Concarneau
One of France’s largest fishing ports, Concarneau is also a popular resort. The view of the medieval walled town is one of the most photographed in Brittany and the tourist crowds flock in every summer.
Vauban improved the fortifications against pirates and invaders, and despite the souvenir shops and bars, the town still gives a feeling of entering a time warp.
The town has been a haven for artists led by the American Robert Wylie in the 1860s, spilling over into nearby Pont Aven where Gauguin set up his studio.
The fishing museum within the walls tells the history of the town and its importance as a fish canning centre. Le Marinarium, open from April to September, exhibits the local flora and fauna. The walk around the bay and ramparts is the best way to see the town.
The early morning fish auction, la criée, is a great experience even if the daily business of selling the fish remains a mystery. In mid-August, the fishermen’s festival, La Fête des Filets Bleus, is one of the liveliest in Brittany with traditional music. There are boat trips out to the Iles des Glénan, a small archipelago, home to a famous sailing school and seabird sanctuaries.
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