Bounded by the sea and steeped in tradition, Brittany is a stunning region in northeastern France, boasting charming fishing villages, lush countryside with medieval hamlets and castles, and a diverse coastline with serene moors, forests, and beaches. The region is rich in Celtic culture, with its own dialect, and is known for its delicious local cuisine, including savory buckwheat crepes known as "galettes." Bretons celebrate "pardons," a type of pilgrimage and festival in historical costumes.
Brittany offers a wealth of sightseeing and authentic experiences. Here are some of the top attractions:
1. Saint-Malo
Saint-Malo, a fortified port city, is known for its medieval walls and historical buildings like the Château de Saint-Malo and the Cathédrale Saint-Vincent. The city has a rich ambiance with cobblestone streets and numerous eateries. The ramparts provide stunning views of the town and sea, while the Plage de Bon-Secours offers a sandy beach with a seawater pool.
2. Quimper
Quimper, on the Odet River, enchants with its half-timbered houses and the impressive Cathédrale Saint-Corentin. The Musée des Beaux-Arts and the Musée Départemental Breton showcase fine arts and Breton cultural heritage. Nearby, the rugged Cornouaille countryside and seaside resorts like Tréboul and Douarnenez offer stunning views and the Pointe du Raz promontory.
3. Nantes
Nantes, a historic Breton port and university city, is home to the Château des Ducs de Bretagne and the Musee d'Histoire de Nantes. The Bouffay district is a medieval quarter with shops and eateries, while the Place Royale is an elegant square surrounded by shopping streets.
4. Rennes
Rennes, the former capital of Brittany, is a modern city with a rich history. Notable sites include the Place de la Mairie, Eglise Saint-Sauveur, and the Cathédrale Saint-Pierre, surrounded by historic houses.
5. Belle-Île-en-Mer
Belle-Île-en-Mer, the largest Breton island, is known for its natural beauty, the Citadelle Vauban, and the charming villages of Le Palais, Bangor, Locmaria, and Sauzon. The island offers beaches like the Plage des Grands Sables and is accessible by ferry.
6. Morbihan Megalithic Sites
The Golfe du Morbihan is dotted with islands and megalithic sites like Locmariaquer's "Le Grand Menhir" and the "Cairn de Gavrinis" on Île de Gavrinis. Carnac is famous for its Neolithic stone alignments and the Musée de Préhistoire.
7. Château de Josselin
The medieval village of Josselin is known for its Château de Josselin, a feudal castle with a Flamboyant Gothic facade, formal French gardens, and a Dolls and Toys Museum.
8. Vitré
Vitré, a medieval town with a "Ville d'Art et d'Histoire" title, features the Château de Vitré and the Château des Rochers Sévigné, a manor house with a museum dedicated to Madame de Sévigné.
9. Île d'Ouessant (Ushant Island)
Île d'Ouessant is a wild island with lighthouses, coastal paths, and indigenous sheep. It's accessible by ferry from Brest or Le Conquet.
10. Côte d'Emeraude (Emerald Coast)
The Emerald Coast, from Saint-Malo to Cap Fréhel, features seaside resorts and the striking Cap Fréhel with panoramic views.
11. Côte de Granit Rose (Pink Granite Coast)
The Pink Granite Coast is known for its unique rock formations and the seaside resort of Perros-Guirec.
12. Cancale
Cancale is a fishing village famous for its oysters, with restaurants, a marine farm, and the Sentier des Douaniers coastal path.
13. Concarneau
Concarneau, a fortified fishing port, offers a medieval atmosphere, beaches, and the Fisheries Museum.
14. Pont-Aven
Pont-Aven, an artists' village, is associated with Paul Gauguin and the Ecole de Pont-Aven. The Musée de Pont-Aven exhibits related artworks.
