Introduction
Concarneau is one of the major ports of Cornouaille, famous for its Ville Close — a fortified town set on an islet in the middle of the harbour, linked to the mainland by a bridge. It is at once a major fishing port, a well-equipped marina and a lively port of call, ideally placed as a staging post for the Glénan Islands, some ten miles offshore.
Between the ramparts of the Ville Close, the bustle of the fish auction and the atmosphere of the quays, Concarneau makes for a lively stop, rich in services and maritime history.
Approach & access
The approach is through the Baie de la Forêt, open and well marked, then through the harbour entrance channel. The harbour is accessible at all states of the tide. Fishing traffic is heavy: keep a good lookout near the fish auction and the fishing harbour.
Practical notes — The bay is exposed to southerly winds; in a southerly gale the sea can build up on the approach. The access channel and the approaches to the marina are well marked; follow the marks and give way to commercial and fishing traffic. Details of berths and depths to be confirmed with the harbour office.
Harbour & anchorage
- Concarneau marina — visitors’ pontoons, close to the Ville Close; well equipped.
- The fishing harbour (Ville Close) — an area of commercial activity; follow the instructions given.
- At anchor — options in the bay depending on the wind, but the harbour remains the most practical option.
Services ashore
Concarneau is a very well-serviced port of call:
- Harbour office, water and electricity on the pontoons, fuel.
- Toilets, showers; boatyards, chandlers and repairers (a major port).
- Full provisioning: shops, a supermarket, a market; fish auction and fishmongers.
- Boat links and excursion boats to the Glénan Islands in season; railway station nearby for a crew change.
Things to see & do
- The Ville Close — a fortified town from the 14th–16th centuries, with its ramparts and narrow streets.
- The fishing harbour and the fish auction — one of France’s major tuna ports.
- The Musée de la Pêche (fishing museum) — inside the Ville Close.
- The beaches and the Baie de la Forêt — close by.
During the course — Concarneau is an excellent staging port: provisioning, manoeuvres in a lively, busy harbour, then out to the Glénan Islands. Here you work on sailing among traffic and on preparing an offshore leg to the archipelago.
