-coloured programme of song, music, dance and theatre. The grand parade that brings together more than 600 Breton musicians and dancers is the highlight of this event.

www.finisterebrittany.com

Le festival du Bout du Monde In Crozon from 5th to 7th August Started in 2000, the Festival du Bout du Monde welcomes 60,000 visitors a year thanks to its melting pot of acts. Across 3 stages, the festival alternates between big names and emerging artists, in a welcoming, family atmosphere. In 2016, the ‘Bou-du’ will welcome Tiken Jah Fakoly, The Shoes, Natacha Atlas, Too Many Zooz, A-Wa, Boulevards des airs and plenty more besides! www.festivalduboutdumonde.com

// Quiz

16

Holiday time!

We’ll help you to find your ideal activities.

Find which activities are perfect for you by answering our little quiz.

1.

B A

Relaxation, suntans and being carefree.

Getting into shape by trying new sports and all sorts of visits.

Sandcastles, rock-pooling and trying new foods.

All of the above.

C D

2.

C D A B

3.

For you, holidays are all about:

D A B

To really feel you’re on holiday, you need to:

C

Share with your children the things you used to enjoy at their age.

Invite your friends to a bring-a-dish barbecue at your holiday home.

Break away from your daily life by exploring new places.

Have no decisions to make and nothing in particular to do.

The musician Yann Tiersen, who wrote the music for the film ‘Amélie’ and lives in Île d’Ouessant.

Jean Galfione, former Olympic pole-vaulting champion and now a sailor, settled in Finistère.

The singer Nolwenn Leroy, born in Saint-Renan near Brest.

The actress Clémentine Célarié, who is a fan of the Crozon Peninsula.

4.

A B C D

If you had to spend your holidays with a French celebrity, would you choose..?

On a quiet Sunday evening at home, you’re most likely to watch:

‘A Very Long Engagement’, the war-time romance filmed in Penmarc’h.

The French TV series ‘Doc Martin’, filmed in Doëlan.

‘Winged Migration’, a documentary filmed in Kerlouan, Lampaul-Ploudalmézeau and Saint-Pabu.

French drama ‘Élisa’, with Vanessa Paradis, filmed on the Île de Sein.

5.

B A D C

Good food and plenty of rest.

Nothing but the sun! That way, my skin has a holiday, too.

A bit of make-up and a lot of good humour.

Striped marinière tops and suncream for everyone.

6.

A D B C

Your beauty routine on holiday consists of:

Your holiday mostly features:

Filled baguettes and a flask of coffee.

Shellfish, seafood, crêpes, cider, strawberries all the local specialities.

A true food-lover, I track down the best restaurants of the moment.

Breton shortbread, biscuits and salted-butter caramels.

YOUR ANSWERS WERE MOSTLY...

A

B

C

D

You’re a holiday hyperactive

For you, holidays need to be relaxing

Never without my family

You’re multi-faceted

Sharing unforgettable moments with your children and seeing them evolve in new environments, trying out new sensations with the family - that’s your idea of a holiday!

Surrounded by your crew, you’re looking for fun and enriching activities that will please everyone.

Our advice: Shellfish gathering. No special equipment needed, it can be enjoyed by all ages, on the beach, in pools and on the rocks. You can fish all year round but when the tides are at their greatest, you can be sure of a good day’s haul! www.finisterebrittany.com/discover/ shellfish-gathering

For you, it wouldn’t be possible to have a holiday that’s set in stone. Curious and enthusiastic, almost any format will suit you.

You know how to combine relaxation with cultural trips, sporting activities and culinary delights, as a couple, with friends or surrounded by the family. With no preconceived ideas, you can adapt to every setting, from the most simple to the most sophisticated.

Our advice: Watersports. Kayak, aqua jogging, diving, windsurfing, stand-up paddleboarding and more. Your holidays won’t be long enough to try them all – so let the adventure begin! www.finisterebrittany.com/discover/ out-on-the-water

Your dream holiday? One where you can achieve everything you can’t do in daily life, while still enjoying yourself. On a boat or in a museum, walking or discovering far-away islands, nothing frightens you. You grab your backpack and set off on adventure, in search of new experiences and surprising encounters.

Our advice: Head for the GR34 coastal path to discover landscapes that will take your breath away, or sail to an island (Batz, Ouessant, Molène, Sein or the Glénan Archipelago): these islands at the edge of the world will satisfy your thirst for adventure! www.finisterebrittany.com/discover/ islands-edge-world

You need to recharge your batteries, and leave the frenetic pace of everyday life behind. Holidays where you’re chasing around are not for you. You need some rest, in a cocoon of calm to relax and re-energise.

Your ideal holiday is one where time doesn’t matter.

Our advice: Enjoy a Thalasso Spa break.

From a half-day to a full stay, let yourself be pampered by treating yourself to a wellbeing break in Roscoff, Douarnenez, Bénodet or Concarneau. www.finisterebrittany.com/discover/ thalasso-spa-therapy

Publication produced by Finistère Tourisme, Agence de Développement Touristique 4 rue du 19 mars 1962, CS 92 005, 29018 Quimper cedex, France. Tel. 00+33 (0)2 98 76 20 70 Publication Director: Xavier Druhen Text: Finistère Tourisme, Cibles & Stratégies Translation: Agent British www.agentbritish.com Design & Production: Finistère Tourisme

Photo credits: M. Dubois, E. Bozec, M. Raterron, J. Galfione, B.Pelican, H. Ronné, Beyoncé, J.P. Gratien, Y. Le Gal, E. Berthier, M.J. Gouniot, J. Piriou, P. Torset, R. Gladu, A. Lamoureux, N. Job, D. Guillaudeau, ADDES, B. Galéron, P.J. Verger, Penn ar Box, H. Lewandowski, Mme Ordinaire, Temps Fête, H. Coutin, B. Taylor, À l'aise Breizh, Y. Delonglée, Le Roc'h des Monts d'Arrée, Freepik, Nas Ztudio.

All rights reserved 2016.

FINISTÈRE d’exception The best 4-star hotels in Finistère

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