Douarnenez is a town of Finistere department, in Brittany region. Douarnenez is a Breton word which means “Terre de l’Ile” (Land of island). In 1945, Douarnenez-centre integrated Tréboul, Ploaré et Pouldavid which are now called “Grand Douarnenez” (Greater Douarnenez).
Access
By car, from Paris (600km), take the motorway towards Rennes, then the free expressway between Rennes and Quimper.
From Nantes (250km) and Rennes (230km), there are expressways to Quimper.
Exit Quimper Nord (Park Poullig) towards Dournenez.
The closest airports are Quimper Pluguffan, Brest Guipavas and Lorient.
By sea, there is Roscoff Harbour station.
As for railway services, the closest train station is Quimper. The city provides bus service to Douarnenez.
History
Garum basins were found in Plomarc’h, which is one of the best preserved archaeological sites in Europe. Garum, which means “sauce” in latin, was one of the basic condiment used in the Roman period; The garum of Plomarc’h was produced between the first century AD and 276. The first inhabitant of Douarnenez would have been a Roman (Caius Varenius Varus) whose name was carved in a stele now exhibited in Quimper. The name Pouldavid appeared in medieval sea maps.
Activities
There are numerous activities offered by Dournenez and most of them are sea related. Le Port Musée owns the largest collection of traditional boats in France (more than 250 boats) and more than 5000 items: engines, sails, nets, etc…
Le Musée de l’Amiral introduces to the visitor the sea world with its collection of shells, sea decors, real size birds’ models and fossils.
There is also a giant aquarium in Audierne (20km from Douarnenez), thalassatherapy centres and leisure water activities.
“Promenade de la Sardine” is a route the visitor can follow to discover the History, heritage and fishing activity in Douarnenez.
Also, Tristan Island is a Heritage listed island that can be reached only during low tide.
In Douarnenez, there are many beaches such as Plage des Dames, Plage du Ris, or Plage Saint Jean and coves.
As for sports, Douarnenez provides as a matter of course water sports facilities such as sailing, rowing, canoeing or sand yacht, but also horse riding or cycle touring activities.
The market takes place every Monday and Wednesday morning.
Food and Drink
Douarnenez is famous for its sardine fishing activities. Many canning plants settled in this town from the 19th century, one of which is the oldest in the world (Chancelle).
Kouign Amann is a pastry made of flour, sugar, butter. Each region of Brittany has a different version of it and it is well-known that it is difficult to make a good Kouign Amann.
Far Breton is a traditional Brittany dessert and the most common one comes with prunes.
Creps, savery or sweet, are the most famous Brittany dessert along with its galettes.
Restaurants
- LE BIGORNEAU AMOUREUX
2 boulevard Richepin, 29100 Douarnenez. Tel : 02.98.92.60.86 - LE KERIOLET, specialities: fish and seashells.
9 rue Croas Talud, 29100 Douarnenez. Tel : 02.98.92.16.89 - LA VERANDA, traditional cuisine and local products.
1 rue des Peupliers, 29100 Douarnenez. Tel : 02.98.75.53.84
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