The painter's city from our hotel near Pont Aven: Naéco Le Pouldu
Crossed by the Aven river, this charming old town owes its renown to the school of painters. If the Pont-Aven village is renamed « The city of painters »It's not for nothing. Since 1860, generations of artists from all walks of life have been seduced by the singularity and charm of these streets. This pretty city of character is also famous for its galettes, the famous «galettes".« galettes de Pont-Aven »You'll have the opportunity to taste them between two art galleries.
A day at Pont-Aven in South Finistère
To help you organize your visit to Pont-Aven, we've put together a day-long program for you:
First of all, you can park along the Port of Pont-Aven, Parking is not free from June 15 to September 15, but free the rest of the year. Then walk along the port where the river Aven flows, and on your way you'll come across the Pont-Aven bridge to whom the town owes its name. Then you'll reach the village level, where it's pleasant to stroll from gallery to gallery. If you're feeling peckish, don't hesitate to try some Breton galettes. The best-known are those from Traou Mad cookie factory.
Along your walk, you can admire several mills, the bust of Paul Gauguin and the pretty hydrangea-decorated facades of the houses. Stop off at the walk by Xavier Grall, a gentle moment where you can stroll along the banks of the Aven. A flowery, shady spot that will take you to the Bois d'Amour.
Visit bois d'Amour is a mythical place that has inspired painters such as Paul Sérusier and his famous «Talisman», a manifesto of the Nabi movement. Along the river, you'll once again come across some of the 14 mills that inhabit the town, as well as some beautiful trees. For those who wish, there's also a 13 km hike in the Bois d'Amour.
In this wood, discover the Trémalo chapel. A small, historic Gothic-style chapel, world-famous for the polychrome wooden Christ that inspired Gauguin's «Yellow Christ».
A little history and culture at «La cité des peintres»
Finally, turn around and finish your stroll on the other side of the riverbank, which is just as charming. You can stop off at the Pont Aven Museum, a permanent collection dedicated to the history of the artistic life in Pont-Aven.
Multimedia devices, suitable for all ages, help visitors understand the artistic effervescence that animated Pont-Aven at the end of the 19th century, thanks to artists such as Paul Gauguin, Émile Bernard, Paul Sérusier and Maurice Denis.
If you would like to have lunch on site, I hear that the crêperie Le Talisman is the best around! But don't forget to book!
Your accommodation in South Finistère at Naéco Hostels
Since our hostel Naéco le Pouldu, you're just 30 minutes from Pont-Aven. When you stay with us, you'll enjoy a peaceful setting just a stone's throw from the ocean and the GR34. We offer you a moment of relaxation close to nature!
If you dream of adventure, you can also visit Pont-Aven on a road trip in a converted van.
Follow in Gauguin's footsteps from Le Pouldu to Pont-Aven...
