Fishing day in Guilvinec

To get the real feel for the soul of Brittany** and the region's strong link with the sea, head for Le Guilvinec!

Indeed, the main resource of the Atlantic Ocean is fishing.

The port of Guilvinec is one of the largest in France, and its unique atmosphere is only 30 kilometres from Quimper!

Here is a selection of addresses to help you discover the riches of this coastal town.

Maritime ambience and seafood tasting on the menu!

The port of Guilvinec

- © C. Nass / Shutterstock

A small-scale fishing port

Le Guilvinec is just thirty kilometres from Quimper, and the atmosphere is totally different!

Come between 4.30pm and 5pm every day of the week to watch the trawlers return from fishing. The sight of the boats followed by the seabirds (gulls) is well worth the diversions!

Shrimps, langoustines and cuttlefish are just some of the species caught here.

Noble fish such as monkfish, coalfish, skate and hake also feature.

The Guilvinec market is held every Tuesday and Sunday, so you can make the most of the region's fresh produce.

Boats in the port of Guilvinec

- © Christian Musat / Shutterstock

The City of Fishing, Haliotika

Located in the heart of Le Guilvinec on the quayside, welcome to Haliotika, a place dedicated to fishing, its techniques and its economy.

Haliotika is a fascinating discovery for all the family. The structure tackles a range of fishing-related themes in a fun and surprising way.

On the programme: you'll discover a reconstructed trawler, you can take a guided tour of the fish auction (extra charge), and you can take part in cooking workshops.

The youngest visitors won't be forgotten either, with special children's activities including a treasure hunt.

Last but not least, enjoy a tasting session at the langoustine bar...

As a bonus, the panoramic terrace offers a remarkable view of the return of the fishing boats. All in all, sea fishing will hold no secrets for you!

La Cité de la Mer is open weekdays from April to December.

Opening times vary from month to month, so be sure to ask before you come. Guided tours must be booked in advance.

Finally, you should know that different packages are available depending on the tours programmed, with special rates and dedicated rates for children.

Back from fishing in the port of Guilvinec

- © Philippe PATERNOLLI / Shutterstock

If you want toexperience the sea as closely as possible, you can try a sea trip to the Atlantic Ocean!

All you have to do is book your trip with Soizen. You'll have the choice between a sea walk or a fishing trip.

The nature walk lasts an average of 1? hours and gives you the chance to see grey seals and dolphins in the Etocs archipelago.

For sea fishing, allow 4 hours' sailing.

If you're craving fresh produce, or simply want to have lunch, there are a number of restaurants close to the port of Le Guilvinec to choose from.

The restaurant Le Poisson d'Avril offers a breathtaking view of the fishing port of Guilvinec. As a bonus, the cuisine sublimates fish and seafood. The freshness of the produce is unbeatable.

Also close to the fishing port, Le Rabelais is another of the town's top restaurants.

Its excellent value for money means you'll discover a cuisine combining products from the sea and the land. The quality and freshness of the local produce will satisfy even the most discerning palate.

Finally, you should know that the town of Guilvinec organises a Man and the Sea photography festival every year from 1 June to 30 September. Exhibitions and sales of photographs on the magical world of the sea.

The photos are on display in the town and at the fishing port, to be discovered as you stroll around.

⭐Where to sleep in a holiday rental near Le Guilvinec?

The Villa Kernéhan guest house is less than 2 kilometres from the centre of Le Guilvinec.

The villa is surrounded by a pleasant, well-kept flower garden.

You can choose between a standard room for 2 people or a suite with a total capacity of 6 people.

The suite has a total surface area of over 20 m² with a bed and sofa bed.

Every morning, guests are offered a continental breakfast. On the menu: pancakes, fresh bread, jam, homemade cake and pastries. In summer, breakfast is served on the terrace, a pleasant moment in store!

Free private parking is available on site for guests of the guest house.

👉Practical information

The port of Guilvinec is open all year round. What's more, the town has a number of fine sandy beaches and the quality of the environment attracts visitors all year round!

However, it's during the summer months, from June to September, that things are at their busiest. Fishing is a year-round activity. The Cité de la Pêche is closed in winter.

Out of season, this part of the Pays Bigouden takes on a more serene atmosphere, and the little fishing port becomes an ideal destination for an invigorating weekend. Find yourself off the beaten track, close to the sea!

Low tide in Guilvinec

- © Tony Joe Gardner / Shutterstock

🚌How do I get to Guilvinec and South Finistère?

From Quimper you can reach Guilvinec via the D 785 road towards Pont-l'Abbé and Plomeur, then take the D 57 road.

If you choose to travel by train, there are several SNCF connections from Paris. In fact, from the capital it takes just 3? hours to get to Quimper. Most of the journey is on a high-speed line.

Then take a bus from Quimper to Le Guilvinec. The Breizgho network manages this route. The journey between the two towns takes around an hour.

🅿️Où Parking in Le Guilvinec?

Several car parks are available in the heart of the fishing port of Le Guilvinec.

There are both free and blue zone car parks. This means that you have to put a parking disc behind your windscreen.

There are also two motorhome parks in Le Guilvinec.

In summer, try to get here early to be sure of finding an available parking space, as traffic is heaviest at this time of year.

by Editorial Team
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