Pont Aven, an artists’ town
This morning, there are clear skies with a gentle breeze. The children, woken by the call of seagulls, are already busy at the breakfast table. Baguettes, salted butter, homemade fruit compote and hot chocolate…you’re starting the day well!
The plan for today: Pont Aven, a delightful artists’ town nestling in a lush valley. The children, intrigued by the words “artists”, “river” and “galettes” (all-butter biscuits), jump for joy. Everyone gets in the car, you’re off for about an hour’s drive through southern Finistère.
The car parked, you start strolling through the streets in bloom in this little town, packed with charm. The light play both on the golden sun-lit stone facades and old mills lining the Aven river, peacefully winding through the town.
The children immediately find the wrought iron footbridge and run admiring the ducks gliding under the aquatic greenery. You’re swept away by this bucolic, artistic atmosphere….
Head for the Musée de Pont-Aven museum, renovated and bright, which details the history of the École de Pont-Aven post-Impressionist school of art with famous painters: Gauguin, Sérusier, Maufra… You’ll discover bright canvasses, sketch books, handwritten letters.
A small children’s play trail; they have to find details in the various paintings. “Look Mum! It’s the red horse we saw in the book!” You leave, your mind awash with colour and your thoughts adrift.
You take the Bois d’Amour trail, an iconic artists’ setting at the end of the 19th century. The trail runs alongside the river, shaded, peaceful and relaxing. You encounter walkers, a few artists with their easels set up, and works of art dotted along the route, showing these places as painted by artists in centuries past.
The children pretend they’re “artists”, with their sketchbooks, whilst you sit on a rock to admire the landscape. A genuine interlude combining nature and silence.
You sit down in a crêperie with a terrace, by the Aven river. Crusty buckwheat pancakes with grilled vegetables, chocolate or homemade jam crêpes. To drink Breton bowls of cider for the grown-ups, local apple juice for the kids.
In the background, you hear water babbling and a few guitar notes from a street musician. The atmosphere is mild, relaxing and perfect.
After lunch, you stroll through the lively streets of the town centre. Shop windows abound in paintings, sculptures, pottery and handmade objects. Children pick a small treasure chest decorated with Breton patterns, whilst you can’t resist a lithograph in soft colours.
You can’t leave without sampling the famous galettes (all-butter biscuits) in Pont Aven! You go into a traditional biscuit factory, surrounded by the aroma of fresh butter. Tasting is on offer, the verdict is unanimous: delightful! You leave with a packet, still warm from the oven.
You end the day with a walk to Rosmadec mill, a romantic location, surrounded by greenery and bathed in the afternoon light. The children make up stories about Breton goblins, whilst you make the most of the tranquillity in this timeless moment.
A bench entices you for one last break. Galettes (shortbread biscuits) In hand, you contemplate the lapping river and reflection of the trees in the water. The perfect image to end the day.
The journey back is peaceful. The children gently doze off in the car, lulled by the bends and memories of today. When you’re back on the campsite, the sea air welcomes you like an old friend.
You have a simple dinner; salad, fresh bread, local cheese. And for dessert? The famous Pont Aven galettes of course. You enjoy them on the terrace, whilst watching the sky turn red above the ocean. A day of pure poetry, worthy of an Impressionist painting!
