La Forêt-Fouesnant: Beaches, Golf and Maritime Heritage

La Forêt-Fouesnant offers a range of options for a stay: Kerleven Beach, paths along Anse Saint-Laurent, water sports, golf and traces of local history. When choosing your destination, you can consider whether you primarily want to spend time by the water, enjoy outdoor activities or visit historic sites.

Coast and paths between beach and countryside

Plage de Kerleven is the main beach in La Forêt-Fouesnant. This fine-sand beach is more than a kilometre long and largely sheltered from the wind; it is suitable for swimming and relaxation. Various water sports add to the range of activities, including aqua walking, towable tube rides, kitesurfing, stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking. Which activities are available may vary seasonally.

There are small, quiet beaches at Anse Saint-Laurent, accessible on foot via the GR34 coastal path. As path conditions can change, check them before setting out. The signposted walk “Autour de l’anse Saint-Laurent” begins near Plage de Kerleven and quickly leads into the countryside. This gives you the option of walking along the coast and through the countryside as well as visiting the beach.

Port-La-Forêt is a marina in the bay of La Forêt-Fouesnant, opposite the Glénan archipelago. Excursions to the Glénan depart from there. As operators and timetables may change seasonally, it is a good idea to check the dates for your stay.

Golf and walking routes

Golf de Cornouaille is located on the edge of the bay. Its course has 18 holes, is par 71 and measures 5,688 metres. Holes 9, 10 and 16 offer views of the Glénan archipelago. The golf course is open year-round; its competitions are also open to non-members. Check the applicable access conditions before your trip.

Manoir de Mesmeur is an 18th-century building that houses the golf club’s headquarters as well as a restaurant with a bar. Two named walking routes also offer a clear comparison in terms of distance: “d’un port à l’autre” is 2.2 kilometres long, while “Autour des 2 anses” is 6.4 kilometres. If the length of your planned walk matters, the first route is the shorter of the two.

Churches, megaliths and the port’s past

Église Notre-Dame d’Izel Vor has been classified as a historic monument since 8 June 1914. It was built largely in the first half of the 16th century. Inside are 16th-century baptismal fonts, a depiction of the rosary and a canopy altarpiece at the high altar. Its construction date, protected status and features offer different historical points of interest for visitors.

Le Cairn de Kerleven is a visible megalithic site protected by a fence. It is classified as a historic monument and dates to around 3000 BC. Archaeological investigations revealed three burials, each with an access passage; two of the graves are still visible. The site is located on the grounds of the Domaine du Saint-Laurent campsite. Contact reception for access.

Chapelle de Peniti is a chapel built in the 18th century, featuring 14 frescoes depicting three rosaries. It is privately owned and closed to the public. In summer, the Nuits Celtiques de Peniti take place at the Théâtre de Verdure de Peniti, with Celtic dance circles, bagadoù and traditional music groups. Dates and programme may change; check the details for your intended visit.

The town’s port history is also part of its character: the Vieux Port, formerly known as Port “Stang Al Lestreg”, was a centre of trade. Quays and two slipways were built there from 1850 onwards. Along with the coast and historic buildings, this gives you a range of themes to shape your stay around.

Discover more destinations: Plounéour-Trez, Hôpital-Camfrout, Ile-De-Sein, Botsorhel, Ploudaniel, Leuhan, Fouesnant, Lampaul-Plouarzel.

For the broader travel overview: Finistere.