Pont l'Abbe travel guide

Visit Pont l'Abbe (Brittany, France)

The port town of Pont l'Abbé is found on the southern coast of Finistere in western Brittany, to the south of Quimper.

Exploring Pont l'Abbé

France This Way review: because of its location Pont l'Abbé is not the most visited town in Brittany, but there is a great deal to reward visitors in this Breton village including a pleasant port area and streets of traditional low stone and whitewashed buildings.

Start your visit at the bridge in the centre of Pont l'Abbé, where you have nice views along the quays (Quai de Pors Moro is on your left and Quai Saint Laurent on the right).

The bridge of Pont-l'Abbé is one of only nine inhabited bridges in France. On the bridge is a biscuit shop and a company that makes table linen.

Also here at the head of the quays is the imposing Chateau de Pont l'Abbé, dating from the 14th - 17th centuries and now the Town Hall and also home to the Museum Bigouden, with a collection of traditional Brittany costumes and bonnets.

From here both quais are pleasant to stroll along, with the most interesting parts of the town and most commerces being in the street to the north and south of the quais.

There are also two churches of interest here in Pont l'Abbé, the Church of Saint-Jacques de Lambour (13th-16th century) and the Church of Notre-Dame des Carmes (15th century).

The gothic style Church of Saint-Jaccques no longer has a roof, although the walls, facade and belltower are still intact, while the Church of Notre Dame des Carmes contains several interesting statues, and a (recent) organ that incorporates some of the tubes from the original 17th century organ. It has a beautiful 15th century rose window.

The church of Notre Dame is on the site of the ancient Convent des Carmes dating back to the 14th century.

Take a walk along the rue Pasteur where you will see a house with a huge fresco of a lace panel painted on its side. This has been created by a Polish artist, Nespoon.

Time permitting, we recommend you follow the path along the river after exploring Pont l'Abbé. In no time at all you leave the crowds behind and are walking in tranquility through peaceful countryside. The walk is well known for its opportunities to see herons (we didn't!) and other birdlife.

Note: if you are able to visit Pont l'Abbé in the second weekend of July it holds one of the most popular and longstanding festivals in Brittany.

Attractions nearby

Heading east from here towards Benodet near the small village of Combrit is the Parc Botanique de Cornouaille, listed as a 'jardin remarquable' in France. This is one of our favourite gardens in Brittany and covers an extensive area, incorporating various water features and many interesting trees, plants and flowers, laid out informally in the 'English style'.

There is also an extensive garden centre so you can take your favourites home with you...

Explore elsewhere in the Brittany coast. You can find more travel ideas in the Finistere guide and the Brittany guide.