Doëlan, a port out of time

There are places that seem to have escaped the ravages of time. Doëlan is one of them. This small fishing port, nestled in the commune of Clohars-Carnoët, is protected by two lighthouses—one green, one red—that have watched over the entrance to the channel since the 19th century. Classified as one of the most beautiful ports in Brittany, Doëlan has not undergone the transformations that have disfigured other seaside resorts in Finistère. Its granite houses line the quays, its trawlers return at high tide, and its inhabitants perpetuate an authentic maritime culture.

The Keruster Lodge sits on the left bank of the harbor. From the terrace, the view encompasses the entire harbor entrance, and on a clear day, the blue line of Groix Island in the distance. Choosing Doëlan for your holidays means choosing unspoiled Brittany.

What to do in Doëlan and its surroundings?

Hiking and coastal trails

Doëlan is one of the points along the GR34, the famous Sentier des Douaniers (Customs Officers' Path) that runs along the entire Breton coastline. From the Lodge, it's a two-minute walk away. Walkers can reach Kerfany-les-Pins or Le Pouldu via the cliffs and coastal heathland, with unobstructed views of the Atlantic throughout.

GR34 from the port of Doëlan → Kerfany-les-Pins
GR34 towards Le Pouldu
Tour of the Clohars-Carnoët headland
Direct access from the Lodge without a car

Beaches nearby

The Clohars-Carnoët coastline boasts several of the most beautiful beaches in South Finistère, less than 15 minutes from the Lodge.

Kerfany-les-Pins: family beach in protected waters, fine sand, access to GR34
Le Pouldu: large, windy beach, ideal for surfing and windsurfing
The Grands Sables (Groix Island): a day trip

Local Gastronomy and Markets

The fishermen of Doëlan sell their catch directly on the quayside several days a week: langoustines, mackerel, sea bass, and lobsters, depending on the season. The Saturday market in Clohars-Carnoët brings together local producers, cheesemakers, and market gardeners. Bastien and Anaëlle have selected their favorite spots from the booklet provided to each tenant.

Nearby attractions: must-sees

Pont-Aven (20 min): the town of Paul Gauguin, its mills, its galleries, its kouign-amann
Quimperlé (15 min): medieval town, covered market, TGV station to Paris 3h30
Le Pouldu (5 min): Gauguin port before Tahiti, seasonal ferry to the island of Groix
Lorient (30 min): marina, Groix ferry year-round, Interceltic Festival in August
Concarneau (35 min): walled town, market, fish auction open to the public

Doëlan in practice

Access: D116 from Quimperlé, follow the signs for Clohars-Carnoët then Doëlan
By public transport: Quimperlé train station (TER regional train from Lorient and Quimper), then taxi or bicycle
Best season: June–September for swimming; year-round for hiking
Tides: check the times before each outing — the coves are revealed at low tide
Parking: limited during peak season — the Lodge has private parking for 2 vehicles