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 long island in the centre of Concarneau harbour. The walled town Ville Shut with only a few slim streets is a limited length from the metropolis and port. 

The origin of the Ville Close dates again to the 15th century. During the next hundreds of years, it is the centre of Concarneau. Today, with an place of 350 metres by 100 metres, Ville Near is just one of the most visited web pages in Brittany and is pretty crowded in the summer season seasons. The good thing is, we explored this spot in autumn through our two-week highway trip to Brittany. There were being only a couple people ended up going for walks all-around, most locals.   

Watch from the entrance of Ville Shut Aged Fortified Island

A several metres off the coast in the harbour, a drawbridge connects the land and Ville Shut Aged Fortified Island. But just before crossing the drawbridge, from the harbourside, I could choose some fantastic pics of the rocky island and the cupola-clock tower experiencing the coastline of Concarneau.

Keen to enter the island, we did not notice that I was standing future to an anchor. The anchor and the clock tower are the best things for a vertical photograph placing. Upon leaving, we noticed this viewpoint, the most intriguing element of Ville Close, and consequently departed with fulfillment. 

Walking on the walls of the Ville Near

The quaint drawbridge prospects to the outdated city. Passing suitable behind the drawbridge, then climbing a handful of steps up, we uncovered ourselves on the medieval walls. From the two towers on both sides of the drawbridge, I had fantastic views of the fishing port and Concarneau bay. Autumn seems to be an off-year there considering that we were being the only readers strolling on the partitions on that day. But in the summer seasons, when far more guests get there, there would be not considerably place to share.

The jap aspect of the island, about a third of the full island, is a little hilly park, from the place a passenger ferry operates throughout the inlet to the reverse quay at Put Duquesne. In a number of areas, stairs from outdated partitions lead to the floor stage. 

Picturesque streets and squares

The main street Rue Vauban starts from the primary entrance gate and crosses the island, connecting the sq., Area Saint-Guénolé. Stone houses ended up transformed into desirable structures, stores, galleries, and dining places. Several retailers provide Breton souvenirs and community foods and so forth. 

The autumn temperature in Brittany is chillier than predicted. Assumably, it would get chillier throughout the 2nd week on the northern coastline of Brittany, exactly where we would remain, so I prepared to purchase a jacket to secure myself for the cooler weather. For that reason, I opted for a garments shop and hoped to buy a windproof or water-resistant jacket. Just after a brief search, I realized that most jackets in this store have been the usual waxed Breton waterproof coat for fishermen, a type that matches the full household and generally differs in color. During the next days of our holiday break, I observed this kind of apparel retailers in several towns and even in small towns, these as the fishing village Paimpol. 

Most places to eat open up close to lunchtime. Inside 50 % an hour, most restaurants have been obtaining crowded. Immediately after a brief assessment of menus from numerous dining establishments, we went into L’Ecume de la Ville Close at the Saint-Guénolé sq.. I also ordered a pork dish cooked in cider, a common Breton dish. The food stuff had a strong flavour and boosted my hunger.  

Visiting the Fishing Museum

A number of metres away from the major gate is the fish museum, Musée de la Pêche. From 1850, Concarneau had designed many canneries. About a hundred sardine and tuna fishing boats and about thirty factories supported the regional financial system. The museum presents attention-grabbing information and facts about commercial fishing and how it has evolved. 

Journey ideas for Ville Near, the Fortified Island of Concarneau

There are many huge parking regions in the harbour locations, for illustration, Quai d’Aiguillon Parking and Location Du 8 Mai 1945 Parking. They are just around the entrance of Ville Near.

If you arrive from the south by car or truck, the closest parking spot is near the quay at Location Duquesne. From there, just take the ferries through Bac du Passage to the island. The ferry costs about 1 Euro for each experience.

The greatest way to check out the island is to wander at will. If you only have a couple hrs in Concarneau, you need to invest the time on the island. 

If you plan to stay there, you can come across inns near Ville Shut as very well. The following two accommodation are my good picks: