Concarneau – Fortress

In the beach town of Concarneau, alongside the city centre and harbors, you will find this amazing fortress. It was voted as the favorite place in Brittany by the Bretons.

On the outskirts of Concarneau are several spas and thalasso hotels, but if you keep driving away from these hotels alongside the coastline, you’ll head in for the town centre. And you’ll not be able to escape it, an amazing fortress built on an “almost island” inside the harbour.

Building started in the 15th century to protect the town and harbour. But already before the current walls, in the 10th century, a wall and towers were built to protect the church. You can still see parts of the foundations when walking the town.

Entry is free (apart from the fishing museum), and in most part, it’s a single street. But very little has changed in this street over the centuries .. shops and restaurants. There’s even a small fishing museum.

It still has the medieval feel to it (a bit like Mont Saint Michel, but without all the stairs you need to climb).

The town has been switching hands over the centuries between the French and the English. Many wars have been waged in the area. However, the style of houses remain unchanged, part Breton, part English.

You can sit in one of the many restaurants (most are creperies nowadays), or shop for some sailor’s clothes.

Churches

There are two churches in the walled town; the Hospital Chapel, built in the 15th century:

.. and the Saint-Guenole church, built in 1830 on the ruins of the original church built in the 12th century.

The “Porte au Vin” (Wine gate) was made in the 15th century to allow the fishermen to bring in their fish.

Further, towards the end of the walled town is an open air theatre and …..

… a ferry terminal (in French a “Bac”) that ferries you to the other side of the river in a 3 minute boat ride.

Summary

This is a place you need to visit if you are in Brittany. It’s big, beautiful and very well kept. A peaceful stroll along the cobblestone paths, looking at the old houses and fortified walls.

It’s a MUST.

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