Pointe du Raz and Southern Finistère

Cornouaille by bike: from Quimper and the Douarnenez Bay to Bigouden

Pedal to the world's end to discover southern Finistère. On a long loop starting from Quimper, you discover Cornouaille and its serrated coastline of rocky points, peppered with picturesque fishing villages. From Pointe du Raz to the Penmarc'h lighthouse you follow the famous Route du Vent Solaire and take the La Littorale route, a Breton cycle route.

This circuit between land and sea offers travelers the opportunity to discover the ingredients that make the beauty and authenticity of this world’s end with a distinct identity and spectacular landscapes where the character of men seems to be forged.

Quimper is the historic capital of Cornouaille. Logically, it is the point of departure and arrival of the stay. Thanks to its well-preserved medieval center and the charm of the banks of the Odet, it is one of the most beautiful towns in Brittany. Built in the “Vieux Quimper”, the Saint-Corentin cathedral is the emblematic monument of the city. Classified as a Small Town of Character, Locronan is another highlight of the stay. On foot or by bike, take the time to wander through the maze of cobbled streets and small squares and between the granite buildings that make up its picturesque village center.

From the fishing port of Douarnenez to that of Audierne, the rocky coast is chiseled and jagged by the waves and storms that have always been crashing there. For the bicycle traveler, this is a treat. A host of breathtaking panoramas dot the wild and raw coastline of Cap Sizun. The most famous is that of Pointe du Raz. From the rocky promontory which you reach by foot, the iconic La Vieille lighthouse greets you from a sea sequined with foam, as beautiful as it is dangerous. If there’s no “bad weather”, the sea bass fishermen will perform a dance on the waves of the Raz de Sein, this passage of the Iroise Sea between Pointe du Raz and Île de Sein.

The ports find shelter in the coves and bays. Although in decline, fishing remains a pillar of the economy on the Cornouaille coast. The ports of Douarnenez, Audierne and especially of Guilvinec are the most dynamic in southern Finistère. In the first city, at 4 p.m., witness the daily performance of the fishermen’s return on their colorful boats.

Drawn largely from the sea, Brittany’s gastronomy treats visitors with local products with an iodized scent. Fresh fish and seafood garnish the plates during your gourmet stops. In the markets, bars, mackerel, spider crabs and sea urchins color the stalls and fill your bags. However, the Breton terroir is not limited to seafood. Unmissable, Breton sweet and savory crêpes and Kouing Amann are to be tasted. After the day’s effort, Breton cuisine satisfies all cravings.

From Pointe du Raz, the Véloroute la Littorale coastal cycling path is the winding route which oscillates between land and sea on small typical Brittany roads. This great Breton cycle route has been completed for a few years in the Bigouden country for our greatest pleasure. It follows the tourist route called the Route du Vent Solaire, the signs of which you can follow as far as the large lighthouse at Pointe de Penmarc’h.

On a large loop starting from Quimper, this cycling trip offers you a complete discovery of Brittany’s Cornouaille, the southern part of Finistère.