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 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).
Both quais are pleasant to stroll along, with the most interesting parts of the town and most commerces being in the streest to the north and south of the quais.
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.
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 Saint-Laurent contains several interesting statues, and a (recent) organ that incorporates some of the tubes from the original 17th century organ.
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.
Arrange a visit to Pont l'Abbe
Hotels in Pont l'Abbe
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Map of Pont l'Abbe and places nearby
Visit near Pont l'Abbe with France This Way reviews
Benodet
The long established resort of Benodet has a very scenic harbour for your promenade!
Benodet 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
Douarnenez
Tourism based around the beaches and pleasure port have largely overtaken fishing as the principal industry at Douarnenez
Douarnenez guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Finistere
Address: Pont-l'Abbé, Quimper, Brittany, 29120, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 47.868056, longitude -4.221944
Plan your visit to Pont l'Abbe, Finistere
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Parc botanique de Cornouaille: remarkable garden (5 km)
- Marais de Mousterlin: site of natural beauty (15 km)
- Quimper: town of art and history (17 km)
- Jardin du prieuré de Locmaria: remarkable garden (17 km)
- Jardin du château de Lanniron: remarkable garden (17 km)
- Concarneau: town of art and history (23 km)
- Archipel des Glénan: site of natural beauty (24 km)
- Locronan: most beautiful village (26 km)
- Menez-Hom: site of natural beauty (39 km)
- Argol: enclos-paroissial (43 km)
- Ile-de-Sein: most beautiful village (43 km)
- Pointe du Raz: grand site of france (43 km)
Market days in Pont l'Abbe, France
Regular market(s) are held in Pont l'Abbe each Thursday all day. (Markets are held in the morning unless stated.)
The French version of this page is at Pont l'Abbe (Francais)