Brittany Travel Guide

France

Rennes which includes café scenes and street scenes as well as a large group of people
Saint-Malo showing a beach, general coastal views and rocky coastline
Petit Be which includes sailing, rocky coastline and general coastal views
Rennes Cathedral showing heritage architecture, heritage elements and a church or cathedral
Place des Lices showing a house

One of Britain’s oldest continuously inhabited areas, fortified Middle Age citadels and state-of-the-art resort hotels are all in this region of northern France.

With its location immediately across the English Channel from England, Brittany has long had close ties to the U.K. Many of the legends of King Arthur took place in this heavily forested and mysterious setting. Now that most of the forests have been chopped down, British tourists visit Brittany to relax in resort towns or see medieval citadels. Sit on the beach, explore ancient towns and learn about Brittany’s Celtic heritage.

Jutting out from France’s Atlantic coast, Brittany has both north and south shores lined with beaches and islands. Dinard on the north coast has some of the nicest beaches and features a classic resort town built in the 19th century for aristocratic British tourists. Drive along the large section of north coast known as the Côte de Granit-Rose (Rose-Granite Coast), which is lined with pink rocks. Swim on the protected beach of Ploumanac’h.

Take a ferry to one of the islands just off the Brittany coast, like the Île de Bréhat. About 400 people inhabit this interconnected pair of car-free islands off the north coast. Belle-Île off the southern coast is Brittany’s largest island and features 60 beaches and a wide selection of resort hotels. When you arrive near the port city of Le Palais, notice the star-shaped Citadelle Vauban.

Tour the mainland cities to see relics from the Europe of the Middle Ages and earlier. Walk along the walls of St-Malo, a fortified medieval city overlooking the north coast. Josselin is one of Brittany’s prettiest inland cities, with a three-towered château along a canal. Tour the castle from April to October. Visit Carnac on Brittany’s south coast to see the assortment of over 10,000 ancient rock formations.

Reach Brittany by ferry from the U.K. or by train, bus or plane from Paris. Join British daytrippers on the beach in July and August when the weather is warmest.

Popular cities in Brittany

Crozon
Crozon
Known for Swimming, Sea and Nature
Crozon is calling! Discover its natural setting, island views, beaches and more.

Reasons to visit

  • Cap de la Chevre
  • Pointe de Dinan
  • Plage de la Palue
Saint-Malo
Saint-Malo
Known for Beaches, Ferries and boats and Walking
A real gem on the Emerald Coast, Saint Malo has a rich maritime history once renowned for buccaneering. Are you ready for an adventure? Then step aboard, me hearties!

Reasons to visit

  • St. Malo Beach
Rennes Cathedral showing heritage architecture, heritage elements and a church or cathedral
Rennes
Known for Business, Universities and Festivals
The capital of the festive region and boasting remarkable architecture, Rennes is the perfect destination for a cultural break. On the agenda? A bit of history, a relaxing park and an electrifying science centre!

Reasons to visit

  • Rennes Cathedral
Perros-Guirec
Perros-Guirec
Known for Sea, Ports and Spas
Love adventure, ocean views and monuments? Get away to Perros-Guirec!

Reasons to visit

  • Ploumanac'h Lighthouse
Vannes
Vannes
Known for Historical, Ports and Family-friendly
This traditional 15th-century town appears almost completely untouched by time, yet it holds excitement for visitors of all ages.
Concarneau
Concarneau
Known for Sea, Historical and Running
Relaxing Concarneau is calling! Discover its oceanfront, art, beaches and more.