Pebble beach - PlovanPebble beach - Plovan
©Pebble beach - Plovan|A. Lamoureux
Plovan
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Plovan

Plovan lights up the Bay of Audierne, with its extensive coastline and waves of iodised air. Soak up its wild, unspoilt nature!

Getting there

The sea on the horizon The optional campaign

With its feet in the water, Plovan lies on the coast of the Bay of Audierne, halfway between the Pointe de Penmarc’h and the Pointe du Raz. The 6-kilometre stretch of coastline is bordered by an exceptional pebble beach known as “an Ero Vili” (the pebble wall).

Both relaxing and rejuvenating, the sound of the waves and the rollers crashing against the sand attract and seduce board sports enthusiasts and professionals alike.

For walkers, the La Littorale cycle route (no. 45) and footpaths invite you to explore the cultural and natural heritage of the area.

Representative of the Pont-Croix style, the ruins of the Languidou chapel are an exceptional place where a mystical atmosphere reigns.

Lespurit Ellen - PlovanLespurit Ellen - Plovan
©Lespurit Ellen - Plovan|A. Lamoureux
bike ride through the village of Plovanbike ride through the village of Plovan
©bike ride through the village of Plovan |A. Lamoureux

    The must-haves

    Ruins of Languidou - PlovanRuins of Languidou - Plovan
    ©Ruins of Languidou - Plovan|A. Lamoureux

      The ruins of the Languidou chapel, with its splendid rose on the chevet, are freely accessible all year round. Representative of the Pont-Croix architectural style, the chapel is thought to have been built in the 13th century and restored in the early 16th century.

      Only the ruins remain, as it was destroyed during the Revolution to build a guardhouse. The site is impressive.

      At sunset, the rays of the sun shine through its stone rose, cut like a lace: magical!

      Menhir of Lespurit Ellen - PlovanMenhir of Lespurit Ellen - Plovan
      ©Menhir of Lespurit Ellen - Plovan|A. Lamoureux

        The remarkable menhirs of Lespurit Ellen are located on a megalithic site straddling the communes of Plovan and Peumerit, accessible only by footpath.

        You’ll feel very small next to the standing menhir, which is 7.60 metres high! Another menhir lies next to it.

        The whole site is close to a stream, as is often the case with megalithic sites. The place is peaceful, as if imbued with a certain magic…

        Sunset on Ru Vein beach - PlovanSunset on Ru Vein beach - Plovan
        ©Sunset on Ru Vein beach - Plovan |A. Lamoureux

          This natural structure is well worth a visit, as it tells us how the coastline of this particularly wild part of Audierne Bay was formed.

          The barrier beach holds back a mass of fresh water. As well as providing a natural protective barrier for the dune and the hinterland, it is home to an entire ecosystem.

          For all these reasons, it’s important not to pick up or move the pebbles when you go for a walk on the beach!

          Church of Saint-Gorgon - PlovanChurch of Saint-Gorgon - Plovan
          ©Church of Saint-Gorgon - Plovan |A. Lamoureux

            Saint-Gorgon church is located in the village (open daily from 15 June to 15 September). The church was built in the Middle Ages and has undergone several restorations. It houses a number of statues transferred from the Chapelle de Languidou, and above all a superb collection of stained glass windows by Job Guével, a master stained glass artist of the mid-20th century.

            The village of Plovan is also very pleasant, with its charming Place des Figuiers, ideal for a shady break during your day’s sightseeing.

            It’s also here that you’ll find the Musée de la Classe ancienne, where dictations are given every Thursday and Tuesday at 6pm in July and August.

            To continue your visit...

            Old class - PlovanOld class - Plovan
            ©Old class - Plovan |Gaelle Mazingue
            Old-fashioned class

            All you have to do is walk through the door and you’re in a different era. Wooden desks with pen-holders and school books from another era. Set up in 1997 in part of theformer state school (closed in 1991), the Plovan Heritage Classroom recreates a classroom as pupils might have known it in the 1950s and 1960s.

            Open in July and August on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5pm to 7pm.
            A pen-and-ink dictation is offered on Thursdays at 6pm.
            Open by reservation for groups the rest of the year.

            Lespurit Ellen walk - PlovanLespurit Ellen walk - Plovan
            ©Lespurit Ellen walk - Plovan |A. Lamoureux
            Saint-Kodélig site

            The household of Saint-Kodélig is made up of several elements:
            – a Gallic stele with facets, known as a “butter mound” in reference to the moulded butter of yesteryear
            – a menhir known as “l’armoire
            – a rock hollowed out by erosion, known as “the bed”.
            The site is located on the boundary between the communes of Plovan and Pouldreuzic, on the “sentier de Saint Kodelig” hiking trail.

            The village of PlovanThe village of Plovan
            ©The village of Plovan |A. Lamoureux
            The village of Plovan and its charming square

            It’s a charming village with tastefully renovated grounds. The Place des Figuiers, with its shady flower beds, is an inviting place to take a break.

            It’s also here that you’ll find the Musée de la Classe à l’ancienne (Museum of the Old School Classroom ), which is none other than the commune’s original school.

            The desks, inkwells, maps and other period furniture will take your elders back to their childhood.

            Sailing boats in PlovanSailing boats in Plovan
            ©Sailing boats in Plovan |A. Lamoureux

              Just as fast Let the wind

              In the heart of Audierne Bay, climb aboard a new-generation sand yacht, let the wind take you and discover new sensations on Brittany ‘s longest beach!

              You’ll discover that the pleasure of gliding can also be experienced on land, without getting wet. With the advice of an experienced instructor, you’ll learn to trim your sail exactly as you would on a boat, taking advantage of the constant winds in the Bay of Audierne.

              The ground, mainly damp sand, is ideal for practising, and the vast expanse as far as the eye can see encourages you to pick up speed. It’s almost like flying!

              Preparing my stay

              FAQ

              • Where can I park my motorhome?

                Ru Veïn area, open from 1 June to 30 September. Drinking water, WC, drainage, electricity – 25 pitches, fee payable.

                All the other service and parking areas are listed on the map of motorhome parks.

              • What are the town's must-see events?

                Dictation with a pen takes place every week during the summer.
                As well as the dictation, you can immerse yourself in the first half of the 20th century: school desks, blackboards, large wall maps… writing with a fountain pen, consultation of numerous old photos and documents on local history…

                Find out about all the other events in thediary.

              Continue on your way in the Bigouden region

              The Stang Vraz loop - Guiler-sur-GoyenThe Stang Vraz loop - Guiler-sur-Goyen
              ©The Stang Vraz loop - Guiler-sur-Goyen|M. Hamel
              Guiler-sur-Goyen