The fourth most visited region in France, Brittany captivates with its diversity. On the maritime side, it offers a wild coastline and a succession of coves with turquoise waters. On the land side, the region is dotted with magic forests whose legends are peopled with fairies and spells. Everywhere, picturesque villages have preserved their charms and traditions. Here is our top 10 of the most beautiful villages in Brittany!
Rochefort-en-Terre and its postcard decor
In the heart of Morbihan, Rochefort-en-Terre is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful villages in Brittany. Built on a promontory overlooking the Gueuzon valley, it is surrounded by splendid landscapes, made of rocks of impressive shapes and sizes, thick woods and orchards where you can take bucolic walks. In the village, the windows are decorated with flowering geraniums and the alleys invite contemplative walks. It inspires more than one artist, since many workshops are scattered around the village.
Place du Puits in Rochefort-en-TerreLocronan where time seems to have stood still
This village located near Quimper is a must to visit in the region. Through its cobbled streets, you will discover beautiful stone houses, a central square full of life, an old well, as well as a sumptuous church. In summer, the atmosphere is at its peak with street performances in the heart of the colorful markets. In December, it is the magic of Christmas which seizes Locronan, which then adorns its most beautiful clothes of light!
Locronan
La Roche-Bernard, a city of character
Built in the XNUMXth century by the Viking Bern Hart, the village has a rich history, of which the Vilaine is undoubtedly the main character. The river has indeed punctuated the daily life of the villagers for centuries and the bottom of its Old Port is home to the largest concentration of old rigs from Brittany. To find out more, head to the Musée de la Vilaine maritime at the Château des Basses-Fosses. La Roche-Bernard also has a beautiful architectural heritage, with its majestic granite houses and streets of indisputable charm.
La Roche-Bernard
Saint-Suliac and its menhir
Nestled on the banks of the Rance, Saint-Suliac is one of the most beautiful villages in Brittany. 5 km from Saint-Malo, you will be charmed by this flowery village with splendid granite houses. Founded in the XNUMXth century by the Vikings, the village of Saint-Suliac is home to a menhir nicknamed "Gargantua tooth" and which attests to the presence of very old stands. Do not hesitate to gain height by borrowing the path that leads to Mont Gareau: you will have a splendid view of the Rance and the bay of Mont-Saint-Michel.
Saint-Suliac
La Gacilly and its artists
La Gacilly is a city of Crafts, as such it gives pride of place throughout the year different types of arts and crafts: painting, sculpture, glassware or even pottery. In the many workshops that make up this magnificent Breton village, you can be amazed and do some shopping. In summer, the La Gacilly Photo Festival fills the streets with immense photos to make art accessible to all. An event not to be missed!
Gacilly
Pont-Aven and its butter pancakes
Here is a very good reason to go to this town in Finistère: its delicious pure butter pancakes that will delight gourmets! In addition to its gastronomic attractions, Pont-Aven is one of the most beautiful villages in Brittany and many painters were fascinated by the spectacle offered by the city and its surroundings: typical stone houses placed at the water's edge. , hundred-year-old mills and bucolic paths in the heart of nature. You will find in Pont-Aven un bohemian spirit unique in the region!
Aven bridge
Bécherel and its bookstores
Nestled on a rocky promontory which dominates the valley of the Rance, in Ille-et-Vilaine, the village of Bécherel has preserved medieval charm thanks to the remains of its ramparts. But what makes it special is to be the first "city of books" in France. To give a second life to this long abandoned village, some enthusiasts have opened more than 14 original bookstores like the bookstore-florist or the bookstore-wine bar. In addition, there are workshops devoted to calligraphy or the binding of precious books.
Becherel
Moncontour and its history
In the XNUMXth century, the inhabitants of Moncontour made their fortune thanks to the sailing trade. We can still see today the legacy of this glorious past strolling through the cobbled streets lined with splendid buildings. Full of allure and charm, this historic city can be visited on foot, while climbing quietly towards the church which dominates the village. All odd years, a great medieval festival is organized by the locals to show visitors what life was like in medieval times.
Moncontour, the medieval city
Ploumanac'h and the Côte de Granit Rose
Ploumanac'h is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful villages in Brittany. In addition to its adorable town center which can be explored on foot, this former fishing village is famous for pink rocks which protect it from the onslaught of the sea: a kind of granite, formed several hundred million years ago. Departing from Ploumanac'h, do not miss to explore the surroundings according to the trails which follow the coast, the landscapes are sumptuous!
Ploumanac'h
Landévennec and its palm trees
Palm trees in Brittany? Nicknamed the “Petit Nice”, Landévennec benefits from a microclimate that gives it the air of the Côte d'Azur. Located at the bottom of the harbor of Brest, the village also grows mimosas, oleanders and fig trees, which offers absolutely splendid landscapes! On the spot, do not miss to admire its abbey as well as the museum of the Old Abbey which retraces fifteen centuries of Breton history.
The former Landévennec abbeyBeautiful villages in Brittany… but not only!
Brittany is a region rich in history and strong traditions. In addition to visiting its beautiful villages, do not miss a stop in Rennes and its surroundings to appreciate all its facets. The region is also popular with motorhomes, and if the weather turns bad, read our article on things to do in Finistère in the rain!