ART IN DOUARNENEZ

The art of the Douarnenez region is so infused into the environment, the culture, the history and the daily life that you cannot miss it.

From 1860, when the railway made Douarnenez more accessible, growing numbers of painters would visit, seduced by Douarnenez and its charms. Follow in the footsteps of famous artists: wander around our town, observe, take it all in....

Paintings

In the Exhibition Hall (‘salle des fêtes') you'll find an extraordinary collection of canvases showing the landscapes of Douarnenez. These are classed as an historic monument.
Established : 1937-1938.

6 painters influenced by Douarnenez
Abel Villard, Robert Paulo Villard, Lionel Floch, Jim Sévellec, Gaston Pottier et Maurice Le Scouëzec.

Religious Art

This includes churches, chapels, their grounds, their stone crosses, altar tables, statues and the banners used for sacred processions.

Most of these buildings are now closed to public outside the hours of worship unless otherwise stated. They can, however, sometimes be opened on request so please ask if you are interested. 

• Exhibitions

• Galleries/ artists' workshops

• Antiques

• Shows

• Workshops and Courses

DISCOVERY TRAILS

THE PAINTERS TRAIL (La Route des Peintres en Cornouaille) 1850 - 1950*

Following this route is like taking a journey through our landscape but through paintings, rediscovering the emotions and the fascinations that compelled so many painters to choose the Cornouaille area for their inspiration.

Seven separate discovery trails allow you to follow in the footsteps of the painters and discover Cornouaille as they saw it. These trails feature museums, places of special interest, chapels, towns, fishing ports and country walks where you can be immersed in nature. Visitors are advised to visit a relevant museum or art gallery before setting out on a particular trail, as this will help to put into context the locations and the completed artwork.

1. Quimper, Vallée de l'Odet

2. Douarnenez Bay and the Cap Sizun

3. Pays Bigouden

4. Bénodet, Baie de la Forêt, Concarneau

5. Pont-Aven, Le Pouldu

6. Crozon, Camaret

7. Châteauneuf-du-Faou, Le Faouët

*For sale in the Tourist Offices within the Cornouaille area, and in bookshops and sites that are part of the ‘Groupement Touristique de Cornouaille' (Regional Tourism Association, part of the Quimper Chamber of Commerce).