Finistère Nord: what you really shouldn’t miss in 3, 5 or 7 days

You’re heading to Finistère Nord and you’re wondering how to make the most of it without running everywhere ? Fair question. This corner of Brittany looks small on a map, but on the ground… it’s dense. Cliffs, tiny ports, wild beaches, lighthouses, islands. And a wind that clears your head in about five minutes.
So let’s be practical. No vague inspiration. Real routes. 3, 5 or 7 days, depending on how much time you’ve got (and how much you like driving narrow roads).

Second thing before we dive in : if you want an extra layer of local info, tides, walking ideas, small towns, the official resource is honestly solid. I still check https://finisterenord.com when I need to double-check a spot or a ferry detail. Simple, no fluff.

3 days in Finistère Nord : the essentials, no rushing

Three days is short, let’s be honest. You won’t see everything. But you can get a *real* taste of the place.

Day 1 – Brest & Pointe Saint-Mathieu
Brest often gets skipped. I think that’s a mistake. It’s not “pretty” in the classic Breton postcard way, but it’s alive. Walk the port, grab a coffee near the marina, then head west.
Pointe Saint-Mathieu hits hard. Ruins, lighthouse, open sea. The kind of place where you just stand there and say nothing for a minute. Windy, yes. But that’s part of it.

Day 2 – Le Conquet & the coastal path
Le Conquet is small, salty, authentic. Fish boats, sea spray, nothing staged.
If the weather’s decent, walk a stretch of the GR34. Even a short section is enough to get why people fall in love with this coast. Cliffs drop straight into the Atlantic. No guardrails. Stay focused.

Day 3 – Aber Wrac’h & Sainte-Marguerite
Aber Wrac’h feels calmer, almost gentle compared to the west coast. River meeting the sea, sailboats, light reflections everywhere.
Cross to Île Sainte-Marguerite if the tide allows. It’s quiet, green, and honestly very soothing.

5 days in Finistère Nord : more coastline, more character

Five days is the sweet spot. You stop checking your watch all the time.

Day 1 – Brest, but slower
Add Océanopolis if you’re traveling with kids (or if you’re secretly curious). It’s well done. No shame.

Day 2 – Pointe Saint-Mathieu to Le Conquet
Do it properly. Small stops, photos, maybe a crêpe truck if you’re lucky. Don’t overplan.

Day 3 – Les Abers : Wrac’h, Benoît, Ildut
This is where Finistère Nord gets poetic. Changing light, narrow roads, water everywhere.
Aber Benoît at low tide is something else. You’ll see.

Day 4 – Meneham & Kerlouan
Meneham is iconic, yes. And yes, there are people. Go early or late. The guardhouse between the rocks is still impressive.
Kerlouan’s beaches nearby are wilder, less talked about. I prefer them, honestly.

Day 5 – Plouescat & the dunes
Big beaches, strong wind, surfers in wetsuits even when it’s cold. Very Finistère.
If you like wide open spaces, this day works.

7 days in Finistère Nord : the full experience (without burnout)

A full week lets you slow down. And that’s when this region really shines.

Day 1–2 – West coast (Brest, Saint-Mathieu, Le Conquet)
Same idea as before, but with time to sit, watch, eat seafood without checking Google Maps.

Day 3–4 – Les Abers in depth
Walks, small harbors, random stops because “that road looks nice”. That’s the point.

Day 5 – Roscoff
Roscoff is charming, slightly polished, but still real. Old houses, harbor, calm vibe.
If the sea’s kind, take the boat to Île de Batz. Flat, green, peaceful. Bikes everywhere.

Day 6 – Plouescat & dunes again (yes)
Because the light is never the same twice. And you won’t get bored.

Day 7 – Whatever you missed
That lighthouse you skipped. That beach you rushed. Or just… nothing. Sit. Look. Breathe.

Practical tips (because this matters)

Car or no car ?
Car. Clearly. Public transport exists, but it won’t give you freedom. And freedom is the whole point here.

Best time to go ?
May, June, September. July–August are fine, but busier. Wind is always invited.

Weather expectations ?
Unpredictable. Bring layers. Even locals do.

So, how many days should you choose ?

If you’re tight on time : 3 days, no guilt.
If you want balance : 5 days, perfect.
If you want to feel the place, not just see it : 7 days.

And you ? Are you more “quick overview” or “slow coastal wandering”? Finistère Nord works either way. That’s kind of its strength.