The department Finistère has been created during the French Revolution, on March 4, 1790, as a part of the already existing province Brittany. The department was created around the dioceses of Cornouaille, Léon and a part of Trégor.

The area that is currently known as Finistère, used to be inhabited by the Gallic people of the Osismen. Their capital used to be the current city Carhaix. After the Roman domination the region became  

Finistère means literally "end of the earth" and indeed, it is a peninsula which is surrounded by water on three sides. Thus hundreds of kilometres of coast line are formed, along which a varied landscape appears: high rocks, mystic islands, quiet bays and sparkling estuaries The most western point of Brittany is the Pointe du Raz, a protected natural area.  

The many country roads lead you along the old tops of the Montagnes Noires (black mountains) and the Monts d'Arrées, to shady forests and along wild rivers. Following the paths you will see citadels, castles, country houses and innumerable holy places, churches and chapels.

The Finistère is a paradise for fishermen: there are rivers, lakes, brooks and, for the real lovers of fishing, of course the sea.  

A special area, for everyone who loves nature, can be found at the border between North and South Finistère: the Parc Naturel d'Armorique. This parc stretches from land to sea, where you will find, among other things, the grey seal.  

In Brest and Audierne you can visit beautiful aquariums, and fairylike surroundings can be found in the Forest of Huelgoat, with huge rocks that look like pebbles.  

Finistère has a lot to offer to the tourist: there are many possibilities to relax, such as horse back riding, swimming, hiking. You can also play golf, go mountain-biking, cycling, play tennis, go fishing and do other water sports.