Port Manec'h is a small seaside village in the department of Finistere in Brittany
Explore Port-Manec'h
France This Way review: Port-Manec'h is a very small resort but it has a nice sandy beach and some attractive houses and beach huts from the Belle Epoque to see.
Port Manec'h became popular as a sea-bathing town in the early twentieth century in the Belle Epoque period of French history.
The line of white beach huts along the edge of the beach date back to this time and add a vintage charm to the lovely sandy beach. At low tide it is possible to walk out to the group of rocks in the sea and explore the rock pools.
Port Manec'h took off as a popular resort when Jula Gillou bought an old fort in the town and turned it into the 'Villa Julia' a hotel where many of the artists of the Pont-Aven school stayed. Many paintings of Port Manech were created during this time.
Various French celebrities stayed in the hotel but it was occupied by the Germans during the Second World War and burnt down in 1944.
As its popularity grew many boarding houses were built in the fashionable Belle-Epoque style to house the growing number of visitors. Many are now lovely homes or second homes.
Most of these are close to the beach as is the attractive stone church of Saint Nicholas which was built in the 16th century.
The Dalmore mansion which sits just behind the beach and the beach huts was built for an Australian art lover and is now a four star hotel called Manoir Dalmore.
The river Avon joins the sea at Port Manech and the part of the beach next to the river is reserved for small yachts and boats. There is a stone pier here too.
Various water sports are available from the beach and there are two sailing schools. Hiking is also a popular pursuit in the area and especially the coastal path which is part of the GR34.
The beach bar and brasserie is a very popular spot. If you want a table overlooking the bay its best to book ahead.
Port Manech was once a busy sardine port and at the beginning of the 20th century about 50 sardine boats sailed from here. However tourism is now the main industry of the village.
In the summer there is a market every Wednesday morning.
Attractions nearby
Walk along the coastal path, or drive, to the nearby beaches of Raguénez and Ropisco.
Near to the Ropisco beach is the charming hamlet of Kerascoët with its lovely stone cottages with thatched roofs.
The beautiful town of Pont-Aven, known as the 'city of painters' because of the many painters who spent time here, is nearby.
Concarneau is one of the most interesting towns in the area and well worth a visit.
You can find more travel ideas in the Finistere guide and the Brittany guide.
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Map of Port-Manech and places nearby
Visit near Port-Manech with France This Way reviews
Kerascoet
Kerascoet is a beautiful hamlet of thatched cottages near to the sea and the beach of Rospico.
Kerascoet guide
Concarneau
Now listed as a town of art and history, you will find lots of interesting monuments in Concarneau
Concarneau guide
Quimperle
The extremely pretty centre of Quimperlé make it one of the loveliest small towns in Finistere
Quimperle guide
La-Foret-Fouesnant
La Forêt-Fouesnant is a small village with the third largest marina in southern Brittany.
La-Foret-Fouesnant guide
Iles des Glenan
The uninhabited islands of the Glenan archipelago are now a popular nature reserve and diving centre
Iles des Glenan guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Finistere
The French version of this page is at Port-Manech (Francais)