A discovery of the local heritage can begin with the main megalithic monuments that mark out its territory. This is the case of the Poulguen tumulus, which dates from 4000 BC, consisting of a dolmen comprising two chambers which housed burials. Some vertical slabs are engraved.
We should also mention the menhir of the Virgin, 6 m high, that of the Bishop, nearby, 9 m high and especially the alignments of the Madeleine, which originally included more than 600 menhirs. There are about fifty left, the others having been victims of the expansion of arable land.
The majority of churches and chapels in Penmarc'h are then worth a detour. Such as the Saint-Nonna church, in the town, erected in 1508 in a flamboyant Gothic style. Its imposing dimensions are reminiscent of a small cathedral, and testify to the prosperity of the time. The imposing square tower (which served as an observatory because the bell tower was not built) and the flat apse are characteristic. Outside, in addition to the gargoyles adorning the tower, there are many sculpted boats and a horse's head (in reference to the name of the city). Inside, the paneled vault of the nave, the tombstones on the floor decorated with designs representing anchors or fish, the stained glass windows from the 16th and 19th centuries, as well as the important statuary still testify to the importance of the church. Open daily in July and August. Traditional pardon on Sunday in July.
Next, the Notre-Dame de la Joie chapel, on the coast between Saint-Pierre and Saint-Guénolé. Dating from the 15th century for its oldest parts, we note its cover in the shape of an inverted shell, the 18th century altarpiece and numerous ex-votos. The Calvary is also from the 16th century. The listed building is open every day in summer. The pardon takes place on August 15.
At Saint-Guénolé, the church is contemporary (1954) but houses a polychrome wooden statue from the 15th or 16th century. In the same village, a square tower from the 15th century remains the only vestige of an old church from the 15th or 16th century. The rest of the building did not survive. Free visit in the afternoon in July and August.
Finally, let us also mention in Kérity the Sainte-Thumette church (16th century, restored) of Gothic style which would have been founded by the Templars and the chapel of the Madeleine (15th and 16th century, stained glass windows from the 20th century), listed, which houses a 16th century Pietà whose interior layout suggests that the sick (lepers) could attend the office without risk of contamination... As for the chapel of Saint-Pierre, equipped with a 14th century tower, but restored in the 19th and 20th centuries, it hosts painting exhibitions in July and August.
On the civil level, the manor of Pors-Lambert (15th century) and its turret, those of Kerbezec (16th century), Kerouzy (former fortified house of the 15th century) can enhance a walk.
In a completely different register, the other major buildings of Penmarc'h are its beacons.
The most impressive is that of Eckmühl, inaugurated in 1897 and financed by the daughter of Marshal Davout, named Prince of Eckmühl after a Napoleonic victory. From its summit (it is 65 m high), after having climbed more than 300 m, one enjoys a spectacular view over the bay of Audierne. Open daily from April to November. Nocturnes on Tuesday in July and August. Price: 1.20 and 2.70 euros. Information on +33 2 98 58 72 87. At the end of August, the world championship for climbing the lighthouse is organized and at the end of September a day is dedicated to abseiling!
At the foot of this emblematic monument of the city still in use, the Old Lighthouse is also worth a visit. Dating from 1835, it now houses a Maritime Discovery Centre, and can be visited all year round. On the ground floor, an exhibition relates the history of lighthouses and beacons. Upstairs, artistic exhibitions are presented. Open from April to September and during school holidays. Price: 1.70 and 3.20 euros. Information on +33 2 98 58 72 87.
Don't forget the semaphore, put into service under the Second Empire, and still operational. The Navy monitors the maritime and air space there. Visits are suspended due to the Vigipirate plan.
Definitely very rich in cultural terms, Penmarc'h has several museums.
The Museum of Prehistory presents a collection of 3000 archaeological pieces. Open in July and August and during school holidays. Admission 2.50 and 3.50 euros. Information on +33 2 98 58 60 35.
Very symbolic of the city's maritime vocation, the Papa Poydenot museum, named after a lifeboat, retraces the history of rescue at sea. Open from April to september. FREE ENTRANCE. Information on +33 2 98 58 67 36.
In a different genre, the Galenium museum evokes the history of transistor radios and presents a rich collection of radios or record players… Visit by appointment. Contact +33 2 98 66 82 58. Finally, Le Hangar de Jean presents a collection of 40 Solex models and documents referring to this motorized bicycle that has become a legend… Open from April 1 to October 15 on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday mornings. Free admission.
Specialized in sardines, 7th port in France in terms of fresh fishing, the port of Saint-Guénolé can be the object of an instructive visit proposed by the Tourist Office. We follow the progress of operations since the return of the boats. Reservation on +33 2 98 58 81 44.
In Kérity and Saint-Pierre, the ports are now reserved for yachting.
On the beach side, Penmarc'h has three beaches totaling more than 8 km of fine sand dedicated to idleness, swimming and water sports.
The largest, the Ster, facing south, is recommended for families and sailing enthusiasts. Facilities for people with reduced mobility are available. Swimming supervised in July and August.
In Saint-Guénolé, Joie beach is 500 m long, and Pors Carn beach, 2 km long, is popular with surfers.
For introductory lessons or advanced courses or courses, a surf school is present in the town. Contact +33 2 98 58 81 44. For sailing and related activities, contact the municipal nautical center on +33 2 98 58 64 87.
But hikers and mountain bikers can also take advantage of the coast and the environmental heritage of the town, like the marshes of La Joie and Lescors, with their rich ecosystem.
Penmarc'h offers 32 km of footpaths including the customs officers' path, and has top-notch cycling routes including a section of the Solar Wind Route dotted with educational boards. Maps and information on +33 2 98 58 81 44.