Sometimes it doesn’t take much to turn a simple visit into an adventure. If you are looking for unusual, surprising or original places to discover South Finistere off the beaten track, you are in the right place. We have listed for you the hidden treasures of our region, whether they are related to history, culture, art or nature. An opportunity to make beautiful discoveries with your family.
1. The pebble crusher at Tréguennec
The pebble crusher is located near the sandy beaches on the southwest coast of Finistère. If the Pointe de la Torche is one of the most popular surf spots in the region, it is not the only attraction of this place. The pebble crusher, erected two steps away on the commune of Tréguénnec, marks an impressive contrast with the beauty of the landscape. It is a gigantic factory built during the Second World War to crush pebbles for the construction of the Atlantic Wall. It is a singular place, now abandoned and covered with street art. He stands, motionless, facing the immensity of the ocean. Impossible to remain insensitive to the charm of this place.
2. The Valley of the Saints
La Vallée des Saints is an unusual place located in Clohars Carnoet, in Brittany. It is an ambitious art project that aims to create an amazing and ephemeral park filled with giant statues of Celtic saints. This site is very interesting because it combines art, nature and spirituality. The statues are carved from granite, a very durable stone that symbolizes the strength and persistence of faith. The Valley of the Saints is a magical place where you can walk, meditate and admire nature and sculptures. It is open to all and offers visitors a unique moment to share. (Read our full article on the Valley of the Saints)
3. The castle of Trévarez
Château de Trévarez is one of the last castles built in France. Dating from 1907, it was equipped with all the modern comforts possible at the time: electricity, elevators, hot water, central heating … including in the spaces reserved for servants! It is also distinguished by its pink color and its unique architectural style, mixing baroque and neoclassical elements. Located in a remarkable domain, it is today managed by the General Council of Finistère.
Today, the castle is open to the public and hosts temporary exhibitions as well as concerts and cultural events. During the Christmas vacations, it is illuminated. Come and discover its incredible history, you won’t be disappointed!
4. The minaret in Bénodet
If there is an unusual building in Bénodet, it is this one. It is unmissable. It is in fact a Moorish villa, with art deco accents, built between 1926 and 1928, on plans by architect Albert Laprade, for the Parisian doctor Maurice Heitz-Boyer.
When the doctor decided to build his villa in Bénodet in 1926, the pasha of Marrakech, El Glaoui, treated by the latter, decided to send him a dozen mosaic workers in order to do the interior decoration.
The villa named after Ker Magdalen, his wife’s first name, is a unique architecture. Indeed, at the time, there was a room under the tower called the “Pasha’s Room”. It was carefully decorated with mosaics. Not to mention the hammam in the basement.
Unfortunately, the villa is now a private residence that cannot be visited. If you are curious, you can see the interior in this video trailer of the program “des racines et des ailes”.
5. The island of Sein
The island of Sein is an isolated and sparsely populated island located opposite the Pointe du Raz. It has only a few hundred inhabitants and is only accessible by boat from the mainland. It’s a small island without cars that stretches for about 2km.
The island of Sein is known for its preserved nature and its wild beaches. You will probably be able to see dolphins or seals during the crossing. In foggy weather, this island takes on a mysterious dimension and you can’t help but be amazed by the beauty of the place. To make the most of your visit, you can also book a sea excursion with Archipelago Excursion to sail as close as possible to mythical lighthouses at sea, including the well-named Hell of the Underworld… A change of scenery guaranteed!
6. Saint Anne la Palud
This large sandy beach is bordered by dunes that make children and their parents happy (they can run around and be seen from far away!). You will be able to see some semi-buried blockhouses and a wild preserved panorama. For the record, it was from here that Jean-Marie le Bris, a sailor from Douarnenez, launched his winged boat called the Albatross in 1856. He was one of the first men to take to the skies in this forerunner of the airplane.
Near this large beach, the church of Saint Anne la Palud is located in a green setting. Every year during the last weekend of August, a big pardon is organized, a parade of banners in traditional Breton costume. You can see in the church old photos of this event through the ages.
7. The beach of Tahiti
Tahiti beach, located along the GR34 in Brittany, is an evocative place that was named after Gauguin. It’s bordered by the island of Raguenez, one of 80 private islands in Brittany, and was once used to collect seaweed and produce soda and iodine.
Visitors are welcome to enjoy the beach at low tide, as long as they respect the flora and safety rules. To learn more you can read our article on Nevez and the Anse de Rospico, a walk between land and sea ideal for a day trip.
8. The lighthouse of Penmarch
The Eckmühl lighthouse, built in 1897 in Penmarc’h, Finistère, is one of the most luxurious in France. Its history is unusual, to say the least, and you will be surprised when you visit the interior: Its construction was made possible thanks to the posthumous gift of the marquise Adélaïde d’Eckmühl de Blocqueville. She wanted to buy back the deaths caused by her father, a marchéchal under Napoleon’s orders.
Its interior is richly decorated, with noble materials such as opaline, blue marble and bronze. It rises to 60 meters and guides the navigators at 45 km in the round. It is open in July and August and the visit lasts about 30 minutes, with prices of 3€ for adults and 1.50€ for children.
9. The Menez Hom
Highest point of the Armorican massif in Finistère, the Menez Hom offers a superb 360° panorama. On a clear day, you will be able to admire a magnificent view of the Crozon peninsula, the bay of Brest and the bay of Douarnenez. It is also a place of very frequented by the amateurs of aeromodelism. You will be able to admire planes and large gliders piloted by enthusiasts!
The Menez Hom offers the possibility of hiking on the paths that cross it. You will be able to observe the local flora and appreciate the beauty of the landscapes that surround you. Don’t hesitate to stop and visit the church of Sainte Marie du Menez Hom, which is surprisingly richly decorated.
10. The prehistoric site of Menez Dregan
On the commune of Plouhinec, in the Cape Sizun, is an exceptional archaeological site. It is the cave of Menez Dregan. Facing the sea, it is a major site of the paleolithic. The excavations carried out on the spot showed evidence dating from 465,000 years before our era. They revealed the bones of large mammals, an elephant tooth, and one of the world’s oldest fireplaces.
Along the coastal path, you can discover an interpretation path and several archaeological sites such as the neolithic necropolis of Souc’h and the covered alley of Pors Poulhan.
11. The tulip field in Plomeur
If you are looking for an unusual landscape in South Finistère, don’t miss the tulip and hyacinth fields of the Pointe de la Torche! Every spring, the Kaandorp farm opens its doors to the public, who can stroll through the fields of flowers (as long as they follow the marked path and respect the site).
A unique opportunity to admire this explosion of colors. The 100 hectare farm is one of the largest in France.
12. The museum of the rural school in Trégarvan
In the heart of the Breton countryside, this unusual little museum will make you relive the atmosphere of the school of yesteryear with classrooms from 1907 and 1970 reconstituted in the smallest details. A small booklet-game allows children to solve a riddle by conducting an investigation. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions and workshops during the school vacations.
An ideal family interlude to share childhood memories. The museum is located not far from the Menez Hom. Why not take the opportunity to visit it?
Finistère is rich in unusual places that are worth a visit. Whether you are a nature, history or culture lover, you are bound to find a place that will seduce you. From wild beaches to the island of Sein, passing by historical monuments such as the castle of Trévarez or the lighthouse of Penmarc’h, you will surely find a place that will amaze you.
So don’t wait any longer and book your stay at Camping les Saules, to discover all the wonders of our region!
