Famed for its cultivation of strawberries, Plougastel-Daoulas occupies a peninsula south of Brest on France’s North Atlantic coast. It is dotted with churches displaying elaborate calvaries, two of which feature the work of the 17th-century sculptor, Roland Doré. Clifftop hiking trails fringe the coast and access the 18th-century remains of Fort du Corbeau.
Things to do in Plougastel-Daoulas
If you’re interested in the agricultural and industrial heritage of Plougastel-Daoulas, visit Musee de la Fraise et du Patrimoine. Learn about the maritime history of the region and its associations with flax production before getting up close to traditional costumes. The ground floor exhibition is dedicated to strawberries, which were first introduced to the area in the 18th century.
A short walk from the museum is the 7 Crosses Monumental Association of Britain, a 17th-century calvary that stands outside St. Peter's Church. It comprises an octagonal granite pedestal flanked by four arched buttresses, together with more than 180 statues carved from Kersanton stone. With its tableaux depicting the life of Christ, the calvary has been designated as a Monument Historique since 1889.
Spanning the River Elorn is the Plougastel Bridge, which was constructed in the 1920s and was partially destroyed by the Nazis during World War II. It consists of three concrete arches designed by the engineer Eugene Freyssinet, with the project managed by the explosives expert, Albert Louppe. Today, the Plougastel Bridge is accessible to pedestrians, cyclists and tractors.
Getting around Plougastel-Daoulas
Plougastel-Daoulas is around 15 minutes’ drive from Brest and 20 minutes from Brest Bretagne Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe. Buses connect to Plougastel-Daoulas while the town centre is compact enough to explore on foot. Renting a car is the most convenient way of getting around the region.