Description:

The area of  Finistere gets its name from its position as the most western are of France and comes from the Latin 'Finis Terrae' meaning 'Lands End'.  The region is known world wide for its impressive ancient megaliths and menhirs.

 

It is also home to the ancient region of la Cornouaille which was named by the ancient Celts who arrived here from Cornwall in England.  There are plenty of references to King Arthur and his knights too, as much part of folklore here as in Cornwall in England.

 

The people of Brittany are called Finisteriens and have a unique culture and retain an identity and traditions quite different from the rest of France.

 

 

Geography

 

Finistere is the western most region of France.  It is bordered to the north, west and south by the British Channel and the Atlantic Ocean.  The capital of the region is Quimper although its largest and most populated town is Brest. 

 

Finistere is the prime coastal department of France with 118 of the countries 283 coastal cantons and over 10% of all of Frances coastal towns.  Unusually four of the departments cantons are islands; Ile de Batz, Ile de Sein, Ile Mullein and Ile Ouessant.

 

The western most point of Finistere, known as the Pointe de Corsen, extends from the north western tip of the region and further south is the rugged headland of Pointe du Raz.

 

Notable features of the Finistere landscape include the heavy dome Menez Hom (330m) and Mount Locronan (284m) which although may not seem large appear mountainous due to the low lying nature of the department.  The area is also well known for its 'Abers' which are rugged fjord like inlets on the north coast.

 

Finistere has several coastal rivers and a dense network of small rivers and streams.  The most important is the 'Alder' which drains a large area of central Finistere between the Arree and the Black Mountains forming the basin Chateaulin.

 

 

Climate

 

Finistere usually enjoys mild winters and summers warm but cooler than in the south of the country.  Rain is most common throughout winter when frost and snow is rare.  Finistere is also known for being windy which is great for watersports enthusiasts.

 

 

Tourism

 

Finistere has an abundance of holiday accommodation to suit all personal needs and budgets.

 

The department is 2/3rds surrounded by sea with over 1200 km of coastline and so many visitors come to Finistere for its great beaches and watersports.

 

One of the most popular attractions in Finstere is the large sea aquariaum, Oceanopolis.  Other places worth a visit include the Musee de la Faience, Chateau de Brest,   Barnenez Cairn Trail and the Maison de la Duchesse Anne.

 

Finistere has a full range of events throughout the year including the  'Festival de Cornouaille' in July and the 'Fete Internationale de la Mer et des Marins'.

 

 

Sporting and other Activities

 

Due to its enviable coastal position Finistere has some great watersports facilities such as sailing, surfing and windsurfing.

 

Finistere is home to one of the most salmon rich rivers in France, the River Aulne, and anglers come from all over France to fish in its waters. 

 

Major sporting events in the department are the 'Grand Prix des Boucles de l'Aulne' a cycling race which is held every September and the 'Paris-Brest-Paris' 1200km bicycle endurance event.

 

Popular land based sports include Golf, Horseriding and Cycling.

 

 

Transport

 

The main airport within Finistere is at Brest which flies to some locations with the UK and the main ferry is at Roscoff Port which has services from France to England and Ireland.

 

The road network within Finistere is being continuously improved with new fast links being planned and built.

 

TGV rail links have developed to the main cities within the department and Paris can now be reached in 4 hours by train.

 

 

Economy

 

The average household income in Finistere is 14,808 € per year which is only slightly lower than the national average of 15,027 € per year.

 

Major industries within the department are agriculture and food processing.  The military presence in Finistere, the Ile Longue nuclear submarine base and the Naval Air base of Lanveoc Poulmic, as well as military related industries such as the Brest headquarters of DCNS employ a significant number of local residents.

 

 

More Information

 

Articles and further information is available on all of the following towns and villages in Finistere;

 

 

Arrondissements

 

Brest

 

Chateaulin

 

Morlaix

 

Quimper

 

 

Cantons

 

Arzano

 

Bannalec

 

Briec

Carhaix

Concarneau

Douarnenez

Huelgoat

 

 

Do you know the Finistere better than we do?  Please leave any comments, suggestions or advice to fellow readers below.

 

 

Check out Guide2Brittany for Finistere property, Finistere accommodation, Finistere events, Finistere news and classifieds in Finistere.