Located just 5 km from our family campsite, Concarneau is a must-see destination for your vacation in South Finistère. This Breton town is as attractive for its family-friendly beaches as for its historical and cultural heritage. Whether you’re a fan of family beaches, a history buff or simply looking for picturesque walks, Concarneau is sure to please.
The Walled City: The Historic Heart of Concarneau
A fortified city through the centuries
Listed as a Ville d’Art et d’Histoire, Concarneau owes its fame to its walled city, built in the 15th and 16th centuries and then redesigned in the 19th century by Vauban. Every year, over 1.5 million visitors pass through its gates to discover this remarkable heritage. The modern town has grown up around this historic core, which remains the beating heart of Concarneau.
A walk along the ramparts offers magnificent views of Concarneau bay, and the fishing and yachting harbours. You’ll be able to observe the maritime activity that made the town prosper, and understand why these fortifications were so important to the defense of the Breton coastline. The walk is accessible to all, allowing you to take your time and see the city from top to bottom.
Le Carré des Larrons: culture on the ramparts
At the heart of the fortified town lies the Carré des Larrons, a concert venue that welcomes local orchestras and folklore groups throughout the year. It’s an opportunity to attend performances in an authentic historic setting and discover Breton culture in all its diversity.
Our tip: For easy parking at the height of the season and easy access to the Ville Close, take the ferry that crosses the port in just 3 minutes. It’s much more pleasant than searching for a parking space for half an hour! And don’t forget to come in the morning, so you can wander freely through the narrow streets before the afternoon rush. You’ll enjoy a more peaceful atmosphere in which to immortalize your most beautiful photos.
Concarneau’s most beautiful beaches
Concarneau’s coastline boasts several beaches, each offering a different atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for family entertainment or a quieter spot, you’ll find what you’re looking for along the coast.
The Sables Blancs beach, a meeting place for families
The Sables Blancs beach is Concarneau’s busiest, and for good reason: it has everything you need for a successful day at the water’s edge. This beautiful stretch of fine sand stretches between two rocky points and is ideal for both swimming and water sports. Paddles, windsurfers, catamarans and kayaks can all be seen bobbing up and down on the waves.
It is around this beach that tourism has developed in Concarneau, with the construction of a number of villas lining the seafront. In summer, swimming is supervised 7 days a week at the times indicated, which is reassuring for families with young children. The water is clear even on cloudy days, and the beach is regularly cleaned.
Entertainment for the whole family
From Tuesday to Saturday, the Sables Blancs beach offers a wide range of fun activities for all ages. The little ones can enjoy supervised beach games, while teenagers and adults can let off steam in beach volleyball, or take part in yoga, aquagym or fitness sessions. There’s plenty of variety between swimming and entertainment.
Our advice: Arrive early to choose your pitch, especially in July and August. Don’t forget to bring something to shelter you from the sun, as places in the shade are scarce at the hottest times of the day.
Kernous beach, a little corner of paradise
If you prefer peace and quiet to busy beaches, head for Kernous beach. Its more difficult access makes it a less-frequented destination, allowing it to remain unspoilt. This deep cove nestles in an intimate, tree-lined setting where a peaceful atmosphere reigns.
The sand is fine, the water clear, and the panorama stretches from Cap Coz beach to the Beg-Meil semaphore. Its south-westerly orientation guarantees plenty of sunshine all day long. It’s the ideal place to put down your towel and relax away from the hustle and bustle.
Other beaches worth a visit
La Belle Étoile beach will be a particular delight for shrimp-fishing enthusiasts. Located on the Cabellou peninsula, it stretches for 500 meters and features small dunes and fine sand. Children love exploring the rocks at low tide to discover marine life.
As for Plage des Dames, it offers a breathtaking view over the Bay of Concarneau. Dotted with rocks, it is lined with old villas that bear witness to the presence of the bourgeoisie in the early 20th century. Like the Sables Blancs beach, it’s a favorite with families who love its friendly atmosphere.
Friday Market and Château de Keriolet
The Concarneau market: a Finisterian institution
Every Friday morning, Concarneau comes alive with its weekly market, one of the busiest in South Finistère. Nearly 200 stallholders display their wares between Les Halles and the Port de Plaisance, from 7.30am to 1.30pm. It’s the perfect place to discover local Breton produce: freshly caught fish, seasonal vegetables, farmhouse cheeses, crisp kouign-amann and artisanal ciders.
The atmosphere is friendly and authentic, and it’s a great opportunity to stock up on regional produce and chat with producers. You’re sure to find a few gourmet souvenirs from your vacation, or something to pack for a picnic on the beach.
Château de Keriolet, witness to a romantic history
Just 5 minutes from the Ville Close, Château de Keriolet is well worth a visit. This neo-Gothic private residence is a listed historic monument and a fine example of 19th-century architecture. Its origins, however, date back to the 13th century, giving it an interesting historical depth.
A Russian epic in Brittany
The château was the setting for the love story between the Russian imperial princess Zenaïde Narischkine and a commoner who became a nobleman through the union. The guided tour immerses you in this romantic epic, as you explore the castle’s beautifully preserved rooms. The surrounding gardens add to the charm of the place and invite you to take a stroll after your visit.
It’s a cultural outing that generally appeals to all members of the family, as the story told is captivating and the interior decor is truly remarkable.
What to do in Concarneau when it rains?
Brittany’s weather can sometimes be temperamental, but that doesn’t mean your days will be wasted! Concarneau is packed with indoor activities to please the whole family.
The Marinarium: diving into the marine world
The Marinarium de Concarneau is the oldest marine station in the world still in operation. This marine biology station offers a well-explained 45-minute tour that will give you a new perspective on the marine environment.
You’ll discover educational texts and explanations, aquariums showcasing local fish, and even a touch tank that appeals to children and adults alike. It’s an ideal family visit that’s both fun and educational.
The fishing museum: Concarneau’s maritime soul
Located at the entrance to the Ville Close, the Fishing Museum is a must-see to understand the importance of this activity in Concarneau’s history. Well documented and illustrated, it presents a retrospective of fishing techniques throughout history, meticulously crafted models of boats, and above all a trawler to visit alongside the quayside.
Children love to climb aboard the boat and explore the various spaces, while adults appreciate the wealth of historical and technical information presented.
Other cultural trails nearby
If you still have time, the Gloux gallery offers an intimate setting for discovering contemporary Breton art. For those wishing to broaden their cultural exploration, the museums of Quimper and Pont-Aven are less than 30 minutes away by car and well worth a visit. Pont-Aven, birthplace of the school of painting of the same name, boasts an exceptional museum dedicated to Gauguin and the painters who made it famous.
Our tip: The Marinarium and the Fishing Museum can be visited quickly (1h to 1h30 each), making it possible to combine the two in the same rainy morning. Afterwards, plan a lunch in one of the Ville Close’s covered restaurants for a perfectly orchestrated day out, whatever the weather!
Concarneau has a lot to offer, rain or shine. With its historic heritage, family beaches, authentic markets and fascinating museums, Concarneau is the perfect place to spend a holiday. Just 5 km from our campsite, this seaside town is one of the highlights of your vacation in South Finistère. So don’t hesitate, take the road to Concarneau and let yourself be charmed by the special atmosphere of the blue city!
Book your next vacation at Camping Les Saules!
Just 5 km from Concarneau, our 4-star campsite with direct access to the beach offers the ideal setting for exploring between Fouesnant and Concarneau. It’s an ideal location for enjoying the town while staying in a natural setting by the beach.
