Camping L’Atlantique: A Campsite near Fouesnant, Brittany

Camping L’Atlantique is located in the beautiful region of Fouesnant in Brittany, France. It offers a delightful camping experience surrounded by natural beauty and a serene atmosphere, making it popular with families. 

Where is Camping L’Atlantique?

Positioned out of the way, down a peaceful road, Camping L’Atlantique is a site that will appeal to anyone who wants pure relaxation. With a long stretch of beaches dotted with just a couple of bars and restaurants to enjoy, the closest town is Beg-Meil, which is either a 10-minute drive or can be reached via the shady cycle path next to the beach.

Beg Meil itself is known for its beautiful beaches, home to crystal clear waters perfect for swimming in. While busy during the warmer months, it still has a quaint village atmosphere. It retains its authentic Breton charm, with its traditional stone houses, narrow streets, small fishing harbour and cosy little cafes to enjoy.

The best beaches in town to visit are Plage de Beg-Meil, the main beach in the village and loved by locals and tourists alike. The sandy beach offers ample space for those wanting to sunbathe or have a picnic. Plage des Dunes, also known as Kermor Beach, is located just south of Beg Meil and is a favourite spot for nature lovers in search of a quieter location surrounded by sand dunes offering shelter from the wind. Finally, if you have younger children, you may prefer to visit Plage de Kerambigorn, just to the west of the village, known for its calmer waters and rock pools at low tide, offering a great opportunity for little ones to observe the local marine life.

Camping L’Atlantique: The facilities on offer

The campsite provides various accommodation options, including modern mobile homes, with deckings and gas BBQs and spacious pitches for tents, motorhomes and caravans. For those camping who want more luxury, you can also book a pitch with an ensuite bathroom, kitchen sink and an extra fridge attached. Intrigued, we booked one of these pitches during our stay, and honestly, it was the best decision we ever made. Not to say that the communal facilities were poor because everything was cleaned to a very high standard; we just enjoyed the ease of having everything we needed located directly on our pitch. It was like hiring a mobile home without the expense; we would recommend it to others.

All pitches are set within a natural environment surrounded by lush, well-maintained greenery and tall trees providing many emplacements with a good amount of shade while trying to instil a sense of tranquillity across the site and for those that do not opt for the ensuite facilities, the other sanitary blocks are all within easy walking distance of the pitches.

What can you do onsite?

Camping L’Atlantique provides a range of amenities and facilities to ensure a comfortable stay for visitors. 

The campsite boasts both an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, including slides that the family will enjoy. Just be mindful that this is a typical French campsite, and therefore, men will be expected to wear swimming briefs or small trunks. For those that prefer to wear swimming shorts, you will need to visit the beach, which is often quieter. Around the swimming pool, you will also find several sun loungers but expect your towel to be removed if you reserve a spot and don’t then use it.

For those that don’t necessarily want to sunbathe, you can always take advantage of the various sporting facilities, which include tennis courts, basketball courts, space to play boules or Pétanque plus mini-golf. There is also a kids’ club and playground for the younger campers.

At the heart of the campsite is a large, well-stocked supermarket which offers a selection of baked goods throughout the day, a restaurant and a large bar area. We cannot comment on the restaurant because we didn’t eat there, but the takeaway offers a good selection of pizzas. While they are not necessarily up to Italian standards, they were still better than many we have had. It is also worth noting that if you travel from the UK, beer is more expensive than you would typically pay, but if you prefer wine, this will be more appealing and leave less of a dent in your wallet.

What to Eat Locally

Beyond the campsite, Fouesnant and its surroundings offer an abundance of both attractions and cultural experiences. Along with beaches and nature reserves, many people visit this area of Brittany to experience the various gastronomical delights.

Brittany itself is renowned for its delicious crêpes and galettes. Crêpes are sweet, thin pancakes usually enjoyed with various fillings like Nutella, fruits, or caramel, while galettes are savoury buckwheat pancakes often filled with combinations like ham, cheese, and mushrooms. Other people travel to this coastal location to enjoy the variety of seafood and like to try local delicacies such as oysters, mussels, scallops, and lobster. 

If neither appeals, try a Kouign-Amann, a buttery, caramelised pastry that will satisfy any sweet tooth. It’s a delightful treat to enjoy with coffee or tea when out exploring.

Local Markets to Enjoy near Camping L’ Atlantique

#1 Fouesnant Market

Fouesnant has a market every Friday morning in the town centre, where you will find a variety of local produce, fresh seafood, cheeses, meats, baked goods and regional specialities. 

#2 Quimper Market

Quimper hosts a larger market on both Wednesdays and Saturdays. This market is renowned for its diverse range of products, including fresh fruits and vegetables, seafood, flowers, clothing and handicrafts. 

#3 Benodet Market

In the seaside town of Benodet, close to Fouesnant, there is a market held every Monday morning where you will find various local products, fresh seafood, organic produce, regional cheese, honey and artisanal crafts.

#4 Sainte-Marine Market

A local market is held each Thursday morning in the charming coastal village of Sainte-Marine. As well as local products and seafood, you can pick up fresh pastries and Breton specialities. 

Where to visit near Camping L’Atlantique

#1 Quimper

Quimper is the ancient Medieval capital of Cornouaille, the most traditional region in Brittany. It is now the capital of Finistere, with a history dating back to ancient times. It is closely intertwined with the region’s Celtic origins and later developed as a centre of trade and culture during the Roman period. 

Quimper also played a significant role in preserving the Breton language, culture and traditions, although it suffered heavily during World War II. Thankfully, the vibrant town is still home to half-timbered houses, narrow streets and stunning gothic-style architecture worthy of a visit.

While in Quimper, make sure to explore the picturesque old town (Vieux Quimper) with its cobbled streets, stroll along the banks of the Odet River, or take one of the scenic boat trips on offer before taking the time to explore the magnificent Quimper Cathedral (Cathedrale Saint-Corentin) dedicated to the first bishop of Cornouaille. Marvel at the stunning Gothic architecture, intricate stained glass windows, and beautiful sculptures. The cathedral also houses a treasury with religious artefacts and works of art.

Afterwards, you can browse the many boutiques that line the streets or explore the art galleries. Both the Musee des Beaux-Arts and the Quimper Faience Museum are worthwhile and showcase a large selection of the town’s artistic heritage and explore how the town’s pottery industry thrived along with the production of faience, tin-glazed earthenware still popular today.

#2 Concarneau

Concarneau is a historic fortified town with a rich history dating back centuries and played a significant role in maritime trade and defence. 

Where Concarneau stands now has been inhabited since prehistoric times before becoming a settlement for both the Celts and Romans. However, it was during the Medieval era that the town of today began to take shape when in the 12th century, a fortified castle was constructed on a small island off the coast and formed the foundation of the town’s defensive system, playing as a residence for local lords as well as protecting the region. However, It wasn’t until the 14th and 15th centuries that the town’s fortifications were developed, and these walls and ramparts still stand today. 

Concarneau’s walled town is now a major tourist attraction and housed within you will find a labyrinth of narrow streets, art galleries, independent shops and restaurants. You can also visit the castle, enjoy panoramic views of the harbour from the ramparts and observe local fishermen while taking in the maritime atmosphere and Breton charm before heading to the lively fish market to choose some fresh seafood delicacies.

Concarneau is on the coast and boasts some beautiful sandy beaches, with Plage des Sables Blancs and Plage de Cornouaille being popular choices. If you have longer, you could also take a boat trip to the Glénan Islands, an archipelago known for its turquoise waters and pristine beaches that resemble a tropical paradise.

#3 Pont-Aven

Pont-Aven is a picturesque town known for its association with the artistic movement of the Pont-Aven School, although its history dates back far further. During the Middle Ages, Pont-Aven flourished as a milling centre, with numerous mills and watermills being built along the river, utilising water power to grind grain and produce flour.

It was during the late 19th century that artists began to arrive and change the direction of the town. Led by artists like Paul Gauguin, Emile Bernard and Paul Serusier, who drew inspiration from the local landscapes of rural life and Breton cultures, their brightly coloured works inspired the Pont-Aven school. It is this artistic legacy that continues to attract many visitors today. Some come to paint while others wander the art galleries, museums, exhibitions or participate in workshops.

Walking along the Aven River, you can take in the charming views of the town’s historic buildings and bridges while listening to the gentle flow of water. Take advantage of the famous La Promenade Xavier Grall, a scenic riverside walk dedicated to the Breton Poet of the same name. From here, you can also take a boat trip to the charming island of Groix, where you can relax on its pristine beaches.

#4 Locronan

The origins of Locronan can be traced back to the 5th century when a hermit named Ronan settled in the area. This hermit became a revered figure, and a monastic community was established around his tomb, which led to the development of a religious centre and the founding of a monastery. Today you can visit the Church of St. Ronan, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture built in the 15th century to honour the hermit. When you step inside to admire the impressive interior, look at the ornate altarpiece and stained glass windows.

Later, the town became renowned for its linen and woollen cloth production, with weavers and dyers gaining fame for their high-quality products. The wealth generated from this industry contributed to the construction of impressive stone granite buildings all across town.

It is thanks to Locronan’s well-preserved medieval and Renaissance architecture, along with the many charming squares, that the town was designated as a ‘Petite Cite de Caractere’ (Small town of Character) in 1962, and in 1991 it was classified as a ‘Plus Beaux Villages de France; which translates as one of the most beautiful villages in France. 

#5 Douarnenez

Douarnenez has a long history as a fishing port and a maritime centre, with fishing activities dating back centuries when it became a central hub for the sardine fishing industry. It is also known for its shipbuilding abilities, where the town saw a boom in ship construction during the 19th century. These ships participated in fishing expeditions, trade voyages and even exploration journeys to Newfoundland and Iceland. Today, you can see more about this heritage at the Port-Musee, which displays historic boats and artefacts.

When planning a visit, make sure to include a visit to the historic harbour of Port-Rhu to admire the traditional fishing boats and sailboats before heading into the old town to wander around the well-preserved traditional Breton houses before stopping at one of the many cafes where you can enjoy a regional treat. You could also take a boat trip to explore the coastline and visit Ile Tristan, a small island with a charming fishing village or join a guided kayak tour to discover the hidden coves and stunning cliffs. 

These villages offer unique experiences showcasing Brittany’s rich culture and heritage.

Overall Thoughts on Camping L’Atlantique

While it is less remote than some French campsites, you will require a car or a bike to get around locally. Buses are less frequent than you may like, so this should be considered when planning a visit.

If you are, however, looking for a relaxing onsite experience, Camping L’Atlantique can offer a tranquil setting to get away from it all and enjoy a week by the beach. The campsite supermarket is well stocked and reasonably priced, making it a good option for those with limited transport or those needing a top-up during their stay.

Smaller children have plenty to do onsite and are well catered for, but teenagers may struggle after a few days as they have limited entertainment. However, the internet is reasonable and will undoubtedly be important to this age group. Most of the entertainment is geared towards a more French-speaking audience, which is something to consider if you want to spend your evenings watching shows, listening to live music or participating in a quiz night. 

As a couple, we stayed for five days, and because we had the camper, we felt that this was long enough as we struggled to sit in one place for too long. If you have a second vehicle with you, a two-week holiday in this region could provide you with a good mix of culture and relaxation.

If you are considering visiting this area in your campervan, and looking to travel from the ferry ports of Normandy or Calais, you may also be interested in visiting Honfleur or Mont Saint Michel.

For further examples of accommodation and campsites in this area, follow the link here >>> Accommodation options.

Have you visited Camping L’Atlantique near Fouesnant? What recommendations do you have for others visiting the area?

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