Douarnenez

The Sardine Town, famous for its three ports: the old port of Rosmeur, the Port-Rhu and its fishing port.

Stroll around the town

Just 20km from Quimper, Douarnenez has a strong character, steeped in maritime history. This is a town of contrasts, beginning with the old quarters and cobbled alleyways that are inextricably linked to the town's sardine-fishing commerce of the past, to the Port-Rhu that has a pleasant promenade and footbridge over to the marina of Tréboul.

One of the most fascinating aspects is the tiny Ile Tristan, accessible only at very low tide by an old walkway, an island filled with legend and mystery. You can also follow the Sardine Trail - Chemin de la Sardine - which guides you around important areas of the town using information panels to explain key events or scenes in the town's history. It will also lead you to Port Rosmeur, which used to be home to 800 sardine chaloupes, and along to the mariners' shelter, a place dear to the hearts of all seafarers.

Douarnenez also reveals other treasures the longer you linger, not least its beautiful natural site 'Les Plomarc'h', site of a former village where some traditional Breton houses still remain, but now available as gîtes and hostel accommodation. The Plomar'ch also houses a wonderful farm park with free access, that overlooks the sparkling seas and is a haven for families, plus a little further along, an archaeological site that is one of the most significant of its kind in northern Europe. Here, they produced 'garum' from the fish they caught, a concentrated fish essence that was a costly luxury 2000 years ago.


Discover one of the most beautiful bays in Europe, wrapped in the myths of the Ville d'Ys - a city lost to the waves, rather like that of Atlantis.


Culture

The Port Musée: this unusual museum houses thousands of artefacts indoors, exploring mankind's relationship with the sea in its broadest context, but also offers visitors the chance to climb aboard four vessels that are afloat in the harbour. Children especially love the chance to play at being the captain! 

Galleries and artists' studios are to be found throughout the town, as are exhibition spces such as the Centre des Arts, la Villa Mériadec, à la salle des fêtes de Douarnenez, the Hôtel Ty Mad, la Friche and of course the Port Musée.

The Tourist Office organises a rich programme of guided visits on different themes. 

A lively town, Douarnenez offers a good range of events including the annual Film Festival, many regattas, boat festivals and markets.