Pont-Aven brings together walking paths along the Aven, an artistic heritage associated with Paul Gauguin, and Galettes de Pont-Aven. This gives you different options for your stay: river and woodland, the Chapelle de Trémalo, or a look at how the pastries are made. First, consider whether you want to spend most of your time outdoors, exploring the area’s art history, or enjoying a culinary visit.

Walking along the river

The Bois d’Amour is a wooded riverside walking path near the centre of Pont-Aven. A short circular route leads from the town centre along both banks of the river to the Bois d’Amour. The Promenade Xavier Grall follows the Aven via footbridges and through woodland to the river’s granite boulders. The large boulders were shaped by erosion, rain, wind and the current of the Aven.

The signposted Circuit du Haut Bois is another option: the walking route in Pont-Aven is 9 kilometres long and of moderate difficulty. There are several types of route to choose from: a walking path in the Bois d’Amour, a promenade with footbridges and granite, and a clearly identified hiking route. Conditions on the route and access details for the Circuit may change; check both before setting out.

Art in the chapel and history in the woods

The Chapelle de Trémalo dates from the 16th century. It is privately owned but open to the public year-round. Check access details before your trip. Inside, the chapel houses a polychrome wooden Christ that inspired Paul Gauguin’s “Christ Jaune.”

The Bois d’Amour is also associated with an episode in art history: Paul Sérusier’s first stay in Pont-Aven in September 1888 and his meeting with Gauguin are linked to the woods. Gauguin’s famous lesson for Sérusier, during which he created the painting later known as “The Talisman,” is said to have taken place in the heart of the woods.

Galettes and pastry making

The Biscuiterie de Pont-Aven opens its production workshop to visitors. There, you can watch Galettes de Pont-Aven, palets, madeleines and kouign-amann being made according to traditional recipes using churned butter. The visit ends with a complimentary tasting accompanied by a bowl of cider. Since visitor arrangements may change, check the current conditions before planning your visit.

For more than a century, the Biscuiterie Traou Mad has been making Galettes de Pont-Aven according to a traditional Breton recipe. Both the workshop production and the long-standing recipe tradition of the galettes are culinary highlights to explore during your stay.

Choose accommodation to suit your itinerary

The Circuit du Haut Bois is clearly defined as a 9-kilometre route of moderate difficulty; the Bois d’Amour and Promenade Xavier Grall offer riverside walks.

Explore more destinations: Saint-Méen, Treflez, Bénodet, Irvillac, Pleyben, Châteaulin, Arzano, Bourg-Blanc

For the main travel overview: Finistere.