Last updated on July 7th, 2024 at 04:10 pm
The town of Bénodet has been a popular seaside resort town since the 19th century, drawing visitors from as far away as Paris to its scenic coastal setting at the mouth of the Odet River in southern Brittany.
It boasts four sandy beaches, two lighthouses and a casino to cement its claim to be the jewel of the Brittany Riviera.
Where is Bénodet?
Bénodet is situated on the Atlantic coast of Brittany in northwestern France. It’s located about 17 km south of Quimper in the southern Finistère region, at the point where the Odet River meets the ocean.
How to get to Bénodet
Nearest airport to Bénodet
The nearest airport to Bénodet is Brest Bretagne Airport, which is situated 54 miles to the north of the town. It offers domestic destinations within France and international flights to airports such as Dublin and Rome. (Flights to the UK are available with a connection at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport.)
Distances
Douarnenez to Brest Bretagne Airport: 54 miles (87 kilometres)
Douarnenez to Rennes Bretagne Airport: 130 miles (208 kilometres)
Douarnenez to Nantes Atlantique Airport: 143 miles (231 kilometres)
The town is about a six-hour drive from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, for those arriving on long-haul flights.
(Note that some websites may list flights to the airport at Quimper, but at the time of writing there are no scheduled flights into this destination.)
Rail travel
There is no direct train service to Bénodet. The nearest train station is in Quimper, about 17 miles (26 kilometres) away, which provides a TGV connection to Paris. There is an irregular bus service which takes around three quarters of an hour and mainly serves commuter times.
Driving to Bénodet
The D34 road down from Quimper is the best option if arriving at Bénodet by car from the north. To the east towards Nantes and Rennes, the D44 departmental road connects to the N165 Route Nationale. There is a connection from this route eastwards to Rennes on the N164. If you are planning on driving from Paris, the journey takes around six hours.
History of Bénodet
The name Bénodet comes from the Breton words “ben” (mouth) and “Odet” (the river), reflecting its position at the mouth of the Odet River.
The Romans, ever eager to expand their empire, recognized the strategic importance of Bénodet’s location at the mouth of the Odet River. They left their mark in the form of impressive baths and a sizeable settlement, traces of which were visible until the late 19th century. Excavations have revealed Roman urns and other artifacts, painting a picture of a bustling outpost at the edge of the empire.
As the centuries rolled on, Bénodet’s maritime importance grew. By the Middle Ages, it had become a vital port serving the inland city of Quimper. Merchant vessels would sail from Bénodet laden with Breton fish, returning with prized cargo of wine and grapes from regions further south. The little port played a crucial role in the economic life of the region, its sheltered harbour a welcome sight for sailors navigating the sometimes treacherous Breton coast.
The town saw its share of conflict over the centuries, serving as a haven for privateers during times of war and facing the threat of piracy in more peaceful eras. The construction of coastal fortifications in the 19th century speaks to the strategic importance of this stretch of coastline.
But it was in the late 19th century that Bénodet began its transformation into the charming resort we know today. As the fashion for sea bathing and coastal holidays swept across Europe, Bénodet’s beautiful beaches and picturesque setting caught the eye of well-to-do visitors. Grand villas and hotels began to spring up along the waterfront, helping to create the ‘Breton Riviera’ and catering to a new class of tourist seeking the restorative powers of sea air and saltwater.
In 1878, the town officially changed its name from Perguet to Bénodet, marking a new chapter in its history. This change reflected the growing importance of the coastal area over the old inland parish centre. The arrival of the railway to nearby Quimper in 1863 made Bénodet more accessible than ever, fueling its growth as a popular holiday destination.
Bénodet has continued to develop its tourism infrastructure throughout the 20th century, while retaining its Breton charm.
What is Bénodet known for?
- Beautiful beaches and coastal scenery
- Historic sites like the 13th century Saint-Thomas Becket church
- Water sports and sailing
Top things to do in Bénodet
1. Relax on the beaches
Bénodet boasts four beautiful sandy beaches perfect for sunbathing and swimming. The main Trez beach (Grande Plage) offers a long stretch of golden sand with calm waters ideal for families. For a quieter experience, head to Letty beach, which faces the sheltered Mer Blanche lagoon.
2. Visit the Bénodet lighthouse
Take a walk to the Bénodet lighthouse, also known as the Phare du Coq, for panoramic views of the coastline and Odet estuary. Nearby, explore the 19th-century Fort du Coq, which offers insight into the area’s defensive history.
3. Walk to the Perguet chapel
This historic chapel in the Perguet area showcases beautiful architecture and stained glass windows. The oldest part dates from the 11th century and is dedicated to St Laurent and Ste Brigitte. It’s a peaceful spot to admire medieval craftsmanship and enjoy a moment of tranquillity.
4. Enjoy water activities
Bénodet is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. Try kayaking or stand-up paddling to explore the estuary and coastline, or join a fishing excursion to catch your own dinner.
5. Take a boat trip on the Odet River
Embark on a scenic cruise up the Odet River, called “the most beautiful river in France” by writer Émile Zola. These boat excursions offer beautiful views of stately homes and dense forests.
6. Visit the Musée du Bord de Mer
Learn about Bénodet’s history and maritime heritage at this small but informative museum next to the tourist office. Exhibits cover local customs, traditional costumes, and the town’s development as a seaside resort.
7. Explore the local markets
Don’t miss the weekly market held every Monday morning. It’s a great place to sample local produce, pick up souvenirs, and mingle with locals.
8. Walk or cycle along the coastal path
Follow the scenic coastal path for stunning views of the ocean and surrounding landscape. You can rent bicycles in town for longer explorations.
9. Indulge in Breton cuisine
Sample local specialties like galettes (savory crepes), fresh seafood, and Kouign-amann (a buttery pastry) at one of the many restaurants in town.
10. Try your luck at the casino
For evening entertainment, visit the Casino Barrière de Bénodet. Even if gambling isn’t your thing, the casino often hosts shows and has a restaurant with sea views.
Sainte-Marine
Sainte-Marine is a small fishing village located across the Odet estuary from Bénodet. It can be reached by a small passenger ferry and offers spectacular views back across to Bénodet.
The trip across the river makes for a pleasant day out. Visitors can explore the old port and admire the traditional Breton houses, . The village is also home to several excellent seafood restaurants.
Bénodet Tourist Office
The tourist office in Bénodet is situated in avenue de la Mer, the main road down to the beach, and next to the Musée du Bord de Mer.
The tourist office is open six days a week year-round, with a lunch break. In July and August it is open all day seven days a week.
Bénodet Information
Bénodet Tourism: www.benodet.fr
Brittany Tourism – Bénodet: www.brittanytourism.com
Boat trips from Bénodet: www.vedettes-odet.com
