Pays des Abers, camping on a site of legends

plage de Landeda au pays des Abers © IStock

Located in the north-west of Brittany, the abers are estuaries that cut into the coast. There are three of them on the north coast of Finistère: the Aber-Benoît, the Aber-Wrac'h and the Aber-Ildut. Each one is different, but they all offer breathtaking landscapes that change with each tide. Superb viewpoints illuminated by the many lighthouses that characterise the Abers coast, also known as the coast of legends. But also a land of hikers and a significant built heritage. There is no doubt that campers will find happiness here, both in the accommodation and in the discovery of the place.

Campsites in the Pays des Abers

During your stay, choose a campsite to discover the Abers region. More fun than a hotel for children, the campsite thinks of the whole family by offering different activities for each of you. The La Grève Banche ** campsite in Plouguerneau has direct access to the beach, rentals, pitches and an artisanal bollard for motorhomes, within the grounds. The campsite Les Abers **** in Landéda offers kayaking, windsurfing and hiking.

Discover the Abers

Aber Benoît, between oysters and mills

The numerous mills, the oyster production, the diversity of the landscapes, the turquoise blue sea... are certainly the particularities of the Aber Benoît. Intense milling activity justifies the presence of 159 mills which used to operate and which today highlight the landscape in depth without damaging it. A walk called the Rand'Aber allows you to explore these mill landscapes by going to Plouvien, the commune where there are the most mills. In Plouguin, you can discover the Valley of the mills as well as an exceptional panorama of the Aber Benoît at the menhir of Lannoulouarn.

Discovering Aber Benoit also means tasting its culinary specialities, here, you will have guessed, it is the oysters. Nicknamed "the mother-of-pearl of the Abers", its inimitable taste of hazelnut and iodine and the high quality of its abundant flesh are due to the phenomenon of the tides and the exchange of fresh and salt water, unique in the Abers.

Situated at the mouth of the Aber-Benoît, the commune of Saint-Pabu has an immense dune massif, one of the largest in Finistère. Classified Natura 2000, it is known for its abundant fauna and flora. Saint-Pabu is a pretty seaside resort with superb beaches, white sandbanks and islets. Benniget and Ganaoc are small, charming and quiet beaches, perfect for relaxing. There is a magnificent view from the headland of Erleac'h beach, which is accessible to PRM. Finally, the foreshore and its beach of Corn-ar-Gazel are ideal for those who like to fish on foot at low tide. To discover the cultural and natural heritage of Saint-Pabu, the tourist office offers walking tours. And there is nothing better than a family walk to explore the beauty of the Aber Benoît and enjoy the splendid views of the Trevorc'h islands bird sanctuary and the archaeological site of Guenioc. It is easy to understand the name "Pearl of the Abers" given to this commune.

The Wrac'h aber, the largest of the Léon abers

Plouguerneau is the longest coastal town in France and is located in the heart of the Abers region on the right bank of the Aber Wrac'h. 65 km of walking to admire the superb landscapes, a beautiful built heritage and enjoy the magnificent beaches. On the banks of the Aber Wrac'h, a 6.5 km route will take you to the Devil's Bridge, built in one night by the devil according to legend... The site of Iliz Koz are the medieval remains and the witness of the silting up of the Léonard coastline. A museum gathers restored paintings and engravings as well as objects found on the site after the disaster, a remarkable place. Still in Plouguerneau, you can take advantage of the walk on the foreshore at low tide to reach the Wrac'h island, accessible only three hours before and three hours after low tide, which adds a little "adventure" to the expedition! Here it is difficult to miss the gardens and the bright colour of its flowers which stand out on the green lawn, the lighthouse where many animations are proposed, as well as organised exhibitions. The Ile Vierge and its famous lighthouses, real landmarks for sailors, is in fact home to two lighthouses, the first built in 1845 and the other 50 years later which is the highest in Europe and even the highest in the world at over 82 metres. Those who have the courage to climb the 365 steps are amply rewarded by the exceptional view of the Abers. The lighthouse of the Virgin Island can only be visited between April and October.

 

Located between Aber Benoit and Aber Wrac'h, Landeda is ideal for breathing fresh air. There are many walking trails to explore with the family and without difficulty. Like the beautiful white sandy beaches, there will always be one close to where you are! Like the charming chapels, stone crosses, fountains and wash houses that you come across on your walk and learn more about the history of Landeda. Like Fort Cézon, which you can reach at low tide, which was first a military fort with fortifications built under Vauban and then modified under Napoleon III until 1940 when several blockhouses were built, which gave the fort an important role during the war. The site on which the semaphore is built offers an exceptional view of the entrance to Aber Wrac'h. Today, the semaphore houses exhibitions and has not had its original function for over 30 years. Or finally, like the superb Abbey of the Angels dating from the beginning of the 16th century and entirely preserved, placed on the seafront with its delightful garden and its pretty ponds.

Aber-Ildut, the most secret of the Abers

Aber-Ildut is the most southern of the Abers. It flows into the Celtic Sea opposite the island of Ouessant. The ildut, the coastal river, is the shortest (3.5 km) and the narrowest of the 3 abers of Léon. Famous for its ancient pink granite quarries, it is also known as the home of Europe's first seaweed harbour, Lanildut, which specialises in the harvesting of seaweed - and more specifically, seaweed.