Saint-Guénolé fishing port

This is one of three harbours in Penmarc’h, along with Kérity and Saint-Pierre. What sets it apart is its rather rough and authentic character. The speciality of the port of Saint-Guénolé is sardine fishing.

Authentic atmosphere on the docks

Situated in the extreme south-west of Finistère, Saint-Guénolé is particularly exposed to storms. Leaving the harbour is a challenging sport and reserved for seasoned fishermen.

With around a hundred berths, the quayside is home to a fine fleet of bolinche boats (using purse seine fishing nets) and other fishing craft. Bolinche is a very important activity, catching large volumes of sardines, anchovies and jack mackerel.

Saint-Guénolé is not a picture-postcard harbour, but a typical coastal district where decades of fishing have shaped the landscape.

This economy is still very much alive, as is clear from the various signs and shop windows on the port for canneries and fishing equipment.

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Bolinche fishing a particular technique

Historically, this port was home to deep-sea and bolinchefishing. Deep-sea fishing, which takes place offshore over 10 to 15 days, has virtually come to a halt in this port.

But inshore fishing, paticularly bolinche, continues to this day.

Bolinche is a fishing technique using purse seinenets, specialising in blue fish (sardines, anchovies and jack mackerel). This is the port’s biggest haul, although other fish and shellfish are also brought in and sold on land, including monkfish, pollack, skates, turbot and langoustines.

Inshore catches are sold at auction (to professionals) in the afternoon and bolincheurs in the early morning.

Canning factories

Two canning factories stand at the entrance to the town: La Compagnie bretonne and Océane Alimentaire.

Canning fish is a craft that has been passed down for generations in Brittany. The process, which mainly involves a seamer and an autoclave, has hardly changed since it was first introduced into the industry. The recipes, however, change in line with consumer preferences.

The Compagnie Bretonne is happy to share its expertise with the public, offering guided tours that provide an opportunity to see the men and women who work in the traditional ways.

Tours are available all year round, Monday to Friday (no production on Friday afternoons) and visits are rounded off with a tasting of the products. Booking is recommended.