Circuit from Bénodet to Sainte-Marine via Cornouaille Bridge and the water taxi
Description
Today we offer you this walk between land and river, passing by the architectural jewel that is the Pont de Cornouaille and its view overlooking the Odet, the one that Zola described as being "the most beautiful river in France". This circuit will seduce you with its coastal woodland and its different views of the mouth of the river coming from Quimper married to the Atlantic Ocean. Complete the loop by crossing this river thanks to the P'tit bac! Average duration: 1h30/2h.
Technical information
- Elevation: 126 m
- Level: Easy
- Distance: 5,7 km
- Roaming time: 2:00 hour(s)
Comfort / services
- Loop
Steps
1. From the start at the Vieux Port in front of the Church, head towards the marina. The GR34 takes us along the edge of the Odet river and Anse de Penfoul, the landscape of which changes greatly depending on the tides. The latter reveal wrecks of old trawlers, whose fascinating wood is covered with vegetation. Follow the path to the bottom of the cove, you will arrive at the Rond-Point de Penfoul. Stay on the path which takes you to the left and follow the D44. View location
2. After 400m turn left at the marker and discover “Beg ar Vir”, property of the Coastal Conservatory rich in woodland: you will pass under small oaks, chestnut trees, fir trees and even bamboo. At the eponymous point stands the Maison du Passeur, testifying to the trading past of Odet. The building has lost much of its original character but today it remains a beautiful neo-Breton house transformed into a heritage cottage. Take the path along the river and you will see the Pont de Cornouaille. View location
3. To reach the Bridge, go under it and take the stairs. BE CAREFUL: Do not cross the bridge and stay on the left side on the sidewalk. This structure dating from 1972 has slight curves thanks to its two main piers and measures 620 meters in length. Experienced as a real relief by the local population, the construction of the Cornouaille bridge at the mouth of the Odet was a lasting solution to connect the two territories. Formerly the "ferry" could transport vehicles from one bank to the other, but problems of congestion quickly appeared: the bridge now makes it possible to avoid a detour of around forty kilometers via Quimper and to make it more fluid traffic of all kinds. View location
4. Once you have crossed the Bridge, go down the stairs on the left side and go around directly to the right. Pass under the bridge and go down the path slightly to take an unmarked path a little upstream of the Odet. You will see a small pontoon on the bank through the woods and you will pass through a small marshy cove. The GR34 is found approaching Sainte-Marine, once the first houses are visible. At the end of the path, take Rue du Menez and turn left onto the small alley of the same name. Take the time to stroll along the port to admire this whole colorful little fishing port which today mainly houses restaurants: something to eat before taking the P'tit bac! The sailor's shelter, covered in a pink hue, stands out from the landscape. Founded by Jacques de Thézac in 1910, it is one of the few other places of accommodation located in ports in Brittany, mainly in Cornwall, for the benefit of sailors. On the other side of the port, a listed tree offers us a little shade and, looking up slightly, we discover one of the faces of the Sainte-Marine chapel. View location
