Explorers and fishermen have been saying it for centuries: Concarneau is the Pearl of Brittany. With its Ville Close (walled town) built in the 17th century to protect it from invaders, and a fishing port that has been active for over a century, this Breton commune has everything to enchant you.
Discover the town’s fascinating ancient history during your stay at our 5-star Concarneau Le Cabellou Plage campsite. From sandy beaches to trawlers returning home loaded with freshly caught fish, discover why so many holidaymakers choose to discover downtown Concarneau for a weekend ora week in Concarneau.
History and heritage of downtown Concarneau
Concarneau is a charming commune in Finistère, Brittany, on the northwest coast of France. The town is famous for its Ville Close and its unique, world-famous fishing port.
Origin of the town
The town of Concarneau has a long history dating back over 2,000 years. The first inhabitants were the Celts, who founded the village of Lanriec around 400 BC.
The region then became part of the Roman Empire until the invasion of the Franks, who gave the village its current name “Conquernon”, which literally means “united passage”.
In the 16th century, as war raged between Catholics and Protestants in France, Empress Catherine de Médicis commissioned the construction of a wall around Concarneau to protect its inhabitants from enemy attack. These fortifications proved highly effective and, as a result, much of the town was considered an impenetrable, non-destructible fortress.
These walls still exist today, forming what is known as the “Ville Close”.
The walled city
During the Middle Ages, the inhabitants had to defend themselves against continual invasions. To protect themselves, the rulers of the time decided to build a fortified town around the former upper parts of the commune.
Called the “Ville Close”, this fortress has served to counter any outside attack on Concarneau and its inhabitants to this day.
The Ville Close is one of the highlights of downtown Concarneau and a must-see for visitors. It is home to some of the city’s oldest dwellings, as well as buildings such as the ramparts, the belfry and the Musée de la Pêche.
The town’s evolution over the centuries
The 14th century marked a certain revival for Concarneau, as it served as a staging post for French armies prior to their conquest of British lands. Over time, Concarneau’s town center continued to thrive without interruption, generously exploiting fishing activities, notably tuna fishing.
Activities in downtown Concarneau
Cultural venues
Downtown Concarneau is also packed with historic buildings to discover, such as the Tour de l’Horloge, Château de Keriolet, Chapelle Notre-Dame de Bon Secours and the remains of Eglise Saint-Guénolé. These buildings bear witness to the town’s history, and provide an opportunity to discover its architecture and religious heritage.
Concarneau’s town center also boasts a number of museums and art galleries. The Musée de la Pêche, for example, retraces the history of fishing in Concarneau and shows traditional fishing techniques.
Shops and restaurants
Concarneau town center is also a lively place for shopping and cultural activities. Local stores and boutiques offer the chance to discover local specialties, such as handcrafted jewelry, Breton cookies and the famous kouign-amann, which you can sample at the Maison du Kouign-amann located in the key town.
Bars and restaurants in downtown Concarneau also offer the chance to discover local cuisine, based on fresh produce and seafood. As for the crêperies, they offer tasty crepes and galettes, accompanied by cider or craft beer.
The events
Downtown Concarneau is also the venue for numerous festivals and events throughout the year. The Festival des Filets Bleus, for example, is a not-to-be-missed summer event in Concarneau, showcasing local traditions through performances, parades and street entertainment.
Practical tips for visiting downtown Concarneau
The best times to visit the city
The ideal time to visit Concarneau depends on individual preferences. If you prefer a warm, sunny climate, summer is the best time for you, but it will also be more crowded. If you prefer cooler weather and cultural events, spring and autumn are the best times to discover downtown Concarneau. If you’re interested in fishing, winter can be a good time to see port activities and fish markets.
How to get around the city center and surrounding area
Concarneau is a relatively small town, and most of the sights in the city center can be visited on foot. However, if you want to explore the city’s surroundings, there are several transport options. Concarneau’s bus network is convenient for getting around the town and its surroundings, and there are also cabs and bike rentals available. If you’d like to explore the nearby islands, there are boat excursions departing from Concarneau harbor.
Nearby Concarneau town center
Nearby beaches and natural sites
Concarneau is surrounded by a magnificent coastline, with numerous beaches accessible on foot or by car. Among the most popular beaches are Plage des Sables Blancs, Plage de Cornouaille and Plage de la Belle Etoile. There are also hiking trails along the coast, offering panoramic sea views.
Nearby picturesque villages to visit
The area around Concarneau is full of charming Breton villages well worth a visit. Just a few kilometers from the town, you can visit Pont-Aven, famous for its Impressionist artists such as Paul Gauguin. You can also visit Quimper, home to a Gothic cathedral and beautiful half-timbered houses. And don’t forget to visit the charming fishing villages of Fouesnant and Beg-Meil.
