Old market town with strategic bridge over the Aven river, Pont-Aven located at the beginning of an estuary, had a busy shipping port for local produce : “14 mills and 15 houses” as publicity used to state. So while in a town that was once home to many millers, look for its specialty : the Galettes de Pont-Aven buttercookies ! The tranquil atmosphere was discovered in the late 19th century by artists and it became a leading artist colony that studied cloisonnism and developed its own painting movement around Paul Gauguin and Emile Bernard (1886-1894).

During the visit of the village, take the enchanting walk to discover the “Bois d’Amour” wooded area that inspired so many painters, then explore the Art Museum that offers permanent and temporary exhibitions. Don’t miss the Trémalo Chapel where he painted the “Yellow Christ” and his self-portrait. Don’t hesitate either to escape to the coast and nearby Le Pouldu beach resort to visit the hotel (now a museum) that welcomed these artists.