Aber Benoît or Aber Benniget?
Aber Benoît could have been called "Aber Benniget", which translates as "Blessed Aber". And how could this aber not be blessed, protected at each end by an old Breton saint who came to Armorique around the 5th century. Downstream, in front of the sea, it's Pabu, and upstream, it's Tariog, later Tariec, disciple of Saint Patrick.
The sea rises inland to Tariec and beyond. And the little river becomes an arm of the sea, winding its way through lush green fields and wooded landscapes.
The Aber Benoît basin is made up of two parts: the 12 km-long estuary and a network of rivers that flow into the estuary. It includes the communes of Bourg-Blanc, Coat-Méal, Kersaint-Plabennec, Lannilis, Milizac-Guipronvel, Plabennec, Plouguin, Plouvien, Tréglonou, Tréouergat and Saint-Pabu. Would you like to discover this exceptional place?
Discover the Aber Benoît on foot
Of course, there's the GR34, which takes you around the Aber, crossing at the Tréglonou bridge. For those wishing to find their own loop, you can opt for maritime walks on both banks of the Aber, or more intimate ones in the mill valley, around the Bourg-Blanc and Plabennec lakes, or in the Kerivin wetland at Kersaint Plabennec.
Discovering the Aber benoit
Little info
The Rand'Abers 7 allows you to discover the Korn ar Gazel dune massif, a Natura 2000 area. Île du Bec, Île de Rosservo, Île Trévors, Île Garo... the passage through the dunes offers an overview of the Pays des Abers coastline, to be done and redone at the rhythm of the tides.
In the wake of Aber Benoit
Like the GR®34, the coastal cycle route is ideal for a cycling trip around Aber Benoit on the seafront.
The Abers cycle route, connecting the port of Aber Wrac'h to downtown Brest, also runs alongside and crosses the Aber Benoit. river side " several times. For a cycling loop, you'll need to head inland to the mill valley and the Bourg-Blanc lakes, where you'll find trails and ribins for cycling, particularly in the mill valleys.
The Rand'Abers 5, 10 and 11 loops are designed for this purpose.
Did you know?
No fewer than 159 mills have operated on the Aber Benoît. Impressive, isn't it? One by one, all these mills have fallen silent. But there are still a few traces of the intense milling activity. Take a stroll along the footpaths and discover this world of water and mechanics: mills have left their mark on our landscapes, without ever damaging them.
The highest concentration of mills was in the commune of Plouvien. The Rand'Aber 11, ideal for cycling, takes you along the river Aber to discover the magnificent mill valley.
Beniguet beach, a must-see
During your stay on the North Finistère coast, this is one of the must-see spots. A real picture postcard, Beniguet beach, at the entrance to Aber Benoît, is first discovered through the slopes where hydrangeas grow, dominating a white sand beach with turquoise waters. Despite the invigorating coolness of the sea, you won't be able to resist taking a dip or dipping your feet in these opaline waters.
Discover the Aber from the sea
There's an incredible charm to taking to the sea in Aber Benoit, where boats at anchor shape the landscape. Kayaks are the best way to travel up the abers, from the mouth of the river to the Tariec meanders. With very little urban development and little traffic, the aber quickly gives you the feeling of being alone in the world, in communion with nature.
If you don't have your own boat, Aber Kayak Location and the summer branch of the Landéda sailing center can provide you with one.
If you're a solo sailor, take a look at the map of our nautical routes and the two proposed routes for discovering the Aber Benoît. Whether you're a novice or an avid explorer, Glaz Évasion offers you supervised outings to discover the Abers or descents of the Aber Benoit, including transport.
Aber kayak rental
Saint-Pabu nautical base
Take a break at the fishponds
By foot, kayak or bike, take a break at the fishponds. At Beg ar Vilh, buy your produce for a gourmet meal at home. At Prat ar coum, during the summer season, let yourself be tempted by a seafood platter on the terrace tables in the heart of the fishpond.
Diving, hoisting the sails
The waters of North Finistère are among the most remarkable for diving. In addition to the wrecks found along the coast, diving in Aber Benoît allows you to discover underwater hillsides, seaweed and local fauna.
At the mouth of the Aber, around the islands and dunes of Korn ar Gazel, hoist the sails with the nautical center for an introduction to optimist, catamaran or windsurfing. The "école des mousses" is the ideal place for toddlers to discover the joys of sailing in complete safety.
What you need to know
The Abers is a remarkably fragile and well-preserved area in which to immerse yourself. Adopt the right gestures:
- by respecting the landing bans on Trevorc'h and Guénioc islands
- by showing concern for nesting birds and their eggs at the top of the beach, broods and litters
- by storing your equipment outside the vegetated beach tops
- by avoiding approaching bird nesting sites from April to the end of July
- by avoiding approaching marine mammals within 100 m
- by carrying a rubbish bag for your garbage. #unebaladeundechet.
A cruise to discover Aber Benoit
To take full advantage of the Pays des Abers' rich historical and natural heritage, Les Vedettes des Abers offers a two-hour cruise through the Abers, departing from the Port de l'Aber Wrac'h. You'll sail up to the port of Paluden, then down the Aber Benoît to the port of Stellac'h.
Vedettes des Abers
Little info
Don't forget that you're a guest.
Around the Trevorc'h islands and throughout Aber Benoît, you'll come across terns. This bird, with its light, white and ashy plumage, black head and fine, pointed beak, lives by the sea. The Pays des Abers is home to a small colony and, along with several other areas in Brittany, forms a network of nesting sites. Take care to respect their tranquility by avoiding approaching them between April 15 and July 31.
Did you know?
The bridge at Tréglonou, nestled on the banks of the Aber Benoît, offers walkers a multitude of landscapes, depending on the time of day and the season. Depending on the tide, the light plays on the waters or the sands of the aber. It's also an ideal paradise for numerous species of birds specific to the Abers (shelducks, egrets, wild swans...). Offshore, the Trevors islands are an exceptional bird sanctuary. The islets are home to a colony of great cormorants, crested cormorants, herring and brown gulls, oystercatchers and maritime pipits, shelducks and mallards. Peregrine falcons and grey seals can be seen all year round.
Up the aber
On your way up the aber, don't hesitate to stop off at the Manoir de Trouzilit. This 30-hectare wooded property borders the Aber Benoît for 1.5km. Open all year round, the manoir offers accommodation (chambre d'hôtes, gite de France rental, cottage, gite d'étape...), an equestrian center, mini-golf, a crêperie and a bar.
Further upstream, with your toddlers, a trip to the lakes, and in particular Lac de Bourg-Blanc, is a welcome addition. Tour the lake with Baludik and accompany Naïg on the korrigans' pond. The many children's games are sure to liven up a relaxing afternoon. It's also the starting point for many walks in the countryside.
Before returning to the source, in the commune of Saint-Divy, stop off at the Kersaint Plabennec wetland, where you can wander through a wilderness rich in flora and fauna.
