Pedalling the coast: from Plouhinec to Audierne
No need to take the car this morning. Today, you’ll be almost entirely on your bike, leaving directly from the campsite. You open the patio doors of your mobile home. The sea is right there below, peaceful yet mighty.
A light scent of algae and toasted bread is already wafting through the air. Breakfast on the terrace; hot coffee, Plougastel strawberry jam, fresh bread and all butter galettes for your impatient children.
Today’s plan is simple, go off to explore two neighbouring villages: Plouhinec and Audierne.
Helmets securely fastened, your legs warmed up, you calmly leave the campsite by bike, taking the little road winding between fields and copses. In around 20 minutes, you reach the centre of Plouhinec, less than 4 kilometres from here. A gentle ride, punctuated by hedges in bloom, sleepy farms and playful flashes of the sea through the trees.
As you enter the village, Saint-Winoc church greets you with its granite tower. You have a short break to admire the stained-glass windows and squat steeple, with typical Breton architecture. The village’s winding streets radiate like a warm embrace, and village life is in full swing. Today it’s market day in the square outside the ‘mairie’, the heart of local life here. Fishing nets hung up on the stalls, crunchy local vegetables, spider crabs, brown crabs, lobster and crayfish. The fish is freshly caught in the Baie d’Audierne. There are even rustic cooked pork meats and free-range roast chicken. Every offering steeped in the flavours of the region!
After sampling local apple juice in the square, you set off again heading for the port of Audierne. All along the route, the scenery unfurls, quiet cows in the fields, hidden chapels, the scent of freshly cut hay and a few gorse bushes still in flower. The air is gentle, the wind running lightly through your hair.
Far off, the outline of Audierne harbour gradually emerges. The children can already smell the aroma of chips and crêpes…
You find a table outside, facing the fishing boats. On the menu; mussels and chips, Galette à l’Andouille de Guémené (savoury buckwheat pancake filled with slices of smoked pork sausage, comprising a bold, smoky depth) fresh cider. Those with a sweet tooth can sample the salted butter caramel crêpe for dessert.
The children enjoy the seagulls’ comings and goings, and there is a convivial atmosphere. With hikers, sailors and families here, Audierne beats to the rhythm of seaside life.
After your meal, you explore the quaint streets in the centre, the blue-shuttered houses, craft shops and art galleries. You take a detour via Saint-Raymond church, then head for the Aquashow, diving into local marine life.
With touch pools and the seabirds’ display, the kids are fascinated. You learn to identify Iroise Sea species, and watch a mischievous otter gracefully diving and swimming.
On the return journey, you stop for a traditional ice cream or slice of Far Breton (flan-like cake made with prunes). You go back via the coastal road, running alongside the Le Goyen estuary. The light begins to fade softly, turning everything golden…
