Located in the far northwest of France and known as the country’s ‘Land’s End’, Finistere is the coastal region of Brittany. Blessed with a diverse ecosystem, both on land and sea, Finistere is a nature lover’s paradise with colonies of seals, seabirds and even pods of dolphins populating the coastline.
Just off the coast is the island of Ouessant, which features the Molene archipelago, which is also a haven for the region’s wildlife. However the region is not just dedicated to those with a love of nature.
Regional attractions
For the entire family, Finistere also boasts the Oceanopolis in Brest, a massive marine theme park. However should holidaymakers favour a more relaxed trip, the region’s sandy beaches provide the perfect backdrop for romantic walks.
Finistere also has a strong historical culture to it, with towns like Roscoff home to beautiful 19th century merchants’ homes, the church of Notre Dame de Croatz and alleys that echo the bustling excitement of harbour towns.
The region also has a strong pottery industry, with many a visitor to the area returning home with a locally made pot or plate. Many are also entranced by the region’s fine architecture especially the gothic cathedral.
It is the Crozon peninsula and the Pointe de Raz that are generally favoured by the tourist populous with ice cream parlours and restaurants, but for those seeking a more relaxing, isolated experience, the stretches of coastline north of Brest featuring breathtaking scenery and near-solitude.
However the Pointe de Raz still displays some of the best natural sites in the region, with a network of footpaths enabling spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean pummelling into the coastline and the rock formations.
Breton culture
It is in Finistere that Breton survives as a spoken language and as such, the region is steeped in Breton culture. The cities of Morlaix and Quimper show, not only the historical Breton sights, but also modern life in the region as well.
Such celebrations include the Festival de Cornouaille that is a showcase of local music and traditions. Another music festival that attracts massive numbers (up to 200,000 people per year) is the Vieilles Charrues Festival that is held in mid-July and is regarded as the largest music festival in France.
In the whole of Brittany, Finistere is probably the most perfect combination of old and new as well as nature and local culture. It is a location not to be passed by
Just off the coast is the island of Ouessant, which features the Molene archipelago, which is also a haven for the region’s wildlife. However the region is not just dedicated to those with a love of nature.
Regional attractions
For the entire family, Finistere also boasts the Oceanopolis in Brest, a massive marine theme park. However should holidaymakers favour a more relaxed trip, the region’s sandy beaches provide the perfect backdrop for romantic walks.
Finistere also has a strong historical culture to it, with towns like Roscoff home to beautiful 19th century merchants’ homes, the church of Notre Dame de Croatz and alleys that echo the bustling excitement of harbour towns.
The region also has a strong pottery industry, with many a visitor to the area returning home with a locally made pot or plate. Many are also entranced by the region’s fine architecture especially the gothic cathedral.
It is the Crozon peninsula and the Pointe de Raz that are generally favoured by the tourist populous with ice cream parlours and restaurants, but for those seeking a more relaxing, isolated experience, the stretches of coastline north of Brest featuring breathtaking scenery and near-solitude.
However the Pointe de Raz still displays some of the best natural sites in the region, with a network of footpaths enabling spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean pummelling into the coastline and the rock formations.
Breton culture
It is in Finistere that Breton survives as a spoken language and as such, the region is steeped in Breton culture. The cities of Morlaix and Quimper show, not only the historical Breton sights, but also modern life in the region as well.
Such celebrations include the Festival de Cornouaille that is a showcase of local music and traditions. Another music festival that attracts massive numbers (up to 200,000 people per year) is the Vieilles Charrues Festival that is held in mid-July and is regarded as the largest music festival in France.
In the whole of Brittany, Finistere is probably the most perfect combination of old and new as well as nature and local culture. It is a location not to be passed by
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