The Cannons of the Blavet

Take a moment to enjoy the cool air along the river, because this is where Hennebont’s fortified past meets the Blavet. The town sits right on the boundary between fresh river water and the influence of the sea, giving Hennebont a character that is both riverfront and maritime. For centuries, that relationship with the water shaped the town’s fortunes.

From the Middle Ages until the early 20th century, the port was the driving force behind the local economy. But making these riverbanks usable was no easy task. Floods and ice caused repeated damage, and the old bridge had an unfortunate habit of collapsing.

When the quays were finally developed in the 18th century, builders even reused stone taken from elsewhere in town. And then, as you walk along the water, you come across something you probably weren’t expecting: three enormous iron cannons, each 3.2 meters—or about 10 and a half feet—long. They were originally made for warships, but don’t waste time looking for the fortress they once defended.

These cannons have absolutely no historical connection to this quay. They used to stand at the Géran site near Plouhinec. In 2001, they were headed for the scrap heap when Hennebont stepped in, bought them for little more than the value of the metal, restored them, and mounted them on handsome wooden gun carriages to give the waterfront a maritime touch.

And their story may have taken an even stranger turn before they got here. At some point, these former weapons of war were very likely planted upright in the ground and used as mooring posts for boats. The oxidation marks near the top suggest that thick ropes were once wrapped around them.

From naval artillery to glorified hitching posts—and finally to waterfront monuments. Not a bad second life for three old cannons. And now, it’s time to leave the river behind and climb up to the ramparts.