Common Brittany of nearly 13 500 inhabitants, Plougastel-Daoulas takes place in the department of Finistère, in the harbor of Brest. It is located on a peninsula at the mouth of the Elorn.
It was in the 6th century that the parish of Plougastel was founded. However, it was not until the eleventh century that the commune took the name. But it is particularly in the 15th and 16th centuries that the city developed, notably through the cultivation of hemp and flax and the trade of canvases. Today, and since the eighteenth century, the economy of Plougastel-Daoulas is mainly focused on the cultivation of strawberries which are known to have an important reputation.
Tourism is also a rich activity in Plougastel-Daoulas through many natural sites, beaches or even an architectural heritage not lacking interest. Proud of its traditions and its culture, the Breton commune continues today to put forward its past and its folklore through events organized throughout the year.
The religious heritage of Plougastel-Daoulas is particularly rich. There are no less than eight chapels on the peninsula and each one bears witness to the important history of the region. Built at the end of the 17th century, the Sainte-Christine chapel features beautiful statues from the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries. In its cemetery one can also admire a geminated statue of St. Christina and the Blessed Virgin. The chapel of Saint-Adrien, from the mid-16th century, also has beautiful polychrome statues. The smallest chapel of Plougastel-Daoulas, that of Saint-Trémeur reveals a Pietà of the seventeenth century as well as a statue of the Eternal Father of the fifteenth century. Walking along the town, you can also enjoy the chapels of Our Lady of the White Fountain and its tympanum of flamboyant style, Saint-Claude, Saint-Guénolé, Saint-Languy or Saint-Jean.
Formerly a priory of the abbey of Daoulas, the church of Saint-Pierre dates back to the seventeenth century. Destroyed in the 19th century, it was replaced by a neo-Gothic church, which was also destroyed during bombardments in 1944. It was rebuilt hastily following the Second World War and now consists of a building with a concrete bell tower. Beautiful vestiges of furniture like its two altarpieces.
Owning a very extensive coastline, Plougastel-Daoulas includes no fewer than seven ports. Please pay special attention to Lauberlac'h and Tinduff. The first is a shellfish harbor that used to be a strawberry loading hut for England. That of Tinduff was formerly the most animated of the whole commune and was famous for its plums. Today, it is a very popular marina.
Several beaches are accessible on the coastline of Plougastel-Daoulas, like the one of Porsmeur. It is possible to bathe, to walk along marked trails or to practice various water sports.
Plougastel-Daoulas has an important natural heritage like the famous rocks of Plougastel which dominate the estuary of Elorn. You will particularly admire those of the Empress and the Imperator, made of Devonian sandstone and dotted with veins of quartzite and marble. They are very good climbing spots for enthusiasts and experienced sportsmen.
To enjoy a breathtaking view of the harbor of Brest and the coast, direction the panorama of Kéraménez. Situated at an altitude of 85 meters, it is one of the must-see sites in the commune of Plougastel-Daoulas.
The town has a small museum of Strawberry and Patrimoine which presents the whole history of Plougastel through its costumes, architecture, agriculture, or even its furniture. The strawberry, of type gariguette, also has its place.
As you walk through the city, you will enjoy various fountains, the most famous of which is the White Fountain. The current building dates from the 17th century and houses a statue of the Madonna and Child. Considered miraculous, the water of the fountain is renowned for curing rachitic children or suffering from swelling.
To walk and discover the Breton nature, direction the island Ronde, located off of Plougastel-Daoulas, the point Doubidy, the point of the Caro or even the point of the Raven. There are several signposted hiking trails.
The commune of Breton boasts two exceptional ships, the Saint-Guénolé, a shellfish of the mid-twentieth century, and the Marie-Claudine, a boat from the Brest harbor built on plans of the eighteenth century and classified as a patrimonial interest.
The market takes place every Thursday morning. At the end of the year, the city also organizes a Christmas market.
The fair of Saint-Modeste takes place in February with its garage sale.
The Festival of the Fires of Humor takes place in May with several humorous shows.
The Elorn bridge race, organized in May, offers 8.5 km, 15 km, nature walks and circuits for children.
Every second Sunday in June, the city celebrates the strawberry with a folk parade.
The Maërl festival is a traditional festival that takes place in July.
In summer, Plougastel-Daoulas hosts Trans-Plougastel, a yoles regatta.
The singing of the chapels takes place in July and August. On the program, musical concerts in the eight chapels of Plougastel-Daoulas.
