This fortified port town in Brittany has a 14th-century walled island at its center. Its active fishing harbor and maritime museum tell stories of seafaring traditions.
Concarneau sits on Brittany's southern coast, where a 14th-century fortress island guards the entrance to one of France's busiest fishing ports. Walk across the bridge to the Ville Close, where stone houses line narrow streets, and climb the ramparts for views across the bay. Watch fishing boats unload their catch at the port, learn about marine life at the Marinarium research station, or swim at one of the three sandy beaches near the town center. In August, the streets fill with dancers and musicians during the FĂȘte des Filets Bleus, a five-day celebration of Breton culture.
Exploring the Ville Close
Cross one of two bridges to reach this 350-meter-long fortress island. As you walk along Rue Vauban's cobblestones, you'll pass granite houses with carved wooden signs and craft shops selling local goods. Climb the 14th-century rampart walls for panoramic views of fishing boats and the modern town. In Place Saint-Guénolé, stop at the medieval stone fountain where ship captains once built their homes around the square.
Maritime Museums
The Fishing Museum occupies a former military chapel, displaying fishing equipment, boat models, and photographs documenting the town's seafaring history since the 1800s. At the Marinarium, part of France's oldest marine research station, you can see local fish species in aquariums and learn about current oceanographic research. Visit the active fishing port in the morning to see tuna boats arriving with their catch.
Beaches and Coastal Areas
Walk two kilometers south to reach Plage du Porzou, where children can explore tide pools between swims in the calm water. Follow the marked trails through Bois du Porzou pine forest along the clifftops. Plage des Sables Blancs has a lifeguard station from June to September, plus a snack bar and restrooms. For a quieter swim, head to Plage de la Belle Ătoile on the Cabellou peninsula, where rocky outcrops create sheltered swimming spots.
FĂȘte des Filets Bleus
This festival started in 1905 when local women sold blue fishing nets to support their families during a fishing crisis. Today, the August festival draws 1,000 participants who wear embroidered costumes from different Breton regions. You can watch Celtic music performances, join traditional dances, and taste local seafood specialties during the five-day celebration.
Day Trips from Concarneau
Drive 15 minutes to Pont-Aven, where Paul Gauguin painted at the riverside studios that now house art galleries and museums. In Quimper, 30 minutes away, you can visit the twin-spired Saint-Corentin Cathedral and walk streets lined with 15th-century timber-framed houses. The GR34 coastal path connects Concarneau to small fishing villages, with marked trails running along the cliffs and beaches.
