Finistère's top seaside resort: welcome to Fouesnant
Fouesnant holds a special place on the south coast of Finistère. Sitting between Quimper and Concarneau, the town stretches around three striking headlands (Cap Coz, Beg Meil and Mousterlin) that create an exceptionally varied coastline. With its cider-apple orchards, coastal paths lined with maritime pines and fine sandy beaches lapped by turquoise waters, Fouesnant fully deserves its reputation as the top seaside resort in the département.
This guide brings together all the activities, outings and best addresses to help you make the most of your stay in Fouesnant and the surrounding area.
The best beaches in Fouesnant
Fouesnant boasts some of the finest beaches in all of Brittany, each with its own character:
For the full picture, see our guide to Fouesnant beaches.
Watersports and sea activities in Fouesnant
The Centre Nautique de Fouesnant Cornouaille is the go-to place for all maritime activities. Based at the tip of Cap Coz, overlooking the Baie de la Forêt, it offers a full programme suitable from age 4.
Contact details:
1 chemin de Kersentic, 29170 Fouesnant (Cap-Coz)
Tel: 02 98 56 01 05
Open from 6 January to 19 December
Activities on offer:
- Sailing: dinghy, catamaran, windsurfing with or without foil
- Sea kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP)
- Wingfoil
- Aqua walking and aqua aerobics in the sea
- Catamaran cruises to the Glénan islands
Courses run in small groups and are led by qualified instructors. The centre welcomes complete beginners and experienced sailors alike, with options by the session, half day or week.
Hiking and walks along the Fouesnant coastal path
The famous GR34, the customs officers' trail, follows the Fouesnant coastline and offers breathtaking views over the Baie de la Forêt and the Glénan archipelago.
Our favourite routes:
- Cap Coz to Beg Meil (~6 km, ~2 hrs): a varied, family-friendly route through pine woods, flowering heathland and hidden coves. Gentle gradients, suitable for all.
- Kiwi orchard loop (~4 km, ~1 hr 15 min): an original inland circular walk through cider-apple orchards and kiwi plantations, a surprising crop introduced to the area.
- Pointe de Mousterlin trails: a hike along the dune ridge, between marshland and ocean. A preserved natural setting, ideal for birdwatching.
All these walks can be combined into full-day loops. Trail guides are available from the Fouesnant tourist office.
Fouesnant markets: days and times
Markets are an essential part of life in Fouesnant. You will find the finest Breton local produce here.
- Friday morning market (all year)
Place du Général de Gaulle, Fouesnant
8:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Around 150 stalls: market gardeners, cheesemongers, fishmongers, charcuterie, fresh crêpes, farmhouse cider, local crafts. The unmissable weekly event. - Saturday morning organic market (all year)
Place de l'église, Fouesnant
Local organic producers, sourdough bread, seasonal vegetables, honey. - Wednesday morning summer market (July-August)
Parking de Kervastard, Beg Meil
A friendly seasonal market, perfect for picking up supplies after the beach.
Where to eat in Fouesnant: crêperies and restaurants
The town and its surroundings are full of excellent places to eat. Here are our recommendations:
- Hôtel-Restaurant Belle-Vue
Cap Coz, Fouesnant, 3 stars, Logis de France
Chef Kernevez serves refined cuisine showcasing seafood and Breton produce. Set menu from 46 euros.
Tel: 02 98 56 00 33 - Les Pieds dans l'Eau
Cap Coz, Fouesnant, crêperie facing the sea
Rating: 4.1/5. Buckwheat galettes, homemade crêpes and stunning bay views. A must for a seaside lunch with your toes in the sand.
Tel: 02 98 56 50 90 - Le Kervastard: restaurant in Beg Meil, seasonal cuisine using local produce.
- Le Masson: in the centre of Fouesnant, carefully prepared traditional cuisine.
- L'Épi d'Or: in Pleuven (neighbouring village), a restaurant well loved by locals.
Day trips from Fouesnant
Fouesnant's location makes it an ideal base for exploring Cornouaille:
- The Glénan islands : the iconic excursion. About 1 hour's crossing from Bénodet with Vedettes de l'Odet. Fares: from 39 euros (return) to 67 euros depending on the option chosen. Turquoise, Caribbean-worthy waters await.
- Concarneau: 15 minutes by car. Discover the Ville Close, a walled town surrounded by ramparts, the fishing harbour and the Fishing Museum.
- Quimper: the capital of Cornouaille is just 15 minutes away. Cathédrale Saint-Corentin, medieval streets, Quimper faïence pottery and the covered Halles Saint-François market.
- Bénodet : a neighbouring seaside resort 10 minutes away, with its casino, thalassotherapy centre and Odet river cruises. See our guide to Bénodet beaches.
Our holiday rentals in Fouesnant
To enjoy all these activities, there is nothing better than a stay in the heart of the resort. Our holiday rentals are close to the beaches and the centre of Fouesnant.
Also check out our other guides to help plan your stay:
