Benodet is at the mouth of the river Odet on the Finistere coastline, 10 miles from both Quimper and Concarneau and on the southern coast of Brittany where the Odet river meets the sea. It is one of the most popular port towns and resorts in the region - and has been for the last 100 years.
Exploring Benodet
There is little in the way of major historic sites in Benodet, but the town is pleasant to explore and there are a couple of churches to visit: Church of Clohars-Fouesnant and the Chapel of Sainte-Brigitte de Perguet.
Admire the pleasure boats in the pretty harbour in the centre of the town, where you will find a modern pleasure boat harbour and also a more traditional fishing harbour, then explore the older part of the town itself.
As you would expect, there are also plenty of creperies and seafood restaurants to enjoy in Benodet when you need a rest.
Although Benodet is largely given over to tourism it is a good destination for enjoying the beaches and scenery of this part of Brittany. There are various leisure activities available such as golf, horse-riding and sailing as well as the casino that you would expect in any French seaside resort!
There is also a very pleasant promenade behind most of the beaches and harbour area.
Benodet beaches
Of course the principal attraction for visitors is the family friendly sandy beach, and as well as Benodet beach there are also plenty of rocky coves and quieter beaches to explore nearby eg Kermoor, Beg Meil and Mousterlin, if you prefer to avoid the crowds.
The beach in the town is called Trez Beach and is where you will find lots of activities and lifeguards, Saint-Gilles beach is great for rockpools, and the small beach called Phare du Coq is where to go if you want to extend your day as long as possible - its position means it catches the last sunshine of the day.
Attractions nearby
Be sure to explore out as far as the lighthouse where you can ascend the tower for the best views of the coast around Benodet and across to the nearby islands.
You can also visit the Glenan Islands from here, a popular boat trip from Benodet, or take a boat trip from the harbour across to explore the small traditional village of Sainte Marine.
The boat trip up the River Odet is perhaps even more unmissable - it is very attractive along the inland river-banks and the Odet is frequently referred to as 'the most beautiful river in France'.
Explore elsewhere in the Brittany coast. You can find more travel ideas in the Finistere guide and the Brittany guide.
Arrange a visit to Benodet
Hotels in Benodet
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Map of Benodet and places nearby
Visit near Benodet with France This Way reviews
Pont l'Abbe
One of the quieter towns in Finistere, the port in Pont-l'Abbé and the walk long the river make for a very pleasant visit
Pont l'Abbe guide
Quimper
The important town of Quimper is also one of the most visited in Brittany, especially for the half-timbered houses and the cathedral
Quimper guide
Concarneau
Now listed as a town of art and history, you will find lots of interesting monuments in Concarneau
Concarneau guide
Iles des Glenan
The uninhabited islands of the Glenan archipelago are now a popular nature reserve and diving centre
Iles des Glenan guide
Locronan
Locronan, listed among the 'most beautiful villages in France' is one of our favourite villages in Britany
Locronan guide
... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Finistere
Address: Bénodet, Fouesnant, Quimper, Brittany, 29950, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 47.87, longitude -4.11
Plan your visit to Benodet, Finistere
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Parc botanique de Cornouaille: remarkable garden (4 km)
- Marais de Mousterlin: site of natural beauty (7 km)
- Quimper: town of art and history (14 km)
- Jardin du château de Lanniron: remarkable garden (14 km)
- Jardin du prieuré de Locmaria: remarkable garden (14 km)
- Concarneau: town of art and history (15 km)
- Archipel des Glénan: site of natural beauty (19 km)
- Locronan: most beautiful village (26 km)
- Parc du château de Trévarez: remarkable garden (39 km)
- Menez-Hom: site of natural beauty (40 km)
- Pleyben: enclos-paroissial (41 km)
- Argol: enclos-paroissial (45 km)
Market days in Benodet, France
Regular market(s) are held in Benodet each Monday. (Markets are held in the morning unless stated.)
The French version of this page is at Benodet (Francais)