Brest and Douarnenez Festivals – Polly

Join Polly Agatha in Portland before hoisting the sails to set a southerly course to Brittany. This voyage sees you enjoy not one but two French Maritime Festivals and if anyone knows how to combine sailing, merriment and music for a holiday to remember – it’s definitely the French!

Sail across the English Channel into the Celtic Sea, probably stopping for a day and night in the beautiful Channel Islands in the port of Guernsey before passing France’s most westerly point of the Ushant Islands known for their abundance of lighthouses, shipwrecks and indigenous sheep. Perhaps anchor along the coast before making your way onto the historic port of Brest, sitting rich in maritime history and medieval architecture. Although heavily bombed in the Second World War, this harbour town has been rebuilt and really comes to life for its International Maritime Festival.

Taking place every four years, Brest International Maritime Festival sees a flotilla of some 2500 sailing vessels coming together on the water and what a sight it is! From traditional classic boats to coracles, from windjammers to historic fishing vessels, this eagerly awaited maritime festival is a highlight in the sailing calendar. On land, the festival continues in full swing with plenty of music from all over the world, impeccably good food and freshly caught seafood. Entertainment for all is around every corner of the town with street performances, military processions, reenactments and period fancy dress. The larger ships are open to the public to climb aboard and have a wander around and you can join the nightly parade of boats or sit back from the harbour front and watch them sail by.

Fireworks will close the festival as the boats get ready to sail from Brest to Douarnenez with hundreds of vessels converging from all corners of the World making an exciting and truly unforgettable Parade of Sail to start to the second festival in Douarnenez. Festival Temps Fête in Douarnenez is a little more intimate and is a haven for traditional wooden ship lovers. It also attracts an array of photographers and artists who want to immerse themselves within working boats and the beauty of Douarnenez and its two ports. Whilst one is the old fishing port, Rosmeur, there is another with wooden wharves lined with harbour-side bars and restaurants in the medieval town. Douarnenez Festival also offers plenty of races, sailing re-enactments and other activities on the water. The cobbled streets are perfect to explore the music, local shops and cuisine whilst reminiscing of a time when the wooden boats provided the town with trade as they docked in the port.

The itinerary for sailing is not set due to the changing wind and weather but this trip will give you plenty of time to explore ashore and enjoy the festivals, along with offering the best vantage point from the water. When boarding, the Skipper will have a better idea of what the week should entail.  The Breton coast is teeming with sheltered coves for anchoring, peaceful meandering rivers to discover, medieval towns and remote island to explore. Paired with the delicious local cuisine and plenty of opportunities to set foot ashore, there is no better way to discover the magic of this Celtic Coast than under sail.

Your ticket includes access to the festival and of all meals on the boat. It is expected that guests will eat at least one meal ashore per week to really appreciate the amazing French cuisine.

Travel insurance notes

As this is an active adventure holiday, we advise that everyone has the appropriate personal accident travel insurance whilst onboard in addition to standard travel insurance which would cover you in the time between making your booking and departing for your adventure. These policies can sometimes be combined so please check with your travel insurance provider.

You can also read more information on our Insurance guidelines page. Additional information about one of our trusted insurance providers for UK residents is attached to this email.