press kit

PRESS KIT
First resort in Cornouaille in South Finistère, in the heart of the
Breton Riviera, Bénodet is the perfect place for all holidaygoers. With its four sandy beaches, Bénodet combines the
tonic of the ocean and the charming river banks of the Odet.
In offering a full range of activities for the whole family: golf,
sailing, horse riding, tennis, cinema etc., Bénodet has attracted
tourists who come (back) each year and in bigger numbers
With its bicycle and pedestrian paths, its boat trips, and its internationally renowned marina, Bénodet is now the flagship tourist
destination in Brittany. During the summer it offers holiday-goers
many highlights with a plethora of entertainment and evening
festivities. This little piece of paradise also has a thalassotherapy
salon and a casino.
Bénodet is also a unique setting for your seminars, conferences,
or cocktails etc.
SUMMARY
Access
3
Heritage
4
Museum
6
Beach Side
7
Seaside
8
Leisure activities
11
Events
13
Business functions
Let’s talk numbers
15
Accommodation
16
Contact
17
Acces
Londres
Bénodet
Brest
Paris
Quimper
Bénodet
Lorient
Madrid
Rom
BY CAR:
BÉNODET to QUIMPER: 17 KM
B É N O D E T t o PA R I S : 5 6 0 K M
Via highway and expressway
BY TRAIN:
Q U I M P E R T G V S TAT I O N
PA R I S M O N T PA R N A S S E - Q U I M P E R 4 h r s 2 0 m i n
BY PLANE:
C O N N E C T I O N S F R O M PA R I S O R LY A I R P O R T
WITH AIR FRANCEE
Q U I M P E R P L U G U F FA N A I R P O R T: 1 7 K M
B R E S T G U I PAVA S : 8 5 K M
www.quimper-aeroport.fr
BY BOAT:
P LY M O U T H ( E N G L A N D ) t o R O S C O F F
ROSSLARE (IRELAND) to ROSCOFF
B R I T TA N Y F E R R I E S
+33 825 828 828
www.brittany-ferries.com
ROSSLARE to ROSCOFF
IRISH FERRIES
www.irishferries.com
3
HERITAGE
Bénodet comes from «Benn Odet» or «Penn Odet» in Breton language,
m e a n i n g t h e h e a d o r t h e m o u t h o f t h e O d e t r i v e r. S m a l l f i s h i n g p o r t ,
s i t u a t e d b e t w e e n o c e a n a n d r i v e r, B é n o d e t b e c a m e a r e s o r t , p o p u l a r
for sailing and bathing in the sea, at the end of the nineteenth
c e n t u r y. T h e c o n s t r u c t i o n o f b e a u t i f u l h o m e s a n d h o t e l s , t h e p l a n t i n g
of rows of pine trees and the appearance of beach huts up until
t h e 1 9 3 0 ’s , m a r k e d t h e f i r s t s t e p s o f t o u r i s m h e r e i n C o r n w a l l .
R E L I G I O U S H E R I TA G E
Perguet Chapel : Located along the road between Bénodet and Fouesnant, and dedicated
to Saint Brigid, this was Bénodet’s parish church until 1878. Its clearly visible Romanesque
part was built in the 11th Century, and confers it an original style of architecture enjoyed
by visitors. The statuary and altar have been restored, and feature diverse colours of great
quality. Its stained glass windows, redesigned by Korean artist KIM N’JONG, add
a contemporary touch to the building.
St. Thomas Church : Situated on the harbour, this chapel dedicated to Saint Thomas
Becket was built in 1231. Later on, the chapel became a parish church and was dedicated
to Our Lady of Benodet. It was extended in the nineteenth century according to plans by
architect Bigot. The religious treasures of the parish group are on public display here.
“Notre dame de la mer” church: Contemporary architecture church, built
in 1968 on the Avenue de la mer.
TO U R I S T I N F O R M AT I O N
CENTRE :
02 98 57 00 14
tourisme@benodet.fr
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heritage
M A R I T I M E H E R I TA G E :
The Pyramid Lighthouse : Its name comes from an ancient pyramidal beacon
which served as a seamark for sailors. From the top of the beacon which overlooks
the estuary, the view extends from the Bay of Concarneau to the Glénan archipelago.
The Coq Lighthouse: It takes its name from a rock which stood until the late 1960s.
In one respect, it represented the profile of a rooster.
The Coq fortress: Built in 1862 under the reign of Napoleon III, this granite fortress
was to prevent hostile ships entering the river.
L I T E R AT U R E H I S T O R Y :
«Benodet, I love you tonight where the tide rises ...»
Apollinaire in 1917 was bewitched by his stay, as was Emile Zola in 1883
or Marcel Proust who spoke about Bénodet in his work «From Swann’s Way.»
ARTISTIC HISTORY :
The artistic look renews the magic of the resort. From Alfred Beau to Pierre de Bellay,
through to Winston Churchill (painting was his second passion!), many artists have fallen
under the spell of Bénodet and have come to paint its landscapes and churches.
You can also discover some paintings by Pierre de Bellay at the Ker Moor Hotel.
L
TO U R I S T I N F O R M AT I O N
CENTRE : :
02 98 57 00 14
tourisme@benodet.fr
5
MUSEUM
Discover Bénodet in the early twentieth century:
Birth of tourism, the beautiful marina and the art of living by the sea ...
The Musée du Bord de Mer (“Seaside Museum”) offers a colourful palette of artists
in a coastal atmosphere, and where the seaside way of life presides.
At the entrance to the town, near the Maison Du Tourisme, the Musée du Bord de Mer
will welcome you in a space of 500m². Faithful to the wishes of its legatee, Jean Boissel,
the museum recounts the life of seaside baths and boating along the coast of the Odet.
The permanent exhibition dedicated to the leisure activities of the coastline displays
model ships, beach toys, photos, films and unusual objects, and recounts the history
of regattas of large and small boats on our coasts.
This way of life by the sea weaves the path for an original museum journey, inspired by
the coast, and which invites the whole family to come and dream.
Bénodet has always inspired artists, and the last few seasons have been brightened
up by several temporary exhibitions.
Each year, the Musée Du Bord de Mer showcases painters from here and there,
on the picture rails in its sea-themed aisles.
SEASIDE MUSEUM
(Next to the Tourist Office)
Avenue de la Mer
29950 Bénodet
Tel. : +33 2.98.57.00.14
Fax : +33 2.98.57.23.00
tourisme@benodet.fr
Open all year
7/7 except national holidays
Free entry
TO U R I S T I N F O R M AT I O N
CENTRE :
02 98 57 00 14
tourisme@benodet.fr
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BEACH SIDE
The joys of the Bénodet beach multiply by four.
Whether you are with family, friends or lovers, there’s always a beach
that matches your desires.
Trez Beach : With 800 metres of fine sand, south facing, Bénodet’s main beach
offers many enjoyable activities for the young and their parents: Mickey Club (3-14 years),
sports coaching, plus sea-kayak, windsurfing, dinghie et catamaran hire.
Coq Beach : Between river and ocean, the small beach near the Rooster beacon
is naturally exposed to the sun in the late afternoon.
Letty Beach : This naturally preserved lagoon offers an exceptional show at all times.
Saint Gilles Point beach : Surrounded by rocks, it is a delight for children
to collect shells here.
TO U R I S T I N F O R M AT I O N
CENTRE :
02 98 57 00 14
tourisme@benodet.fr
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SEASIDE
The invigorating and tonic sea air of Bénodet has its benefits on the body
and on the morale. The sea lovers will find their happiness at Bénodet.
The Relais Thalasso PHELIPPEAU GROUP : A haven of peace by the ocean, the thalossotherapy
incorporates the latest innovations and Qualicert label. The establishment offers various
services whether or not as part of a cure: hot tub, hydromassage bath, application of
marine mud, seaweed wrap, wrap frigitonique, affusion shower, beauty salon, sauna, and
more, with a team of professional know-how who masters a technique of deep relaxation
balneotherapy imported from the United States: Watsu and the Watermass, technique of
«palpate-roll», particularly effective against fatty deposits. The new Suite Relais Thalasso
spa suite is set up to welcome clients in pairs: this great innovation combines all treatments
into a dedicated space. Forget the old way of going for spa treatments, waiting in corridors
and staring at the clock – spa-goers can now enjoy a new experience.
Press contact: Michèle Matray
+33 1 40 560 555
mmatray@wanadoo.fr
Management: Philippe Gomez
Contact Bénodet:
+33 2 98 66 27 00
benodet@relaisthalasso.com
www.thalasso-benodet.com
Open all year round
The port : Internationally renowned, the Bénodet marina is accessible in all weather, at
all times and regardless of the tide and the type of boat. It offers 500 places on the pontoon,
250 places on the buoy and a full range of services ashore: captaincy, ship reparation,
sail-loft etc. Add to this the House Boat that hosts services from the port and the Odet
Yacht Club. Bénodet guarantees a warm welcome to boaters who keep their boat docked
in the marina, but also to those who, attracted by the exceptional beauty of the site,
are very likely to drop by Odet (49 visitor sites).
Contact Bénodet : +33 2 98 57 05 78 port@benodet.fr
www.benodetport.fr
TO U R I S T I N F O R M AT I O N
CENTRE :
02 98 57 00 14
tourisme@benodet.fr
8
SEASIDE
Boat rental : To find out more about Bénodet’s islands and rivers, certain agencies offer
boat rentals (with or without license) and provide adaptable itineraries for novices.
LBC Charter - Cornouaille Nautic
+33 2 98 57 00 87
+33 2 98 57 08 84
MARITIME TOURS :
Seated in the comfortable lounges or settled on the upper deck,
“Les Vedettes” of the Odet offer various tours on
the Odet and Glénan archipelago.
4 different cruises to the Glénan islands :
- Exploration with underwater vision to closely admire the remarkable archipelago flora and fauna by accessing the submerged area of Captain Nemo
- Discover the archipelago combined with a free stop and commentated cruise
- Evasion allowing a free stop on the Saint-Nicolas Island
- And the kayak formula that will delight lovers of nature and authenticity
TO U R I S T I N F O R M AT I O N
CENTRE :
02 98 57 00 14
tourisme@benodet.fr
9
SEASIDE
Odet River Cruises : The Odet deserves its title of “most beautiful river in France.”
“Les Vedettes” offer several daily departures. Do not miss the Gourmet cruise, enough to
awaken your taste buds!
Contact : 02 98 57 00 58
contact@vedettes-odet.com
www.vedettes-odet.com
Open from April to September
(and during the off-season for group reservations)
INDUSTRIAL VISITS :
Francois Garrec’s Biscuit factory: The Garrec family, craftsmen for 4 generations,
invites you to discover the secrets of making pancakes and cakes from Brittany.
Walking through a completely glass-windowed corridor, you will assist with weighing
pastry, folding crepes, preparing cakes, etc.
Contact : +33 2 98 57 17 17
Open all year round
www.garrec.com
TO U R I S T I N F O R M AT I O N
CENTRE :
02 98 57 00 14
tourisme@benodet.fr
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LEISURE ACTIVITIES
At Benodet it is not just the aesthetic appeal of a resort that entertains
holiday-goers and people from the twon, but also the numerous
and varied leisure facilities.
The Casino: Bénodet’s Casino Barrière is open all year 11am-2am and 4am on Fridays
and Saturdays. It’s Finistère’s first casino, featuring 94 slot machines, Black Jack, War,
and electronic English Roulette. The Café des Sports offers customers a continuous
food service from 11am-2am every day, as well as themed evenings.
Contact : +33 2 98 66 27 27
www.lucienbarriere.com
Cinémarine: Well-equipped and comfortable, the Bénodet cinema can accommodate up to
310 people in the large hall and 110 in the small hall. The rooms have the latest technology
with 3D equipment and digital sound. It is open all year round and offers four sessions per day
during the summer.
Contact : +33 2 98 66 20 15
www.cinemarine-benodet.com
TO U R I S T I N F O R M AT I O N
CENTRE :
02 98 57 00 14
tourisme@benodet.fr
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leisure activities
Golf : A superb tree-lined course covering 130 hectares, the Bénodet golf course has
an 18-hole par 72, a 9-hole par 27, a driving range with 60 places, a small play area etc.,
all set amongst a hilly landscape interspersed with small streams and other water hazards.
Whatever the handicap and age of the player, these courses are designed for player
progression.
Contact : odet@bluegreen.com
www.bluegreen.com
The tourist train : In half an hour, the train allows its passengers to explore Bénodet.
Various stops are proposed: Casino, St Gilles Point, Penfoul Cove and more.
In the summer it runs every day and departs from the Old Port.
Contact : celtictrain@wanadoo.fr
www.celtictrain.com
Hiking : The beautiful walks lead you from “Anse de Penfoul” (Penfoul Cover) to the
“Mer Blanche” (White Sea) via the beachside. Three circuits of 5, 6 and 11 km allow you
to admire a splendid view over the estuary. Take note, the famous GR34 passes through
Bénodet, alongside the beach and the port to join “Sainte Marine” by the Cornwall bridge.
A guide of walks in the Breton Riviera (250km of trails) can be purchased from the Maison
du Tourisme.
TO U R I S T I N F O R M AT I O N
CENTRE :
02 98 57 00 14
tourisme@benodet.fr
12
EVENTS
WELCOME TO BUTTE DU FORT
The seaside music stage in Bénodet!
Free and festive line-up
Eclectic and friendly
Suitable for all audiencess
The Butte du Fort concerts are organised as seaside festivals that welcome
between 5,000 and 10,000 people each time, with the ocean providing the décor.
Artists are chosen for their communicative and interactive energy, so
that the audience gets swept up in a whirlwind of summer spirit!
Ballads, rock, Celtic, Breton and variety music fill the audience’s
hearts with sunshine.
Previously seen at Butte du Fort:
… KASSAV Charlélie COUTURE ARNO SALIF KEITA DENEZ PRIGENT
SERGENT GARCIA RAPHAEL PHILIPPE LAVIL KID CREOLE
DICK RIVERS INNA MODJA SANSEVERINO MIKEY 3D ADAMO
ALAN STIVEL PONY PONY RUN RUN AXEL BAUER …
TO U R I S T I N F O R M AT I O N
CENTRE :
02 98 57 00 14
tourisme@benodet.fr
13
events
Each season holds its share of event surprises to delight young and old.
Bénodet, water sports resort:
The MULTYCO in May, the BELLE PLAISANCE in June and the OBELIX TROPHY
at the end of August are the highlight for fans of modern and classic sailing,
at the port of Penfoul and in the bay.
A visual delight for the audience, every time.
The FÊTE DU PORT in May is the event for fishing fans and lovers of the sea.
It’s filled with a friendly and festive atmosphere.
Bénodet is an authentic seaside resort where people know how to have fun
during its many festivals and events run by associations and the town.
BENODET IS ALIVE ALL YEAR ROUND!
TO U R I S T I N F O R M AT I O N
CENTRE :
02 98 57 00 14
tourisme@benodet.fr
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BUSINESS FUNCTIONS
The town of Bénodet has a conference room located
near the Casino and the beachside. Certain hotels in the resort also offer
seminar packages which include room hire, catering and accommodation.
Contact the townhall of Bénodet :
+33 2 98 57 05 46
tourisme@benodet.fr
Contact Bénodet’s tourist information centre :
+33 2 98 57 00 14
tourisme@benodet.fr
LET’S TALK NUMBERS
Benodet houses
nearly 50,000 people per year,
83% of French,
10% of British
2.1% of Germans,
1.3% of Belgians.
Benodet has :
3 539 inhabitants, 1043 acres,
1 691 primary residences,
1 903 secondary residences,
A capacity of 28 000 persons /
day (12,000 beds).
TO U R I S T I N F O R M AT I O N
CENTRE :
02 98 57 00 14
tourisme@benodet.fr
15
ACCOMMODATION
Bénodet offers a varied range of accommodation and quality:
hotels, campsites, cottages, and more.
Two 5 star campsite, two 4 star campsites and four 3 star campsites are available for
holidaymakers. In total, 2000 locations are available to holidaymakers.
The hotels are also just as numerous:
Four 3 star hotels and three 2 star hotels offer a capacity of 260 rooms.
It is possible to stay in hotel residences (271 apartments)
or to rent furnished rooms (322 beds) or cottages (15 beds).
There are also two real estate rental agencies that specialize in seasonal rentals
Le Ster Vacances 02 98 50 25 00
Agence Le Garo 02 98 57 26 79
Note that there is a “Rentals and Bed and Breakfast” brochure, as well as an
“Accommodation” (hotels, campsites, residential hotels) brochure available for free at the
tourist office. All furnished rooms/apartments contained in the brochure were visited by staff
from the Tourist Office. Some are labeled, that is to say, guaranteed by the quality charter
«Clévacances» and Gites de France.
Others are classified by the prefecture and carry the name “Self-catering accommodation.”
TO U R I S T I N F O R M AT I O N
CENTRE :
02 98 57 00 14
tourisme@benodet.fr
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contact
TOU RI ST IN FORM AT ION C E N T RE :
Sarah Bélasky 02 98 57 00 14
Avenue de la Mer BP 10 29950 Bénodet
tourisme@benodet.fr
TOWNHALL :
02 98 57 05 46
mairie@benodet.fr
www.benodet.fr
TO U R I S T I N F O R M AT I O N
CENTRE :
02 98 57 00 14
tourisme@benodet.fr
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