HISTORY
The story of Finistère’s history is a long and interesting one. Both the Romans and
the Celts have left their traces here. Many Celtic-Christian monks as well as others
sought freedom and refugee, away from King Arthur’s England at the time, for it was
attacked by the Saxons. This immigration was the start of the rich Breton culture
and language.
Farmhouses at this western point have a lot in common with Irish crofts,
there are no forests and there is that characterizing tingle in the air of a Celtic
coast.
Every village has its own church that, with its sturdy appearance, is a true
part of the landscape.
SURROUNDINGS
If you enjoy walking, you may consider yourself lucky here in Brittany, with its
kilometers-long walking tracks that take you along the fantastic coasts. You can
insert numerous breaks to spot birds or, with some luck, dolphins.
However, maybe
you prefer cycling over walking. No problem, but be sure to choose a mountainbike
and be careful on the steep rock: the ocean is deep and dangerous!
Not always, though;
this same ocean is a true paradise for surfers and fishermen.
Pointe du Raz is an impressive rock that extends far into the ocean. This is the
reason it is the most south-western point of France and it attracts many tourists
every year. When the wind is up a little, this coastal landscape around the lighthouse
exceeds every expectation. The roaring waters make for fireworks against the fantastic
shapes of rock.
In calm and sunny weather everything is brought down to colors and,
in low water, you may admire the moss and seaweeds that grow lavishly over these
rocks.
Nowhere in all of France could you find a more spectacular coastal landscape,
formed by the fierceness of the waves that crash down on the rocks.
This has made
for the most bizarre shapes, and with some imagination you find yourself surrounded
by the most wonderful prehistoric creatures made out of rock.
The surroundings of Pont l‘Abbe enable you to visit several villages on your bicycle. It’s a very fun day out, with many opportunities to rest on a small beach and, if you visit this neighborhood in spring, there are flourishing bulb-fields.
If you prefer culture over cycling, you could easily visit Pont Aven. This is the place where Paul Gauguin and Vincent van Gogh have lived and painted. The unusual light inspired these men to create some of their works of art. In Pont Aven you can find numerous workshops and expositions.
Starting in this town, there are walk- and cycling routes following the river Aven until it ends in the ocean.
You could also take a route with menhirs, or the ciderroute.
When you have seen enough
water and rocks and want to insert a day of shopping, the city of Quimper is ‘the
place to be’. The beautiful cathedral is definitely worth a visit as well.
Audierne and Douarnenez are two fishing ports in these surroundings, and on every
early morning the boats leave their docks here. When they return, the catch will
be prepared and these delicacies could be on your plate the same evening.
Finistère’s
coast is filled with little islands. One of them is called Ile de Sein, and legend
has it this is the burying place of the ancient druids. Visit this island for the
characteristic Breton village and take a walk to feel the special atmosphere.
Finistère, the end of the world.
An extraordinary experience.
Pointe du Raz
