Tristan Island
The jewel of Douarnenez, 300m from the coast, Ile Tristan offers 7 hectares of vegetation preserved by the Conservatoire du Littoral. It is accessible at low tide, and offers a great little walk. (Please note, picnicking on the island is prohibited).
Check the transit times for a free visit on the Douarnenez town hall website
The island could be the submerged part of the famous city of Ys, swallowed up by the waves, a legend whose traces can be found as far away as Quimper. It is also said that somewhere here lies the tomb of the two lovers Tristan and Isolde.
You can admire several historic buildings (18th century guardhouse, fort dating from 1862, former cannery) and an exotic garden, the work of the last Parisian owners who made it a fashionable holiday resort.
In summer, the Douarnenez tourist office offers guided tours, to book online.
If the island of Tristan is not accessible on the day of your visit, another walk, which will undoubtedly appeal to children, is at the entrance to the city on the Plomarc’h site.
The natural site of Plomarc’h
Walk along the sea and up to the entrance to the city. On the right you will see small signs indicating access to the site. Parking and access to the site are free.
It is the favorite walk of the little Douarnenists, because they may come across Breton farm animals: donkeys, goats, sheep, horses, pigs, chickens, geese, ducks … and walk on a path easily accessible for strollers. . A small playground also awaits the little ones. Adults will also find their account there because they can admire the view of the port and stroll in the priest’s garden.
Take the opportunity to explore the site: Will you find the hidden staircase that leads to a small cove?
A little further, along the vast enclosures, you can enjoy the view over the Douarnenez cove to an archaeological site dating from the Gallo-Roman era. Explanatory panels will explain how these large stone vats were once used to prepare garum, a fermented fish sauce, similar to the nuoc-mâm used in Asian cuisine.
Canneries
Douarnenez is historically the first sardine port in France, which experienced its heyday in the 1880s.
At that time, the men went to sea when the women took turns day and night in the canneries on the port. Today in Douarnenez, only Chancerelle (the oldest sardine cannery in the world) and the Kerbriant cannery, the last artisanal cannery in Douarnenez, remain in operation.
To bring back souvenirs, go to the outlet of the Kerbriant cannery : Lannugat Nord Activities Park, 32 rue Jean Kervoalen 29100 Douarnenez
You will find seafood rillettes, fish soups and garnished baskets.
The Port Museum
On the Place de l’Enfer, do not miss the Port Museum . You can learn more about the boats, the cannery, and the history of the penn sardin ‘(“sardine head”), a name given to the population of Douarnenez since the 18th century.
You can also visit boats afloat, from hold to deck, to get a better idea of life on board (not accessible to strollers).
In August, additional activities are offered, free of charge to port museum ticket holders.
Our favorite addresses for foodies
- The Ice Cream (near the museum port)
A nice little corner to have a beer, eat homemade ice cream or a quick snack.
- The Smokehouse of Hell (at the other end of the platforms)
An ideal place to eat smoked fish while watching the boats. The recipes are original, the fish smoked by the owner himself with a multitude of different wood species. You can also buy take away smoked fish, canned food and find excellent old rums and whiskeys. We love !
- Le Pesket (on Port Rhu, next to the Smokehouse)
Fancy a little fish & chips right on the water? Everything here is fresh and homemade using local ingredients. A simple and relaxed atmosphere on the port.
- La Cabana Cacao (11 Rue Anatole France)
THE Douarnenez artisanal chocolate factory , where everything is made on site. A true delight ! Take the opportunity to taste the chocolate sardines from Douarnenez (another good idea of a little souvenir to bring back from the holidays!)
- La boulangerie des Plomac’h (20 Rue des Plomarc’h)
Unmissable in Brittany, Kouign Amman (which means butter cake) comes from Douarnenez. In this family bakery you will find the authentic kouign which is part of the city’s DNA!
Book your holidays in southern Finistère!
4* campsite with direct beach access between Fouesnant and Concarneau.
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