The Odet

The Odet is a coastal river that flows into the Atlantic Ocean between Sainte-Marine and Bénodet. It is this context that inspired the name Bénodet, in Breton Ben means mouth, so Bénodet means the mouth of the Odet.

The Odet has its source in the Black Mountains at Saint-Goazec and then stretches for more than 62km, crossing Quimper in particular.

Discover the Odet :

The Odet, from its source to its mouth, offers a diversity of landscapes. From the small country streams in the Black Mountains to the navigable part of the Odet that runs all the way up to Quimper.

There are many ways to discover the Odet. There are a large number of footpaths all along its course. It is also possible to discover it from a boat or by kayak. The Odet’s launches also offer specific excursions.

From the port of Sainte-Marine sitting on a terrace or on a bench you can observe the incessant flow of boats and currents that give life to this river.

The road to the castles:

Snaking the Odet on its maritime section, you can discover the route of the castles. Between the 19th and 20th centuries, the Odet saw beautiful buildings built on its banks by the aristocratic families of the time. There are for example :

  • The castle of Lanniron in Quimper
  • The manor of Rossulien at Plomelin
  • The castle of Kerdour at Plomelin
  • Etc.

Discovering this architectural heritage from a boat is a pleasant experience, especially when the lights of the Breton sky are there.

The History of Odet:

From antiquity, the Odet has created a link with man. Numerous vestiges of this period have been discovered on its banks: Roman terms in Plomelin, a Roman villa in Kerobistin (Sainte-Marine), a Gallo-Roman settlement in Locmaria (Quimper), etc.

Then, the Odet played an important logistical role for the city of Quimper, which for a long time was supplied mainly by sea. In 1738, the city welcomed more than 200 merchant ships. Of course, they had to be fairly modest in size to sail up the river to the city centre. For the largest ships, unloading was carried out in the downstream communes: Bénodet, Plomelin, etc.

During the Second World War, the mouth of the Odet was closely controlled by the German authorities.