Camaret Sur Mer
At the tip of the Crozon Peninsula, Camaret-sur-Mer has proudly defended the Bay of Brest for centuries. As well as the historic Tour Vauban military lookout, Camaret offers visitors some lovely beaches and spectacular views. The annual religious pardon is one of Brittany’s most memorable.
The main reason many tourists come to Camaret is to visit the Tour Vauban, a four-storey defensive tower designed and built by military engineer Vauban in 1689; it is surrounded by a moat and reached by a drawbridge. The tower was put to good use while still being built when an Anglo-Dutch fleet tried to attack the bay of Brest in 1694; its nine cannons fired on the ships killing 800 sailors. The tower became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008.
On the beach Camaret has five lovely sandy beaches in its surroundings. Families head to Corréjou, nearest the town, while surfers make for Pen-Had, which is also great for sunning but not for swimming due to its strong currents. About a mile south of the centre is Veryac’h beach, where you’ll find several attractive little coves, which are accessible at low tide.
South of Camaret is the Pointe de Pen-Hir, which offers breathtaking views over the coast and islands; it’s worth making the trip at dusk for the sunsets and you’ll also see beams from the lighthouses. As well as being one of the best sites in Brittany for climbing, the point is also the location of a monument to the Breton men who gave their lives for France during the Second World War. Look out for a field filled with about 100 standing stones, which are known as the Lagatjar Megaliths on the road to Pen-Hir; they date from around 2500BC
Chateauneuf du Faou
Châteauneuf du Faou - is a picture postcard setting and popular with tourists.
Châteauneuf du Faou, an historic and lively market town in the Finistère department in north-western Brittany, has a picture postcard setting on a hill rising from the Nantes-Brest Canal, backed by the Montagnes Noires.
It is a designated "Green Station", meaning that unspoilt countryside is guaranteed, along with opportunities for many natural, outdoor sports and activities.
Authentic and picturesque
Châteauneuf du Faou has a lively atmosphere, although it is quite unspoilt and very authentically Breton and picturesque.
The town has a long and sometimes turbulent history, with archaeological evidence pointing to the fact that there have been settlements around the site since prehistoric times.
Sights to take in include the Chapel Notre Dame of the Doors, the Chapel of the Moustoir, the Church of Saint Julien (which boasts some wonderful artwork by Paul Sérusier) and the 17th century "Bridge of Kings".
Enjoy shopping, wining and dining in Châteauneuf du Faou
Daily life is bustling, and you can find all the usual shops, supermarkets and services within the town itself.
Market day is Wednesday, and in the warm, summer months there is the additional bonus of regular Farmers' Markets, emphasising the agricultural traditions of the town and its environs.
Châteauneuf du Faou is also well equipped with cafés, bars and restaurants, so popping out for a leisurely lunch or a glass or two with friends is always an option.
Cultural events include festivals and firework displays
Like most French towns, Châteauneuf du Faou loves to party, and among the best of its cultural events are the Easter Sunday folklore festival,
Printemps de Châteauneuf and the spectacular firework display held at the end of August.
There is a thriving jazz scene here too (concerts held every month in the Bar Tal ar Pont), with a big Jazz Festival held on the banks of the River Aulne every summer at the end of July.
(Brittany Ferries organise special packages for the festival.)
Learn to fish at the town's fishing school
The location of Châteauneuf du Faou, on the side of the Nantes-Brest Canal, makes it a perfect base for enjoying walking, cycling and horse-riding, as well for enjoying as a little sight seeing of the area by boat. Fishing too, is very popular, and you can learn more about this age old sport at an excellent fishing school here.