Quimper, Concarneau, Pont-Aven and La Forêt-Fouesnant with a dog
If you haven't already, you're going to fall in love with South Finistère. Once you've discovered Quimper, Pont-Aven, La Forêt-Fouesnant or Concarneau with your dog, I'm sure you'll be asking for more! Why is that? I'll let you discover it in this article 😉
Ah Brittany… Musher and I are starting to know it well! After years of living there, we always go back on vacation, because it has won our ❤️.
Today, we're heading to South Finistère! From Pont-Aven to Quimper via La Forêt-Fouesnant and Concarneau, I'll take you to discover the region's gems with your dog!
I'm taking you to discover part of the Breton cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes by the sea. I went there again last summer and it's simply stunning! Of course, everything I suggest in this special article on South Finistère is accessible with your dog, W'ouf Course! And bonus for nature lovers and sports enthusiasts, a nature reserve not to be missed is accessible to dogs in the Quimper region!
Come on, let's discover all this together!
Summary
Where to sleep in South Finistère with your dog?
Let's start at the beginning! Before going on vacation, you must of course know where you are going to sleep! And I have a good plan for you Wouafer's.
The towns of Quimper, Concarneau, Forêt-Fouesnant and Pont-Aven are great to discover with your dog, so to make the most of your holiday and be sure to be well received with your dog, I suggest you stay at the Kérantérec campsite , a dog-friendly campsite in Brittany!
In addition to staying at a 4-star campsite with your dog, you will also have the chance to access a beautiful, unspoiled cove within paw's reach. Doggie comes back all dirty after a swim in the sea? Don't panic, a dog shower is at your disposal!
This Trop W'ouf campsite welcomes you from April to September for family holidays with your dog!
Please note that dogs are not allowed on all beaches in Finistère from June 1st to September 30th according to the prefectural decree of January 19th, 2018. If you go there during this period, don't count on swimming in the sea but don't worry, there are plenty of other activities to do! Let's go and discover them 😉
La Forêt-Fouesnant, between marina and lush forest
Let's start with the village where the campsite will welcome you and your dog: La Forêt-Fouesnant . This small village is well worth a visit. It's particularly known for its marina, Port-la-Forêt , where the best Vendée Globe skippers train.
On the cultural side, don't miss the Notre-Dame d'Izel Vor church, built entirely of granite stone, like the majority of historical monuments in Brittany.
The GR34 coastal path, which loops around Brittany, passes through La Forêt-Fouesnant, offering plenty of opportunities for walks with your dog. In addition, the lush forest provides numerous hiking trails. Guidebooks are available at the tourist office.
To relax, head to the Cornouaille golf course , your dog is welcome! Shaded, with a superb panorama and an 18-hole course, it welcomes you for a Woof-tastic time with the family.
Concarneau: discovering the walled city
We continue our tour of South Finistère with the picturesque town of Concarneau . Designated a City of Art and History, it's easy to see why upon arriving at the walled city of Concarneau . An imposing wall with nine towers and three gates surrounds the rocky islet of the town. Enter this fortress with your dog and discover its traditional half-timbered houses and charming cobbled streets. You can also stroll along the ramparts and in the park with your dog. Be warned, it gets very crowded in the summer! I experienced this firsthand this summer with Musher…
Just a stone's throw from the walled city, the Château de Kériolet will take your breath away! Its neo-Gothic architecture is so extravagant it's practically unique. And yes, dogs are welcome both inside and outside! A truly unforgettable experience awaits you…
You can also take advantage of your visit to Concarneau to stroll around the marina and discover the 200 fishing boats that liven up the quays and the auction.
As for me, I ended up at the merry-go-round... It was impossible to walk past this pretty merry-go-round with my 3-year-old granddaughter without taking her for a ride, then two, then three... 😉
And after these rides, we went walking on the GR 34 to admire the magnificent beaches (forbidden to dogs all summer, what a frustration...) and the incredible colors of the sea! It was incredible!
Discover Quimper with your dog
Let's now visit Quimper , the capital of Finistère! This city is also designated a City of Art and History. Its famous 15th-century Gothic Saint-Corentin Cathedral, with its twin towers and exquisite stained-glass windows, is well worth a visit, although you won't be able to bring your dog inside. Furthermore, its ramparts , along which you can walk with your dog, as well as the many remarkable monuments you can admire, leave no doubt about the city's rich history.
For a stroll, you and your dog can enjoy the exotic garden at La Retraite and, just above it, the Peace Garden , with its many Mediterranean plants. The garden at the Alain-Gérard Media Library is also worth exploring. Its floral design draws inspiration from both medieval cloisters and the Breton flag.
As promised, here it is: the Stangala Gorge Nature Reserve is also a great place to enjoy nature with your dog! As the name suggests, it's quite hilly, so you'll get a good cardio workout! But you'll be quickly rewarded when you see your dog happily splashing around in the Odet River 😄
Pont-Aven: pancakes and more!
We end this little tour of South Finistère in style with the village of Pont-Aven , definitely a favorite for you and your dog!
While Pont-Aven is famous for its delicious all-butter galettes, there's much more to do (once you've had your fill, of course!). Its flower-lined canals, bordered by small stone houses, create a peaceful and rejuvenating atmosphere. Your dog will love exploring the Bois d'Amour Trail , which follows the Aven River to the Bois d'Amour (Lovers' Wood). A truly enchanting walk along the water is guaranteed.
Nicknamed “the city of painters,” Pont-Aven now boasts around sixty art galleries! This is what gives Pont-Aven its international artistic reputation. It must be said that the Trémalo chapel , the Nizon calvary , the numerous mills , and the magnolias along the riverbank are all conducive to inspiration 🎨 A must-see with your dog!
I hope you enjoyed this getaway to La Forêt-Fouesnant, Concarneau, Quimper, and finally Pont-Aven as much as Musher and I did! I find these towns truly charming, the Breton heritage is full of surprises 🥰, and the coastal scenery is simply stunning…
Heading to South Finistère for your next vacation? Which city will you start with? Have you already visited one of these with your dog? Leave me your opinion just below!
