La Forêt-Fouesnant combines beaches and water sports with golf, maritime history and remarkable heritage. The options range from a long sandy beach to churches and a megalithic site, with varying access and seasonal conditions.
Beach, coastal path and walks
Plage de Kerleven is the town’s main beach: more than a kilometre long, with fine sand and largely sheltered from the wind. It is suitable for swimming and relaxing. You can also enjoy various water sports at the beach, including aqua walking, towed-buoy rides, kitesurfing, stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking. The availability of these activities may vary by season.
Anse Saint-Laurent offers a different setting, with small, quiet beaches accessible on foot via the GR34 coastal path. The “Autour de l’anse Saint-Laurent” walking route starts near Plage de Kerleven and quickly leads into the countryside. So, as well as the beach and water sports, there are trails to choose from with different destinations and characteristics. Check trail conditions before setting out, as they may change.
Two more walking routes can be compared by length: “d’un port à l’autre” is 2.2 kilometres long, while “Autour des 2 anses” is 6.4 kilometres. If you are looking for the shorter of the two, the first is the right choice; the second is considerably longer.
Harbour, archipelago and golf
Port-La-Forêt is the marina in the bay of La Forêt-Fouesnant, opposite the Glénan archipelago. Excursions to the archipelago depart from here. Operators and timetables may vary by season; check departure times when planning your trip. The Vieux Port tells a different part of the town’s story: formerly known as Port “Stang Al Lestreg”, it was a centre of commercial exchange. Quays and two slipways were built there from 1850 onwards.
Golf de Cornouaille is located on the edge of the bay. Its course has 18 holes, a par of 71 and a length of 5,688 metres. Holes 9, 10 and 16 offer views of the Glénan archipelago. The golf course is open year-round, and its competitions are also open to non-members. Check the access conditions again before your trip. The Manoir de Mesmeur, an 18th-century building, houses the golf club’s headquarters and a restaurant with a bar.
Churches and megalithic heritage
Église Notre-Dame d’Izel Vor was built largely in the first half of the 16th century and has been classified as a historic monument since 8 June 1914. Inside, you will find 16th-century baptismal fonts, a depiction of the rosary and a baldachin altarpiece on the high altar. Église Notre-Dame Izel Vor offers insight both into the history of the building and its furnishings.
Le Cairn de Kerleven is a visible megalithic site protected by a fence and is also classified as a historic monument. It is dated to around 3000 BC. Archaeological investigations revealed three burials, each with an entrance passage; two of the tombs are still visible. The cairn is located on the grounds of the Domaine du Saint-Laurent campsite. Ask at reception if you would like access.
Chapelle de Peniti is a chapel built in the 18th century, with 14 frescoes depicting three rosaries. It is privately owned and closed to the public. In summer, however, the Nuits Celtiques de Peniti take place at the Théâtre de Verdure de Peniti: every year, the programme includes Celtic dance circles, bagadoù and traditional music groups. Dates and programmes may change; check the details before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Plouyé, Botmeur, Saint-Pabu, Kerlouan, Pont-Croix, Scrignac, Kerlaz, Saint-Derrien.
For the broader travel overview: Finistere.
