Carantec is a commune of Finistère in Brittany, located on the Channel coast, in the bay of Morlaix (city of which it is distant of a dozen kilometers).
Enjoying a climate softened by the gulf stream, Carantec was for a long time a locality with an agricultural vocation and focused on the harvesting of algae (seaweed) and fishing, before the establishment of a shipbuilding unit in the nineteenth. Then, from the beginning of the 20th century, it also changed into a seaside resort, highlighting its beaches and the attraction of its islands and islets accessible at low tide.
Its historical and natural heritage makes it a residential community, with nearly 3,300 inhabitants, but also a popular vacation spot.
If the castle of Taurus built in the 17th century, a fortified building built on a reef to protect Morlaix and its bay is located in the neighboring town of Plouezoc'h (although it is very visible from the coast of Carantec), other elements Heritage is worth a visit on the very territory of the resort.
This is the case of the church of Saint-Carantec, neo-gothic style, built in the 19th century but housing a cross of 17th century silver procession, representative of the rituals of yesteryear.
Former hunting rendezvous, embellished and renovated in the nineteenth, the manor of Rohou is a fine example of nobiliary construction. We will appreciate its majesty from the outside (it can not be visited).
On the other hand, one can discover the charms and small treasures of the islands which depend on Carantec. One thinks of the island of Louët and its lighthouse of 1857, and especially to the island Callot, connected to the continent by a pavement discovered at low tide (to be careful of the schedules!). The island, which is 2 km long and 150 to 300 m wide, has remained wild on its northern part, but at its highest point, its Notre-Dame chapel dating from the Early Middle Ages (renovated in the 17th century) is a place of secular devotion. You will notice its bell tower, its gallery (in the nave) and its classified woodwork.
A pardon was granted on August 15, the legacy of the times when the sailors and their families came to place themselves under the protection of Notre-Dame de Callot. The island as a whole, inhabited since the Iron Age and still numbering a hundred people in 1900, living from the harvest of seaweed, served for a long time as a refuge for the inhabitants of Carantec during troubled times.
Other walks, on foot or by bike, on the coast or in the land are proposed via marked and marked trails, to discover heritage and natural environment. Information on +33 2 98 62 14 94.
The maritime museum of Carantec is another place of necessity. Several permanent exhibitions trace the history of the sinking of the Alcide, a ship of corsairs stranded in 1747, the main hours of local shipbuilding, and the memorial of the Sibiril network, which gathered information and organized departures for England during the last war. More recently, a room has been arranged evoking the stay in June 1940 in Carantec of Mrs. De Gaulle and her family. Open during the Easter holidays and from mid-June to mid-September (the rest of the year only for groups). Price: 3 euros. Free for children. Information on +33 2 98 67 00 43.
On the sporting plan, Carantec has a 9 hole golf course ideally located by the sea. Initiation courses are possible. Information on +33 2 98 67 09 14.
Finally, enjoy the joys and possibilities of activities offered by the many beaches of the town, whose territory forms a real peninsula.
The beach of the Kelenn is family oriented, it has a first-aid station (operational in July-August) and facilities for people with reduced mobility. Games have been installed. It is also at this place that are based the nautical club with the sailing school and the club of rowing. For further information, please call +33 2 98 67 01 12. The Kelenn beach is also equipped with cabins, a diving board, and is lined with cafes and restaurants. Numerous animations in season.
The white beach, unguarded, is appreciated for its family and quiet character.
The beach of Clouët is equipped with a swimming pool of sea water and the coastal path that leads there is arranged for the pushchairs.
The beach of Cosmeur is located in a cove, along the coastal path of the customs officers. Not monitored.
Same description for the beach of Penker, while the beach of Tahiti is renowned for its golden sand and its tranquility. It is more difficult to access.
Finally, we will not forget the beaches of Callot Island. Not monitored, but synonymous with change of scenery.
On the artistic side, a winter fair offers exhibitions of professional artists in December and a show of works by amateur artists from 14 July to 15 August.
In summer, Les Soirées Transat offers on different sites (Jardin du Verger, Kelenn beach or Callot Island) tale evenings on Monday, theater shows, music, dance or cinema on Tuesdays, sporting events on Wednesdays, family programs Dedicated to children on Thursdays. Free. Information on +33 2 98 67 00 43.
In another area, to better know the wealth of the local terroir, visit the weekly market on Thursday morning at the Passage in Callot.
