Tour of the Bigouden Region (Finistère)

Starting in Pont-l'Abbé, the historic capital, this journey takes you to the heart of the Pays Bigouden region. The path follows the river towards Loctudy and its manor houses, then reaches the lively fishing ports of Lesconil and Le Guilvinec, where the return of the trawlers sets the rhythm of local life. In Penmarch, the Eckmühl lighthouse overlooks a wild coastline where nature braves the sea spray, while the Pointe de la Torche in Plomeur reveals endless sandy beaches popular with surfers. Passing through Saint-Jean-Trolimon, the religious heritage is expressed through monumental calvaries, testaments to an ancient devotion. The return inland via Tréméoc offers a peaceful, wooded transition before reaching the sheltered shores of Combrit Sainte-Marine. Finally, passing through Île-Tudy, a former fishing village with narrow streets, completes this ecologically rich coastal loop.

The Pays Bigouden, at the southern tip of Finistère, unfolds between artisanal fishing ports and traditional festivals accompanied by the sound of bombardes (a type of Breton bagpipe). From the Pointe de la Torche and its wild dunes to the sculpted rocks of Saint-Guénolé, nature expresses itself with a raw, briny force. This territory is marked by a centuries-old maritime history, punctuated by the return of trawlers to the port of Guilvinec and the protective silhouette of the Eckmühl lighthouse. The built heritage is remarkable, blending granite chapels, intricately carved calvaries, and renowned inland manor houses. But it is in its culture that the Pays Bigouden finds its unique character, with its famous embroidered headdresses, symbols of elegance and strength. Finally, the Pen-Enez marshes and the Bay of Audierne offer precious havens for a rich birdlife.