The Finistère department is located in western Brittany, where land, coast and sea tell their own story. It can be crowded on the vast sandy beaches and quiet on the headland of Le Raz, high above the ocean. Finistère is represented on three sides by the sea, making it an ideal location for a wonderful beach holiday.
The beautiful nature that marks the transition from land to sea is at its best between the bay of Douarnezez and the open port of Brest. The coast with its rocks and cliffs is part of the Armorica regional nature park, that borders the department of Côte d'Armor. A park with numerous paths that invite walking and guides who are willing to talk enthusiastically about the area.
The Finistère department is best experienced during a cruise or sailing trip along the islands of Batz, Ouessant, Molène, Seine and the Glénan archipelago. The latter is also known as the Seychelles of Brittany due to its exotic appearance with pearly white beaches and crystal clear water. Anyone who wants to know more about life below sea level is in the right place in Océanopolis near Brest: a huge sea aquarium where scientists discover the sea. A nice theme park for young and old.
Those who want to relax and enjoy the sun would do well to visit the "Breton Riviera". Here are famous seaside resorts such as Bénodet, Fouesnant-les-Glénan, and La Forêt-Fouesnant. You can relax on the wide sandy beaches and in the deep blue sea. The pine trees offer shelter from the sun and the restaurants and creperies are rich. When it comes to restaurants, Finistère is well-endowed anyway. In all restaurants there is a dish on the menu with sardines. You can also eat more chic fish: the sea bass from the region is famous and the Breton lobster and oysters are part of the local food culture and the numerous lighthouses on the miles of coastline.
The art, culture, and architecture lover will indulge in Quimper, the capital of Finistère. Due to its location at the confluence of two rivers, the city is full of romantic pedestrian bridges. In Quimper, the Place Saint-Cortin with the imposing cathedral Saint-Corentin and the Musée d’Art Breton and Musée des Beaux-Arts are absolute highlights.
A visit to Finistère is not complete without seeing the mysterious megaliths (menhirs) of Lagatjar. The Vauban tower, the Térénez bridge and the picturesque harbor town of Pont-Aven are also on the program. Those who love legends and want to "feel" Celtic magic should definitely visit the forests of Huelgoat, where every rock formation, cave and source has its own Breton name and tells its story.