Ideally located in the heart of Finistère, at the entrance to the Crozon peninsula, Châteaulin is the ideal place to stay for those wishing to explore the department and discover its treasures. When you think of the town of Châteaulin, it's impossible not to picture its curvilinear viaduct and the Nantes-Brest canal that runs right through it... Close your eyes, imagine Châteaulin, that's it! Can you visualize it? Follow the guide...
A green city in the heart of Brittany!
Halfway between Brest and Quimper, Châteaulin, or Kastellin in Breton, is the story of a fortified hill that gave its name to a town built on either side of the banks of a gentle, fish-filled river. Today, it's a favored destination for hikers, cyclists and summer visitors, who appreciate its tranquility, charm, rich heritage and scenic beauty. Vibrant and lively, it's also the natural setting for sporting and cultural events all year round.
ON THE ROAD
Along the Nantes-Brest canal!
Châteaulin is an unmissable stopover, whether you're coming or going. At times, it's the gateway to Brittany's greenest corridor: the Nantes-Brest canal.
where the towpath winds its way through winding meanders and flower-bedecked locks.
At other times, it's the end of an adventurous journey to the end of the world.
The canal is also a popular place for strolling. Whether you're with your lover or your family, on foot or by bike, far from the road, it's great fun to share a moment, taking the time to observe nature and its colors, changing with the seasons.
STROLLING THROUGH CHATEAULIN
A little loop?
Whether it's along the canal, in the town center or in the forest, Châteaulin has an abundance of footpaths dedicated to walking. Choose your distance and level of difficulty from the hiking information sheets or the topoguide:
- Circuit PR® "The canal from Nantes to Brest
- Les collines bleues" PR® trail
- De la gare au canal" PR® trail
- The greenway between Châteaulin and Port-Launay (2.4 Km)
- Several trails to discover in the Bois du Chap.
Would you like to take a stroll through the heart of the city?
From the ruined keep of the castle to the pretty thatched cottages of the Vieux-Bourg and the church and priory of Saint-Idunet, discover the secrets of the town!
During the summer season, Notre-Dame church is open to visitors thanks to guided tours.
Chaumières du Vieux-Bourg
Notre-Dame Church
Saint-Idunet Church
Lion of the priory
Viaduct
Did you know?
Until 1821, the Châteaulin bridge was inhabited!
Like the Landerneau bridge, the Châteaulin bridge was once inhabited... Spanning the Aulne River, it consisted of ten unequal arches and around ten houses. It was destroyed by a flood in 1821.
what to do in chateaulin
- Unique in Brittany, the aquatic observatory invites you to discover migratory fish.
- For other sports enthusiasts, there's cycling, kayaking, swimming and even zip-lining!
- Fishing friends, you haven't been forgotten!
The Aulne is a richly-fished river, with an abundance of pleasant fishing spots.
community aquatic center
The Aulne basins
Bathing, swimming, games, thalassotherapy area, paddling pool, balneotherapy, sports sessions, wellness area (sauna, hammam, solarium) not forgetting a giant 56-metre waterslide. Whether you're an athlete, a leisurely bather or a relaxation enthusiast, there's something for everyone. A whole range of sports, leisure and wellness activities is on offer!
BRITTANY'S ESSENTIAL MUSIC SCENE
Le Run ar Puns
This is a familiar venue to all lovers of good music.
Since 1978, this - small! - 300-seat concert hall, simple and authentic, has seen many bands come and go, from major French and international stars to new representatives of different musical trends. Not only is it a warm and friendly place to sip cocktails, it's also a cultural venue with a caravan library, a local farmers' market and plenty of entertainment for young and old.
Up for a "Tost an Tan"?
One Friday a month, at 7:00 pm, meet amateur bands and musicians by the fire ("Tost an Tan" in Breton) for convivial musical sessions.
A GREAT SHOW
Châteaulin, cycling capital of Brittany
Châteaulin and bicycles are a true love story! The town hosted its first cycling races in 1889.
From 1935 to 1998, the Circuit de l'Aulne, known as the Tour d'Eiffel in the provinces, saw the greatest cycling champions compete, and contributed to the town's renown. In 1999, the Boucles de l'Aulne took over. Today, this 1.1 event is the eleventh round of the French FDJ Cup.
The beautiful city of Aulne has hosted numerous cycling races (critérium des as, French championships, etc.) and even the Tour de France five times.
Take a break by the water!
Châteaulin, the green city
PICNIC BREAK
Along the canal, in the shade of trees or in a park?
Châteaulin is the ideal place for a picnic. Along the canal, on one of the picnic tables or in the intergenerational garden. In the quiet of the Lentoc'h garden, in the shade of the trees in a park, at the edge of the forest in the Bois du Chap, not forgetting the plateau de la petite gare, close to numerous children's playgrounds.
In the garden of Lentoc'h
Among the trees
Or on the banks of the Aulne
Did you know?
For a long time, the people of Châteaulin were nicknamed "Pen Eog", literally "salmon heads", because of the town's large salmon fishery. Until 1816, this fishery contributed to the town's fame and wealth. Up to 4,000 salmon were caught every year! The historical influence of salmon is such that it is featured on the town's seal.
FROM THE BEGINNING TO OUR DAYS!
A rich religious heritage to discover!
Two churches stand proudly in Châteaulin: Notre-Dame and Saint-Idunet. But why two? That's a peculiarity of its singular history. In the past, there were two villages. One built on the hillock, the other on the opposite bank. As the Catholic religion forbids the dead to cross a bridge, it was decided that each village would have its own church, so that the dead could be properly honored.
The town also boasts two pretty chapels scattered around the countryside. One is called Chapelle de Kerluan, with its astonishing Renaissance-style bell tower (the first in the Aulne valley!) and its beautiful nursing Virgin. The other is the chapelle de Lospars or Saint-Compars de Lospars, on the road from Châteaulin to Brasparts. Every year, the chapel hosts a famous blessing of the animals.
Saint-Idunet church is open every day of the year.
Every summer, the town organizes guided tours of Notre-Dame church, and the chapel associations compete with each other to offer cultural and musical events (guided tours, concerts, exhibitions...).
Did you know?
Before becoming a hero of the Resistance, Jean Moulin passed through Brittany.
In 1930, the man nicknamed "France's youngest sub-prefect" was appointed to Châteaulin, where he lived for 39 months (in the house now occupied by Crédit Mutuel de Bretagne). As the district was not very hectic, his work as sub-prefect gave him a certain amount of freedom to pursue his passions, cartooning and reading. During this period, he made many artistic discoveries and befriended many Breton artists (poets, writers, etc.). Today, a stele in the aptly named Place de la Résistance pays tribute to him.
On Thursday mornings all year round, a market with a local flavour enlivens the Place Jean-Moulin.
What a pleasure to stroll through the market
DISCOVERING DELICIOUS LOCAL FLAVORS
It's market day!
What a pleasure it is to stroll through the Châteaulin market and fill your shopping bag with fruity, iodized flavors... Here, the smell of Brittany and the riches of the local terroir await you: charcuterie, rotisserie, cheeses, seafood, churned butter and delicious salted butter caramel... There's absolutely nothing missing! - for the pleasure of gourmets young and old.
Châteaulin offers two markets throughout the year:
- Every Wednesday, an organic and craft market is held at Ruñ ar Puns, route de Pleyben, from 4pm to 8pm.
- Every Thursday morning, stroll through the market, from Place de la Résistance to Quai Jean Moulin, to discover local flavors.
PRACTICAL
Feel like shopping?
Clothing, jewelry, games, gifts, decoration, home furnishings, services, food... stock up on gift ideas and souvenirs in Châteaulin. Discover the pleasure of strolling through the many small local shops! Whether on the quayside, along the Grand'Rue or in the shopping areas, Châteaulin's shopkeepers are there to welcome you, advise you and help you pack the best of the Atlantic Menez-Hom!
ALL YEAR ROUND
More than a hundred associations help keep the town lively.
Every year, there are a number of highlights: the Boucles de l'Aulne, the firemen's ball, the foulées châteaulinoises, folk shows, the harvest festival, the Christmas market, the soup festival... the list goes on!
Photo credits: ©CF-OT MHA, ©CL-OT MHA, ©Mairie de Châteaulin, ©Thibault Poriel , ©Run ar Puns , Boucles de l'Aulne @Nathan Casamayou
By car
- Follow the N165 or N164 towards Châteaulin
By train
- Select "gare de Châteaulin" stop
By bus
- Route 31 Brest - Quimper / 3 possible stops: Gare SNCF, Quai Cosmao or échangeur du Pouillot
- Route 35 Châteaulin - Carhaix Plouguer / 3 possible stops: Gare SNCF, Quai Cosmao or Pouillot interchange