Concarneau

The Ville Close sits on a small island in the middle of Concarneau's harbour, walled from the fourteenth century and strengthened under Vauban, entered over a bridge through a gate tower; it is about three hundred and fifty metres long and the ramparts can be walked most of the way round with the fishing port on both sides. Concarneau remains one of the largest fishing ports in France, working tuna and other fisheries, and the fish auction runs early. A fishing museum inside the walls covers the industry with vessels moored alongside. The Filets Bleus festival in August began in 1905 to help fishing families through a sardine crisis, and it is among the oldest festivals in Brittany.

What to look for

• The Ville Close - a walled town on an island inside the harbour.
• The rampart walk - a circuit above the port on both sides.
• The fishing museum - the industry's history with boats alongside.
• The working port - one of France's major fishing fleets around the walls.

When to go

April to October; the Filets Bleus festival falls in August. The walled town is packed in summer and much better early morning or out of season. The fish auction is very early.

Things to know

The Ville Close is small, crowded and given over almost entirely to shops and creperies in season. Rampart access is partly closed in places. Parking outside the walls fills.

Nearby

Pont-Aven lies east; Quimper is northwest.

Key facts