8x the best of Brittany

Brittany is considered one of the most beautiful regions of France. The charming fishing villages, vast coastlines with rugged cliffs and improbable nature make Brittany a favourite place for every holidaymaker.  Curious about the charms of Brittany? Discover all our tips in ‘8x the best of Brittany.’

1. Dive into Brittany's history

Brittany has a rich history and its remains can be found throughout the region. For example, the area is known for its megaliths and menhirs. These are stone monuments dating back to prehistoric times. Many castles, fortifications and cathedrals from the Middle Ages have also been preserved. 
Explore the region's historical icons, such as the medieval towns of Saint-Malo, Dinan, Vannes or the castles and fortresses at Fort La Latte and Château de Josselin. Megalithic monuments can be found in Carnac and Locmariaquer.

2. Walking along natural beauty

Brittany has no less than 1,000 km of coastline, ranging from rock formations and verdant landscapes to hidden coves. The crashing water against the rugged cliffs here is incredibly beautiful. You will probably recognise the cliffs of Cap Fréhel from postcards, but the cliffs of Pointe du Raz are also impressive. Don't forget Côte de Granit Rose (Pink Granite Coast), where you can let your imagination run wild. You will find jagged rocks of all shapes and sizes here. The colour of these rocks is, you guessed it, pink!
Along the coast you will find the GR34, also called the Customs Trail (the Sentier des Douaniers). This is Brittany's most famous hiking trail.

3. Remarkable islands in Brittany 

Off the coast of Brittany lie a number of gems of islands. It is often less crowded here and you feel like you have arrived in an undiscovered part of France. By boat, you can reach several islands in a few minutes to just under an hour. The island of Belle-Île-en-Mer, for instance, is less than an hour away by boat and Île de Bréhat just 15 minutes. From its charming ports, you can explore picturesque villages and unspoilt nature in no time. 
Tip: did you know that Brittany also has paradisiacal waters and beaches? Less than half an hour away are the Glénan islands, also called the Brittany Caribbean!

4. Test your tastebuds

When you are in Brittany, of course you cannot skip the region's delicacies. The region has a number of typical dishes and drinks, some of which are eaten throughout France, and the world! 
Brittany is king when it comes to breakfast, lunch and sweet snacks. There are the well-known crêpes with various toppings, but the galette is also very popular in Brittany. A galette is a folded pancake with egg made of buckwheat flour, a hearty meal that will last you a day (or evening).
In Breton cafés, ask for a Kouign-amann or a Far Breton with your coffee, these are delicious sweet treats. For an evening of French conviviality, opt for a cider, Breton beer or chouchen, also known as honey wine.

5. Maritime Brittany 

If you are in Brittany, chances are very good that you will be stranded in one or more of the many fishing villages. Here you can stroll around ports full of boats, or enjoy a table full of fish or seafood straight from the sea. Breton cuisine is known for its mussels, lobster and oysters. Freshly prepared by French chefs, they serve you the best from the sea. 
A visit to one of the region's lighthouses is not to be missed. Brittany has the largest number of lighthouses in the world. After sometimes a steep climb, you will be treated to the most beautiful views. The most famous lighthouses are Phare de Ploumanac'h and Phare d'Eckmühl. This will complete your maritime adventure in Brittany.

6. Brittany churches, chapels and pilgrimages

Hidden in the landscape, you will find many Breton churches and chapels. They are often centuries old, but still well preserved. The architecture, murals, stained glass and impressive statues often make you stop in time.
Several pilgrimage routes run through Brittany, with spiritual and religious backgrounds. These include the De Tro Breizh, also known as the ‘Tour de Bretagne’, a 1,500-kilometre trek through Brittany's history. With this pilgrimage, you walk in the footsteps of the region's founders. Have you completed the tour? Then a true paradise awaits according to Breton legend....

7. Events and festivals in Brittany

A fun addition to your visit is attending one of the region's festivals or events. Just back in Breton times? Every 2 years, the City of Dinan hosts the Fête des Remparts: a celebration of the Middle Ages. Knights' tournaments, medieval costumes and medieval conviviality make this event a historical celebration.  
Looking for a slice of culture in Brittany, look out for the time of the Celts, and the Celtic language still spoken here and there. The Festival Interceltique in Lorient, held in August, takes you back to Celtic times in the form of music and dance. Of course, the typical Celtic costumes are not to be missed. 

8. Extra: hidden places in Brittany

Brittany has some special hidden places and of course we like to share them. First of all, the village of Rochefort-en-Terre is one of the region's most characteristic secret spots. Here, you travel straight through time, past a centuries-old castle and ancient ramparts and back to shops full of old crafts via modern boutiques and galleries. 
Join us to explore hidden beaches and unwind. Brittany has perhaps the most beautiful beaches in France, and off the beaten track you will find endless white beaches with blue-green waters. We tip you off to some of them: