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Harbor · Douarnenez, Brittany
Port du Rosmeur
Douarnenez’s old fishing harbor, with colorful houses, stone quays and narrow streets climbing to the center. Above it, the Plomarc'h site preserves Roman‑era salting tanks and a viewpoint over the bay.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Port du Rosmeur
Rosmeur is Douarnenez’s oldest harbor and the heart of the sardine town. The settlement that became the town grew up around it. In the early 20th century, the trawlers unloaded the sardines there that supplied dozens of canneries, where mainly women—the penn sardin—worked.
The quay houses, with colorful facades, were largely built between the late 19th and early 20th centuries during the canning boom. Behind them, narrow alleys and steps climb to the center. The quays are lined with cafés and restaurants, and the fishing harbor remains active a little further north.
Above the harbor, the Plomarc'h site covers about 16 hectares of fields, woods, washing places and stone houses. Roman‑era fish salting tanks used to prepare garum, a fermented fish sauce, were found there. A path links Rosmeur to Plomarc'h and continues along the coast.
From the heights of Plomarc'h you can see the whole Douarnenez bay, with the Crozon peninsula to the north and Cape Sizun to the south.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
One hour for the harbor; one to two hours including the walk to Plomarc'h.
Best time
Early in the morning to see the fishing boats arrive, or late afternoon for the light on the facades. The Plomarc'h site is freely accessible during the day.
How to get there
It is on the east side of Douarnenez center, a few minutes' walk from the covered market. The path to Plomarc'h starts on rue des Plomarc'h above the harbor.
Tip
Walk up to Plomarc'h via the coastal path and descend through the small streets of Rosmeur. The tourist office runs guided visits to the site in season.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Port du Rosmeur
What is the Rosmeur?
Douarnenez’s old fishing harbour, with colourful houses, stone quays and restaurants, around which the town grew.
What are the Plomarc'h?
A natural site of about 16 hectares above the Rosmeur, with fields, woods and fish-salting tanks dating from Roman times.
Who were the penn sardin?
The workers in Douarnenez’s sardine canneries in the early 20th century. The Breton name refers to the headwear they wore.