A witness to its military past, this iconic fortified island, known as the « Ville Close » (walled town) takes centre stage in this prettty town steeped in history. The first signs of fortifications date back to the 14th century. A series of bridges and doors lead to the enclosure, taking you back in time. A collection of gabled houses dating back to the 15th to 18th centuries line the narrow streets alongside timber-framed houses, cottages with elegantly carved facades and 15th and 16th century chapels.
Ancient doorways and archways along the wall open onto the sea, a reminder of the town’s former sea-faring activities.
Concarneau is also a faubourg nestled on the coast boasting a variety of different architectural styles : fishermen’s cottages, bourgeois houses and façades of 1930’s canning factories which have been converted into houses.
Concarneau is also a pretty fishing harbour with a coast road overlooking a string of small beaches. It is a captivating town awarded the well-deserved label of « a town of art and history ».
Source: Concarneau Tourist Information Concarneau
Whatever the weather, you can enjoy a stroll around the cobbled streets, browse around the boutiques or pop into one of the many restaurants.
From the top of the ramparts you can admire the fishing habour. Also a must-see : fishing museum, the Marinarium, Kériolet castle, a tour of Concarneau on a tourist train…
The « Filets Bleu » folk festival is also an event not to be missed. It is part of the maritime heritage of the « Ville Close ».