Enjoy the good life in Plougastel-Daoulas
So close to Brest and yet so different! Plougastel-Daoulas and its peninsula take you away for a day or a stay out of time. This is Brittany in a nutshell, where you can enjoy the gentle way of life, slow down and make the most of all that this little piece of Finistère has to offer.
Plougastel-Daoulas
The metropolis' green lung
Nestled between the Aulne and Élorn rivers, Plougastel is directly linked to Brest by the Iroise bridge, making it accessible in just in just 15 minutes from the city center. Yet it has retained the authentic charm of its 160 hamlets.
From chapels to small harbours, from remarkable viewpoints to natural sites, it is a veritable place to recharge your batteries for local residents and holidaymakers in search of calm and nature.
Remarkable views over Brest harbour
The Plougastel Daoulas peninsula can be counted among Brest's Brest's most beautiful vantage points. Amid a landscape of moors and garennes, you'll find theanse de L'Auberlac'hcove, almost bisected by a sand and pebble bank.
Kéraménez, which means "village on the mountain", is situated 85 metres above sea level, and will reveal the Brest roadstead as you've never seen it before!
Further west, the Pointe de l'Armoriqueat the very end of the peninsula, offers an exceptional panorama of the Crozon peninsula, the Lanvéoc naval base, the Pointe des Espagnols and Ile Longue.
While strolling along the tip of Armorique, take a gourmet break at the crêperie An Ty Coz, a real favorite for its sea-view terrace, typical decor and Plougastel strawberry specialities.
The charm of small ports
With its peninsular location, Plougastel boasts no less than 7 ports. The port du Tinduff has long been the best-known and liveliest port, with its scallop fishing, particularly between the wars. Now a yachting harbor, it's loved above all for its authentic atmosphere and charm. Next door, the small pebble beach invites you to relax and recharge your batteries.
The port du Four à Chauxwhich today houses the nautical center, was the main export port for lime from the mid-19th century onwards. As for Lauberlac'hwas the preferred port for loading strawberries for delivery to the English and the people of Brest. Before the Albert Louppe bridge, the only way to reach Brest was by sea!
On foot, on horseback or by bike
With dozens dozens of kilometers of trails to suit all tastes, it's tempting to leave your car behind for the day and explore the Plougastel peninsula in slow-motion. In our opinion, it's the best way to soak up the atmosphere and the gentle way of life.
On foot, follow the coastal path to take in the sights. By bike or on horseback, venture into the heart of the peninsula, where you'll find a wealth of heritage treasures.
Get moving on the Plougastel peninsula
Are your legs tingling? Come and enjoy some outdoor activities in Plougastel for maximum thrills!
While climbers will be rewarded by the exceptional view from the top of the Rocher de l'Impératrice, water sports enthusiasts will enjoy a paddle or kayak outing in the Brest harbor.
Unusual!
Come aboard the Loch Monna shellfish boat to discover Brest's harbor and learn all about scallop fishing, the region's flagship activity.
You can also hoist the sails, take the helm and enjoy an unforgettable experience!
The town of 8 chapels
Back on terra firma: Plougastel-Daoulas boasts a rich cultural heritage, with its 8 16th-century chapelschapels to discover as you stroll around. But the most remarkable religious monument is undoubtedly the calvarylisted as a historical monument since 1889.
Like many other buildings in the region, it was built at the end of the 16th century, after a terrible plague epidemic. No fewer than 181 kersantite statues adorn the base, depicting 28 biblical or legendary scenes.
Strawberry stories
The Plougastel strawberry has been the town's emblem since the 18th century! And if there's no limit to the number of strawberries you can enjoy from April to July, it's thanks to explorer Amédée-François Frezier, who brought them back from South America.
The delicious little fleshy fruit has adapted so well to the mildness of the peninsula that it has made Plougastel-Daoulas one of the richest towns in France in the 1920s. ! To find out all about the Plougastel strawberry and the town's history, visit the museum near the tourist office.
Every year in June, at the height of the harvest season, the Strawberry Festival brings the town of Plougastel to life. Tastings, parades and traditional dances are on the program for this day-long celebration of the region's pretty ambassador.
Taste the oysters and shells of Plougastel!
Other gastronomic emblems of the Plougastel peninsula: oysters and scallops from the Brest bay. The latter, along with strawberries, made a major contribution to Plougastel's wealth between the wars.
As for the oysters, the best place to taste them is at Les Viviers de Keraliou, where they are bred in the traditional way, without the use of machinery.
A little extra: enjoy them on the terrace, facing the sea, with a glass of chilled white wine. What else?
Did you know?
How do you recognize a Brest scallop? It's much larger than its congeners, and above all, its coral is orange.
Want to find out more?
Take advantage of your Polugastel-Daoulas getaway to discover the many nuggets and activities on offer!
Plougastel-Daoulas is located on a peninsula at the mouth of the Elorn river, and can be reached from Brest :