On the road through the most beautiful villages of French Finistère: from Concarneau to the edge of Europe

We love France and its villages, so for your next trip outside of Spain, we'd like to recommend one of the most spectacular road trips you can take in this country. Our goal is to explore four rural destinations in Brittany , located within a 50-kilometer radius, at our own pace, and enjoy the monuments, cuisine, and spectacular landscapes we'll discover along the way. We'll visit the fortified island of Concarneau, Pont-l'Abbé, and Douarnenez , ending at the cliffs of Pointe du Raz, the westernmost point of Europe.

Concarneau and its walled port

We begin our road trip in one of the most beautiful villages in France, which is also a must-see on any trip to southern Finistère. Its walled city (la ville-close) is located on a small island connected to the mainland by two bridges. Its thick walls, dating from the 14th century and completed in the 17th, are located at the edge of the port, from where you can enjoy unique landscapes. The best thing to do is wander through its cobblestone streets, which retain their medieval atmosphere and give the feeling of belonging to another era.

Beyond its old town and the obligatory walk along the walls, the Blue City (known for the color of its fishing nets) is a seaside destination ideal for enjoying the port atmosphere and its gastronomy. And if you're looking to spread out your towel, the list of beaches and coves is long. You can choose between Sables Blancs , which stretches between two rocky points; Dames Beach , which offers breathtaking panoramic views; and our favorite: Kernous Beach , located in a wooded cove and a true paradise for those seeking a more unspoiled place to relax.

Pont-l'Abbé, the painters' village

We continue our route to our next destination, but not before making a stop halfway in the beautiful city of Quimper to enjoy its famous cathedral and historic neighborhoods . Just 44 kilometers separate Concarneau from Pont-l'Abbé, the most Breton city in French Brittany , as defined by the writer Guy de Maupassant (author of The Little Prince). Known as the painters' village, among the places you can't miss in this picture-postcard port is the Notre-Dame des Carmes church , the only remaining vestige of a 14th-century convent. And then, after crossing the bridge, you'll see the silhouette of the castle reflected in the water. A medieval fortress from the 14th century, which still preserves the keep and the wine cellars.

Douarnenez, the sardine port

It will take us less than half an hour (32 kilometers) to reach our next destination, where a wonderful bay awaits us. This old sardine port with its steep streets embodies all the charm of Finisterre. You'll discover it by strolling through its narrow streets that wind around the port of Rosmeur. And if you want to take home the best souvenir from this town, stop by the Penn Sardin covered market where you can buy some canned sardines.

Pointe du Raz, the western tip of Europe

37 kilometers separate us from a picture-postcard image that resembles the end of the world. Upon arrival, we can quietly enjoy this wild landscape with 70-meter cliffs worn away by the waves . Located at Cap Sizun, the Pointe du Raz juts out into the sea, becoming the piece of land that marks the furthest point in western France. We can think of no better way to conclude this trip than this impressive work of nature.

Breton gastronomic delights

We've already told you that gastronomy is another objective of this trip, and we assure you that throughout the journey you'll be delighted by a long list of surprising culinary specialties. One of Finistère's most popular dishes, which we recommend you try, is Kig Ha Farz , a Breton stew whose name means meat and stuffing. It's made with buckwheat pasta cooked in a small bag and submerged in beef and salted pork leg broth. Of course, in every shop you'll also find the delicious and typical Breton butter galettes , which are sure to become the best snack of your entire trip.