The Sunken Oath — Dahut's Betrayal and Ys

Your journey begins at the Porte du Faou in Concarneau, the imposing main entrance to the Ville Close, erected in 1746 by military engineer Jean-François Lebrethon. This gate, classified as a Historic Monument in 1928, is a key element of the 17th-18th century Vauban ramparts. Its walls rise approximately 6 meters, where once a drawbridge provided access, replaced by a fixed footbridge in 1911. It is here that the legends of Ys take shape, as if the stones of Concarneau whisper the secrets of tides and forgotten vows.

Continue along the Ramparts of Concarneau, fortifications initiated in 1630 under Richelieu and completed in 1753. These 3.3 km of walls, classified as a Historic Monument in 1905, feature 7 gates and 4 bastions, with a thickness of up to 5 meters. They were designed in the 17th century to protect the city from English attacks, but also, in our narrative, to try to contain the fury of the floods after the submersion of Ys. Every corner of these Concarneau walls testifies to a history of defense and resilience, echoing the loss of the mythical city.

Place Saint-Guénolé, the heart of Concarneau's Ville Close, then welcomes you. Named after Saint Guénolé, founder of the Landévennec Abbey in the 6th century, it is surrounded by 17th-18th century houses. This spot was a historic market since the Middle Ages, near the Saint-Étienne church, rebuilt in 1880 after a fire. Here, the memory of Ys' lively life before its fall blends with the echoes of merchants and faithful, recalling the lost opulence of Dahut's city.

Rue Vauban, a historic cobbled street in the Ville Close, pays homage to the military engineer who visited Concarneau in 1693. Its 17th-century half-timbered houses, typical of fortified Breton architecture, stretch for approximately 200 meters, integrated into the rampart circuit. This street, a true time capsule, immerses you in the atmosphere of old Breton cities, where every stone could hide a clue about Ys' treasure or Princess Dahut's fate. The presence of this Vauban Heritage in Concarneau is a constant reminder of Brittany's defensive grandeur.

As you conclude your journey, you will cross the Passerelle d'accès à la Ville Close, this metal bridge built in 1911, replacing the old drawbridge of the Porte du Faou. 50 meters long, it is the sole pedestrian and vehicle access to the fortified city of Concarneau, connecting the mainland to the fortified island. The Concarneau Marina, developed since 1903 with its 20-hectare basin, was France's 2nd sardine port in the 19th century. From here, facing the sea, you gaze at the horizon, imagining the city of Ys beneath the waves, and meditating on Dahut's submerged vow, a myth that continues to haunt the coasts of Brittany. Your Concarneau visit ends on this note of mystery and history, a true Brittany thematic circuit.