A cruise to the tip of Brittany, when Finistère keeps its promise

South Finistère boasts a wild yet welcoming coastline. For hikers and boaters, this part of Brittany is brimming with cruising opportunities. Among the most accessible waterways, Cornouaille and Cap Sizun, including the Pays Bigouden, offer some truly beautiful stopovers. This coast, stretching from Concarneau to Douarnenez, is a dream come true for discovering a magical stretch of water.

Brittany is the region with the longest coastline in France. The region offers a multitude of atmospheres, landscapes and colours to the boaterBetween the dynamic Bay of Quiberon, the magnificent Pink Granite Coast or the wild coast of the Abers, the variety of Breton bodies of water is impressive. Sailing in CornwallIt is about discovering another Brittany, a Brittany with two faces, between land and sea.

Cornwall, where the sea embraces the land

Cornwall extends from the Douarnenez Bay to Pont Avenin southwest Brittany. A week of sailing will allow you to discover ports steeped in history such as Concarneau and Douarnenez, as well as… anchorages at the calm of a river like the Odet or the AvenCornwall is a land of rias, especially in the south. All its rias offer opportunities for peaceful sailing in the countryside or sheltered anchorages if the wind picks up. The prettiest are undoubtedly the Aven and the Odet.

L’Odet, one of the most beautiful rivers in France This route allows you to navigate to Quimper, following the short bends and past the castles. It is advisable to navigate with the currents, which can be quite strong in the Odet, but never dangerous (except when landing at the Bénodet breakwater).

THE small port of Doëlan, between Lorient and ConcarneauIt is full of charm. This stopover is essential for anyone who loves the atmosphere of a fishing port with stone houses and hydrangeas.

Cruise from Concarneau to the Glénan archipelago

Between its rivulets, the bay of Concarneau offers a new look. Here, the bay offers white sand beaches, open to the open sea or in coves like Minahouet or the small beaches of Beg MeilThe colors of the sea are beginning to change, heralding the fabulous scenery of the Glénan archipelagoThis archipelago is one of the most beautiful in France for its seabed. Anchoring in the Glénan Islands is like being in the Pacific Ocean with its crystal-clear waters.

The anchorages are well organized, and buoys allow for overnight stays. Be aware that the northern anchorages are exposed to coastal breezes at night during the summer. Otherwise, there are numerous options for beaching your sailboat. It is possible to rent a boat from… Concarneau. Several rental companies offer sailboats for hire.

Finally, the Cornouaille coast will accompany you to the gates of the Odet, with Benodet and Sainte-Marine.

The Bigouden region: from the Odet river to the Bay of Audierne

The Bigouden region, from Sainte Marine, a magnificent little port at the entrance to the Odet river, facing Bénodet, has Audierne, before the tip of the ras, passing through Loctudy and Pont L’Abbe is undoubtedly the wildest place in Cornwall.

HAS At the mouth of the Pont l’Abbe river, there are two very different but very close ports. The pretty port of Tudy Island Its narrow streets face the fishing port of Loctudy. On this side, you’ll find everything you need for boat maintenance. Further down the river, Pont-l’Abbé is a port that becomes submerged at low tide. But a stopover is well worth the detour in this vibrant town where the beautiful stonework has been carefully preserved.

Upon exiting the river, head west. After passing The Penmarch headland, heading towards the very long Audierne bayThis is where the sailing will be the wildest. Apart from long sandy beaches, there’s nothing to see on this flat coast. Crossing it can seem quite long.

But that’s without taking into account the arrival towards the tip of Razfacing the island of SeinYes, the coastline is wild, and yes, the current is very strong. But if you go with the right current and barring difficult conditions, the passage is safe. This is where a chart and GPS are essential. For boaters wishing to sail to Sein, navigation must be planned beforehand, but after that, it’s pure bliss.

From Cap Sizun to Douarnenez Bay, more peaceful by boat

There Douarnenez BayIt’s a return to calm and to the sea meeting the land. A stopover in Morgat This will allow you to enjoy a small, well-equipped, and peaceful marina, and to explore caves. At the far end of the bay lies Douarnenez and its two ports. The historic port, at the end of a river, is closed off by a lock. But it’s right in the town center. The other, more recent marina is at TréboulHe, too, has a lot of charm. I highly recommend lingering in the bistros and chatting with some of the old-time recreational sailors who have some wonderful stories to tell. Here, there’s no showing off; the sailors are real seafarers who sail boats like Nicholsons, Wauquiezes, Rustlers… in short, the kind of boats you find in a sardine canoe.

In short, Cornwall is truly a region best explored by boat. If you charter a sailboat, follow our tips for renting.

The main ports of Cornwall

Port La Forêt

Port la Forêt is known for its offshore racing hubEurope’s top skippers prepare here. However, the port is also an attractive stopover for recreational boaters. The port, nestled at the end of the Bay of ConcarneauIt is very well sheltered. You will find many professionals and a few restaurants there. The port is a 20-minute walk from the town.

The port of Audierne

The Port of Audierne benefits from a strategic location, in the bay of the same name and close to the Raz de Sein.

The Audierne marina benefits from the infrastructure of the fishing port. It offers a convenient stopover before the long crossing of the bay or after passing through the famous Raz de Sein. Come and experience the atmosphere of Brittany’s westernmost point.