Description:

Briec was originally called Brithiacum by the romans and has seen many name changes before becoming renamed Briec in the 18th century.

Traditionally the town developed livestock in particular a unique type of horse called 'double bidets'.  The profits from this trade is still evident in the grand 15th century houses.

Briec is now a thriving market town.

Briec is in the department Finistere and covers 67.87 km².  The town is crossed by both the River l'Odet and the River Le Steir and is boarderd by the Alder Valley in the north.

The town is one of the 17 cantons of Quimper and is located 11 km north of the Quimper arrondissement.

There is a market in the centre of Briec every Friday morning as well as a large monthly market on the first Tuesday of every month.  Briec also has a grocery store, three bakeries, a butchers, a wine cave, a fishmongers, two clothes stores and three shoe shops.  For all other groceries there are two supermarkets in the town.

For more shops and larger chains visit Quimper which is only 11 km away.

Briec has two 'Ecoles Primaires et Maternelles' and two 'Colleges'.

Briec has two post offices, several hair salons and garages, three dentists, an ophthalmologist, four doctors practices, a vets, four banks, two pharmacies and a small library.   The town has a centrally located Gendarmerie and Pompier.  The nearest hospital is 11km away in Quimper.

For entertainment there are several restaurants and Cafes as well as the 'Arthemuse Cultural Centre' which hosts regular concerts, films and shows.

Briec has several Gite and Chambre d’Hotes accommodation options within the town.  Further visitor accommodation is readily available in the surrounding area with the nearest hotels in Quimper.

Briec's nearest beach is 25km away at Ty Anquer.

The town holds regular one off events such as carnivals, toy fairs and Fest Noz throughout the year.

Worth a visit:

• Visit the 15th century town church, L'eglise Saint Pierre, part of which had to be restored in 1802 after it was struck by lightening
• Take a tour around Briecs eight chapels.  A well planned out walk is available from the Tourist Office.   The chapels, mostly dating from the 16th and 17th century, include Chapelle Saint Venecie, Chapel San Sebastian, Saint Cecilia Chapel, Chapelle Saint Egarec, Chapelle de la Madeleine, Chapelle Saint Guenole, Chapelle Saint Corentin and the Chapel of Our Lady of Illijour

The town has a sports hall and a stadium and in the town you can enjoy martial arts, handball, badminton, pool, boxing, yoga, tennis, table tennis, archery, football, volleyball and gymnastics.

Other town associations include crafts, arts, environment, singing, Breton culture, art, computing, carpentry and drama.

In the surrounding area hunting, running, walking and cycling are also popular and well catered for.