Fabulous Finistère in Breathtaking Brittany

After a whopping storm, sunrise in Le Conquet, west of Brest, Brittany

Wild, rugged natural beauty—both fierce and gentle—reigns in Finistère, the most westerly department of Brittany. Here, in France’s “end-of-the-earth” region, rocky coastlines, crashing waves and blazing sunsets excite, while pristine sugar sand beaches, grazing sheep and seabirds floating on sea breezes invite quiet contemplation.

Captivating Les Blancs Sablons beach, Le Conquet

This stunning, other-worldly area lies about twelve hours’ drive from our home in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. But we didn’t rush the adventure, taking the opportunity to explore unknown territory along the way. Some terrific discoveries include Montauban, near Toulouse, some of the best seafood we’ve ever tasted and hard-to-spot feathered friends like the Red-billed Chough and sweet, little wren on the Île d’Ouessant (Ushant), a 90-minute ferry ride from our base in Le Conquet, west of Brest.

Here are some highlights:     

Montauban, pretty in pink
Montauban, shimmering gold
Charming Pornic, west of Nantes
Delectable scallops at Le Jardin d’Olivier, Pornic

Dusk in Pornic
Elegant Marius offers a casual terrace with lovely port views, as well.
Le Conquet, our base for a week
Dazzling sunrise, Le Conquet
View from acclaimed Bistrot 1954. Chef Nolwenn Corre is one of a few female Michelin-starred chefs in France.
Stellar pork medallions at Bistrot 1954, at Pointe Saint-Mathieu, near Le Conquet
Crabs for sale at a weekly market
Spunky Sanderlings take flight near Le Conquet
Yummy appetizer at Le Hanger du Pêcheur
A lucky find–Le Hangar du Pêcheur, on the outskirts of Le Conquet
The starkly beautiful island of Ouessant, a 90-minute ferry ride from Le Conquet
Ouessant shimmers under sunny skies
Dramatic rock formations on Ouessant
One of many impressive lighthouses, Ouessant
Red-billed Choughs peck their way through lunch, Ouessant
Sheep roam freely on Ouessant
Accents in bright bleu enhance this sturdy house, Ouessant
Red geraniums add a bit of flair to this pretty stone cottage on Ouessant
A Lampaul mural captures local life centered on the sea.
Fluffy purple hydrangeas contrast with the hard slate roofs in Lampaul.
The velo is the way to go on Ouessant, so be prepared to pedal!
Delicious lieu jaune (pollack) at La Dutchesse Anne, Lampaul, Ouessant
On Ouessant, avid birders pursue their passion during autumn migration, hoping for rarities blown off course.
Misty conditions enhance the stark beauty of Ouessant
Our return overnight stop at the quaint riverside Auberge de la Riviere, in sleepy Velluire, north of Bordeaux.
Superb lotte at the Auberge de la Riviere
Magical vista from La Pointe de Saint-Michieu, Plougonvelin, by Le Conquet

Finistère may be located well off the beaten path, but its striking landscapes, stellar cuisine, extraordinary bird life, plus friendly Breton hospitality make it very much worth a detour… and an extended stay.

Bises, Gayle

PS

Gayle, Ralph and Nidal Issa on Ouessant

Happy days! At long last, during our visit to the island of Ouessant, we met up with the very congenial expert birder and biodiversity engineer Nidal Issa, co-author of Where to Watch Birds in France (2019), which was a huge help to Ralph during his big birding year.

By chance we chatted with Le Parisien journalist, Aurélie Sipos, who was on assignment to Ouessant to write a piece on birding culture.

Nidal Issa, Aurélie Sipos, journalist with Le Parisien, Gayle and Ralph, as the sun sets in Ouessant

PPS

Back from our Brittany travels now, I turn my attention to the next book–it’s taking shape, albeit not as quickly as I’d like. I guess you could say I’ve taken to the slower pace in Provence:)

6 thoughts on “Fabulous Finistère in Breathtaking Brittany”

  3. Are you living in France? How exciting. I enjoyed your descriptions and the beautiful words to describe a scene. Miss Europe every day!

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