Concarneau, a coastal town in southern Brittany (Finistère), is nestled at the end of a cove, at the entrance to the bay of the same name. Its marina offers a true technical and tourist stopover for boaters.
For boaters arriving from Brest or Lorient, Concarneau is a marina to add to your itinerary. The medieval town is a much more picturesque and touristy stopover than the Port La Forêt Nautical Center, located right next door at the back of the bay. Indeed, the marina of Concarneau It deserves to be spent several days there for a stopover.
This fishing port is gradually turning towards recreational boating, without losing its soul. And that’s what makes it so charming. This stop, in the Breton Cornwall, allows for a truly fun, tasty, and cultural break. Imagine yourself on your boat, at the foot of the walled city and almost White Sands Beach. Moreover, Concarneau is located a few hours’ sailing from the Glénan archipelago.
But it’s also an ideal technical stopover with its many professionals. A perfect break before heading back east and… Quiberon Bay or westward to cross the Bay of Audierne and pass the Raz de Sein.
The port of Concarneau and the charm of the walled city
The Concarneau marina is located at the foot of the city walls. The pontoons are located on the west side, as you arrive. The team is very welcoming and will greet you directly on the pontoon (when possible).
There’s a lively atmosphere on the docks, which is a pleasure. Between the visitors and the fleet of the Glénans sailing school (with an “s” here))It’s impossible not to feel the maritime spirit. Several anchorage areas make up the entire site. In addition to the marina, anchorages are available, notably in Kersaux CoveHowever, visitor berths are located in the pontoon area, in front of the ramparts. In rough weather, it is advisable to double your mooring lines, as the harbor is poorly protected. The area in the inner harbor, which is very well protected, is reserved for professionals and two other mooring areas managed by boating associations.
When you arrive in the harbor channel, pay close attention to the buoys, as the seabed is rocky. In the bay, avoid the areas to the northeast and south of the channel where the rocks are exposed at mid-tide.
Where to go for a walk in Concarneau?
Concarneau is a city of art and historyYou can’t get bored…whatever the weather. You’ll be able to visit the walled city and its commercial atmosphere. You’ll walk among magnificent stone houses. Climb up to the ramparts and enjoy the unobstructed view of the port and the bay. In the summer, the town hosts numerous concerts. You can also dine in town at one of the many restaurants (some are quite reasonably priced), go fishing, and breathe in the fresh sea air. A boat trip, perhaps by ferry, will allow you to discover… the Lanriec district and its beautiful walks.
Two events will interest sailors. The Blue Nets Festival, in August, and the Sea Book Festival, in October or November.
Finally, consider taking a stroll through the many small coves, or along the beaches located in the heart of the city. A kayaking trip is highly recommended to fully enjoy these shores.
Or sailing in the Bay of Concarneau?
Concarneau offers opportunities for short sailing trips. By staying in the Bay of Concarneau (or Bay of La Forêt), you can discover thethe beautiful beaches of Beg Meil, just opposite. If you prefer to explore the coves of the bay located north and south of the town, take a kayak, it’s ideal. The prettiest is the Minaouet RiverNavigation must be done with caution on the entire eastern part, as numerous rocks are exposed as soon as the tide begins to go out.
Concarneau and Cornwall
Leaving the bay, you can go and visit the the Odet river and its castlesNumerous paths line its banks, leading us to Quimper, its cathedral, and its streets lined with half-timbered houses. Be sure to take the path south of La Voleuse, which marks the numerous rocks between the bays of Concarneau and Benodet.
The other major advantage is the Glénan archipelagoRenowned for its turquoise, fish-filled waters (it’s no wonder the Glénans diving school is based here), this archipelago truly deserves a visit to enjoy its fine sandy beaches and incredible flora and fauna.
Where to maintain your boat in Concarneau?
Next, Concarneau has a major advantage: the presence of numerous professionals. The town remains an important fishing port for tuna boats, which are rarely there, and, to a lesser extent, for its trawlers returning to the town’s fish market. At the same time, numerous pleasure craft shipyards are located in the area (IDB Marine with its Malangos, Marée haute with its Djangos, …) as well as shipbuilding with Pirioux and JFA. We tested the stopover by taking advantage of the infrastructure of the Le Pasco nautical center and the Concarneau sail loft.
This highly competent and welcoming dry dock (it accommodates the Glénans sailing school fleet and numerous offshore sailboats) allows you to store your boat on dry land for a stopover (or longer) and take advantage of all the professionals on hand (rigging, engine, deck hardware, fiberglass work, sailmaking, etc.). Don’t hesitate to contact the team; they are always happy to offer advice.
Scamba has specialized in nautical work since its inception and has since carried out numerous projects for both individuals and professionals.
In accordance with your specifications, the company restores or custom-creates all types of interior fittings (seats, backrests, bunk mattresses, curtains).
Working in the marine environment
The marine sector in the Concarneau coastal region is recruiting. If you are looking for a manual job in the aeronautics industry, you may be interested in… Job offers in Concarneau, France – Propellers that will meet your needs. You will find offers from welders, grinders, lathe operators, and milling machine operators who need your workforce to keep their businesses running.
Find an offer that suits you
To find the right job offer for you, you can search online. Indeed, the web offers everything you need to complete your job search. Online, you can compare different offers to select the one that best suits you.
France Hélices’ offer
On the France Hélices website you can find various job offers in different sectors such as boating, fishing, passenger ships, military vessels… What makes France Hélices special is that it has offered a wide range of job opportunities in propeller propulsion systems since 1977. These offers are for you if you enjoy the metallurgical industry and custom manufacturing.