Eight pretty little ports | Brittany tourism

With their quaysides lined by terraces, narrow streets full of colour and pontoons stretching gently out to sea, Brittany’s little ports are irresistible. The coastal scenery is picture-postcard, yet these places are full of life and vitality. You’ll completely fall for the charm and atmosphere of these six ports, which are among the most picturesque in the region.

In the blink of an eye

1. Dahouët

Between Quai des Terres-Neuvas and red sails

In days gone by, three-masted ships and schooners used to put out from here for Newfoundland and Iceland, where cod was plentiful. These days, the ships have been replaced by yachts that come to berth at the Bassin des Salines marina. Nestling in a natural harbour on the Pléneuf headland, the tidal port of Dahouët has lost none of its charm. Enjoy a stroll along the Quai de Terras-Neuvas with its rows of opulent ship-owners’ houses. For a journey back in time, step aboard La Pauline, a lugger with beautiful red sails and the port’s mascot.

2. Lanildut

A front-row view of the seaweeder’s life

The world belongs to early risers. You already know that. In Lanildut, it’s a golden rule: the port wakes up at dawn to the put-putting of returning boats, their compartments filled with fresh seaweed. And you? You’re in the front row, sitting peacefully back with your cup of coffee. Europe’s top seaweed port, Lanildut lives to the rhythm of its marine harvests. At lunchtime, between tides, the fishermen bump into GR hikers taking a break and children fishing for velvet crabs… When the moon rises above Aber-Ildut, one of 3 Breton abers, the scene becomes unreal. With a few grains of salt in the night air.

©Couple enjoying beautiful views on the ocean, standing together near the car on the rocky coast, showing with hands heart shape. Carefree lifestyle, love and travel concept

Ideas

The inratables of the summer, the place to be to treat yourself to a seafood platter, the best views on the GR®34, the best spots to start surfing… in short, all the good...

3. Le Conquet

Bound for the islands

What do a lobster fisherman and a Breton kir facing Béniguet Island have in common? The port of Le Conquet, to the west of Brest. Late morning: the sailors come back from the fish market, cyclists are on their way to the Kermorvan peninsula and families on a spree are making for the beach. You take the time to chat a while, watch the speedboats set off for Molène and Ouessant… and fill your basket with mackerel rillettes for tomorrow’s picnic.

4. Sainte-Marine

The sweet life, pastel version

A steep slipway leading down to the mouth of the river Odet, boats lying peacefully at anchor while others dry in the sun, a Sailors’ Refuge with pink walls… Everything about the pretty port of Sainte-Marine in Combrit makes you want to slow down. Enjoy a coffee in the morning sunshine; linger over a drink with friends in the evening. From the harbourside, in the shade of ancient oaks, you have stunning views of the trendy town of Bénodet, across the river. A five-minute ferry trip will take you there.

5. Doëlan

A ria where time stands still

Well protected by its two lighthouses, one red and the other green, the port of Doëlan nestles snugly in a deep ria on the southern coast, in Clohars-Carnoët. This tucked-away corner is as photogenic as you can get. There’s a striking contrast between the bright green hills, the white houses and the turquoise sea. This typical port still operates a cottage fishing industry. The return of the gillnetters and crabbers towards the end of the afternoon is a sight you shouldn’t miss. You can even buy fish and shellfish direct from the fishermen on the right bank. Freshness guaranteed!

6. Sauzon (Belle-Ile)

A cup of coffee and blue shutters

Pleasure alert! Tucked away on the northwest of Belle Île-en-Mer, Sauzon ticks all the dream port boxes. Its quays overflow with traps and fishing nets. Its pastel houses proudly display shutters brightened up with leftover boat paint. The fishing boats sway to and fro alongside visiting yachts… and the whole of this little world interacts in joyful chaos. Summer and winter alike, you need do no more than settle yourself down facing the water, order a coffee or a glass of something stronger, slow down…and let the magic do its work.

©Auray - Port de Saint-Goustan|BERTHIER Emmanuel

7. Saint-Goustan

Between history in stone and good living

You half-expect to see barrels of salt and wine being brought ashore here. With its stone bridge, cobbled quaysides and half-timbered houses, the port of Saint-Goustan, in Auray, has retained its medieval character. This former commercial and fishing port at the mouth of the river Loc’h is a unique part of town, and a great place to go for a stroll. Lose yourself in its steeply-sloping streets where artists have their hideouts. With the cafés and crêperies, there’s a lively buzz in the air at Place Saint-Saver and Quai Franklin. From beside the river Loc’h, you have plunging views down to this iconic spot in the Gulf of Morbihan.

8. La Roche-Bernard

On the banks of the Vilaine

Here, you’re sailing the sea…and the land. Between cobbled alleyways and moored sailboats. La Roche-Bernard is a village of true Breton character and its port lives to the gentle, whimsical rhythm of the Vilaine. In the morning, wake up to the sound of the craftspeople ringing up their curtains in the alleys. As the day progresses, you run into a variety of folk on the wooden pontoons: skippers in sweaters, idlers in flip-flops, delighted children! In the afternoon, it’s time for a sunbath on the water’s edge and a caramel crepe. And in the evening, you climb up to the belvedere to watch the suspension bridge turn rose pink at sunset. It’s a wonderful life!

FAQs – Brittany’s little ports

What’s the best season to visit Brittany’s little ports?
Good news: every season has its own certain something! In the spring, their café terraces are invitations to relax and enjoy a coffee after a sea-salty stroll. Summer pulsates to the rhythm of the festivals held on the docks, local markets and lingering aperitifs on the water’s edge. Autumn provides you with its warm colours, special encounters and dishes to enjoy facing the boats. And winter? That’s the contemplative season, calm outside, warm inside: no need for antifreeze to reconnect with the essential things in life!
Can you go on sea excursions from these little ports?
Yes, you can set sail for the islands: to Bréhat from Dahouët, Ouessant from Lanildut and Le Conquet (with Molène as a bonus from the latter)… Outings on old-fashioned sailing boats are also recommended: on Morwenna and the fresh waters of the Vilaine in La Roche-Bernard; on La Pauline in Dahouët. And in Sainte-Marine, a cruise on the River Odet is simply… sublime. And if you’re set on a spot of kayaking or paddleboarding, the local tourist offices will fill you in!
Can you buy fresh fish directly in the little ports?
Absolutely! Some of our little ports still harbour artisanal fishing activities: the fish and shellfish are yours to choose from when the boats unload their catches in Lanildut,Le Conquet, Sainte-Marine and Sauzon. Arrive early in the morning to get your hands on the best of the bunch!
Are any events or festivals held in the little ports?
Yes, above all in the summer. You can enjoy the Maritime Festivals in Dahouët, Le Conquet, Sauzon and La Roche-Bernard, not forgetting the “heavyweights”, including the Brest Maritime Festival, the Douarnenez Maritime Festival and the Sea Shanty Festival in Paimpol.
Find them all in our diary!