Bono: Coastal Paths, Forban Boats and Cultural Heritage

Coastal paths, prehistoric sites and maritime history offer several ways to shape a stay in Bono. Visitors who want to get to know the area on foot can follow a route along the Rivière du Bono, as well as coastal paths stretching for more than eight kilometres. The area’s history includes a Neolithic tumulus, medieval features of Notre-Dame de Béquerel and traces of oyster farming. Forban boats are also part of its maritime heritage: they feature in a historical exhibit and are also connected with a sailing ship that offers trips.

Coastal paths and historic oyster beds

The Circuit de la rivière du Bono follows the GR®34 along the shore to the far end of the Bay of Kerdréan. The route then passes along scenic sunken lanes and returns via former oyster beds. These beds bear witness to intensive oyster farming since the second half of the 19th century. The route description thus encompasses stretches of shoreline and sunken lanes, as well as traces of this former activity.

The coastal paths along the Rivière du Bono extend for more than eight kilometres and pass through wild landscapes. The two descriptions highlight different aspects: the circuit outlines a specific route and return journey, while the information about the coastal paths conveys their length and landscape.

Prehistoric and medieval traces

The Tumulus de Kernours was built during the Neolithic period. This funerary monument has a 18-metre-long, angled chamber. The site’s use is a separate matter: Kernours served as a necropolis for several millennia. The construction date of a single funerary monument and the site’s long use as a burial ground therefore represent two different historical time scales.

At the Church of Notre-Dame de Béquerel, the choir and north transept date from the late Middle Ages, shortly after 1453. The church was added to the register of historic monuments on 30 June 1925. Moulin de Kervilio is also part of the area’s cultural heritage: the mill, its mechanism and its dam were listed as a historic monument on 21 September 1987.

Forban boats and activities on the water

The Station de l’Ombrière at the Parcours pédagogique presents the history of the Forbans. These fishing boats, characteristic of Bono, are featured in the historical exhibit from the 18th century to the beginning of the 20th century. Notre Dame de Béquerel is also linked to this boatbuilding tradition: the historic sailing ship is a faithful replica of traditional Forban sailing ships, inspired by the Forban A 2246, built in 1912.

Le Forban du Bono offers regular trips on the Rivière d’Auray and the Rivière du Bono. Members of Le Forban du Bono also have the opportunity to sail on the historic boat Notre Dame de Béquerel. A guided kayak tour in Bono runs between the two rivers, passing through salt marshes, a refuge for birds, and oyster beds. It is available year-round on request and in summer according to the events calendar; times depend on the tides. Arrange a specific date with the provider in advance.

The Pardon on 15 August

The Pardon at Notre-Dame de Béquerel is celebrated every year on 15 August and includes a summer village festival each year. If you would like to plan your stay around this event, check the local event dates before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Campénéac, Pleucadeuc, Landaul, Sauzon, Hennebont, Languidic, Guémené-Sur-Scorff and Penvins.

For the regional travel overview: Morbihan.