Concarneau

A Town of Art and History

Having developed around the fishing industry, Concarneau naturally evolved around the port.
Originally built on a little island that quickly became fortified into a 'Ville Close', this town then spread out into tinning factories, putting its fish to good use. A coastal walk allows you to discover the fishing ports and the marina, the sandy beaches and the curious rocky creeks of this attractive spa town.

Concarneau's fortified town dates back to the 1300s and was linked to the mainland with a bridge. Many picturesque and appealing timbered houses can be found within the walls of this hidden town, along with gable ends decorated with flowers, winding cobbled streets with restaurants and boutiques. You can even climb up to the ramparts and enjoy a new perspective over the fishing port, shopping streets and blue waters.

Beyond the walls of the Ville Close, be sure to visit the market halls - even these walls date back to 1855 - the modern church with its remarkable mosaïc, the traditional houses and the coastal walk. Also take a look at the Fishing Museum, the Marinarium and the nearby Château de Keriolet.

The Heritage Events service organises guided visits as well as children's workshops. There are also suggested walks you can take, following ten information panels placed in the centre, along the seafront, in the Ville Close and along the passageways.

On Monday and Friday morning you'll find a lively open air market, as well as the daily indoor market, and of course a wide range of shops in the town centre.

Concarneau is also well-connected with artists and galleries, including all genres from traditional and local to contemporary and global. Equally, there are various cultural activities such as the Festival Livre et Mer,  Festival du Polar, Festival des Filets Bleus, nautical shows, and year-round events; there's even a Rain Festival, should you wish to celebrate that!