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Ile Tudy and Sainte-Marine
The old country
On the opposite bank of the River Odet to Bénodet, Sainte-Marine is perfectly placed to explore the Pays Bigouden, an area of Brittany that is known for its distinctive headdresses. The beach stretches for 2.5 miles (4km) to Île-Tudy, a former fishing community, which is now a fashionable summer resort.
Standing tall
The Pays Bigouden, in southwest Finistère, takes its name from the traditional tall lace headdresses worn by the area’s women since the 19th century. Visitors can see examples of this headwear and traditional costumes at the Musée Bigouden in nearby Pont-l’Abbé or the Musée Départmental Breton in Quimper but also at one of the region’s many cultural events during the summer.
A laid-back resort
Sainte-Marine is a charming fishing village, which is a much quieter resort than Bénodet. The main reasons to come here are for the beach and to explore the Odet on the land or by water. The two main attractions are the 19th-century fort and sailors’ shelter, both of which now host exhibitions. There are several chapels, which date from the 16th century and a pardon takes place at the Chapelle de Sainte-Marine in July.
Catch of the day
The village’s fishing industry thrived until the early 20th century when more than 300 sailors worked out of the port; these days there are just six boats, which fish for sea bass, prawns and spider crabs. Since 1987, Saint-Marine has had a marina, which has ample space for visiting craft.
Beach fun
The south-facing beach is ideal for swimming and in high season offers beach games, children’s clubs and water sports. It’s backed by a protected dune system, which is home to many different bird species.
Des res
Until a bridge was built in the 19th century, this strip of sand was all that linked Île-Tudy to the mainland. The village, which once had a busy fishing and oyster farming industry, has become a fashionable place for out-of-towners to buy a second home; some of the attractive stone cottages date back to the 15th century. Come on a Monday morning for the quayside market or on Saturday evenings in summer when there’s usually outdoor entertainment in the main square.
