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

The medieval fortifications Ville Shut is a fortified island of Concarneau. It stands on a very long island in the centre of Concarneau harbour. The walled city Ville Shut has only a couple of slim streets and is just a limited distance from the metropolis and port. 

The origin of the Ville Near dates again to the 15th century. In the course of the following centuries, it is the centre of Concarneau. At present, with an place of 350 metres by 100 metres, Ville Near is a single of the most frequented web pages in Brittany and is quite crowded in the summer seasons. The good news is, we explored this spot in autumn through our two-week street journey to Brittany. There had been only a number of individuals ended up going for walks all-around, most locals.   

Check out from the entrance of Ville Close Previous Fortified Island

A handful of metres off the coast in the harbour, a drawbridge connects the land and Ville Close Outdated Fortified Island. But just before crossing the drawbridge, from the harbourside, I could take some good pics of the rocky island and the cupola-clock tower dealing with the coastline of Concarneau.

Keen to enter the island, we did not notice that I was standing next to an anchor. The anchor and the clock tower are the fantastic factors for a vertical image location. Upon leaving, we spotted this viewpoint, the most intriguing element of Ville Shut, and consequently departed with satisfaction. 

Going for walks on the partitions of the Ville Near

The quaint drawbridge sales opportunities to the previous city. Passing appropriate driving the drawbridge, then climbing a several ways up, we located ourselves on the medieval partitions. From the two towers on both of those sides of the drawbridge, I had magnificent views of the fishing port and Concarneau bay. Autumn appears to be to be an off-year there considering the fact that we had been the only visitors strolling on the partitions on that working day. But in the summer seasons, when much more site visitors arrive, there would be not considerably house to share.

The jap aspect of the island, about a 3rd of the complete island, is a modest hilly park, from the place a passenger ferry runs throughout the inlet to the opposite quay at Place Duquesne. In several sites, stairs from old walls guide to the ground stage. 

Picturesque streets and squares

The principal street Rue Vauban starts off from the principal entrance gate and crosses the island, connecting the square, Position Saint-Guénolé. Stone residences were converted into appealing buildings, retailers, galleries, and dining places. Lots of stores provide Breton souvenirs and nearby foods and many others. 

The autumn weather conditions in Brittany is chillier than predicted. Assumably, it would get chillier throughout the second 7 days on the northern coastline of Brittany, exactly where we would remain, so I planned to buy a jacket to protected myself for the cooler weather. For that reason, I opted for a clothes shop and hoped to acquire a windproof or water-proof jacket. After a rapid look for, I understood that most jackets in this store were the common waxed Breton water resistant coat for fishermen, a design and style that matches the full loved ones and generally differs in color. For the duration of the following times of our vacation, I noticed these garments shops in quite a few cities and even in compact cities, these as the fishing village Paimpol. 

Most dining places open all around lunchtime. Inside of 50 percent an hour, most dining establishments were receiving crowded. After a rapid assessment of menus from a number of eating places, we went into L’Ecume de la Ville Near at the Saint-Guénolé sq.. I also purchased a pork dish cooked in cider, a typical Breton dish. The foods had a powerful flavour and boosted my hunger.  

Checking out the Fishing Museum

A several metres absent from the principal gate is the fish museum, Musée de la Pêche. From 1850, Concarneau experienced developed many canneries. About a hundred sardine and tuna fishing boats and about 30 factories supported the area economic system. The museum presents fascinating details about business fishing and how it has advanced. 

Journey tips for Ville Near, the Fortified Island of Concarneau

There are numerous substantial parking areas in the harbour locations, for case in point, Quai d’Aiguillon Parking and Spot Du 8 Mai 1945 Parking. They are just in the vicinity of the entrance of Ville Near.

If you get there from the south by auto, the closest parking region is in the vicinity of the quay at Spot Duquesne. From there, take the ferries by way of Bac du Passage to the island. The ferry prices about 1 Euro for each trip.

The best way to explore the island is to wander at will. If you only have a handful of several hours in Concarneau, you must devote the time on the island. 

If you system to stay there, you can come across accommodations around Ville Close as effectively. The adhering to two lodging are my good picks: