Overlooking the mouth of the Pouldavid River, Douarnenez is a historic fishing port on the coast of Brittany. Fish have been salted on its cliffs since at least Gallo-Roman times, with the town emerging in the late 18th century as a hub for sardine fishing. By the beginning of the 20th century, sardine canning was the town’s most important industry.
Things to do in Douarnenez
Get your bearings along the Chemin de la Sardine, an interpretive walking trail that details the history of Douarnenez, from the Gallo-Roman era to the modern day. Stretching for just over four kilometres, it takes in the beaches of Plage des Dames and Plage de Pors Kad, as well as the Quai du Petit Port and the Rue des Marsouins.
Don’t miss the Port-Musee, which explores the maritime history of Douarnenez and Brittany’s cultural heritage. Its collection includes around 20 vintage vessels and maritime-related artefacts, as well as an area dedicated to the preservation of fish. You can climb aboard the “Saint Denys” steam tug and the “Nizwa” dhow or coincide your visit with one of the summertime craft demonstrations.
At low tide, you can walk to nearby Île Tristan, which shows evidence of habitation dating back to the Bronze Age. In the Middle Ages, a priory was established here and it later became the site of Douarnenez’s first sardine canning factory. Île Tristan now forms part of Parc Naturel Marin d’Iroise, with a lighthouse, an art gallery and a walled garden to explore.
Getting around Douarnenez
Douarnenez is around 25 minutes' drive from Quimper and 20 minutes from Quimper–Cornouaille Airport, which has flights to Paris and London. Regular buses connect to Douarneneza and the town centre is compact enough to explore on foot.