In the footsteps of “A summer in Pont-Aven

In “Un été à Pont-Aven”, Commissaire Georges Dupin, a Parisian exiled in Brittany, finds himself plunged into a complex investigation in the picturesque little town of Pont-Aven. The tranquillity of this place known for its artistic past is suddenly disturbed by the murder of Pierre-Louis Pennec, a prominent art gallery owner. Pennec is found dead in his gallery, apparently the victim of a crime of passion or a settling of scores.

Dupin, with his flair for detail and his sometimes unconventional approach, explores the hidden underbelly of this artistic city. His investigation leads him to interview a variety of characters, from local artists to art collectors and local residents. As Dupin uncovers buried secrets and hidden tensions, he realises that Pennec’s murder is linked to a missing painting by Paul Gauguin, adding another layer of mystery to the case.

With perseverance and intuition, Dupin navigates a web of lies, betrayals and artistic passions to unravel the threads of this complex enigma. The investigation reveals not only the hidden face of Pont-Aven, but also the human depths of the characters involved.

Key locations where the action takes place:

(click on the titles to go to the locations)

• Pont-Aven: The heart of the plot, where Pierre-Louis Pennec’s body is found and where most of the investigation takes place.
• Le Bois d’Amour: A place for strolling and reflection, often frequented by artists, and where Dupin finds clues.
• L’hôtel Central: The fictitious hotel where Dupin stays and works on the investigation.
• The River Aven: A river running through Pont-Aven, along which Dupin discovers clues.
• The Pont-Aven museum: A key location where Dupin discovers crucial information about the art and artists of the region.
• The surrounding villages and hamlets: Various places around Pont-Aven visited or mentioned by Dupin as part of his investigation.
• Nizon: A village near Pont-Aven, home to the chapel of Trémalo, an important place in the investigation.
• Concarneau: A coastal town where Dupin goes to question witnesses and consult experts.
• The port of Doëlan: A charming little port visited by Dupin to follow up leads.
• The forest of Carnoët: A dense and mysterious forest where Dupin looks for clues.
• Quimper: The capital of Brittany’s Cornouaille region, visited by Dupin to obtain additional information and meet fellow police officers and experts.
• Bénodet: A seaside resort where Dupin follows a lead and meets witnesses.
• Local beaches: Various beaches mentioned or visited by Dupin during his investigation.