Holiday in Brittany on the Southern Finistère Coast

Situated in South Finistère, between Douarnenez and Pont-l'Abbé is the coast of Cornouaille with its capital, Quimper, a city of regional power with typical breton architecture undamaged during the world and famous for its faïence.
It is a popular holiday destination for its mild climate thanks to the Gulf stream and its rugged rocky coastline offering beautiful views, ideal for walks and birdwatchers especially around its two peninsulas, Cap Sizun and Pointe de Penmarc'h.

South Finistère's top holiday destinations
Batz and Ouessant Islands

Quimper

Brest

Camaret

Crozon

Recommended Itinerary

Bénodet © Alainf1

Cornouaille, once a Duchy stretching all the way to Morlaix in North Finistère, has a rich historical past from legend referral to King Gradlon to its union with France leading to its economical decline. Fishing remains its main financial resource with production of vegetables inland.
The main coastal resorts include Douarnenez, a major fishing port with a thalassotherapy spa, Bénodet, a pleasant seaside family resort of white fine sandy beaches on the edge of the Odet estuary and Concarneau, a charming granite walled city with a bustling fishing harbour, the largest in France. If you want to travel to its islands, go to the small islands of Glénan or visit Ile de Sein off the Pointe du Raz.
The Cornouaille is probably better known for its cultural force with its strong Celtic heritage and its line of artists settled in Pont-Aven, Paul Gauguin being the most renowned one. You are also in the land of the Bigouden head-dresses, the tall round coiffes worn by ladies.

Where to stay

Hotels
Recommended hotels in South Finistère with secure online booking
Campsites
Fantastic seaside resort locations with mobile home, chalets or bring your own tent
Gites & Cottages
Extensive list of private rentals
Holiday Villages & Self-Catering Apartments
All located close to beach resorts, some with swimming pool

How to Keep Active and Relax

Sailing Club of Bénodet
Golf Clubs in Benodet and Odet
Fantastic Walking and Hiking in the Regional Armorique Park and along the Crozon's Peninsula
Indulge and relax at one of the Thalassotherapy Centres in Douarnenez, Bénodet

How to keep the kids happy

You need a change from the beach and you have done plenty of sightseeing. To keep your children happy, why not try a few our recommended places:

Aquarium - Aquashow in Audierne
Water Leisure Park - Aquarive in Quimper, Les Balnéides in Fouesnant
Biscuit Factory Visit - Biscuiterie Francois GARREC in Bénodet

View full details of all our recommended activities for children

How to get there

By plane - Fly direct to the nearest international airport of Brest.
By ferry with direct arrivals to St Malo and Roscoff. Alternative ferry terminals to consider include Cherbourg.
By train - The nearest highspeed train station (TGV) is Rennes where you change to the local train network to reach your final destination.
By car - drive your own or hire a car - Check our driving guide before you set off.

Don't miss ...

Festivale des Cornemuses, a major Bagpipes Festival in Quimper every December
Fête des Pommiers, Cider Festival in Fouesnant in July
Fête des Filets Bleus, a Festival dedicated to Brittany in Concarneau every August
Pardon Notre-Dame de la Joie, religious procession in Penmarc'h every 15th August

View our full calendar of festivals, religious processions and other major events