A few weeks ago, we embarked on a memorable adventure in Finistère, with sailing, sand yachting and a trimaran on the program.
To reach Finistère, don’t forget to fly. From Roissy or Orly, five airports are served by Air France and HOP: Brest, Quimper, Lorient, Rennes and Lannion, not forgetting Rennes. There are 240 weekly flights linking Brittany to 7 European airports.
After a Roscoff lunch at Les Alizées, where we sampled inventive cuisine inspired by the sea, we embark on a digestive stroll around the magnificent Ile de Sieck. This unspoilt island is cut off from the rest of the world at high tide.
After this ride, we made a date for a most spectacular activity: sand yachting at the Santec gliding center. On the magnificent Santec beach, we sped along, carried by the wind and dressed up as cosmonauts.
The Centre de Glisse de Santec water sports center offers introductory courses in sand yachting, surfing, wave kayaking…
The Centre de Glisse de Santec boasts a superb beach! Ideal for all board sports activities. For more information, visit http://www.revesdemer.com/centre-de-glisse-de-santec.htm.
Return to Roscoff for a tour of the town.
Roscoff, set on a peninsula in Morlaix Bay, is a dynamic, sea-facing town. Its solid, imposing mansions, built to withstand the elements and invaders, bear witness to the town’s maritime vocation! Its local economy has always been highly varied, ensuring its prosperity: maritime trade, renowned local agricultural production (notably onions), a biological station, an oceanographic research and processing center, a ferry port, seaside tourism and thalassotherapy centers!
Roscoff is a dynamic, year-round seaside resort with an exceptional, well-preserved architectural heritage. Take a stroll through the narrow streets of the historic town center, and admire the richly sculpted facades of the shipowners’ mansions that made the town prosper.
The church of Notre-Dame de Croas-Batz and its enclosure, and the chapels of Sainte-Barbe and Saint-Nicolas, bear witness to Breton religious art. Don’t miss them!
Office Municipal de Tourisme
46 rue Gambetta
BP 58
29681 Roscoff Cedex
Tel.: 02 98 61 12 13
Fax. 02 98 69 75 75
[email protected]
www.roscoff-tourisme.com
After a well-deserved night’s sleep at Les Tamaris
We’re off to Saint Pol de Léon to try out an activity that’s been very much in vogue for a few years now: coastal walking. Water-walking lets you enjoy the benefits of the sea while getting some exercise. You don’t need to be a confirmed sportsman to do it, nor do you need to know how to swim! It’s simple and fun!
Waist-deep in water, snug in a wetsuit, the group walks and moves in the water, coached by the instructor! The session ends with specific exercises and aquagym (with the inevitable colorful tube-shaped floats also known as “fries”). In the water, you’re lighter! And yes, the aquatic environment eliminates the joint constraints associated with body weight, making this sport non-traumatizing from a muscular point of view, unlike running, for example.
And then everyone moves forward at their own pace, while working on endurance and optimizing their physical condition, all in a friendly, fun group atmosphere! Muscle strengthening and cardio training guaranteed! Especially in water at 16°.
More information on aquatic walking: http: //www.nautisme-finistere.com/?+-Marche-Aquatique,165-+ After this refreshing and very sporty moment, we discovered the cuisine of Le 400 ap. Stimulated by the singular geography of the place, Yohan, the owner, Katell, his collaborator, and Sacha, his chef, are committed to offering original, light, creative and constantly renewed cuisine.
Committed to paying homage to the fish and shellfish of the Finistère coast, they also select meats from the finest terroirs. Here, the products are magnified by an inspired culinary blend, and the hundred or so wine references chosen with care and passion. Their work has been rewarded by the restaurant’s citation in the Bottin Gourmand 2012.
Restaurant Le 400 AP – 400 AR PALUD – 29870 LANDEDA – Tel. 02 98 04 87 49
Once we’ve regained our strength, we head for the Aber Wrach nautical center for a sailboat trip on a stormy sea.
Located at the entrance to the Four channel, Aber Wrac’h is the only deep-water port between Morlaix and Brest. Tourists, yachtsmen and sailors rub shoulders here; between land and sea, lovers of nature and coastal sailing will enjoy their stopover to discover the Abers and the Côte des Légendes.
300 pontoon berths, 80 visitor berths, 42 berths on barges.
Head for the Aber Wrach nautical center for a trip around the bay and the Odet.
30 km north of Brest, in the heart of the Abers region, Landéda and its port of Aber-Wrac’h (see google maps) offer an exceptional setting for sailing and kayaking in an authentic environment.
We were shaken and wet, but we were able to see the wonders of this area and its islands: Cézon, Wrac’h, Stagadon, and Ile de la Croix.
Back on land to discover theAbbey of Notre Dames des Anges. The Abbey of Notre-Dame des Anges or Abbaye des Anges is an abbey founded by the Franciscans in 1509 on the Landéda territory. It was listed as a historic monument by decree on February 11, 2002, and its last owners undertook its renovation and enhancement after its use as a hotel. It’s also where many of Becassine’s numbers were drawn.
A uniquely poetic place, well worth discovering. We also took the opportunity to taste Plougastel’s famous strawberries!
Then off to Huelgoat for an evening at theÉcole des filles in Huelgoat, “the new place to be” in Brittany for lovers of modern and contemporary art.
After a well-deserved night’s sleep at Ker Moor in Benodet, we head for the charming Musée du Bord de mer.
A journey back in time takes visitors to discover the Belle Plaisance, the origins of yachting in Bénodet, and the magic of the Odet estuary.
Permanent exhibition: Art de vivre à la mer
Discover the world of seaside leisure in a marine atmosphere. Sea bathing, tourism and the hotel industry were developing at the beginning of the 20th century. Unreleased films, period photos, model boats and paintings by official naval painters enhance the visitor’s experience. A place to discover with the whole family!
New exhibition: Aboard the liners
Immediate boarding for a 2-year voyage with the French-Lines association to discover the art of living ABOARD THE LINES. Until spring 2014, iconographic documents, films and models will bring this fantastic epic to life in a playful reconstruction accessible to the whole family.
The museum is open daily (except Tuesdays and Wednesdays) from 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 6pm.
Open daily in July and August.
Permanent exhibition on the theme of La Belle Plaisance.
Rates:
Adults: €2
Free – 18 years
Groups (10 or more): €1.80
Open to groups. Booking essential.
Maison du tourisme Tel. : 02.98.57.00.14
Once the tour is over, we embark on a racing trimaran with theOcean Addict team. A sporty and invigorating excursion. A unique experience.
The sea air made us hungry, so we took a break at the Quartier D’Eté creperie on the banks of the Ode à la Fôret Fouesnant.
After seeing a racing trimaran in action, we visited CDK Technologies, a boatyard based in Port la Forêt, France’s main training port for top sailors.
Last stop Fouesnant Forest and surrounding area.
What a change of scenery! what a pleasure to enjoy the ocean! so don’t hesitate to discover Finistère!
WWW.FINISTERETOURISME.COM
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