Ville Close, the Fortified Island of Concarneau in Brittany, France

The medieval fortifications Ville Close is a fortified island of Concarneau. It stands on a extensive island in the centre of Concarneau harbour. The walled city Ville Near has only a couple slender streets and is just a quick length from the metropolis and port. 

The origin of the Ville Close dates back again to the 15th century. During the adhering to hundreds of years, it is the centre of Concarneau. Presently, with an place of 350 metres by 100 metres, Ville Shut is 1 of the most frequented web sites in Brittany and is quite crowded in the summer seasons. The good thing is, we explored this position in autumn throughout our two-week highway excursion to Brittany. There had been only a number of individuals have been strolling all over, most locals.   

View from the entrance of Ville Near Previous Fortified Island

A number of metres off the coastline in the harbour, a drawbridge connects the land and Ville Near Old Fortified Island. But prior to crossing the drawbridge, from the harbourside, I could acquire some wonderful images of the rocky island and the cupola-clock tower experiencing the coast of Concarneau.

Eager to enter the island, we did not recognize that I was standing upcoming to an anchor. The anchor and the clock tower are the great aspects for a vertical photo environment. On leaving, we spotted this viewpoint, the most intriguing aspect of Ville Close, and hence departed with pleasure. 

Walking on the partitions of the Ville Shut

The quaint drawbridge leads to the outdated town. Passing ideal at the rear of the drawbridge, then climbing a couple measures up, we identified ourselves on the medieval walls. From the two towers on the two sides of the drawbridge, I experienced wonderful sights of the fishing port and Concarneau bay. Autumn would seem to be an off-year there because we were being the only site visitors strolling on the partitions on that day. But in the summer months seasons, when extra people arrive, there would be not significantly area to share.

The eastern facet of the island, about a 3rd of the total island, is a compact hilly park, from wherever a passenger ferry runs across the inlet to the reverse quay at Put Duquesne. In several areas, stairs from aged partitions guide to the ground level. 

Picturesque streets and squares

The main road Rue Vauban starts off from the key entrance gate and crosses the island, connecting the square, Spot Saint-Guénolé. Stone residences had been transformed into beautiful properties, shops, galleries, and places to eat. Many stores provide Breton souvenirs and area food and many others. 

The autumn temperature in Brittany is chillier than predicted. Assumably, it would get chillier through the second 7 days on the northern coastline of Brittany, the place we would stay, so I prepared to get a jacket to safe myself for the cooler weather. Therefore, I opted for a apparel store and hoped to obtain a windproof or water resistant jacket. Just after a brief look for, I understood that most jackets in this shop were being the regular waxed Breton water-resistant coat for fishermen, a design and style that matches the entire household and primarily differs in colour. Through the adhering to days of our holiday break, I observed these types of apparel outlets in various cities and even in modest cities, this kind of as the fishing village Paimpol. 

Most places to eat open around lunchtime. Inside 50 % an hour, most eating places were getting crowded. Following a quick examination of menus from several dining establishments, we went into L’Ecume de la Ville Shut at the Saint-Guénolé sq.. I also purchased a pork dish cooked in cider, a standard Breton dish. The food items had a robust flavour and boosted my appetite.  

Going to the Fishing Museum

A couple of metres away from the major gate is the fish museum, Musée de la Pêche. From 1850, Concarneau experienced created numerous canneries. About a hundred sardine and tuna fishing boats and about 30 factories supported the nearby financial system. The museum presents exciting information and facts about industrial fishing and how it has evolved. 

Journey strategies for Ville Near, the Fortified Island of Concarneau

There are numerous massive parking parts in the harbour places, for instance, Quai d’Aiguillon Parking and Location Du 8 Mai 1945 Parking. They are just in close proximity to the entrance of Ville Shut.

If you arrive from the south by motor vehicle, the closest parking place is in close proximity to the quay at Spot Duquesne. From there, consider the ferries by way of Bac du Passage to the island. The ferry fees about 1 Euro per ride.

The greatest way to examine the island is to wander at will. If you only have a couple of hours in Concarneau, you should really spend the time on the island. 

If you system to continue to be there, you can uncover inns in close proximity to Ville Close as well. The next two lodging are my good picks: