HOLIDAYS IN SAINTE-MARINE : TOP 10 THINGS TO DO
Close to Bénodet is the charming little port of Sainte-Marine. A place that we particularly like since it is here that we have created the Residence du Phare.
Perhaps you are planning to visit Sainte-Marine ? If so, in this article we suggest 10 things to do for a holiday or weekend in Sainte-Marine. Of course, this list is not exhaustive and will evolve over time.
1 – ENJOY THE PORT AND ITS TERRACES
When you discover Sainte-Marine, it is often through its charming little U-shaped harbour. An authentic place where a very family spirit floats. On one side, you can see the children playing on the little beach while their parents sip a glass of white on the terrace of the harbour café. On a bench, some stay to watch the ballet of the boats on the Odet.
The port of Sainte-Marine is certainly one of those perfect places to sit and contemplate the world around us. You can of course do this wherever you like, but it is perhaps even more enjoyable when you sit on one of the terraces of the Bistrot du Fer, the Café du Port, the Misaine or the Café de la Cale.
2 – A PICNIC LUNCH IN THE KEROBISTIN PARK
The Kerobistin park is located between the tip of Sainte-Marine and the port. It is a vast park bordering the mouth of the Odet river. It is also home to the Sainte-Marine sailing school where you can rent a paddleboat, a small catamaran, etc. during your stay.
Children will be able to play on the small beach that borders the park or simply on the small playground that is situated a little higher up.
It is a place we particularly appreciate and we regularly go there for a picnic or an aperitif with friends. So we can enjoy the sea view while having fun in the shade of the big trees.
3 – ENJOY THE PANORAMA AT THE SAINTE-MARINE POINT
The tip of Sainte-Marine is also a place of contemplation that offers an unobstructed view of the bay. From the point, you can observe the communes of Île-Tudy, Loctudy and its partridge lighthouse, Île des Moutons, the Glénan archipelago, Concarneau, Fouesnant and of course Bénodet which is situated just opposite.
Whatever the season, it is a place that we particularly appreciate for its unobstructed view, for the contact it offers with the marine elements and for its unspoilt appearance.
You will be able to see three canons that bear witness to the history of this place. Indeed, in the 18th century Vauban, on the decision of Louis XIV, had built a coastal battery there, comprising two buildings, a powder magazine and an oven to heat the cannonballs. This battery was part of a larger system, since the tips of Bénodet and Île-Tudy also had it. Thus, the coast was protected and could organise crossfire.
You can also discover the Fort de la Pointe de Sainte-Marine. A structure built during the reign of Napoleon III in 1862. It was intended to accommodate men, horses and military equipment (cannons, etc.) as part of the protection of the coast. Today, it is a place that periodically hosts exhibitions during the summer.
4 – BALANCING ON COASTAL PATHS
From Kerobistin Park you can follow a coastal path to the Pointe de Sainte-Marine. It is a very pleasant little walk close to the water which offers a beautiful panorama and which will allow you to discover the Sainte-Marine lighthouse and then the Sainte Marine Fort.
For the more courageous, you can then continue the walk from the Pointe de Sainte-Marine to Ile Tudy. A walk of more than 5km along the beach awaits you.
Alternatively, you can simply retrace your steps by taking the same path or strolling through the streets of Sainte-Marine.
5 – THE PLEASURES OF THE BEACH (CATAMARAN RENTAL, PADDLE, ETC.)
The beach is a pleasant place to relax in contact with the elements at any time of the year. In winter, it is mainly used for invigorating walks, but in summer there are more activities.
Of course, you can walk around, swim, sunbathe or indulge in water sports. It is possible to hire small catamarans to try your hand at sailing, to rent kayaks, paddles, etc.
6 – TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE RETURN FROM FISHING
In Sainte-Marine there is still a small fishing activity. Some boats leave for the day at sea, it is a question of artisanal fishing respectful of the resource and the sea.
If you wish to taste seafood, buy directly from Sainte-Marine! There are two addresses to know.
The Sainte-Marine fish shop is right next to the Residence du Phare. Some of the products on offer there are caught by one of the boats in the port. The fishmongers also buy their products at the fish auction to offer a more complete range.
You can also buy your fish and shellfish directly from the boat called the Ton Jos, which sells its catch directly from the port to private individuals. Depending on the days and seasons, he sometimes has two sales a day, one in the morning and the other at the end of the day. If you want to buy a fresh lobster, there’s nothing better!
Finally, if you are a lover of oysters and other shellfish, you should know that several times during the week sales are held on the large car park at the entrance to Sainte-Marine. Otherwise, on Sundays, you can also get your supplies from the car park near the Combrit pharmacy. In both cases, these are sales by producers.
7 – TO STROLL ON THE ODET
The Odet is a beautiful river which is partly navigable. If you are staying in Sainte-Marine, we think it is essential that you take it. There are several solutions for this: boat hire, kayak hire or simply take the Vedettes de l’Odet, which offer commented routes.
The walk on the Odet river will allow you to discover the beautiful properties and estates that border this river and simply enjoy the quietness of the estuary in the middle of nature.
To find out more : L’Odet : Presentation & History
8 – A GASTRONOMIC RESTAURANT
The restaurant Les Trois Rochers, one star in the Michelin Guide, offers a refined and sincere cuisine based on local seafood products. For lovers of culinary discoveries, the gastronomic restaurant is an experience you must try. It is obviously more expensive than a traditional restaurant, but it remains an experience to be lived. The price of the menus is between 55€ and 115€.
The restaurant Les Trois Rochers is located in an exceptional setting, a wooded park overlooking the sea. You can dine on the terrace with an exceptional view.
If you wish to try the experience, we invite you to book well in advance (several weeks), it is rarely possible to get a table for the same day.
9 – IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THE HISTORY OF THE PORT
If today, the activity of the port of Sainte-Marine is rather carried by yachting, its shops and tourism, this has not always been the case. It is moreover what contributes to the charm of this authentic destination which preserves the traces of its history.
To immerse yourself in the history of the port, we invite you to visit l’Abri du Marin (entrance is about 2€). L’Abri du Marin is a place where sailors used to meet at the beginning of the century, they found warmth, a place to rest and exchange. Today the Abri du Marin is a small museum which regularly hosts new thematic exhibitions while allowing visitors to understand the history of the place.
To find out more : Port of Sainte-Marine : Presentation & History
10 – PLAY THE IMAGE HUNTER
For photo enthusiasts, Sainte-Marine is an ideal location. Indeed, in a small area that can be explored on foot or by bicycle, it is possible to photograph boats, the port, typical Breton lanes, the sea, birds, etc.
Every year, we can also observe artists who come to draw or paint on the harbour. It is certainly an inspiring place to which the moving light gives multiple facets.
You have discovered our top 10 things to do in Sainte-Marine. We hope you will find it useful in organising your stay. Of course, it is a suggestive selection based on our personal pleasures but we think that it can be enjoyed by the greatest number of people.
Finally, if you stay in Sainte-Marine, you will also be able to discover many things nearby. In fact, it is a central point from which you can visit the many assets of South Finistère for a holiday.