Concarneau
,Concarneau is a picturesque coastal town in Brittany, France, known for its historic walled old town and bustling fishing port. The town is famous for its annual Blue Nets Festival, celebrating the traditional art of fishing with blue nets. Concarneau boasts beautiful sandy beaches, ideal for swimming and relaxing in the summer months.
Visitors can also explore the town's museums, shops, and seafood restaurants offering fresh local cuisine.
- "Bonjour" - Hello
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "S'il vous plaĂźt" - Please
- "Comment ça va?" - How are you?
- "Au revoir" - Goodbye
Prices
- đ Accommodation (per night): $60 - $150
- đœïž Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $30
- â Coffee: $2 - $4
- đ Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- đ Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $80
- đïžââïž Gym Membership: $30 - $60
Day plans
Spend a day exploring around
Explore the Beaches
morning
:Start your day with a leisurely walk along the sandy shores of Plage de la Criée. Enjoy the fresh sea breeze and collect some beautiful shells.
afternoon
:Visit the historic Ville Close, an island walled town with charming streets and shops. Don't forget to grab a bite at one of the local seafood restaurants.
evening
:Catch the sunset from the beach, painting the sky in vibrant colors. Later, enjoy dinner at a seaside café, savoring fresh seafood delicacies.
Boat Excursion Day
morning
:Take a morning boat trip to the nearby islands of Glénan. The clear blue waters and beautiful landscapes will leave you in awe.
afternoon
:Enjoy a picnic lunch on one of the islands, surrounded by nature. Try some swimming or snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters.
evening
:Return to Concarneau and stroll along the marina. Unwind with dinner at a local bistro, reflecting on your day.
Highlights
Good
- Rich maritime heritage and beautiful coastal scenery.
- Charming old town with cobblestone streets and historic architecture.
- Access to fresh seafood and local cuisine.
- Vibrant cultural events and festivals throughout the year.
- Family-friendly beach areas and recreational activities.
Bad
- Can be touristy during peak season, leading to crowded areas.
- Limited public transportation options compared to larger cities.
- Some shops and restaurants may close in the off-season.
- Weather can be unpredictable, with rain common in certain months.
- Accommodations may be pricier during high tourist periods.
Outdoor Activities
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Beach activities
Enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and water sports at Plage des Sables Blancs and other beautiful beaches.
Boat tours
Take a boat tour to explore the coastal beauty of Concarneau and nearby islands.
Walking tours
Stroll along the historic town, visit the Ville Close, and immerse in the charming atmosphere of Concarneau.
Cycling
Explore the surroundings of Concarneau on a bike, discovering scenic trails and picturesque routes.
Adventures
Uncover the best of Concarneau with these unforgettable adventures.
Attractions
Visit one of these nice places.
Ville Close
The walled city of Ville Close offers stunning views of the harbor and is a great spot for capturing the essence of Concarneau.
Chapelle de la Croix
Perched on a hill overlooking the town, Chapelle de la Croix provides panoramic views of Concarneau and its surroundings, making it ideal for photographers.
Plage des Sables Blancs
This beautiful beach not only offers a scenic coastal view but also presents great opportunities for capturing the natural beauty of Concarneau.
Cuisine
Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Kig ha farz
A traditional Breton stew made with pork, beef, and vegetables, served with a buckwheat flour pudding
Must-Try!
Fresh Seafood Platter
Indulge in a platter of locally caught seafood, including oysters, mussels, and langoustines, at Le P'tit Bistrot by the harbor
Galette
Try savory buckwheat crepes filled with various fillings such as cheese, ham, and mushrooms at CrĂȘperie Bretonne
Unique Experiences
Get to know Concarneau better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Les Halles de Concarneau
Explore Les Halles, a bustling food market offering a wide range of fresh produce, cheeses, seafood, and local delicacies. Don't miss the chance to savor freshly prepared galettes from the vendors.
Street Crepes
Stroll along the harbor and savor delicious street crepes from the vendors, offering both sweet and savory options. Try a classic combination of sugar and butter or experiment with local flavors.
Weather
How To Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greetings
In Concarneau, it's customary to greet people with a handshake and a kiss on the cheek, especially when meeting someone for the first time. It's important to maintain eye contact and show respect during greetings.
Dining Etiquette
When dining in Concarneau, it's polite to wait for the host or hostess to indicate where you should sit. It's also customary to keep your hands above the table during the meal and to say 'bon appétit' before you start eating.
Respecting Personal Space
French people, including those in Concarneau, generally value their personal space. It's important to be mindful of this and avoid standing too close or making prolonged direct eye contact, as this can be seen as intrusive.
Safety
Tipping & Payment
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping
Tipping in Concarneau, France is not obligatory as a service charge is usually included in the bill. However, it is common to round up the bill or leave a small amount of change as a gesture of appreciation for good service.
Payment
Major credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Concarneau, and it is also common to use cash for smaller transactions. ATMs are readily available for cash withdrawal. When paying with a credit or debit card, it is advisable to inform the bank about the trip to France to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring (March - May)
Mild weather, fewer tourists, blooming flowers and lush greenery
Summer (June - August)
Warm and sunny weather, bustling with tourists, perfect for beach and outdoor activities
Fall (September - November)
Milder temperatures, fewer crowds, beautiful autumn foliage, ideal for scenic walks
Winter (December - February)
Cool weather, fewer tourists, festive atmosphere during Christmas and New Year's, great for exploring local shops and cuisine
Nightlife
Hiking Spots Nearby
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Sentier des Douaniers (GR34)
This scenic coastal path offers stunning views of the ocean and surrounding cliffs, perfect for a leisurely hike.
Parc Naturel RĂ©gional d'Armorique
A bit further away, this regional park features diverse landscapes including moors, forests, and rugged coastline, making it ideal for hiking enthusiasts.
ForĂȘt de CarnoĂ«t
Located near Quimperlé, this forest offers a variety of trails through ancient woodlands, ideal for a peaceful hike.
Cap Sizun
This cape provides dramatic coastal views and rugged terrain, with multiple trails to explore the area's natural beauty.
Ria d'Ătel
This area offers trails along the estuary, showcasing beautiful landscapes and opportunities for birdwatching.
Aiports Nearby
How to reach Concarneau by plane.
Brest Bretagne Airport (BES)
Located approximately 70 km from Concarneau, this airport serves both domestic and international flights.
Nantes Atlantique Airport (NTE)
Situated about 160 km from Concarneau, this is the largest airport in the region, offering a wide range of international flights.
Quimper-Pluguffan Airport (UIP)
Located around 20 km from Concarneau, this smaller airport primarily serves domestic flights, with occasional international services.
Lorient Bretagne Sud Airport (LRT)
Approximately 107 km from Concarneau, this airport mainly operates domestic flights with limited international connectivity.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Age Distribution
The population is comprised of various age groups, with a significant portion of the population being retirees.
Working Age Population
A notable segment of the population falls within the working-age group, primarily involving services, tourism, and fishing industries.
Youth Population
There is a smaller percentage of young people, including school-aged children and teenagers.
Ethnic Composition
The demographic is predominantly French, with some representation from other European countries due to tourism and local employment.
Seasonal Population
Concarneau experiences a transient population increase during the summer months due to tourism.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Sailing
Concarneau is known for its rich maritime culture and sailing activities, with many events and competitions held in the marina.
Football
Football is a popular sport in Concarneau, with local clubs participating in various leagues and tournaments.
Surfing
The coastal location of Concarneau provides excellent conditions for surfing, attracting enthusiasts and surfers to its beaches.
Cycling
Cycling is a favored activity in and around Concarneau, with scenic routes along the coast and through the countryside.
Kayaking
Kayaking is popular among locals and tourists, offering opportunities to explore the beautiful coastline and nearby islands.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
Most restaurants and cafes in Concarneau offer vegetarian and vegan options, including delicious vegetable-based galettes and crepes, fresh salads, and gourmet vegetarian dishes.
Gluten-Free Options
Travelers with gluten restrictions can find gluten-free galettes and crepes in many eateries. Additionally, seafood and fresh produce are abundant, providing ample gluten-free choices.