What to see in Pont-l’Abbé, road trip across French Britain
Pont-l’Abbé is one of the places we visited in the road trip through French Brittany.
This town is part of art and history cities and historic cities, in French: “Villes d’Art et Histoire et Villes Historiques”.
Today’s post I want to tell you what to see and do in Pont-l’Abbé. What are the must-see places you need to know and some close visits you can make.
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Visits Pont-l’Abbé
Pont-l’Abbé is a small but very picturesque town. Park near the inhabited bridge, there’s usually room and from there you take a walk quietly.
The church of Lambour
Depends where park your car, this may be the first visit or the last one.
This church was built in the 13th century and during the 1675 revolt they toppled the Bell tower. Today we can see its ruins, which you can visit all the year.
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The port and the inhabited bridge
During the century XVIII and XIX the port of Pont-l’Abbé was a very important commercial place. Here the grain, fish and potatoes were exported and the wine was imported, the salt and spices.
Today we can see some boats, mostly recreational. But it’s a very nice place to take a walk and see the city’s inhabited bridge. The bridge is one of the nine inhabited bridges in France.
Le Chateau des Barons du Pont
This castle is built between the 13th and 14th centuries in order to serve as a fortress to the Baroness du Pont. In 1675, there was a revolt called “the revolt of the hats where the inhabitants were protesting against the new tax hike. They destroyed and burned the castle.
In the early 18th century, the main building was rebuilt. During the revolution, it used as a prison, and today is the Town Hall of Pont-l’Abbé and the Bigouden Museum.
The monument to the Bigoudens of Pont-l’Abbé
This work of granite and bronze by Francois Bazin, won the National Prize in 1929. This work represents 4 women and a girl: grandmother, mother, sister, daughter and the young daughter, the five ages of life. They’re thinking about their children, siblings, husbands and grandchildren, who fight the storms in the sea. On the sides, you’ll see two low bronze reliefs, illustrating scenes of Celtic mythology.
The Church of Notre Dame des Carmes
The Church of Notre Dame des Carmes (Our Lady of the Carmelites) is the former chapel Carmelite convent founded in 1383 by Baron Hervé IV Du Pont and his wife Péronnelle de Rochefort who appealed to the religious of the order of the Mount Carmel to instruct and catechize the people in his domain. It is built a convent, a cloister and a church, the works are completed in 1411.
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In 1792, the convent and the cloister are sold as national property, and the church is becomes a parish. In 1879, the city bought the convent to convert it in school. In 1880 the cloister was demolished, located in the southern area.
Pay attention to the bell tower of 1603 and its 15th-century rose window.
After visit the church, go down Church Street (Rue de l’Eglise) and walk a little bit through the streets Pasteur, Marceau, Château, des Carmes…
Gambetta Square and Republic Square
These two squares were important places of commerce in Pont-l’Abbé. and they still nowadays. , every Thursday the largest market in the region takes place here.
What to see near Pont-l’Abbé
Near Pont-l’Abbé there are very cool places to visit. We only saw the lighthouse of Eckmel, because we’re running out of time. But you can continue the visit and you tell us your experiences.
- Lighthouse of Elckmel, climb its steps and contemplate the view from the heights. Walk the coast to St. Guénolé. Don’t forget to try the sweet crepes, they are typical of this area.
- Le Guilvinec. It’s very interesting to go to the port when the fishermen come back.
- Lesconil. If you go on a stormy day, it’s great for watching the waves break against the locks.
- Ile-Tudy, ideal for a bike ride.
Prepare your Trip
Are you planning a road trip through French Brittany? Don’t miss our itinerary for a short trip.
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