2015 edition
My holiday newspaper in Finistère
www.finisterebrittany.com
! e m o elc
W are in You
6
// Coastal towns
Roscoff
8
// Land of mystery and myth
Trévarez
11
4
// Finistère’s coastlines
The Finistère Riviera
// Treat your taste buds
The Strawberry Trail
! e r è t is n i F
2
// From Finistère
Samantha Davies
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10
// Out on the water // Breathtaking panorama Sand-Yachting
Making a great Point !
7
// Historic towns
Locronan
14 // Events
Exhibition & festivals
2
// From Finistère
The SCA sailboat belonging to Samantha Davies and her crew, taking part in the Volvo Océan Race
Captain’ Sam Davies from Port-la-Forêt.
At the heart of the “Vallée des Fous” (literally the “Valley of crazy people”), home port of the French ocean racing elite, this champion is the one everybody loves. Samantha, who finished 4th in the 2008-2009 Vendée Globe (a race around the world), is a very popular figure thanks to her British sense of humor along with her Anglo-Saxon fighting spirit. Her motto : «Have fun and sail fast!»
www.samdavies.com
Why did you enter Ocean racing “Pôle Finistère”?
Why do you love Finistère so much?
After the 2001 Mini-Transat, when I finished 11th, I applied to Ocean racing “Pôle Finistère” at the end of 2003 when I began sailing on Figaro boats. I soon understood that it was the ideal structure for progressing. And I entered “Pôle Finistère” the year after. I felt immediately welcome. I trained to improve my French comprehension skills. I was lucky to be with my friend Jeanne Grégoire, who helped me at the beginning.
First of all, for its open mind. I have never had the feeling of being looked upon as a stranger, not even for a second. On the contrary, I have always felt fully accepted and respected. Then, because Finistériens have an exceptional ability to work together, build networks, share their experiences and skills even though they are likely to be opponents at some point. Finally, from a more personal point of view, because it’s a beautiful, magical and welcoming region.
How is it to train with your future opponents? We train with the best sailors. The supervisory staff are extremely skilled in every field. Our shared goal is to progress. That’s why we share our knowledge and experiences. There is a lot of respect between us. But when it comes to competition, we fight against each other and may the best person wins! It’s very healthy.
Her motto: “ Have fun and sail fast ! ”
www.finisterebrittany.com
Out on the water //
3
Finistère Course au large our Offshore Sailing Centre
Teamwork & Results
Since it was created in 1990, this Centre of Excellence and Collaboration has achieved one success after another: 18 victories in the Solitaire du Figaro; 7 in the Transat AG2R La Mondiale; a magnificent clutch of results (1st, 2nd and 4th place) in the Vendée Globe 2012-2013*. These exceptional results are all thanks to a particular state of mind. In the reception area of Pôle Finistère Course au Large in Port-la-Forêt, there’s a board showing the forty or so sailors based there. It would be tricky to choose one name over another, as so many talents, prize-winners and charismatic personalities come together here, mounting up to create the complete picture. Indeed, this is the primary strength of this Centre, which is the only one of its kind in the world. A rational approach and collective emulation are its hallmarks. Right from the start, Christian Le Pape
and Loïc Ponceau have been enthusiastic and conscientious in working to achieve this delicate alchemy that balances group progress and individual goals. It’s the story of a band of genuine friends who decided to join forces by accepting the notion that their respective merits at any point would ultimately only be decided by the sea itself. There is no better lesson in humility.
* More information on the complete list of prizes won by Pôle sailors is available on the website www.polefinistere.com
Sand-yachting
a g ua r a n t eed a d r en a li n e ru s h! You don’t need to be a sailor and know how to handle a sail, or be a surfer who has mastered boardsports – even without all that, you can get a total adrenaline rush, Finistère-style! Sand-yachting (also called land-sailing) is quick to learn: a few pointers and the beach is your playground! First, you need the right kit. The instructor to the ground with your feet on the steering of one of Finistère’s many clubs will sort you pegs and the rope in your hands, you’ll feel out with the obligatory helmet, then take like a racing-car-driver on sand. And with you to your ride. If you’re less of a risk-ta- even a light breeze, the sand-yacht soon ker, you can opt for a two-person sand-yacht picks up speed! and learn all the skills right next to the instructor. If you’re more ad- After the first hour of thrills and spills, you venturous, you’ll just require can congratulate yourself on your initiation a few tips about wind and into sand-yachting. A few practical sessions orientation, what to pull later, and you’ll really have got to grips with and how to steer, and your craft and know how to turn this into an that’s all you’ll need to extreme sport! get out for your first trip along the beach. After a few more exercises to build your confidence, you’ll be hooked on sand-yachting! Close
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Sand-yachts in Plouescat
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// Finistère’s coastline Words from the wise : how to truly relax on the beach
Botconan, near Beg-Meil in Fouesnant
The Finistère Riviera
With its creeks of translucent water and its mild climate, the south coast of Quimper has a real Riviera feel about it. Sculpted by the sea, the landscapes of Fouesnant, La ForêtFouesnant, Bénodet and Sainte-Marine are dotted with little ports, maritime pine trees and beautiful seaside villas. In the shade of the pines on Cap-Coz beach or facing the bay of La Forêt, you’ll discover the perfect family beach setting: fine sand with areas of shade under the pine trees, no need to rush off at high tide… the ideal beach that feels like paradise. Behind Cap-Coz, there’s a change of scene. A mature forest, sails in all shapes and sizes and the last word in high-tech sailing equipment: this is Port-la-Forêt, the maritime showcase of La Forêt-Fouesnant, and the paradise hideout for fans of the open sea. Known to insiders as ‘Portlaf’, this is Brittany’s second largest port, accommodating up to 1,130 boats, and it’s the home of ‘Pôle Finistère Course au Large’, a Centre of Excellence where the great names and rising stars of international sailing train alongside each other. The skippers of Port-la-Forêt have already carved out a long and prestigious trail. Since the end of the 19th century, its splendid beaches and mild countryside of orchards rolling down to the sea have made the shores of La Forêt-Fouesnant an ideal destination. Painters, sculptors, authors and playwrights – including Marcel Proust and his friend Reynaldo Hahn, Sarah Bernhardt – have always loved this Riviera-style coastline. The coastal walk begins at Cap-Coz beach and, through secret creeks and low cliffs, emerges in Beg-Meil harbour. You hardly know where to look. First, you check the path to be steady on your feet, then you gaze at the vast bay and the seaside resort of Concarneau opposite, and finally at the trees filled with birds. From Fouesnant to the woods of Penfoulic, from the dunes of Beg-Meil to the Pointe de Mousterlin, these landscapes are a blend of woodland, meadows, maritime marshes, coastal darts, strings of dunes, beaches and seashores. There are so many natural riches to discover and admire – and you can do so with one of the guides from the Maison des Marais on one of the many outings that they offer all year round. Now let’s head west to the Pointe de Mousterlin, where the view encompasses the entire bay of the Glénan Ar-
Even though the beach is a must for holidays in Finistère, not everyone is a fan! We can start with the mums who find a beach trip anything but relaxing : the kids are bouncing everywhere, and Mum needs to stay alert. Then you get back home and the chores still aren’ t over as everything has to be sorted out. Here are our 4 top tips to help you enjoy an afternoon at the beach, every bit as much as the kids.
Tip n°1 – The beach as a beauty parlour The fine grains of sand are perfect for massage and exfoliation, softening the skin. While your little ones are splashing in the shallows, sit down and rub your arms and legs with the damp sand. Then gently smooth grains of sand all over yourself before rinsing off in the sea. A great treatment for smooth, silky skin. You could even ask the kids to rub some on your back – gently!
Tip n°2 - The beach as a toning gym Bénodet
chipelago. The long dunes here protect the lagoon from the Mer Blanche, whose mudflats and aquatic plants are so prized by the herons and egrets. At Le Letty and Pointe Saint-Gilles, you’re already approaching Bénodet. With its casino, its Thalasso Spa and its marina sheltered in a cove of the River Odet, Bénodet is a charming resort. Its coastal road, which runs along the Odet estuary and connects the marina to the Pointe du Coq, offers an exceptional view over the mouth of the most beautiful river in France, dotted with rocky creeks and family beaches. Opposite, the seaside resort of SainteMarine in Combrit boasts an ideal location combining both river and sea, plus a marina with welcoming pontoons. Until the 1930s, this was an active port, as proven by its ‘Abri du marin’ Sailor Shelter, opened in 1910 by philanthropist and sailor Jacques de Thézac who had settled down in a neighbouring villa. At the end of the cove, protected from the westerly winds, this Sailor Shelter is now an ecomuseum of estuary maritime life at the time of fishing boats, steam-powered ferries and the superb Donat sailboats. The Lighthouse Trail leads up the fort of Napoléon III, which is now an exhibition space in summer just a stone’s throw from the Point.
You can also do some walking lengths back and forth with the sea halfway up your calves, all whilst keeping an eye on the youngsters. The cool water and massage effect are always highly effective for your circulation. If you want more of a fat-burning exercise to slim your silhouette, try walking with the water up to your chest. Give the children rubber rings and while they bob about, the sea can be your gym. Try pulling the kids, too - you’ll soon see it’s every bit as effective as a fitness centre!
Tip n°3 – The beach as a stress-free zone Do you have young children, which makes you wary near the sea? The best thing to do is to opt for a beach with lifeguards and plenty of sand to play on. At Kervel beach near Plonévez-Porzay, there is an enormous beach, especially at low tide. This means you can make the most of the sun and sandcastles and easily keep an eye on the kids.
Tip n°4 – The beach as a model of organisation Don’t like putting on your t-shirt after a swim because salty skin makes you itchy? Don’t enjoy untangling the sand from your daughter’s hair? And above all you don’t like heading home with 3 kilos of sand in the car? Choose one of our beaches with a shower: that way you can rinse the salt and sand off the whole family, and head home happily, sand-free.
But there are still plenty of secrets in this Finistère Riviera – you’ll have to discover them yourself!
The Sailor Shelter in Sainte-Marine
www.finisterebrittany.com
Islands at the edge of the world //
See Ouessant...
Just west of the west…
Let’s head to Ouessant, the furthest west of all the Breton islands. The unique atmosphere of this island gradually reveals itself to visitors over the course of just a few days. Sometimes dramatic, sometimes calm and luminous, it sits like a jewel on the edge of the Iroise Sea.
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Ouessant, Finistère’s largest island (8km long and 4km wide), is without doubt also the wildest. Nicknamed ‘the highest island’ because of its steep cliffs, it always emits a particular edge-of-the-world atmosphere. Just a few nautical miles by boat from Brest, Le Conquet, Lanildut or even Camaret-sur-Mer, the island comes into view after the Molène Archipelago, in the heart of the Iroise Marine Park. Those arriving by plane from Brest-Bretagne airport will be treated to an outstanding view, and their first glimpse will be of its crab-claw outline. Once on site, the best way to discover this island is to hire a bike when you arrive at the Port du Stiff. Wind your way through the little streets and discover a rich, carefully-preserved range of flora and fauna such as the Ouessant Black Bee, a native species. On the westernmost side, the road leads to the Pointe du Pern, one of the most spectacular coastal points on the island, offering a magnificent view over the Nividic and La Jument lighthouses. No trip to Ouessant would be complete without stopping at the foot of the Creac’h Lighthouse to visit the Museum of Lighthouses and Beacons, which tells the story of these sea sentinels, or indeed a visit to the Niou Ecomuseum, two traditional dwellings that retrace the life of Ouessant people in days gone by.
Address Book What to see, what to do
Where to eat
Ecomuseum of Niou Huella Ecomuseum of Ouessant traditions Niou Huella Tel. 00 +33 (0)2 98 48 86 37 www.pnr-armorique.fr
Hôtel Restaurant Bar La Duchesse Anne Bourg de Lampaul Tel. 00 +33 (0)2 98 48 80 25
Museum of Lighthouses and Beacons Phare du Créac’h Tel. 00 +33 (0)2 98 48 80 70 www.pnr-armorique.fr How to get there Compagnie maritime Penn Ar Bed From Brest, Le Conquet or Camaret Tel. 00 +33 (0)2 98 80 80 80 www.pennarbed.fr Compagnie maritime Finist’mer From Le Conquet, Lanildut or Camaret Tel. 00 +33 (0)2 98 89 05 95 www.finist-mer.fr Compagnie aérienne Finist’Air From Brest-Bretagne airport Tel. 00 +33 (0)2 98 84 64 87 www.finistair.fr
Hôtel Restaurant du Fromveur Rue Fromveur Tel. 00 +33 (0)2 98 48 81 30 Restaurant Ar Piliguet Place de l’église Tel. 00 +33 (0)2 98 03 14 64 Restaurant Chez Jacky Frugullou Tel. 00 +33 (0)2 98 48 83 69 Pub Restaurant Le Ty Korn Bourg de Lampaul Tel. 00 +33 (0)2 98 48 87 33 Mac Ludo Bourg de Lampaul Tel. 00 +33 (0)6 87 22 49 78 Bar Crêperie de l’Arrivée Port du Stiff Tel. 00 +33 (0)2 98 48 84 99 Crêperie Chez Carole Tearoom Stang Ar Glann Tel. 00 +33 (0)6 84 61 69 42 Crêperie du Stang Bas du bourg de Lampaul Tel. 00 +33 (0)2 98 48 80 94 Crêperie Ticos Bourg de Lampaul Tel. 00 +33 (0)6 61 80 87 13
Practical info Ouessant Tourist Office Discover Ouessant before you leave! Ideas for activities Entertainment Guided visits, nature visits Watersports Bike hire...
The Stiff Lighthouse overlooks the quay where visitors arrive from the mainland
www.finisterebrittany.com
Everything you need to prepare for your trip and to book your accommodation: www.ot-ouessant.fr
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// Coastal towns
A charming port of call
View of Roscoff from the boarding area for the Île de
Batz
Roscoff
Roscoff is a surprise. Beyond its privateering history, this harbour town in the Land of Léon never fails to seduce visitors with its energy and multiple personalities linking the present to the past, the sea to the land, and science to tourism. As you near Saint-Pol de Léon, there are clues that Roscoff is not far off. There’s a little more traffic - a mixture of cars and tractors, delivery trucks and lorries making their way towards the quayside and the port, as well as British holiday-makers who’ll be crossing with Brittany Ferries that same evening, heading home. In the fields, farmers are gathering their famous Pink Onions of Roscoff. It’s this blend of activities with layer upon layer of different eras that makes the Roscoff we know today. Roscoff’s economic activity is not just a happy accident. Located at the entrance of Morlaix Bay and at the edge of a rich agricultural area, the town enjoys an exceptional position on the Channel. This explains how locals as far back as the late Middle Ages began a maritime trade that transformed the fishing village of Rosko goz into a shipping port and tourist resort that is famous throughout Europe.
These days, it’s lovely to simply stroll along the old quayside and watch the buzz of activity from afar. The pavement cafés and the sightseers. People waiting for the next boat to the Île de Batz that’s two kilometres across the water. Close by the port are the famous dwellings where Mary Queen of Scots is said to have stayed. Close your eyes and you can imagine these waters filled with sailing ships. Back in the 16th and 17th centuries, Roscoff locals sailed back and forth to southern Europe, trading in canvas. Business was booming, and shipowners became linen merchants and salt traders. In a short space of time, they amassed considerable fortunes and beautified their town with houses and buildings richly decorated with turrets, spiral staircases, sculpted dormer windows, gargoyles and other adornments. At the end of the landing stage, where you take the boat to the Île de Batz at low tide, you can really appreciate this seafront, encircled by monumental houses and indestructible walls. Several narrow passageways lead from the shore to the town centre, like a hyphen connecting the outside to within, the luminosity of the seascapes to the enclosed shelter of old granite. Along any of these passageways you can make your way to the historic centre. The Notre-Dame-de-Croas-Batz Church has canons sculpted in the stone, proudly pointed towards England. Nearby, the Rue des Perles boasts some of the town’s oldest dwellings. Their cellars, visible on the surface, remind us of the era when this town was associated with smuggling. Follow the Chemin de Roc’higou, and the seafront soon reappears. Here, the beaches of fine sand and the imposing 19th century villas show Roscoff’s role as a seaside resort.
Roscoff Port in front of the Chapelle Sainte-Barbe
Not far from here, along the Grève du Vil, there’s the Marine Biology Centre. Nicknamed the ‘Labo’ by the locals, this centre was established in 1872 by Henri de Lacaze-Duthiers, Professor of Zoology at the Sorbonne. Roscoff gave him an outstanding area for study: extreme tides, an extraordinarily rich site for seaweed, and an incredibly diverse wildlife. The ‘Labo’ is
The coast from the Exotic Gardens of Roscoff
now a leading research centre, especially in the field of marine genomes. Your path continues towards Laber, a vast coastal inlet that means you can walk from Rockroum to the wooded peninsula of Perharidy. On this strip of the coast, you can follow the traces of another scientific figure who found a thousand blessings in Roscoff’s mild climate and seawater, and who used it as the basis for a new type of treatment for sufferers of rheumatism: marine hydrotherapy. When Louis Bagot founded the Rockroum Institute in 1899, he became the pioneer of France’s Thalassotherapy Spa treatments. Since then, maritime pines have covered the coastal point like a protective screen, but the view over the Île de Batz as you follow the path around the peninsula is just as magnificent as ever. In Roscoff, the legacy of the scholars, peasants, sailors and merchants of times gone by is well and truly alive.
Roscoff enjoys an exceptional setting at the crossroads of the English Channel and a rich vegetable-growing region. This explains its surprising destiny as a trade port as well as its incredible energy. www.finisterebrittany.com
Historic towns //
7
View of Saint-Ronan Church
A walk through
LOCRONAN
Rue des Charrettes
A sacred place in Celtic times, loved by the Dukes of Brittany who supported its flourishing and lucrative trade in hemp fabrics, the small town of Locronan is now one of Finistère’s top tourist destinations. Welcome to the alleyways of one of France’s most beautiful market towns.
on
Ar Sonj Chapel Locronan mountain
The church square
www.finisterebrittany.com
While the morning is not yet light, Locronan is slowly waking up. The lights of the town hall and the café in the square are a reassuring beacon in the darkness, piercing the night that soaks up even the footsteps on the cobbles. Further off, a silhouette quickly crosses the main square where Saint-Ronan church stands guard. Here, on this large esplanade lined by ancient dwellings, beats the heart of Locronan, recognised as both a ‘Petite cité de caractère’ and one of the most beautiful market towns in France. In the deliciously gothic atmosphere of a dawn muffled with mist, you can understand why so many film-makers have chosen this place as a backdrop: time seems to have stood still here. Many French classics such as ‘A very long engagement’ with Audrey Tatou, ‘The Musketeer’ with Tim Roth and even Roman Polanski’s ‘Tess’ have used the exceptionally wellpreserved heritage of Locronan as a filmset, as it lends itself beautifully to period costume. The town owes the preservation of its historic character to Charles Daniélou, who was Locronan’s mayor in the 1920s. He was the first to appreciate the heritage interest of the town. Everything built since his guardianship has been built using reclaimed stone, respecting the spirit of the setting. All wires and telephone cables are buried from view so that nothing spoils the look of the landscape. Visitors notice the uneven cobbles and the patina of the granite facades in the main square and have the peculiar sensation of being sent back in time: the Hôtel Gaultier, the former Hôtel de la Compagnie des Indes, the former fabric office, the Maison Ty Coz and a dozen more noteworthy residences present a remarkable visual anthology of Breton architecture from the 16th to the 18th century. The church itself stands as the nerve centre from which the life of the
town is organised, and this should be your first stop when visiting Locronan.
from the second to the third Sunday of July. Believers, walkers and curious onlookers all gather to form an immense crowd You enter through the Chapelle du Pénity, taking part in this event, which is part of fused to the flank of the main building, the veneration of Saint-Ronan but which, and here you’ll find the cein truth, is a continuation of notaph of the saint: it’s hard rites dating back to Celtic to imagine today that the re- Full of character, times. The procession folcumbent statue, in grey Kerlows ancient pathways and Locronan is santon stone, was originally outlines a sacred quadrilabrightly coloured. The same classed as one teral called the Nemeton could be said for the interior of France’s most Gaulois. The circuit originally of the church. Restored in cosmic meaning and beautiful market had the 19th century in the style was in response to the Celtowns of that time, the church lost tic calendar, but it gradually all trace of the bright colours became a Christian Pardon, that once adorned its vaulstill following the same ted areas and pillars. But, when a ray of route. It leaves from the church towards sunshine comes through the large stai- the Nevet Woods, then climbs towards ned-glass window behind the high altar, Locronan Mountain, crossing streams and the light shows the scenes of the Passion damp meadows at its lowest point, cropto their best advantage. ped moorland and rocky outcrops at its highest point. It covers twelve kilometres Next, you have to walk around the cha- dotted with stops known as ‘stations’, pel and cross a small garden planted with marked by huts of branches covered with hydrangeas, onto which there opens a a white sheet, each housing a statue of cemetery, which leads you to the Place a saint. de la Mairie. One more alleyway takes you to the Rue des From the Chapelle Notre-Dame-deCharrettes, then, just at Bonne-Nouvelle you can walk back up to the corner of an an- the church square, taking a simple track tiques shop, starts a then the Rue du Prieuré (that opened in long street sloping the 19th century), or via Rue Lann, which downwards, cal- is more picturesque and where you’ll find led Rue Moal. The the former priory. You can continue your weavers lived and walk along Rue Saint-Maurice and stop at worked in this steep the foot of the Manoir de Kerguénolé to and narrow street, take in the beautiful panoramic view of then one of the bu- Locronan’s rooftops. A pretty sunken path siest areas in Locro- and the alleyway called Venelle des Temnan. Today, it’s still bor- pliers will lead you back to Rue du Four. dered by a few old houses From here, the braver visitors can head and gardens enclosed with east to clamber up Locronan’s mountain, old walls, and you get a lovely Ménez Lokorn. This is the highest point view of the surrounding countryside. of the Troménie circuit, dedicated long Once you pass the stone cross monument ago to the god Lug, and now presented at the bottom of the street, you’ll see the as a modest chapel. From here, the view Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Bonne-Nouvelle encompasses Douarnenez Bay and the appear, a small granite shape surrounded Ménez Hom, two key sites in the sacred by green grass, trees and an embankment. history and legend of Brittany. This chapel is the fifth stop on the sacred circuit known as the ‘Grande Troménie de Locronan’, which happens every six years,
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// Land of mystery and myth
The Chronicle of
a Fascinating Chateau The Domaine de Trévarez is a place of marvel and wonder. Its 200-acre parkland has been classed as a ‘Remarkable Garden’ and reveals different delights with every season. Camellias, rhododendrons, hydrangeas and maple trees ensure an unbroken cycle of emotions, perfumes and colours.
Rising up in the heart of the estate you’ll find the pink chateau, which has enjoyed Historic Monument status since 2009, and has also won a ‘Twentieth-century Heritage’ label. Built between 1893 and 1907, this Gothic-style building is above all the uncategorisable fruit of a very fertile and brilliant imagination – that of its owner, James Marie Antoine Monjaret de Kerjégu, a diplomat and later Deputy and President of Finistère’s county council. This chateau, one of the very last to be built in France, was at the cutting edge of all that was ultra-modern at the time, with its lifts, central heating and hot water on every floor. The miracles of luxury and technology were designed to satisfy the slightest desire of the guests who came here for hunting parties. James de Kerjégu barely had time to enjoy it all. He died just one year after the work was completed.
The fate of this pink castle was definitively sealed when an incendiary bomb broke off the west wing in 1944. For several decades, this strange palace was slowly and silently dying without ever quite giving up the ghost. Finistère county council bought the estate in 1968 and gradually brought it back to life. The park soon regained its dazzling charm. Then, the central part of the chateau was re-opened to the public on a fairly conventional basis. Since the summer of 2013, the bombarded wing has been a theatre of augmented reality. The next step in the chateau’s recovery will focus on the east wing, where once stood the bedroom and bathroom of James de Kerjégu, the man who built a dream that is now accessible to everyone. www.cdp29.fr
The top 6 spots for acting up in Finistère Romance, adventure, comedy, action movies – no doubt you have your own favourites. Here in Finistère, there’s sure to be a place where you can reenact your favourite movie moments. Here are our top spots for all you film-fans to get into character during your holidays.
#1
#3
#5
Imagine if French actors Audrey Tautou and Gaspard Ulliel decided to live in Finistère. Follow in their footsteps in Locronan, where the movie ‘A very long engagement’ was filmed. Do you remember the final scene? Go to the garden of the old presbytery to relive that unforgettable moment.
At night, the animals of the Wolf Museum come to life. Don’t believe us? Come and see for yourself! Relive ‘Night at the Museum’ by coming to the ‘Nuit du Loup’ (Wolf Night) event that takes place every summer with an evening visit and a nocturnal walk in the Cragou Moors...
One child and a group of rowdy friends is not a great recipe for childminding, but it’s the basis of the French comedy ‘Babysitting’. Come to the leisure park and funfair Récré des Trois Curés in Milizac to show the kids a truly great day out!
The historic film: spend a long day in Locronan
The fantasy film: Night at the Museum (of the Wolf)
#2
#4
You don’t need pointy ears or extra-large feet to go and visit Huelgoat Forest - although you might meet a Hobbit or two along the way. Listen carefully, the trees sometimes whisper their secrets to passers-by. The local pixies, known as Korrigans, can also pop up everywhere in this part of Finistère – mind they don’t get up to any mischief!
Pirates of the Caribbean in Finistère? Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley could easily film their next instalment here, as we have everything they might need: desert islands surrounded by the clearest waters, boats of real character, breathtaking landscapes and captains of the high seas. To take on the role of Jack Sparrow, head for the Glénan Islands that feel like an earthly paradise or set sail for Ouessant Island and unravel its mysteries.
The epic film: hunting for the ring in Huelgoat Forest
The adventure film: Jack Sparrow comes ashore on a mysterious island
The comedy film: Babysitting at the fun fair
#6
The romantic film: Leonardo and Kate on the water
No, there’s no Titanic in Finistère but you’ll be spoilt for choice if you want to re-enact the romantic embrace on the prow of a boat with our tallships, sailboats and motorboats. And rest assured, there’s not a single iceberg in sight! Over to you – let your imagination run wild!
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Mythic itineraries //
9
‘
The Parish Close of Plougonven
Unique !
The Parish Closes of Brittany One of Finistère’s most original features is its collection of ‘Enclos Paroissiaux’, parish churchyards with flamboyant architectural detail. Particularly common in the north of the region, these monuments stand as evidence of a time when the area was gripped by religious fervour and a taste for ostentation, in the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries. A ‘Parish Close’ – as it would be called in English – is above all a testament of the strong religious fervour that accompanied the economic growth of sailing in Brittany. Sailboats used a great deal of linen and hemp cloth for the sails, canvas, clothing and ropes, and the regions that produced and sold these materials experienced an extraordinary period of wealth. This meant that each cloth-producing town wanted to outshine its neighbours by having the most beautiful parish church. This is how a relatively small area has such a high proportion of magnificent sacred architecture, which can still be enjoyed today. But what constitutes a ‘Parish Close’, exactly? In the strictest sense, it is a church, surrounded by an area of land that might or might not be a cemetery, and enclosed by an outer wall. It needs to include at least five of the following elements: the church, an ossuary (or bone
Saint-Thégonnec
www.finisterebrittany.com
house), a chapel for relics, a stone cross monument, a surrounding wall, a triumphal gateway, a cemetery and a fountain. The competition between the various towns to create the greatest architectural collection also involved a great number of artists and craftsmen: architects, sculptors, glass specialists, cabinet-makers and painters have all left their mark in the stone and wood that you see today. The statues, wooden beams and altars will tell you a great deal about those who ordered and made them – you just need to look around… Some churches would pride themselves on their magnificent altar or monumental stone cross (such as Saint-Thégonnec and Pleyben), while others (like Sizun and La Martyre) would focus on their triumphal gateway, a symbolic threshold separating the land of the living from the land of the deceased, and others again might boast
Pleyben
of their monumental ossuaries (La RocheMaurice). All, however, are beautifully wrought and sculpted showing, to people who couldn’t read, scenes from the life of Christ or, quite as readily, scenes from local legend. This means that you can see a depiction of when Christ was baptised or laid to rest right alongside images of local saints such as Saint-Thégonnec converting a wolf, Saint-Yves between the rich man and the pauper, or Saint-Roch being prayed to in times of plague. But many other treasures will reveal themselves to you if you take a moment to look around. Various clubs and associations are more than happy to help visitors discover these exceptional examples of architectural heritage. Feel free to ask at the nearby Tourist Offices!
Saint-Thégonnec
Even more beautiful in colour! In Brittany, and especially in Finistère, summer 2015 looks set to be truly exceptional for art-lovers, culture-vultures and history buffs. For the first time, a veritable pilgrimage of 7 stone cross monuments in Brittany has been organised in July and August – and 6 of these are in Finistère! At the end of each week, a new stone masterpiece will be brought to life at nightfall, thanks to the talents and magic of ‘Allumeurs d’images’. The first is scheduled for 10th July in Plougonven then Guimiliau, Saint-Thégonnec, Plougastel-Daoulas, Pleyben, Saint-Jean-Trolimon and finally Guéhenno will each get a turn. Nearly 70,000 spectators are expected for this event, which will also include plenty of other free entertainment and activities all of high quality and sure to be popular. Every weekend from 10th July to 23rd August For more information, visit: www.7calvaires.fr
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// Breathtaking panorama
Nature walks
An outing on Île Callot near Carantec.
Guided discovery trails in Finistère
From morning to evening, in every season, come and join a guided nature walk in Finistère. Over 1,200 accompanied nature outings are organised all year round throughout the whole of northwest Brittany, by partner associations of Finistère County Council. If you want to treat yourself, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Let us give you a few ideas… Thanks to their knowledge of the area, nature guides can lead you to astonishing marshlands, help you experience an unforgettable moment as the deer approach at sunset, or open your eyes to flora and fauna that are as mysterious as enchanting. They can help you to identify birdsongs or peer under rocks at the wildlife beneath. Countless fascinating experiences will help you to discover this exceptional environment and you can even learn about this land through its legends and magic.
Discover walks that are… Wild: curlews, grey seals, stoats, otters, salmon and carnivorous plants Full of contrasts: mountains and coastal inlets, moorland and forests, cliffs and lagoons Mysterious: in the cradle of tales and legends, from nightfall to daybreak Fun: pixie trails, gold panning like a prospector, sea-kayaking
To find out more about these events, just ask at your nearest Tourist Office or find all the details on: www.finisteretourisme.com/ete-nature
Making a great point! For any visitor who’s a fan of grandiose landscapes, Finistère offers unforgettable contrasts. This region resembles a trident with its three coastal points, each of which offers something new every day... Pointe Saint-Mathieu, in Plougonvelin, has an atmosphere unlike any other. Rocked by the waters of the Atlantic and the Iroise, this point has the look of a world just beginning. From its cliffs, a narrow gully stretching to the waters of Brest, you can gaze at the Archipelago of Molène and Ouessant in the distance. The lighthouse and its red glow keep watch over the old abbey, a remainder of past riches. A few metres away, the semaphore and the cenotaph memorial for sailors who lost their lives for France complete the scene. A little further south, visitors are charmed by the Crozon Peninsula. In the heart of the Armorique Natural Regional Park, this spot has landscapes you’ll never forget: clear waters of dazzling emerald green, sheer granite cliffs that plunge proudly into the sea. From the Pointe des Espagnols opposite Brest, to the Cap de la
Chèvre that overlooks Douarnenez Bay, passing by the Pointe de Pen-Hir with its ‘tas de pois’ rocks, the Crozon Peninsula is a walker’s paradise. Finally, the most mythical of all coastal points and our Land’s End: the Pointe du Raz. Along with its little sister, the Pointe du Van, these points plunge dramatically into the waters of the Raz de Sein and turn westwards, encircling the mysteries of the Baie des Trépassés – bay of the departed. Classed as a ‘Grand Site de France’, the Pointe du Raz in the Cap Sizun encompasses nearly 5000 acres of remarkable landscapes. Certainly more than enough to delight those who love nature in all its protected beauty! The coastal points of Finistère are ready to take your breath away – in every sense!
www.finisterebrittany.com
Treat your taste buds //
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Tried and tested…
The Strawberry Trail
Plougastel strawberries... you only need to say the words and your mouth starts watering. Head for The Strawberry Trail with the ‘Musée de la Fraise et du Patrimoine’ strawberry and heritage museum in Plougastel to find out more about the little red fruit to which this peninsula owes its reputation. A little tour of a strawberry farm
A true rite of ‘Passage’
The guided visit begins with a trip to real strawberry fields that cover nearly 4 acres. Here you’ll learn that 90% of strawberry production is now done in suspended gardens and the reason is simple: the working conditions are a lot better! The harvest of a suspended garden can begin in the first two weeks of March, well ahead of strawberries growing on the ground.
has grown thanks to the strawberry trade. Between the two wars, 5,000 to 6,000 tonnes of strawberries were grown each year, which then represented about a quarter of all the strawberries grown in France. Plougastel became the French strawberry capital and one of the richest areas of France. The fruit was exported to Britain through a working cooperative and sold in London’s Covent Garden, where people paid a fortune for punnets of 125 grams. It was said that the six weeks of harvest could pay for a new house!
This is your chance to learn more about strawberries, especially the ‘gariguette’, the earliest and the star of all strawberries. They don’t much like being transported but are only produced in France. It’s a fragile fruit that doesn’t react well to heat – only 7° to 8° at night, and 11° to 12° in the day. They are harvested at the last moment, as it’s only in the final days of ripening that they gain all their flavour. Only 40% of the strawberry market is produced in France and 2,400 tonnes of Plougastel strawberries leave these farms every year. But beware: not everyone can use the name ‘Plougastel strawberries’! This title is part of a protected geographic label that indicates that the strawberry has indeed been grown in this region.
A story that has lasted more than 300 years 2014 was a special year, as it marked 300 years since white strawberries arrived in France. In 1714, M. Frézier, who had been travelling at the King’s request, brought back ‘white strawberries’ from Chili. Until then, such a thing was unknown in France. Various trials were undertaken to get it to grow in Paris, Marseille and Great Britain – but nothing worked. In 1739, M. Frézier was transferred to Brest. A new trial was carried out in the gardens of the Maritime
Hospital, but it was in Plougastel that the plant finally acclimatised. On this peninsula, the white strawberry was crossed with local wild strawberries to create the ‘garden strawberry’ that we know today. It was only in the 1970s that anyone started to grow Gariguette strawberries. The white strawberry is no longer farmed on the peninsula, firstly because it was not as popular, and secondly because it was more susceptible to disease. A museum all about Plougastel’s strawberries and heritage The little bus tour is rounded off with a visit to the museum, where you can walk between sea and soil, gaining a better understanding of local history. It helps visitors to understand the impact that strawberry production has had on the residents of Plougastel, as well as its current market. The permanent exhibition also includes displays about maritime heritage and fishing, the charms of local chapels and the place of architectural heritage within this community, as well as the wealth of traditional costumes, their colours and their detailing.
Her Majesty the Abalone So, you’ve had the good taste to choose an establishment serving fine cuisine, and on the menu there’s a dish featuring abalone – or ‘ormeau’ in French. Don’t hesitate for a moment! This marine mollusc, whose curved shell has earned it the name ‘sea ear’, is an unparalleled culinary treasure, nestling in a mother-of-pearl setting. The difficulty is ensuring a continued supply of this gastronomic delicacy all year round. This is why ‘France Haliotis’ was created in 2004 in north Finistère. In this abalone farm, the only one of its kind, the emblematic and mysterious sea-truffles begin their first months of life on the site in Plouguerneau. The breeders release a whole stock of oustanding little subjects who gain strength in the first six to twelve months within the Kerazan hatchery, attaching themselves to plastic panels where they greedily
www.finisterebrittany.com
Did you know…? Bumblebee hives are installed in the greenhouses to help fertilise the plants, which helps the fruit to grow in a regular rhythm. And it also means no unnecessary pesticides as these bumblebees are far too precious!
Contact : musee-fraise.net Tel. 00+33 (0)2 98 40 21 18
Plouguerneau’s off-shore abalone farms are prospering thanks to a niche market of connoisseurs who can fully appreciate this sumptuous sea-truffle, also called an ‘ormer’. Awarded the Ecocert label for organic farming, ‘France Haliotis’ supplies the prestigious Georges V hotel in Paris along with many other top tables in European fine dining.
graze on algae. The miniscule sea ears enjoy huge feasts – that are invisible to the naked eye. They continue flourishing in the life-giving waters that border the Île Vierge lighthouse at the mouth of the Aber Wrac’h. Once the molluscs reach between 12mm and 20mm, they are transferred to the sea and placed in cages that are anchored with wire, ten metres down. Their time underwater lasts for an average of two-and-a-half years. There, they feed exclusively on fresh seaweed gathered on the shore between Aber-Benoît and Kerlouan, a banquet in waters that have a rare level of purity. Boats take ‘fresh food’ stocks out to each of the fish-farming structures. The abalones are accompanied by a whole range of benevolent creatures including loaches, squat lobsters, shrimp and small crabs. This happy and peaceful eco-system is inac-
cessible to bigger, destructive crabs. This delightful spectacle is also widely shared: ‘France Haliotis’ welcomes nearly 4,000 visitors a year! Contact : Scea France Haliotis Lieu dit Kerazan 29880 Plouguernau www.abalonebretagne.com Tel. 00+33 (0)2 98 37 17 39 Opening times for the shop: 9am-5pm Monday to Friday, except French Bank Holidays. Guided visits of the fish farm are also available on appointment. Ask for details at the Tourist Office of Les Abers.
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// Fine food
Finistère Markets Large, small, indoor or open air, in the morning or the evening, all year round or seasonal, there are countless markets in Finistère. Let yourself be tempted as you discover all the treasures that they can offer you...
Breton breeds
Perfect for their environment The Ouessant Black sheep, the Coucou de Rennes chicken and the Chèvre des fossés goat – all these Breton breeds have come close to being extinct before being rescued and protected by their passionate breeders. Here are two examples that you might have come across on your travels through Finistère: the Bretonne Pie Noire cow, and the Porc blanc de l’Ouest – white pig of the west. The family tree of the Pie Noires began in 1884, and it’s one of the oldest Herd books in France. The breed reached the height of its fame in 1900 with 700,000 animals recorded. In 2014, there were just 1,664 females. Producing a good-quality milk for cheese and other dairy products, the Pie Noire adapts very easily to whatever fodder is available. This smallest of French cows also has excellent rustic qualities, being resistant to illness, ready to adapt to different temperatures and to difficult conditions. You can see three lovely examples in Locmaria near Quimper.
Descended from the Normande Pure breed and the Craonaise, the Porc Blanc de l’Ouest numbered 700 females and 60 boars in 1971. Nowadays, there are 90 females and 31 males, spread out over 23 breeders, the lowest number of all the local pork breeds. With its temperament, the Porc Blanc de l’Ouest is ideal for free range, and cannot bear being crowded into a building. Its meat is highly soughtafter by chefs and butchers. It has a reputation almost on a par with Paris ham or the Rillettes of Le Mans! www.races-de-bretagne.fr
Browse the stalls and find Brittany’s brightest treasures from local produce, organic fruit and vegetables or delicatessen treats to textiles, arts and crafts. The market is also an unbelievable meeting place, ideal for discovering the region, its culture and its locals. In Saint-Renan, for example, you’ll find Finistère’s biggest market, held every Saturday morning throughout the year. Over 300 stall-holders offer local seafood and vegetables and even a perfect combination of the two, as with the local speciality of smoked cheese with seaweed.
From the sea:
There’s a style to suit each setting: in Kerdévot near Ergué-Gabéric, it’s an organic market. Every Wednesday in July and August this little market of organic producers is accompanied by free entertainment, such as story-telling, walks, dancing and music. And after a look around Kerdévot chapel you can enjoy a picnic using all the great produce available on-site.
Finistère is synonymous with the sea – and therefore with seafood! Satisfy your tastebuds with a platter full of beautiful Bélon oysters.
For fans of architecture, there’s the added pleasure of exploring the indoor markets like those in Concarneau, Audierne, Guerlesquin and plenty of other towns.
Bélon Oysters
They are said to have a slightly nutty flavour, thanks to the particular blend of seawater and freshwater from the Bélon River. Fine and delicate, they will certainly surprise you. And despite the old saying, oysters are perfectly edible even during months without an ‘r’ – they’re fabulous all year round!
To find your closest markets while you’re on holiday, head to www.finisteretourisme.com/les-marches-du-finistere
A tasty combination is Seafood specialists Guyader know how to innovate: they’ve teamed up their know-how with the authenticity of Boursin, to create truly tasty spreads.
a happy combination!
This Landrévarzec-based business marries the finesse of tuna or salmon with the creaminess and freshness of the great French cream cheese: Boursin. The finely-tuned flavours of pepper, garlic and fine herb flavours perfectly complement the frank and generous taste of the fish. With no artificial colours or flavour enhancers, your ca-
napés, verrines and other appetisers will make a fine start to a very successful meal! Available in most main supermarkets More information from www.guyader.com
Bretontreats Jam
that ’s totally Freizh!
When a big name in strawberry production from far-flung Finistère meets a traditional jam-maker, the result is sure to excite the tastebuds! Grab a spoon: ready, taste, enjoy!
In this new product, the Breton jam-maker blends its own know-how with the renowned excellence of Savéol. In April 2015, the jam known as ‘La Freizh’ was born, containing 64% fruit, including the famous Gariguette, adored by true gourmets. And if ‘La Freizh’ hits the spot, there are plenty of other varieties
to discover, including raspberry, blackcurrant, Landéleau apple, blueberry and apricot. You can also try their lightly salted crème caramel or spoil yourself with a spoonful of Breizella, a caramelchocolate spread. Delicious! Retail outlets listed on www.4sais.com
www.finisterebrittany.com
Shopping //
L atest trends
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Spotlight on Stripes We all know it: stripes never go out of fashion. And you’ve no doubt noticed that stripes will once again be the star of the summer this year. They’ve caused a sensation on the catwalks and are in shop windows, catalogues and adverts everywhere – these little striped tops are flying off the shelves! Don’t wait a moment longer: grab one for yourself! Queen of all stripes! The classic is of course the Marinière, with either navyblue or black stripes on a white background (or the other way around), as a sweater or a long-sleeved t-shirt. It is simply the must-have item in any respectable wardrobe. Better still, it can be worn with almost anything, in any season. Totally straightforward, always makes a great impression and is every bit as fabulous with jeans as with linen trousers. But stripes have taken over all types of clothing and can be worn from head to toe: slippers, socks, pullovers, tops, polo shirts, blouses, cotton scarves, woollen scarves, hats
and other accessories. Stripes even go so far as to take over all the colours, adopting everything from fluorescent brights to soft pastels – nothing can stop them! Quite the chameleon, stripes go with everything. From the chic and elegant outfit of jeans, heels and a striped sweater, or the frivolous touch of cute summer tops in bright stripes, to the frilled flyaway dress with a stripy design – take your pick!
Made in Finistère Did you know that the Marinière was adopted by sailors because it helped them to be seen if they fell in the water?
And you’ll certainly be noticed in your stripes this year. To top it all, the original Marinière is a Breton icon and Finistère is bursting with places where you can find yourself a perfect striped accessory. Yet another good reason to drop by this summer! Stripes at any price You’ll find stripes galore in Armor Lux, a textile company that has produced a large range of womenswear, menswear and childrenswear for decades. www.armorlux.com Stripes for baby If you’re after stripes in babywear, head to Coop Breizh. www.coop-breizh.fr
Styled-up stripes You’re sure to fall for the charms of these stripes that have been embroidered and customised by the celebrity stylist and embroiderer Pascal Jaouen. www.pascaljaouen.com Stripes for the home At Rivalin, you’ll find striped slippers for both summer and winter. www.rivalin.fr Stripes between friends Visit Henriot for stripes in tablewear. www.henriotboutique.com
The secret of the Ouessant women The women of Ouessant have long known how to tame the sea, wind and sun. If there’s a secret to their dewy complexion, it could be this balm - named after the Nividic lighthouse - which can ward off the effects of the island’s offshore winds and storms. Sun, rain, heat and more rain... Our skin is often subjected to the elements, rather like Ouessant and the other islands that suffer the whims of the weather. NividiSkin contains an extract taken from organic, wild brown seaweed, a fantastic active ingredient called Ascophyscient® with exceptional soothing and regenerative properties.
This is why all year round, Tempête NividiSkin balm has become the best friend of anyone with fragile skin. In summer, it can be used as an after-sun lotion to soothe sunburn and regenerate skin harmed by sun, salt or chlorine; in winter, as a replenishing treatment, it comforts skin dried or damaged by the cold.
Free from allergens, it’s ideal for the whole family, and in a few seconds its light, fresh fragrance will transport you to the island of Ouessant. www.nividiskin.com
Breton Cosmetics
Authentic marine cares Le P’tit Zef is a sailor from Brest who went aboard a boat to discover the world...
From the Kingdom of Siam to the coasts of French Polynesia, he soaked up the smells, the colours... and went back home with a lot of memories. Born in Brest, the brand has acquired considerable expertise in the use of seaweed and marine active principles. Their products, made from natural resources gathered from the Iroise Sea and the coastal paths, contain neither allergens nor parabens. Different types of products are available: shower gel, hair & body shower gel, shampoo, body wash or body scrub. With Le P’tit Zef, you will travel from Brest to the other side of the world! Available in Brittany’s supermarkets. www.le-ptit-zef.fr
www.finisterebrittany.com
Get fit!
Turbo Sculptor Pack is concentrated in Laminaria, a genuine slimming starter to reshape the figure. Unique because of its lively orange colour and its frosted gel texture, this wrap can be used at home. The minerals and marine trace elements rebalance and reinforce the skin. Day after day, the body gets slimmer and firmer. Thalion laboratories in Plouguerneauy carefully select and harvest the richest seaweeds in the Iroise Sea, a UNESCO world Biosphere Reserve. The seaweeds are processed within 24 hours after harvest, preserving the potency of the active ingredients. The high concentrations of mineral salts, trace elements, vitamins and amino acids imbue the products with the power to create beauty and well-being. www.thalion.com
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// Events
e r è t is Fin mode! s t n e v e in
… s e d i s e b e or m d n a l a sic u m , l ! a e r r u è t t l s u i c n , y Fi in s t Sport n e v e ll! f fi o r s u d o e r y d t e n hu og e g r – a u e r o e y r Th fo n o i t c e l e s all m s a s ’ e er
H
Entre Terre & Mer in Morlaix Bay, 2nd to 5th July
Riding high on its success of 2011 and 2013, ‘Entre Terre & Mer’ returns this year in Morlaix Bay from the 2nd to the 5th of July. Rather like a marriage, this festival whose name means ‘Between Land and Sea’ – celebrates the unbreakable links between farmers and sailors in Brittany. This event is a unique and original gathering that brings together land and sea, the very essence of Morlaix Bay. It’s an opportunity for farmers to renew ties with seafarers and to reaffirm together the values of their shared identity. ‘Entre Terre & Mer’ is: - A free festival, - A programme of events uniting land and sea, - An event that highlights the wealth of heritage and modern riches of this area, its people and its economy
www.entreterreetmer2015.fr
Mini-Transat
in Douarnenez, leaving on 19th September In 1977, British man Bob Salmon had had enough of the increasingly expensive transatlantic races and decided to create this extraordinary race, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. On 19th September, eighty-four 6.5-metre boats will set off for this 20th race that will take them from Douarnenez to the Pointe à Pitre via Lanzarote. In conjunction with this, a retrospective exhibition about the Mini-Transat will be organised at the Port Musée boat museum in Douarnenez.
www.minitransat.fr
Alberto Giacometti At the ‘Fonds Héléne & Festival des Rias Edouard Leclerc’ in and around Quimperlé, in Landerneau, 14th June to 25th October
Kastell Paol
in Saint-Pol de Léon, 11th to 12th July Kastell Paol is the place to be if you love artichokes and Breton culture. For two days, Breton bagad music will fill the air in the Land of Léon, flooding the town with Breton woodwind binious and dancing feet. Plenty of entertainment is planned to celebrate this symbolic vegetable, plus a farmers’ market, fireworks, a Fest-Diez daytime party and a Fest-Noz night-time party - it’s all part of this folk celebration that has taken place for over 50 years!
www.saintpoldeleon.fr
The ‘Fonds Hélène & Édouard Leclerc de Landerneau’ is delighted to present the Alberto Giacometti exhibition from 14th June to 25th October, in collaboration with the ‘Fondation Giacometti’ of Paris, under the direction of Catherine Grenier. Reuniting an exceptional collection of the artist’s major pieces, including several original plaster works that have been restored for this occasion, the exhibition offers the chance to reread the artist’s pieces through the key areas of his work.
www.fonds-culturel-leclerc.fr
26th to 30th August
With nearly 55,000 spectators in 2014, over 20 guest companies, 30 different shows, over 50 performances and more than 100 performers, the Festival des Rias is one of the largest street-theatre events in Brittany. Monumental forms, intimate shows, poetic moments, contemporary questions – the whole area of Quimperlé becomes a theatre of artistic creation in a public space. This festival is open to everyone and is completely free.
www.lesrias.com
www.finisterebrittany.com
Events //
Unmissable events! There are countless events in Finistère. Here is just a small selection of the ones you simply cannot miss!
Astropolis
Brest, 2nd – 5th July THE festival for electro music! www.astropolis.org
La Fête des Brodeuses
Pont-l’Abbé, 10thto 13th July 4 days to discover the traditions of Brittany and the Bigouden region. www.fetedesbrodeuses.com
When 7 stone crosses light up
Every weekend, 10th to 23rd August One after another, Brittany’s 7 monumental stone crosses will be dressed in their finest colours as night falls! www.7calvaires.fr
Kann Al Loar
Landerneau, 11th to 13th July Traditional and contemporary cultures meet through song, music, dance and theatre. www.kann-al-loar.com
Festival Cornouaille Kemper
Quimper, 21st to 26th July The 92nd edition of this gathering of Celtic culture! www.festival-cornouaille.com
Le Festival du Bout du Monde
Crozon, 31st July to 2nd August 300 performers from all over the world present a collection of crossover music. www.festivalduboutdumonde.com
L’Hermione
Brest, 10th to 17th August Returning from the US, Brest is the first French stop for the Hermione, an exact replica of General Lafayette’s ship that came to shore here on 6th February 1779. www.brest-metropole-tourisme.fr
Le Festival des Filets Bleus
Le Mondial’Folk
Plozévet, 14th to 19th August The five continents merge in Plozévet for a fullcolour world folk festival! www.mondialfolk.org
Le Championnat du monde de Flying Fifteen
Crozon-Morgat, 15th to 28th August 100 boats and 220 competitors from around the world will face each other in Douarnenez Bay. www.worldflying15.com
Festival du livre insulaire de Ouessant
Ouessant, 22nd to 26th August With its Writers’ Residence, this gathering on Ouessant is a must for discovering island writing. www.livre-insulaire.fr
Concarneau, 12th to 16th August The ‘blue town’ will be clothed in head-dresses and costumes for one of the biggest traditional Breton festivals. www.festivaldesfiletsbleus.fr
The ploughs leave their mark One of the biggest festivals in Europe!
Since 1992, over 200,000 enthusiasts have gathered every year in Carhaix, central Brittany, to take part in France’s biggest pop and rock festival. For the faithful fans, ‘Les Vieilles Charrues’ festival – which literally translates as the ‘The Old Ploughs’ – is an unmissable event in July, a chance to meet up and join in the party. Jérôme Tréhorel, Festival Manager since 2012, explains the specifics of this 4-day event that has won international acclaim.
Can you remind us how ‘Les Vieilles Charrues’ began? The name of ‘Les Vieilles Charrues’ was a rather mocking reaction to the Brest festival of ‘Les Vieux Gréements’ (the old sailing ships). A festival organised by a few friends then became a popular local event, then a larger regional affair. ‘Les Vieilles Charrues’ set up in Carhaix, initially in the centre, then in the meadows of Kerampuilh. The organisation became more and more businesslike, but no-one ever imagined it would become one of Europe’s biggest festivals. The audience rather took it over! Indeed, how would you explain the success of ‘Les Vieilles Charrues’? If ‘Les Vieilles Charrues’ has become one of the most highly-anticipated musical events of the summer, it’s particularly thanks to an eclectic programme and the fact that we consistently manage to attract sought-after international acts. But it’s also the atmosphere that brings the audience back. Without even needing to tell each other, certain people end up meeting here at the same spot year after year to have fun. People come here leaving their everyday life behind, in a spirit of sharing and conviviality.
Would you say that this festival’s identity is particularly linked to Finistère? Absolutely, because the location has a direct influence on the atmosphere. The Breton language is part of the festival right up to our logo. But the festival is above all what the Carhaix volunteers have made it. It’s really a place for meeting and communicating.
Les Vieilles Charrues 2015 in Carhaix, 16th – 19th July
With: Muse, The Chemical Brothers, Christine and the Queen, Pierre Lapointe, Tom Jones, Calogero, George Ezra, The Strypes, Lionel Richie, David Guetta, Joan Baez, London Grammar... and a whole lot more!
www.vieillescharrues.asso.fr
Find all of Finistère’s events here: www.finisteretourisme.com/agenda www.finisterebrittany.com
15
Be inspired! Join us on Youtube and watch some videos with English subtitles shot all over Finistère. They show locals, landscapes and our lifestyle across a range of experiences including culture, sports, nature, cities, heritage and gastronomy. Get an insider look of what makes the beauty of Finistère!
Our Youtube Channel: www.youtube.com/finisteretourisme Scan this Qr Code >> Newspaper published by Finistère Tourisme, Agence de Développement Touristique, 4 rue du 19 mars 1962, CS 92 005, 29018 Quimper cedex. Tél. 00 +33 (0)2 98 76 20 70 Publication director: Sandy Causse Writing: Finistère Tourisme, Cédric Dessaint - Olivier Boyer / Cibles & Stratégies, Marie-Caroline Bertrac - Annick Fleitour / Bretagne Magazine
Design: Finistère Tourisme - Translation: Annaliza Davis, Agent British Photo credits: Team SCA, Y. Le Gal, E. Bozec, S. Bourcier, M. Chermat, E. Berthier, R. Gladu, A. Lamoureux, P. Torset, N. Job, E. Bedouet, fotolia, La Récré des 3 Curés, Diaphane/Ell Prod, B. Galéron, L. Guilliams, B. Stichelbaut, J.P. Gratien, G. Leroy, France Haliotis, Mini-Transat, NividiSkin, Guerlain, Savéol, Les 4 saisons. All rights reserved 2015.
www.finisterebrittany.com