Discover a different French region that has beautiful cities and medieval-style towns. A tour of Brittany gives you the chance to truly immerse yourself in the past.
This is the best place to go on your next trip if you are the type of person who enjoys traditional places with fascinating stories.
Where is Brittany?
The Atlantic Ocean, the English Channel, the North, the West, and the Bay of Biscaya, France’s northwest-most region, border the region of Brittany.
Before becoming part of France , it was a duchy ruled by a duke, in 1532 it was annexed to the French kingdom. Hence the diversity in its cultural and linguistic identity, from Celtic, Breton to French.
Its main cities are Rennes, Brest and Quimper. It is a region full of natural ports, rocky cliffs, beaches and abundant rural areas.
Best time to go
Each season in Brittany guarantees its tourists an unforgettable trip. If you want more pleasant temperatures, flowery landscapes and to take part in music festivals, spring (May to June) is perfect. In addition, there are fewer tourists.
Unlike summer (July to August), which is high season, because of the longer days, which are ideal for outdoor activities, these are also the months when most festivals and cultural events take place and attract thousands of people.
Autumn (September) allows for walks with mild temperatures and a more welcoming landscape. This is the month that apples are harvested, which is the low season for tourism; hence, if you want to save money, it would be good to pay a visit as this brings down accommodation and tour costs.
What to do in Brittany in winter?
Brittany is a charming region and in winter it offers a variety of activities. You can explore its cities, markets, medieval streets and visit its castles.
And during this period it is possible to include its beaches in your itinerary, as they provide a breathtaking landscape, are great for walking and contemplating the horizon.
For those who enjoy cultural immersion, take part in its winter festivals, such as the Festival de Noël, which has Christmas decorations and the atmosphere is full of magic.
Recharge your batteries in its spas and try French cuisine in its traditional restaurants full of typical dishes.
Main cities of Brittany
The main cities in the Brittany region impress everyone with their medieval architecture, half-timbered buildings and lush green landscapes.
In addition to having stunning beaches, ports and castles that bring elegance, they arouse the interest of those looking for a traditional and welcoming destination.
Rennes
The capital of Brittany is Rennes, with medieval architecture and classical buildings, this mix gives the city an extra charm.
Its historic center is made up of narrow streets and colorful half-timbered houses, like an enchanted labyrinth. For those who enjoy visiting cathedrals, Saint Pierre has a neoclassical façade and a rich interior that catches everyone’s attention and is worth spending an hour exploring.
The most prominent museum in Rennes is the Musée des Beaux-Arts, which has a collection of European art, with works by several artists from the continent, such as Rubens and Picasso. Admire even more beauty by strolling through the Parc du Thabor, which combines French and English garden styles.
A must-see stop has to be Les Champs Libres, a cultural complex made up of a library, museum and a planetarium with interactive exhibitions, which provides a complete visit full of learning.
Roscoff
A little different from the capital, Roscoff has a coastal landscape, its buildings are granite-style houses from the 16th and 17th centuries. The main church is Notre-Dame de Croaz Batz, in the flamboyant Gothic style and its intricate carvings are made into the stone.
The best thing about visiting Roscoff is having the opportunity to visit its port, which provides access to Batz Island, a French jewel with exotic gardens and trails.
You will also find botanical gardens within the city boundaries, like the very beautiful Jardin Exotique, holding subtropical plants. There is simply a marvelous panoramic view.
And if you really want to decelerate from the pace of tourism around Brittany, then you must go to one of its thalassotherapy centers, which treat customers using seawater.
Brest
Another city located on the coast of Brittany, Brest has a modern and port-like style, and its history is marked by the Second World War. Therefore, contemporary architecture is mixed with historical remains.
If you are interested in naval matters and marine research, it is worth visiting its port, which houses the naval base, one of the most important in France. The most visited attraction is the Château de Brest, a 3rd century fortress that houses the National Museum of the Navy, located approximately 1 km from the beach.
To see other fascinating symbols of Brest, head to its Pont de Recouvrance and the Tanguy Tower, both offering a privileged view of the port and the city. Doing a visit to the Oceanopolis: an aquarium and a park that holds polar, temperate, and tropical ecosystems within three pavilions.
The city abounds with life, theatres, cinemas, and festivals. You could attend some during your stay depending on the time you travel to this destination.
Saint Malo
Saint-Malo: historic walled coastal town with beaches and appealing alleys—a place to find peace and beauty.
In this province of Brittany, you will be able to walk along the walls and see the beauty of the Atlantic. Inside this ancient building, there are narrow streets with granite buildings from the time of the corsair port.
You can’t miss its emblematic castle, which today has collections that portray the history of the city and maritime events, as well as the adventures of the corsairs.
Another old building worth visiting is the Saint-Vincent Cathedral, one of the most beautiful in the region in the Gothic style.
During low tide, tourists can visit the Grand Bé and Petit Bé islands, which can be walked and include the tomb of the French writer Chateaubriand.
It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling with someone or alone, you need to go to its bistros, which have a romantic atmosphere and serve traditional dishes.