dossier

Heart of Brittany Walk

Day 1: Arrive in Bénodet
Our three-star hotel is in a great location, just a few minutes walk from the port and main beaches. If time, before dinner, wander down to the small harbour and watch fishermen checking their nets in preparation for the evening’s catch.

Day 2: Bénodet to Mousterlin  11km/6mi
From the lively port, you continue along wooded paths and quiet country lanes, passing the attractive inlet of Groasguen. You’ll then skirt salt marshes - abundant with wildlife – before heading back  out to the coast and the dunes at Mousterlin. Our family-run three-star hotel here boasts an excellent restaurant.

Day 3: At Mousterlin
You can take a taxi (25 mins) to pretty Quimper, a traditional Breton town packed with interest. Or perhaps head out to the port of Concarneau and its spectacular ville close. The ramparts dominate both the fishing harbour and yacht marina. Golfers will love the excellent 18-hole course at Fouesnant or, if you don’t want to venture far afield, there’s tennis, a swimming pool, sauna and jacuzzi back at the hotel – and it’s right on the beach!

Day 4: Mousterlin to Port Manec’h  15km/8mi
We give you a lift to the start of the walk at Plage de Keriouini. Your path then weaves between long deserted beaches and narrow sandy inlets where shallow salt-water ponds provide a natural habitat for many different birds. The gentle landscape makes the sky seem huge, and it’s easy to understand how the light here has inspired so many painters. You pass the rocky headland at Trévignon and continue along the coast to the Ile de Raguenes. Throughout the day, there are numerous swimming possibilities in the shallow bays and quiet coves.

Day 5: At Port Manec’h
Port Manec’h is another quaint little port and our friendly, family-run hotel offers superb views across it. It’s just a 2 minute stroll to the lovely sandy beach, or you can explore the 16C thatched village of Kerascoet. If you enjoy plants and flowers, then the nearby Rospico Botanical Park, inspired by the quintessential English garden, is well worth a visit.

Day 6: Port Manec’h to Pont Aven/Bénodet  13km/7mi
A complete change of scene today as you head inland and follow the picturesque river Aven upstream. Visit picture-postcard Kerdruc with its thatched cottages and idyllic little port. It’s then on, past a mill and oyster farm, to the delightful artists’ town of Pont Aven – maybe enjoy a late lunch in one of the excellent seafood restaurants before visiting the many galleries. Gaugin headed the artists’ school, set up here in 1888, and painters have used the town and its surrounds for inspiration ever since. Our rep will arrange a convenient time to pick you up for the transfer back to Bénodet.

Day 7: Leave Bénodet