Brittany (Bretagne)

Home to untouched coastlines, gorgeous islands, and fishing villages galore, sleepy Brittany is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts, foodies, and history buffs alike. Sample locally sourced oysters in Cancale, get to grips with French cuisine during an immersive chef-led cooking class, or enjoy local market tours.

Afterwards, take in the top sights and sounds on foot or by bike (electric or otherwise) during guided excursions throughout the region, from Rennes to Brest. Finally, get out on the water with boat tours, water sports activities, and island day trips.

• Brittany is ideal for travelers looking to escape the glitz of the Riviera and the hustle and bustle of the capital.
• Known for being linguistically and culturally distinct to other parts of France, Brittany is a great place to learn more about Breton life, history, and language.
• Exploring in the company of a local guide can help break down the language barrier and show you places you might otherwise have missed.
• Many of Brittany’s historic sites, from archaeological sites to centuries-old buildings, may not be easily accessible for those with strollers and wheelchair users.

Brittany is well-connected to the rest of France, as well as parts of the UK and Europe, by the Brest Bretagne Airport. The region is also just 5-hours from Paris by road and roughly an hour away from the nearby city of Nantes. While public transport options exist in the region, for ease and efficiency, getting around by car is your best bet.

Thanks to its location in northwest France, Brittany weathers cool winters and warm summers which are ideal for beach fans, water sports enthusiasts, and fair-weather walkers. July sees the arrival of the annual Festival de Cornouaille in Quimper, while the InterCeltic Festival takes place each August. Spring is also a pleasant time to visit this region for city exploration and more.

Aside from the better-known Rennes, Brest, and Saint-Malo, Brittany plays host to a wealth of small towns and villages worth an afternoon’s exploration. Colorful Quimper is home to one of the region’s finest Gothic buildings—the Saint-Corentin Cathedral—while Belle-Île-en-Mer is arguably the most beautiful of all Brittany’s islands. Meanwhile, foodies won’t want to miss coastal Cancale and its famed oysters.

Plan on spending at least three days exploring Brittany (Bretagne) in France. Many visitors spend a week or longer wandering through Brittany at their own pace, but you’ll want at least three days for your trip. Pretty seaside towns, megalithic monuments, and charming architecture draw visitors to Brittany.

Brittany (Bretagne) in France is especially beloved for its scenic coastline, with dramatic cliffs, pretty seaside towns, and golden sandy beaches. History buffs are also lured here by Brittany’s many megalithic monuments, which reveal the area’s rich Celtic history.

No, you do not need a car. Some visitors may prefer to rent a vehicle to easily explore Brittany at their own pace. Still, it is possible to use a combination of public transportation, including trains, buses, and taxis, to get around Brittany without needing to drive or park.

Yes, traveling to Brittany (Bretagne) in France is worth it. Charming towns and villages along the coast, beautiful architecture, and rich historical monuments are significant attractions here. The beaches and the food in Brittany are great for visitors looking to relax, too.

The best time of year in Brittany (Bretagne) is during the summer, from June through August. This is also the most popular time of year on the beaches and seaside towns, coinciding with a buzz that makes for an enjoyable trip. People seeking fewer crowds may want to visit in September instead.

Brittany (Bretagne) in France is famous for its butter, and many traditional dishes use local butter liberally. Don’t leave Brittany without sampling crepes (French-style pancakes). Seafoods like mackerel and sardines are also popular, and the region is known for its unique and traditional cheeses.