Merged since 2016 with the town of Esquibien, Audierne draws the outlines of its town nestled at the foot of a hill on the Goyen estuary. In front of her, the vastness of the ocean stretches out, blending into the distance with the horizon. The fishing port, which has now become very active as a marina, specialized in sardines. For a long time, fishing and international maritime trade, particularly with Belgium and England, were the main activity. From 1900, lace workshops opened and replaced fishing in the midst of the crisis. But the fishermen do not give up and go fishing for lobster, lobster and spider crab. Now the city's economy is based on tourism. And the city does not lack assets for that. A long fine sand beach just 1,500 meters from the urban area, the Atlantic Ocean as a backdrop and the charm of the alleys escaping into the hills... everything is there to recharge your batteries and enjoy nautical activities in a setting postcard.
Sublime sites await you at Audierne. Starting with the Pointe du Raz, a place of striking beauty between a steep coastline, the Vieille lighthouse, an impetuous ocean where stands a stone's throw from the coast, the Ile de Sein and, between the reefs, the Ar-Men lighthouse. Nature, wild and rebellious, lets explode all its power and majesty. Site classified Natura 2000 and protected by the Conservatoire du Littoral, the Pointe du Raz is truly magnificent. On foot or by bike, explore the coastal paths, let the spray beat your face and admire the splendor of the place. You will have the possibility to rent electric bikes in front of the pier for the Ile de Sein. Moreover, embark from the port of Sainte-Evette, patron saint of fishermen, to go to the island of Sein and have another point of view on this emblematic point. Over there, a landscape as flat as the hand of a hardly tamed nature punctuated by lighthouses awaits you. Between beaches and port shelters, life is tasted to the rhythm of the ocean.
The walk through the heritage of Audierne promises to be rich in discoveries. On the one hand, the maritime heritage offers unmissable sites such as the Capucins footbridge and the towpath and Cap Sizun. The architectural heritage is discovered in the streets of the city. And it is during your walk that you will arrive at the Saint-Raymond church, built on the moat of the old castle, and sporting a very high Gothic-style bell tower. From an old house dating from the 15th century to a typical farmhouse planted on the heights of Audierne, the walk takes shape like a trip into the past.
The ocean allows you a multitude of water activities. Besides boating, you can practice scuba diving, paddle boarding or surfing. The ocean is also found in town at Aquashow. More than 50 aquariums bringing together various species of fish and many birds await you for a unique spectacle.
Culture is not forgotten at Audierne. You can visit Art Ria, a contemporary art space where each exhibition is renewed each month, and the Cap-Sizun maritime museum relating the local maritime history.
On horseback between July and August, you can attend the Festival des Arts de la Pointe. During a short month, many contemporary art exhibitions flourish in Audierne in free access. At the same time, the music festival, with its concerts, is in full swing. Music lovers and lovers of painting will find their happiness there.
The last week of August is Pardon de Saint-Raymond. It was then that the fun fair moved to Audierne. You will be able to enjoy the attractions for four days and taste donuts and cotton candy in a festive atmosphere. Fireworks bring the party to a close.
During the summer, you will also have the opportunity to discover the night market in Esquibien.
Maritime Festivals of Time Festival of Douarnenez or Brest in July, gathering of hundreds of old rigs from all over the world: Belem, Hermione, Etoile Marine...
