History
In the 19th century, Pont-Aven was a small commercial town known for its mills and its port. It has always inspired artists, and American painters began arriving here in 1865. From 1865 onwards, life in the town changed radically.
- Origin
At the end of the deep creek that carries the waters of the River Aven to the ocean, there once existed a ford that primitive populations used. - Middle Age
Throughout the years, tradesmen, millers and sailors, including "chasse-marée" ("coastal luggers"), set out for Nantes and Bordeaux carrying local grain and bringing back wine and salt, providing the town with animated. - XIX century
In the middle of the 19th century, a wish came true: Brittany, an archaic region, became fashionable. The railways allowed people to discover this hidden land. - The Inns
When the little town was growing, two women played an important role. They were innkeepers who knew how to welcome artists, make their stay easier, facilitate their work and incite them to come back. Their names are still famous in spite of the fact that their establishments have disappeared. - Coiffes and Costumes
The Pont-Aven costume is considered to be one of the most becoming in Brittany. - Today
It wasn't until recent decades that painting came back to Pont-Aven.