Ville Close

Ville Close Review

Sitting in the middle of Concarneau's harbor, topped by a cupola-clock tower, and entered by way of a quaint drawbridge, the fortress-islet of the Ville Close is a particularly photogenic relic of medieval days. Its fortifications were further strengthened by the English under John de Montfort during the War of Succession (1341-1364). Three hundred years later Sébastien de Vauban remodeled the ramparts into what you see today: a kilometer (half-mile) long, with splendid views across the two harbors on either side. The Fête des Filets Bleus (Blue Net Festival), a weeklong folk celebration in which Bretons in costume swirl and dance to the wail of bagpipes, is held here during the second half of August. It is also home to the Musée de la Pêche (Maritime Museum).