From the Breton Menez Ham, "the hamlet behind the mountain", the site of Meneham in Kerlouan is a must for any visit to Pays Pagan. Make the most of your stay in North Finistère in a charming Slow village Breizh Légendes accommodation and let yourself be transported into the enchanting atmosphere of a mythical French village and discover the many facets of its age-old culture.
Built in the mid-18th century 21 metres above the sea, between the Pontusval lighthouse and the Île Vierge lighthouseThe Meneham site was originally a guardhouse, strategically located to protect the coastline of northern Brittany. In 1792, the militia occupying the site were replaced by customs officers: the first real inhabitants of Meneham, they settled in the barracks with their families in the mid-19th century, before giving way to fishermen, seaweed growers and farmers.
The destiny of the village of Meneham is inextricably linked with thehistory of fishing and the trade of seaweed harvesting in Brittany. In this hamlet of the village of Kerlouan, the first peasant farmers quickly turned to the riches of the sea, through coastal fishing and the harvesting of seaweed, used as fertilizer in the fields or burned to extract iodine.
The particular location of the hamlet, facing the sea and at a distance from any town or trading center, makes daily life difficult for the inhabitants. Young and old help each other in the village to carry out the tasks and chores necessary for all: fishing, harvesting seaweed, drying and burning it in dedicated ovens, working the land, raising livestock and washing clothes. However, the year is punctuated by the Pagan festivals and their festivities: dancing, singing and laughter echo through the village.
Meneham, Brittany 's emblematic hamlet of thatched cottages huddled against the rocks, is the stuff of inevitable legends. The village's history is closely linked to the myth of the shipwreckers: for a long time, the inhabitants of the coastal hamlet of Kerlouan were considered to be wreck raiders who would cause shipwrecks on stormy nights. In reality, Pagan country is a land of sharing and mutual aid, where festive and convivial customs have endured, such as the making of Pastès (festive bread) and the Dañs Round (traditional Brittany round).
A symbol of the Pays Pagan and a major tourist attraction in North Finistère, Meneham is a picturesque site that seems to harbor the very soul of Brittany. Each fisherman's house nestles behind enigmatic rocks, in the heart of a grandiose landscape, a paradise for lovers of wide open spaces and unspoilt nature. Below, the white sandy beaches, sublime and exotic, evoke distant horizons.
Strolls along the Kerlouan coast will take you to several restored seaweed ovens, sometimes reused for demonstrations. They are precious witnesses to a unique know-how that has long been the lifeblood of the village.
One of the most picturesque and Instagrammable sites in France, the Meneham site in Kerlouan can be discovered in the company of a guide. Two tour options are available, one lasting an hour during the day, the other an hour and a half at dusk. During your vacation in North Finistère, you'll have the chance to travel back in time and shiver to the rhythm of Brittany's legends.
During your stay in Pagan territory, enjoy a storytelling tour of Meneham based on the myth of the shipwreckers. In the evening of August, Ar vro Baga's sound and light show "Le Roi Arthur" plunges you into the daily life of coastal society in the 20th century. Lively Sundays in Kerlouan are also an opportunity to vibrate to the rhythms of Brittany's music, to taste festive bread baked in the village's communal oven, or to discover ancestral skills such as basket-making.
The Slow Village Breizh Légendes invites you to experience Brittany to the full, in a relaxing green setting just a stone's throw from North Finistère's most beautiful beaches. Just ten minutes from the Meneham tourist site, you'll find cottages and cabins with a natural feel and sea views. Between two days on the beach, don't miss the picturesque charm and fascinating scenery of the historic hamlet of Meneham, and take full advantage of all the activities organized on the site in season!
The perfect place to take your most beautiful vacations in BrittanyThe hamlet of Meneham will also fascinate you with its history, legends and customs. Choose your charming vacation home at Slow Village Breizh Légendes and benefit from an ideal location near Kerlouan and many other must-see tourist attractions in North Finistère, from the Saint-Egarec chapel to the Keremma dune house and the Pontusval lighthouse.
Nicknamed the pyramid of the Neolithic era, the Cairn de Barnenez has overlooked the sea for over 6,000 years. This stone colossus, older than the pyramids of Egypt, is a fascinating testament to the ingenuity of early sedentary societies. A must-see for lovers of history and wild landscapes.
Often referred to as "the end of the world", Finistère (29) is one of the 4 departments of Brittany. It is the most westerly department in France. Bordered by the English Channel, North Finistère encompasses several historic Breton regions, Léon to the northwest (between Lannion and Châteaulin) and Trégor to the northeast.
Discovering specialties in Brittany Pancakes, galettes, seafood, cider, salted butter caramel, big ha farz, lobster, scallops, cookies, fleur de sel... set out to conquer the sweet and savoury specialities of Brittany!
2,000 km of happiness facing the ocean: the GR34 is the ideal companion for your active or contemplative vacation. Between giant granite rocks and turquoise waters, explore the wild coastline of northern Finistère. Good news: the trail passes right in front of the Slow Village!
Do you love wide open spaces and the feeling of being alone in the world? Then set course for Ile Vierge in Plouguerneau in North Finistère, a charming islet that will brighten up your stay at the Slow Village Breizh Légendes campsite.
From the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel to the Bay of Brest and the Crozon Peninsula, Northern Brittany boasts a fabulous variety of landscapes that attract nature lovers and motorhome enthusiasts alike. Friendly campers, the Slow Village Breizh Légendes team will help you plan your motorhome itinerary in Northern Brittany, and welcome you to spacious caravanning pitches with sanitary facilities nearby. Find the service areas on your route to make your vacation easier!
Discover the Côte des Légendes, a wild coastline in North Finistère where raw nature blends with Celtic myths. Between secret beaches, wind-sculpted rocks and centuries-old traditions, let yourself be carried away by the magic of Brittany. From the Slow Village Breizh Légendes, explore an authentic, timeless destination, ideal for reconnecting with the essentials and living the slow experience to the full.
Looking for a fishing spot in Finistère Nord? There's no shortage of them in this beautiful part of Brittany. Foot fishing, one of the region's most famous ancestral practices, can be enjoyed by the whole family during a stay in the department. During your stay at our Finistère Nord seaside campsite, try your hand at this outdoor pastime, which combines walks along the coast at low tide with family fun!
Nicknamed the "Breton Caribbean" or "lands at the end of the world," the islands of Finistère offer a complete change of scenery. Whether you're looking for the wildlife of Molène or the microclimate of Batz, embark on a unique maritime adventure just a stone's throw from our Slow Village.
Set off on the megalithic trail in Brittany! From the giant of Kerloas to the legends of the Kergadiou menhirs, discover the mystical sites of northern Finistère that are a must-see during your stay at Slow Village Breizh Légendes.
Brest's Océanopolis is one of France's largest aquariums. It houses over 10,000 animals in tanks that recreate their respective natural environments. The biodiversity of temperate, tropical and polar marine habitats is reconstituted at Océanopolis, allowing visitors to encounter a wide variety of species, from anemones to otters and a multitude of colorful fish. Each tank is unique (freshwater, saltwater) to match the seabed and the natural environment of the various fish species and mammals.
The Pontusval lighthouse in Brittany is a symbol of hope and safety for sailors and ships navigating the waters off the west coast of France. Located at the tip of Beg-Pol, in the commune of Plounéour-Brignogan-Plages, this majestic lighthouse stands as a symbol of maritime tradition and navigation. Founded in 1868, the lighthouse has been guiding sailors to port for over 150 years, and remains one of the most beautiful lighthouses in Brittany.
Looking for white sand, turquoise water and wild horizons? Head for Finistère to discover the most beautiful beaches in Brittany. From north to south, secret coves, surf spots and spectacular landscapes await you just a stone's throw from our Slow Village Breizh Légendes. Follow our top 10 for a summer with your feet in the water, between unspoilt nature and an iodine-filled escape.
Take advantage of your stay in Finistère to dine in some of the department's finest restaurants! From fresh produce buffets to friendly bistros or gourmet restaurants with panoramic seaside views, the choice is yours! Breton products will delight your taste buds!
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