Pont-Aven

About

Pont-Aven was a trade-town, subsisting on its mills and port, until its charm was discovered by artists in the mid-19th century. In 1886, Paul Gauguin arrived, and after meeting Émile Bernard, founded the École de Pont-Aven art movement, which would inspire later artists such as Picasso and Matisse. Today, visitors can enjoy the village’s narrow streets, peaceful bridges, and charming granite houses from the 17th and 18th centuries. At the tourist office, visitors can pick up a leaflet which highlights the Gauguin’s favourite parts of the village - mainly his preferred painting spots. The Musée des Beaux-Arts exhibits works from the École de Pont-Aven as well as the contemporary artists who still flock to the village. For a fully immersive experience, be sure to stop for the town’s famous galettes to enjoy by the river.