10 Best Things To Do In Brittany
Updated: Nov 13, 2023
Brittany, or Bretagne in French, is located northwest of France and is known for its distinct Celtic heritage, beautiful coastline, and rich history. If your dream destination is a mixture of rich history, authentic culture, and amazing nature, then, you might fall in love with Brittany.
What are the top 10 places to visit and the best things to do in Brittany?
Check out the below list for some ideas. The list is not comprehensive - there are other amazing places to visit in this unique region of France, but as always, I'm covering only the places that I have visited myself, and the below list is an itinerary of our recent trip to the northwest of France - I hope you will find it useful for you as well.
Explore The City Of Pirates - Saint-Malo
Saint-Malo is a historic walled city which is known for its impressive fortifications, picturesque old town, and maritime history.
Saint-Malo is often referred to as the "City of Pirates" due to its historical association with privateers and corsairs. During the 17th and 18th centuries, Saint-Malo gained a reputation as a hub for this kind of people, due to its strategic location, proximity to the British Channel and impressive fortifications.
One of the main sites of Saint-Malo are the Ramparts - city walls and fortifications which you can climb and walk along for panoramic views of the town, the sea, and nearby islands. The walls also house several bastions and gates, such as the Porte Saint-Vincent and Porte Saint-Thomas.
The Old Town of Saint-Malo (Intra-Muros) worth visiting as well. Enclosed by ramparts dating back to the 12th century, the old town is a maze of narrow cobblestone streets, lined with charming shops, restaurants, and cafes.
Do not miss the chance to visit the Saint-Malo Cathedral, dedicated to Saint Vincent of Saragossa - the impressive Gothic-style cathedral located in the heart of the old town.
Visit Cancale For Unforgettable Oysters & Stunning Views
Cancale is a picturesque fishing town which is known for its oyster farms, beautiful coastline, and charming atmosphere. Cancale is a perfect destination for seafood and nature lovers, who will appreciate the stunning views and amazing hiking trails nearby.
Cancale is the oyster capital of France: the town's oyster beds, known as "parcs à huîtres," can be seen along the shoreline. You can taste fresh oysters at local restaurants and seafood markets - you will be pleasantly surprised by the quality.
The waterfront area of Cancale, known as La Houle, is a bustling and scenic place. It features colourful houses, seafood restaurants, and shops selling local products. It's a great place for a stroll and to enjoy views of the sea.
Explore Mont Saint-Michel - The Historic Gem Of France
To be honest, officially the famous abbey Mont Saint-Michel is located in Normandy, but it's just 40 km from Cancale, and it's convenient to combine these places in one trip.
Check out my other post to learn more about this amazing place!
Walk Through The Elegant Dinard
Dinard is a coastal town located just opposite Saint-Malo, on another side of the Gulf of Saint-Malo, and connected with its neighbour by a bridge.
It's famous for its sandy beaches, including Plage de l'Écluse and Plage de Saint-Énogat, and also - for its elegant Belle Époque architecture, which is well-preserved throughout the town.
The town hosts an annual film festival known as the Dinard British Film Festival. It showcases a selection of contemporary British films and attracts filmmakers, actors, and film enthusiasts.
Enjoy The Charming Dol-de-Bretagne
Dol-de-Bretagne is a charming town in Brittany, just 25 km from both Saint-Malo and Mont Saint-Michel, that worth stopping by on the way to Rennes.
The town has a well-preserved historic centre with medieval architecture, charming streets, and squares. The town's medieval houses and buildings contribute to its quaint and picturesque atmosphere.
Discover Combourg - The Home Of Chateaubriand
Combourg is a small town renowned for its castle, Château de Combourg. This medieval fortress was transformed into a residence in the 18th century. The castle is famous for being the childhood home of French writer François-René de Chateaubriand, a prominent figure in French literature.
Near the castle, you will find a beautiful Lake Combourg - a perfect spot for tranquil walks, picnics, and enjoying nature.
Check Out Rennes - The Capital Of Brittany
Rennes is the capital city of the Brittany region. One of the main attractions of this city is a well-preserved historic centre with medieval half-timbered houses, narrow streets, and charming squares.
Another prominent place in Rennes is the Parliament of Brittany, an emblematic symbol of Rennes. Also, Rennes Cathedral - a stunning example of Gothic architecture - is worth visiting, with its impressive stained glass windows and beautiful interior.
If you will be visiting Rennes during the weekend, do not miss the Saturday morning market at Place des Lices - one of the largest markets in France. It offers a vibrant array of fresh produce, local specialities, and artisanal products.
Walk Along The Medieval Ramparts Of Vannes
Vannes is a historic town in the Morbihan department of the Brittany region, which is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, ancient city walls, and a picturesque harbor.
Vannes boasts a charming and well-preserved medieval old town, with the narrow cobblestone streets and the town's medieval gates, such as Porte Saint-Vincent and Porte Saint-Patern.
The Saint-Pierre Cathedral is a prominent landmark in Vannes. This Gothic cathedral dates back to the 15th century and features beautiful stained glass windows and impressive sculptures.
Vannes is surrounded by medieval ramparts, and walking along them provides panoramic views of the old town and its surroundings. The Jardin des Remparts, a garden located atop the ramparts, offers a peaceful retreat.
The port area, known as the Port de Vannes, is a picturesque harbor with sailboats, seafood restaurants, and cafes. It's a great place to enjoy a leisurely stroll and take in the maritime atmosphere.
Enjoy The Stunning Views Of Gulf Morbihan
The Gulf of Morbihan is a stunning natural harbor located on the southern coast of Brittany, which is known for its picturesque landscapes, numerous islands, and diverse marine life.
The Gulf of Morbihan is dotted with approximately 40 islands, such as, for example, Île-aux-Moines, Île-d'Arz, and Île aux Moines.
Some islands in the Gulf of Morbihan have historical sites, including prehistoric megaliths and medieval structures. Exploring these sites offers insights into the region's rich history.
The Rhuys Peninsula extends into the Gulf of Morbihan and offers additional opportunities for exploration, with coastal trails, beaches, and historical sites. One of the main historical sites there is a Castle of Suscinio, a medieval fortress located on the Rhuys Peninsula.
Suscinio Castle was built in the late Middle Ages, during the 13th century. It served as a residence for the Dukes of Brittany, specifically as a hunting lodge and a summer residence.
Discover The Puzzling Carnac
Carnac is a commune in the Morbihan department of Brittany, France, known for its remarkable prehistoric megalithic sites.
Carnac is famous for its extensive alignments of standing stones, also known as menhirs. The alignments are one of the most significant prehistoric sites in the world. The rows of megaliths are believed to have been erected between the Neolithic period and the Bronze Age.
The purpose of these menhirs remains a subject of archaeological debate. Theories suggest that they may have had ritual, astronomical, or ceremonial significance, but the precise purpose and cultural practices associated with the stones remain speculative.
I hope you liked this post and found it helpful for your next trip to Normandy. For more inspiration and travel ideas - check out one of my posts about our recent trip to France.
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