Bretagne: Enjoy the gentle breeze in Fouesnant-Les Glénan

Fouesnant can boast of having one of the most extensive coastlines in Finistère. About fifteen kilometers from Quimper and Concarneau, Fouesnant-Les-Glénan, Forêt-Fouesnant and Bénodet appear as the “Breton Riviera”. Contrary to what one might deduce, Fouesnant is not a fashionable destination: here, life goes by peacefully. Everyone enjoys the gentle ocean breeze, a preserved coast, without buildings that spoil the view.

Another plus of the destination: it offers holidays for lovers of the sea as well as the countryside.

I admit: I had a little trouble finding my way around this small town in the heart of the Cornish coast. Between the points of Cap Coz, Beg-Meil, Mousterlin and the Glénan Islands, I was lost. It is better to go directly to the Tourist Office and obtain a city map upon arrival to take your bearings.

It is also essential for spotting the beautiful sandy beaches. With no less than 13 beaches, it's easy to find your "little piece of paradise" away from the crowds. Especially since some small coves are only accessible from the sea.

What adds to the charm of these beaches is that there are no tourist facilities like umbrellas, sunbeds and other drinking places. If the sea is everywhere, just take a few steps for a complet change. The green of the pine forests then replaces the blue of the ocean, ducks paddling quietly in fresh water courses.

The Mousterlin marsh is the refuge of birds. The observatories by the water in the pine forests are perfect for surprising a gray heron, a kingfisher or a red merganser. In October, the Siberian geese stop over there. A 9 km loop walk allows you to discover this ecosystem, the locks and the canals.

There is no shortage of walks. In all, 70 km of hiking trails pass through the remarkable natural spaces of Fouesnant and the famous GR34 runs along the territory for 17 km. Several bike loops, between 6 and 13 km, allow you to discover the three points of Mousterlin, Beg-Meil, Cap-Coz and the city center. The coastal path between Cap Coz and Beg Meil is very nice, on one side the pine forest, on the other, the ocean. Towards the end of the 19th century, Beg Meil was a seaside resort popular with “Parisian bobos”. Beautiful villas sheltered by trees bear witness to this period.

It is from this point that the seaside and tourist resort has developed. Maritime activities take place around the three points that plunge far into the sea. Previously, Fouesnant was more of a town of peasants. They grew cereals there, and did animal husbandry. The cultivation of apple trees is still very important and one of Fouesnant's pride is its cider, considered one of the best! The mild climate also allows the growing of kiwis.

Cycling is the best way to discover the vast expanse of Fouesnant, to visit its built heritage. Like the chapel of Kerbader in Mousterlin. Dedicated to Our Lady of Pity, it is also called Our Lady of the Snows: according to legend, it snowed on May 15, a day of forgiveness.

Nearby in the middle of the fields flows a miraculous fountain: its water would give strength to children who were slow to walk….

Next to the chapel, volunteers have rebuilt a bread oven. Every year in May, the friends of Kerbader organize activities around this oven. They take turns for 5 days to preheat it!

As you stroll around, you will discover vestiges of a more recent past, such as this bunker forming part of the Atlantic Wall.

After having surveyed the path along the coast, what a pleasure to go along it in a kayak. It is from the sea that we can best see the beautiful villas and it is by kayak that we arrive at small coves inaccessible on foot. The Fouesnant Cornouaille nautical center located in Cap Coz, rents kayaks and also offers outings with a guide.

Its unspoiled nature with no less than five protected natural sites is one of Fouesnant's pride. Among them, the Glénan archipelago. Its white sand bottoms, which make the water turquoise, are due to maërl, a red calcareous algae which, when dying, turns white. From April to September, boats run to the main island, Saint Nicholas, for day trips. Departure from La Cale. Too bad we didn't have time to go…. All we have to do is go back!