Things to Do Around Lorient During Your Stay

Clohars-Carnoët sits perfectly between Quimperlé, Lorient and Concarneau. When you fancy a change of pace — or when the weather turns fickle — there's no shortage of outings within an hour's drive. Here are our suggestions.

Lorient and the Cité de la Voile Éric Tabarly

About thirty minutes away, Lorient is a city that looks to the sea. At Lorient La Base, the former German submarine base now houses museums and the Cité de la Voile Éric Tabarly, devoted to offshore racing and the history of sailing. Interactive and absorbing, it appeals to children and adults alike. Enthusiasts can also visit the submarine Flore and its museum.

The Lorient Interceltic Festival

If you're staying in early August, don't miss the Lorient Interceltic Festival, one of the largest gatherings of Celtic cultures in the world. For ten days the city pulses to the sound of bagadoù, bagpipes and concerts. Be sure to book your accommodation well in advance for this period!

Quimperlé, a medieval town

Just fifteen minutes away, Quimperlé is a lovely surprise. Built at the confluence of two rivers, the lower town is home to the remarkable Sainte-Croix abbey church, whose architecture was inspired by the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. Cobbled lanes, half-timbered houses and a lively Friday market make it the perfect morning escape.

Concarneau and its Ville Close

Around forty minutes to the west, Concarneau is worth the trip for its Ville Close, a fortified town set on an islet in the middle of the harbour. You wander between ramparts and shops, with fine views over the fishing boats. Concarneau remains one of France's most important fishing ports.

Pont-Aven, the painters' town

You can't talk about the region without mentioning Pont-Aven, twenty minutes away. This is where Gauguin and the Pont-Aven school gave birth to a new kind of painting. The Pont-Aven museum retraces that adventure, and the walk along the Aven, between mills and washhouses, is charming.

Our advice

Alternate "sea" days and "discovery" days: a morning on the beach at Le Pouldu, an afternoon in Quimperlé or Concarneau, and you're set. From the studio, all these places are within easy driving distance, making Clohars-Carnoët an excellent base camp for exploring southern Brittany without ever spending too long on the road.