Concarneau
Concarneau is found in the Finistere department of Brittany, on the south-west coast between Quimper and Lorient.
Along the rocky south coast of Brittany, Concarneau is the third largest fishing port in France (approximately 20,000 inhabitants) although tourism now plays a greater role in the economic life of the town.
For a glimpse of the past life of Concarneau, get up early and see the fish market in the town (starts 6 am). Then stay up late to see the ramparts illuminated at night, perhaps their most attractive time.
It is the old town - Ville Close, the old town on a rocky island a few metres off the coast in the harbour, and reached by a drawbridge, that is most interesting to visitors, with a main street lined by attractive buildings.
The fortifications around the Ville Close were already in place before Vauban substantially added to them in the 17th century, and you can now walk around the ramparts.
There is also a fishing museum in the old town, where you can learn more of the importance of the industry to the town's history.
The old town is rather given over to tourism (not unusual for picturesque towns in Brittany!)and can be a bit overbearing in the height of summer, but is well worth a visit all the same since it is very attractive - it is just 350 metres by 100 metres so there is not much space to squeeze everyone in!
. The town takes its 'Ville Fleurie' designation seriously and there was a positive explosion of flowers to be seen when we visited.
The indoor market is a good source of fish, fruit and vegetables if you are staying in this part of Brittany.
The new town is on the adjacent mainland, and there are also a couple of small beaches at Concarneau.
If possible, visit Concarneau during the last but one Sunday in August, when a colourful festival - the Festival of the Blue Nets - takes place.
The town is also the departure point for ferries to the nearby Glenan islands.
Visit Concarneau (Brittany, Finistere) travel, gites and hotels
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The Concarneau hotels listed feature descriptions, guest reviews, ratings, location maps, online booking etc. as well as the 'best-price' guarantee. The search for hotels in Concarneau is provided by booking.com. General holiday / vacation options- See Brittany gites for Concarneau holiday rentals - Holiday villages in Brittany Holidays nearbyLooking for something close by? See a wide choice of hotels, holiday villages and holiday rentals at: Places to Stay near Concarneau Concarneau Car HireVisit Concarneau Car Hire for cheap car hire optons and available car collection points VisitSee Visit Concarneau for places to visit near Concarneau including: a detailed map, villages in bloom and most beautiful villages DiscussAsk questions or leave a comment about Concarneau in our Brittany forum Concarneau property for saleSee Brittany property for sale
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Tourist Classifications for Concarneau
- Listed as "Ville d'Art et Histoire" (ie focus on preserving the town heritage)
Places to visit near Concarneau, France
Explore places of interest within about 70 kilometres on a map at places near Concarneau.
Some places to visit within 30 km: 
22 km: Benodet (Seaside resort) 20 km: Ile Glenan (Island) 25 km: Quimper (Breton town and region)
See also Concarneau (version Francais)
