A commune in the Parc Naturel Régional d'Armorique, adjacent to Châteaulin, Port-Launay is a charming little port on the right bank of the River Aulne.
Ideally situated between Brest and Quimper, at the mouth of the Nantes-Brest canal, it's a must - and a very pleasant one! - for all boaters looking for adventure on the verdant Nantes-Brest canal. Whether you're looking for a starting point or a finishing point, it's also a peaceful, relaxing place to stroll, relax or, why not... fish!
INSTAGRAMMABLE BY NATURE
Magnificent reflections
Wow! What a magnificent sight when the colorful old shipowners' houses are reflected in perfect symmetry in the calm waters of the Aulne.
Whatever the season, morning in the mist or evening bathed in a soft pink-orange hue, you'll be captivated by the peacefulness of the place and its - more than - perfect lines!
Throughout the year, the little town comes alive with yachtsmen and events.
In summer
Winter in the mist
In winter
In autumn
Press pause
a stopover for yachtsmen
A yachting center welcomes boaters wishing to make a stopover, all year round, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It offers a range of services: showers, sanitary facilities, a washing tub and, on the quayside, access to water and electricity via terminals.
BUT WHAT KIND OF BRIDGE IS THIS?
Guily Glaz viaduct
The Nantes - Châteaulin railroad line, built by the Compagnie d'Orléans, required the construction of numerous structures to cross the deep valleys of several rivers flowing into the Brest harbor. At 357 metres long (and 54 metres high), the Port-Launay viaduct is the largest of these structures! No fewer than twelve arches were needed to cross the Aulne. The stones come from a quarry in Rostrenen, and were transported over a distance of 110 kilometers by the Nantes-Brest canal, which runs between the two towns.
ALONG THE CANAL
A verdant picnic break!
At Guily-Glaz, picnic tables - with barbecue, please! - invite you to take a timeless break in a peaceful, relaxing setting. Young and old alike will be delighted to discover Ouessant black sheep gambolling happily from their enclosure, just a few steps from thelock, and to take advantage of the secure access to play and relax.
INSOLITE
A 100% Breton Christmas crib
A veritable treasure trove on the scale of Brittany, this Breton crib is made up of 32 subjects - 40 cm tall dolls - dating from 1850. Listed as a historical monument since 2000, it features Job ar Rest, the peasant from Saint-Ségal, as well as a couple of Bigoudens, the chicolodenn (the leonard), the îlienne, the Glazig from Briec or the Bourledenn from Plonévez-Porzay, not forgetting, of course, the Holy Family and the Three Wise Men.
Made from natural materials, these characters tell the story of their parish, and show younger visitors how people dressed in the past!
Every year, from mid-December to mid-January, you can discover it in the church of Saint-Nicolas, in the center of town.
More information
The history of this crib is closely linked to that of the commune of Port-Launay, which was created late: in 1840. At the time, it had neither a church (it was built in 1856) nor a crib. The rector at the time, Abbé Olivier Salaün, asked the wealthy families of Port-Launay to dress the figures in the future crib.
HIKING
The tourist office can suggest two short hiking trails (PR®) in Port-Launay. You can choose between the Canal de Nantes à Brest (PR®34) or the Circuit du Goulit (PR®38). Both are great family outings!
Photo credits: © Yannick Derennes (header), ©Vincent Edwell (Port-Launay in summer) ©Julien Le Bihan Photographie (Port-Launay in the mist and in winter)
@CRT/ Viezzer Martin (family and viaduct), ©CF OTMHA
By car