At the mouth of the Odet river are the two towns of Sainte Marine on the west side and Benodet to the east. Benodet is larger and more touristy, with all the conveniences of a large town, including chandleries, mechanics and a nearby supermarket. Sainte Marine is a beautiful little port with the best restaurants and a very parisian looking summer crowd.

As a practical matter, the marinas of both towns are a short dinghy ride away from one another, so both towns can be equally enjoyed and the marine services in Benodet will make the short drive to Sainte Marine. We preferred Ste Marine, where the marina was a bit quieter and the ride to the restaurants was easier.

Although the Penfould Marina at Benodet has nothing like the services of the giant marina at nearby La Foret Fouesnant, it is much more pleasant and we were well taken care of by Concarneau Electronique, who repaired our windlass, and Le Bihan salimaker just up the street who came down right away to fix a broken spreader. Both marinas worke hard to find us someplace to stay, and I get the sense that between them there is always a way to fit in. If you call in advance, both accept reservations. The stay was about 45 Euros a night and 220 Euros for a week for a fifty foot boat. Electricity and wifi were free and both marinas had good showers, although Sainte Marine's facilities were a bit further from the boat.

We rented bikes at a shop across from the church on the main road leading to the beach. We also rented a car, but that required a taxi ride to Quimper, about 50 Euros. Quimper has a beautiful old quarter and was well worth the visit.

Although no anchoring is allowed in the harbor, both the Odet River upstream and the beaches off Benodet and Ste Marine are excellent spots to anchor for lunch or overnight in settled weather. The trip up the Odet River and back is about 3 hours, best done at slack tide, and navigation is easy until you come within sight of Quimper. A trip out to the Glenans is only two hours and well recommended for lunch or an overnight stay in good weather. Sainte Marine kept a "reserved" sign on our spot on the quay while we were away.

The picture is of Bigouden on the Ponton at Ste Marine with the town in the background.