In the far west of Brittany the attractive port of Douarnenez (29 Finistere, Bretagne) hosts the Douarnenez Maritime Festival (Temps fête) 18 – 21 July 2024
This is a major festival of the sea – with a grand parade of sailing ships in the bay – nighttime fireworks, music and seafood to enjoy in this port which boasts plenty of cafés, bars and restaurants along the seafront. A host of tall ships, gigs and other boats (1200 in all), many of which you can board – whilst on the quayside there will be demonstrations of maritime skills and a full-blown music festival.
Being far west in Brittany lends this festival a genuine Breton flavour and less commercialism than elsewhere.
Douarnenez, with its history of sardine fishing, is also famous for its three ports: the old port of Rosmeur, the Port-Rhu and the fishing port. Considered by many to be one of the most beautiful bays in Europe! Haunted by the legend of Ys, a city said to have been lost to the waves many centuries ago, the mythical landscapes around this bay have inspired many artists. And of course, the quaint coloured facades of the townhouses all add to the effect! The Bay is supposed to be the source of Wagner’s opera Tristan and Isolde.
For more info see the Douarnenez Tourist office
and the official Temps Fete website
Stay in an old farmhouse auberge just outside the town at the Auberge de Kerveoc’h
For more info and to check availabilty at this Douarnenez auberge see Auberge de Kerveoc’h
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