What to do in Brittany: the essentials.

Brittany, this region of France ideal for a nature road trip! In this article, we take you to discover this very pretty corner of France: what to do in Brittany, what are the must-sees, … Between sea and beach, land and forest, … Brittany conceals hidden corners, preserved and offering breathtaking views of the surroundings. From northern Brittany, to the south through the center of this peninsula.

Contents: What to do in Brittany?

Central Brittany:


Northern Brittany:


West of Brittany:

Southern Brittany:

In order to give you a logical presentation, we are going to start the things to do in Brittany with the center of the peninsula, then the north of Brittany, followed by the extreme west, and then finish with the south of Brittany.
You will also find suggestions for accommodation to stay in Brittany, whether unusual accommodation or the most beautiful thalassos in Brittany.


What to do in central Brittany?

Rennes

Let's start this article dedicated to what to do in Brittany, with one of the main cities of the region: Rennes. At the same time historic city, student city and modern and cultural city, Rennes deserves the turnings, and not only! Discover its architecture, its museums, alleys and the most popular squares of the city.


  • The historic center
    One of the main reasons for visiting Rennes is its perfectly preserved historic centre. Remains of medieval ramparts, houses from the 1720th and 900th centuries, cobbled streets, … are all surprises that await you in this town centre, and finally in part of its centre. Indeed, in XNUMX, a major fire broke out in a carpentry. In total, more than XNUMX half-timbered houses were destroyed, to then make way for new granite houses, with a less warm appearance.
  • Saint-Pierre Cathedral
    A very pretty cathedral dating from the XNUMXth and XNUMXth centuries. In neoclassical style, inside you can admire a very pretty Gothic altarpiece dating from the XNUMXth century.
  • The squares of Rennes
    Rennes has an incalculable number of places where it is good to walk and enjoy the terraces. Among the most popular are the Place des Lices, the Place du Champ-Jacquet, the Place du Parlement de Bretagne and the Place de l'Hôtel de Ville.
  • The Parliament of Brittany
    This is a building with typical XNUMXth century architecture which is also one of the most visited buildings in the city.
    Victim, too, of a fire in the 90s, all the necessary means were implemented to rebuild it identically.
  • Thabor Park
    One of the most beautiful public gardens in France, a must to visit in Rennes! On approximately 10 ha, take advantage of its various varied and diversified spaces. Whether it's a French garden, beautiful lawns, an orangery or even trees from all over the world, this garden is full of things to see and enjoy!

Paimpont-Brocéliande Forest

I have to tell you about this fantastic place and probably one of the best known for its legends! The Forest of Brocéliande is one of the mythical places of Arthurian legends! So if you are tempted by these myths, I strongly urge you to visit the Forest of Brocéliande and its surroundings. There are many places to visit such as the Tomb of Merlin, the Fountain of Youth, the Center of the Arthurian Imagination or the Valley of No Return.



The Valley of the Saints

This is a completely original and crazy place! This is a place where different sculptors have set themselves the goal of creating huge statues in blocks of granite. These statues represent the holy founders of Brittany.
This project has existed since 20009 and in total, about 85 statue-menhirs have been created since. Measuring between 4 and 5 meters high, they weigh nearly 15 tons each. Suffice to say that these statues are very impressive!
You can observe them on the hill of Saint-Gildas, where you can also admire a magnificent 360° view. A great discovery to make in central Brittany!

What to do in Brittany: the essentials. Discover the Heritage Pass!
Discover the Heritage Pass allowing you to access a multitude of heritage sites throughout France and Belgium! Valid for 1 year, you can access many castles, museums, parks, gardens, etc. In total, no less than 400 places are accessible thanks to this pass. Buy the Pass Patrimoine What to do in northern Brittany?

The Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel

Despite the fact that Mont-Saint-Michel is officially Norman, the bay of Mont-Saint-Michel is found mostly in Brittany and runs along a beautiful part of the northern coast.
Mont-Saint-Michel is, for me, an essential visit to do in Brittany! We have written a very detailed article on our visit to Mont-Saint-Michel and the things to do there. We particularly fell in love with the hike in the bay but also with the ULM flight. Of course, the visit to the abbey is sumptuous and well worth the detour, but it is a classic must for all visitors to Mont-Saint-Michel.



What to do in Brittany: the essentials. Dedicated article: Visiting Mont-Saint-Michel
The subject is so vast that we have written a specific article on our visit to Mont-Saint-Michel. You will find all our advice for organizing and preparing your visit, activities to do on site or where to sleep at Mont-Saint-Michel. Visit Mont-Saint-Michel

Cancale

Oyster lovers, you probably know Cancale! Or at least you're going to want to know about it! The town of Cancale is recognized throughout the world for its oysters. The whole city lives to the rhythm of oysters! To find out for yourself, head to Port de la Houle. It is here that you will be able to observe, depending on the tides, the happy brooms of the fishermen and oyster farmers returning with their catches of the day. Take advantage of the many terraces on the edge of the port to taste freshly delivered oysters. For even more charm, go directly to the Marché aux Huîtres, at the end of Port de la Houle.
At low tide, you will be able to distinguish the 400 ha of oyster beds.

Go to Pointe du Grouin
To get to Cancale, you will probably pass near Pointe du Grouin. The panorama offered from this place is breathtaking! Many animal and plant species have taken up residence here to take advantage of the richness of this place. Be careful, the Pointe du Grouin is very often windy!

Saint Malo

Saint-Malo is a city that is one of the must-sees in Brittany. The Cité Corsaire, surrounded by its ramparts and its beautiful beaches, has many surprises in store for you, both within and around the city.

Visit Saint Malo

Among the things to do absolutely in Saint-Malo, here are the main essentials:

  • Walk on the ramparts and in the inner city
    A very pretty walk awaits you, both along the ramparts and inside the city itself. From the ramparts, you will have a breathtaking view of the bay and the city of Saint-Malo. You can go around it on foot and thus be able to realize the many advantages and tourist sites that Saint-Malo has.
    Regarding the interior of the intramural city, you will discover quite charming cobbled streets where it is very pleasant to walk. Shops, bars, restaurants, creperies await you!
  • Go to places accessible at low tide
    And yes, Brittany lives at the pace of the tides! In Saint-Malo, some tourist sites are only accessible at low tide: Île du Grand-Bé, Île du Petit-Bé or Fort National. On theGrand Bé Island, you will find the tomb of Chateaubriand with a splendid view of the sea; on thePetit-Bé Island, it is a very well renovated castle that you can visit; with regard to Fort National, also located on a rocky islet, it is an old defense fort built by Vauban, which has been transformed into a museum on the history of this site.
  • Discover new intramural places
    In addition to being a very pleasant city center for walking, Saint-Malo intramural has some interesting places to visit. I am thinking in particular of the St. Vincent's Cathedral, which houses the tomb of Jacques Cartier; but also at Castle of Saint Malo or at the Residence of the Corsair, which presents to you, during a guided tour, the life of the Saint-Malo corsairs of yesteryear.
  • Have a good time in Saint-Malo
    In addition to all these cultural visits, Saint-Malo offers an ideal setting to rest and take care of yourself. First of all, from beautiful beaches are at your disposal, surrounding almost the entire city. And then, Saint-Malo also has one of the thalasso Britain's most popular. Along Sillon beach, one of the best known in Saint-Malo, the thalasso is located in a perfect setting, a stone's throw from the sea. Book your thalasso in Saint-Malo!

What to do around Saint-Malo

In addition to things to do in Saint-Malo itself, I recommend some interesting visits located outside Saint-Malo:

  • Visit a Malouinière
    A malouinière is a typical house of the region, built by the Saint-Malo corsairs from the XNUMXth century. Generally located outside Saint-Malo, these houses have a very specific architecture. Some can be visited and are very interesting. Book your visit
  • Explore the different neighborhoods of Saint-Malo
    In addition to the inner city, Saint-Malo extends along the coast and has equally interesting districts. I am thinking in particular of district of Rothéneuf, where the Jacques Cartier Museum is located but also the sculpted rocks of Rothéneuf.
    Another very interesting district of Saint-Malo is the district of Saint-Servan-sur-Mer. At the origin of the city of Saint-Malo, this old district has some nice sites to visit such as the Solidor tower for example.
  • Saint-Malo aquarium
    To finish on what to do in Brittany around Saint-Malo, I suggest a short stop at the Saint-Malo aquarium. This visit will especially delight the youngest! Book your entry to the aquarium

Dinard

Dinard is a small seaside resort located just opposite Saint-Malo. These two cities are linked very regularly by a ferry, making it possible to reach one or the other of the cities in less than a quarter of an hour.
Dinard is a very pleasant and dynamic town. Pretty walks along the sea are possible, from one point to another, and from one beach to another.
Dinard is also renowned for its listed villas. These magnificent bourgeois houses are located facing the sea, overlooking the bay with elegance and refinement.
Dinard is also the city where the "Dinard Film Festival" is held every year. This festival honors British films.
And then, like any seaside resort, Dinard is the perfect place to enjoy a thalasso, in peace and facing the sea.

What to do in Brittany: the essentials. To read: Visiting Dinard: what to do and where to sleep?
For more information on this visit to Dinard and things to do, you can read our dedicated article on what to do in Dinard and where to sleep in Dinard: Visit Dinard

Dinan

Let's move away a little from the North coast to sink a few tens of kilometers inland by taking the Rance valley from its estuary located between Dinard and Saint-Malo to reach the town of Dinan.
Dinan, an undisputed must for a stay in Brittany, is one of the most touristic towns in the region. This fortified city has a unique heritage of more than 70 listed monuments. We can mention its castle, its clock tower, its governor's house but it is especially its small cobbled streets, like the rue du Jerzual which makes the charm of this city.
Stroll along the ramparts and go around its historic center to appreciate the pretty viewpoints.
Once immersed in the medieval atmosphere that reigns in the city, head to the port of Dinan. This is located below, along the Rance. A different but also very lively district with its bars and restaurants opening onto the river.

Once the visit of Dinan and its port is over, take the opportunity to go around to discover the town of Quévert or Léhon. You can then go up the valley towards Dinard or Saint-Malo. The valley hides some wonders like Saint-Suliac which is one of the most beautiful villages in France.

What to do in Brittany: the essentials. To read: Visiting Dinan: what to do and where to sleep?
For more information on the city of Dinan and things to do, you can read our article dedicated to things to do and see in Dinan as well as our article dedicated to accommodation in Dinan: Visit Dinan

What to do in Brittany: the essentials.

Cap Frehel and Fort La Latte

I warned you, northern Brittany conceals small capes and magnificent and exotic places! Cap Fréhel is clearly one of them. This essential place to do in Brittany has a Mediterranean air with its steep, steep and jagged cliffs. The color of the rock but also the vegetation, very flourishing in spring, offer you an absolutely sumptuous colorful spectacle.
The Cap Fréhel lighthouse allows you to take a little height to better admire this incredible environment. One of the halls of this lighthouse regularly hosts exhibitions.
A few meters as the crow flies from Cap Fréhel, I strongly recommend that you visit Fort La Latte. This ancient castle dating from the XNUMXth century was at the time a coastal defense fort. Today, Fort La Latte opens its doors to visitors, curious or history buffs.
In addition to offering very interesting exhibitions on the life of the fort in the past, its functions, … you can also enjoy a sensational view of the sea with, in the distance, Cap Fréhel.

What to do in Brittany: the essentials. Dedicated article: visit Cap Fréhel and Fort Lalatte
Another place we enjoyed so much. And what better than to dedicate an article to him to share our discovery with you? It's done ! Discover our article on visiting Cap Fréhel and Fort Lalatte! Visit Cap Fréhel and Fort Lalatte

Cap d’Erquy

Not far from the famous Cap Fréhel, you can discover another treasure to do in Brittany: Cap d'Erquy. Still magnificent cliffs of pink sandstone offer themselves to you for a most fabulous spectacle. Absolutely splendid views, lush and protected vegetation, superb beaches… Cap d'Erquy has many surprises in store for you.
In order to protect this nature, so beautiful but so fragile, a pedestrian-only path has been laid out to offer visitors the possibility of enjoying this place in complete freedom while respecting the local fauna and flora.

Sables-d'Or-les-Pins
We fell in love with the magnificent beach of Sables-d'Or-les-Pins. Located between Cap Fréhel and Cap d'Erquy, this immense beach of fine sand looks like a holiday. It is one of the most beautiful beaches to do in Brittany!

Paimpol

Let's continue along the north coast of Brittany to go to one of the seaside resorts popular with tourists passing through Brittany: Paimpol.
While strolling in Paimpol one quickly realizes that the city has a real history, far from the seaside tourism of today. Indeed Paimpol was once known for fishing and more specifically cod fishing. The “Great Fisheries” began in the middle of the XNUMXth century. These sent many sailors away from home, heading for Iceland for several months. Particularly hard and deadly, these periods of fishing were also very prolific for the sailors of Paimpol.
Today, even if Paimpol does not forget its past, the big peaches are a distant memory and it is a peaceful and calm city that you can discover while walking in the small pedestrian streets of the city.

The surroundings of Paimpol are also worth a detour. Do not hesitate to go to Ploubazlanec 3 km from Paimpol or to Pontrieux to discover its amazing washhouses. Finally, don't miss Beauport Abbey, a must in the region.

What to do in Brittany: the essentials. To read: Visit Paimpol
For more information on Paimpol, things to do and things to see around, you can read our article dedicated to this city: Visit Paimpol

What to do in Brittany: the essentials.

Brehat Island

The Ile de Bréhat is one of the very famous places to visit in Brittany. This archipelago a few hundred meters from the Breton coast has everything to charm you. Île de Bréhat, the main island of the archipelago and also the largest, lives up to its nickname: “Island of Flowers”. Very popular in the summer, I recommend that you opt for a visit in the spring, when it will be at its prettiest with its hundreds of freshly blooming flowers.
To begin your discovery, what could be better than touring the archipelago on a boat trip? This way, you can discover some corners of the main island and do some scouting for your next visit to the island on foot. A magnificent spectacle of colors will be offered to you: colors of the water, colors of the rocks, colors of the flora over the seasons,... You will also be able to observe the richness of the local fauna, in particular the many birds which have elected home here.
Then take the time to go to the island and explore it, on foot or by bike. Among the essentials to see there is a glass factory which took place in an old fort built by Napoleon III; the Saint-Michel Chapel which offers a very pretty view of the island and the surrounding area, up to the Sillon de Talbert; or 2 pretty lighthouses that were built on the island, the Rosédo lighthouse and the Paon lighthouse.
All this makes the Island of Bréhat an essential visit to do in Brittany.

Unusual accommodation in Brittany

Visiting Brittany is good, but staying there for several nights is better! Why not take advantage of this stay to discover unusual accommodation, to disconnect, observe nature, take time for yourself? Here are accommodations that can meet these expectations and that will surprise you for sure!

  • What to do in Brittany: the essentials.

    Bubble Room Castle

    Here is a first unusual accommodation that will meet the expectations of some: spend a night under a ball to observe the stars! A very nice place with breakfast included. To discover this unusual accommodation, head to Cléder, not far from Roscoff. Unusual accommodation, Bulle See prices
  • What to do in Brittany: the essentials.

    Houseboat SeaLoft

    Here is an unusual accommodation that you will not be able to test on every street corner: spend a night on a beauty! Let yourself be tempted by this original experience. This accommodation is very comfortable and cocooning. The view from your room is just outstanding. This boat is moored at Larmor Plage, opposite the Île de Groix. Unusual accommodation, Boat See the rates
  • What to do in Brittany: the essentials.

    La Cabane Canopée Lodge

    A small favorite for this accommodation with the air of Canada. This beautiful cabin on stilts offers you a view above the treetops. Comfort, decoration, disconnection and nature will be the key words of your stay in this charming place, located in Quistinic, in the center of Southern Brittany. Unusual accommodation, Lodge See prices

Dogs Guirec

Like many seaside resorts in Brittany, Perros-Guirec was once a fishing port. Like Paimpol today, Perros-Guirec is more popular with tourists than fishermen.
Perros-Guirec attracts thanks to its very beautiful white sand beaches, its many hiking trails, in particular the coastal path which runs along the coast to Trégastel.
Even if the town of Perros-Guirec is worth a look, in particular its museum of the History and traditions of Brittany or its church of Saint-Jacques, it is indeed its coast which constitutes the number 1 attraction of the place. The famous pink granite coast is one of the jewels of Brittany. To contemplate it, nothing beats a short boat trip towards the 7 islands.
The 7 islands constitute one of the largest ornithological reserves in France. A boat trip departing from Perros-Guirec will take you to discover these islands and in particular the Bird Island which is home to the largest colony of Northern Gannets in Europe. On the way back, you will have the opportunity to walk along this famous pink granite coast and discover its secrets.

It is also possible to discover this coast from land, in particular by going to Trégastel. This little corner of Brittany is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Brittany.

What to do in Brittany: the essentials. To read: Visit Perros-Guirec and its islands
For more information on visiting Perros-Guirec, the seven islands and the pink granite coast, you can read our dedicated article: Visit Perros-Guirec and its islands

What to do in Brittany: the essentials.

Bay of Morlaix

Another great discovery in northern Brittany: Morlaix and its bay. This place is full of things to see and do both in the countryside and in the city. We have written an article dedicated to this place because there are so many things to do, but here is an overview of the essentials to visit in the Bay of Morlaix.

Visit Morlaix

Let's start with the main town of this magnificent bay, the town of Morlaix. This ancient city has a charming marina, which played an important role in trade at the time. Here are the essentials of a visit to Morlaix:

  • Visit the Port of Morlaix
    As I have just mentioned to you, the port of Morlaix was an important place, which strongly contributed to the development of the city thanks to commercial exchanges with the English among others. Today this port is a pleasant promenade with its two flowery quays.
  • Getting to the Viaduct
    This is one of the emblems of the town of Morlaix: its viaduct. You can't miss it! It sits proudly in the heart of the city. Formerly built to accommodate the train, you can now cross it on the 1st level.
  • Visit Old Morlaix
    Morlaix is ​​a town that still has many period buildings. To observe them, go to various places in the city: Place d'Allende, Grande Rue, Rue Ange-de-Guernisac, etc.

Of course, there are other places to visit in Morlaix, if you want to know more about these places and have additional details to organize your visit, I invite you to read our dedicated article.

Bay of Morlaix: Left Bank and Right Bank

Now that we have seen the things to do in the town of Morlaix, let's take a look at the rest of the Bay of Morlaix: the Left Bank and the Right Bank.

  • Point of Pen-al-Lann
    This is one of the most beautiful places in the Bay of Morlaix. From there, you will have a splendid view of the bay. The places not to be missed here: the site of the Chair of the Curé, the Louët Island or the Château du Taureau.
  • Carantec
    Visiting Brittany also means enjoying its many seaside resorts. Carantec is one of them! A small family seaside resort, it is very popular with tourists but also with birds that come in large numbers to spend the winter. In addition, it is from Carantec that you can take an excursion to the Château du Taureau.
  • Callot Island
    At the northern end of the Bay of Morlaix, I invite you to visit Île Callot. Beautiful beaches and a beautiful view of the Bay are available.
  • Great Barnenez Cairn
    To conclude, here is a very interesting archaeological site. Composed of no less than 11 funeral chambers, this place is impressive.
Thalassotherapy in Brittany

Brittany is also renowned for its thalassotherapy. You can find them everywhere, spread over the coast of Brittany. Here is a suggestion of 3 establishments offering you quality care in an exceptional setting.

  • What to do in Brittany: the essentials.

    Castelbrac – Dinard

    The location of this establishment is perfect: on a hillside, overlooking the port of Dinard and facing Saint-Malo in the distance. Located in a XNUMXth century villa, this thalasso offers a wide range of treatments, but it is also an opportunity to discover the beautiful town of Dinard. Thalassotherapy, Dinard See prices
  • What to do in Brittany: the essentials.

    Golden Tulip – Roscoff

    Let's take the road along the northern coast of Brittany to get to Roscoff, where our second thalassotherapy suggestion is located. This place offers an incredible view with, in the distance, the Island of Batz! Take advantage of the hot tubs on the terrace to admire the view in front of you. Thalassotherapy, Roscoff See prices

Roscoff

Last places of this south coast of Brittany, Roscoff. Roscoff is today a posh seaside resort with its thalassotherapy center and its casino. Yet Roscoff has not always been the peaceful seaside resort that it is. Formerly the city was the first smuggling port of Brittany with England. A city that had a bad reputation but which, over time and customs duty relief, has seen its popularity increase. It was in particular with the rise of sea bathing that Roscoff restored its image by hosting the very first thalassotherapy in France in 1899.
Today Roscoff is a particularly pleasant little town to visit with its port, its small pedestrian streets, its exotic garden and its tip of Bloscon.
Roscoff is also the starting point for a stay on the island of Batz located a few minutes by boat.

What to do in Brittany: the essentials. To read: Visit Roscoff
For more information on things to see and do in Roscoff and its surroundings, go to our dedicated article: Visit Roscoff

What to do in Brittany: the essentials.

What to do in the west of Brittany?

Brest

This is one of the main cities of Brittany. Brest is located at the extreme west of the peninsula. After a stop in Brest, for us, its main tourist interest is at the Oceanopolis aquarium. This place is very interesting for both children and parents. Several pools containing around 10 specimens of 000 different species can be visited inside Oceanopolis. Explanatory panels as well as interactive terminals provide you with a lot of information on the inhabitants of these giant basins. Among the most interesting pavilions, I invite you to visit the one dedicated to Brittany, its ecosystems and human activities related to the Breton marine environment.
As for the city of Brest, we were not captivated by this city. Entirely destroyed during the Second World War, its facades have been rebuilt in a monotonous and unfriendly style.
The town centre, part of which is pedestrianised, is pleasant for a walk: from the town hall to the Château, take Rue de Siam, the town's main shopping street.
The castle now houses the National Maritime Museum. The Museum of Fine Arts is also one of the places to visit in Brest.

Book your entry to the aquarium

Crozon Peninsula

Among the essential things to do in Brittany, I strongly recommend a detour to this magnificent Crozon Peninsula. This wild and authentic place is full of unusual places to discover and admire. Whether it's walks along the coast, beautiful beaches or points with exceptional views, the Crozon Peninsula is one of the most beautiful places to do in Brittany.
Here are the main must-sees:

  • The Pointe de Pen-Hir
    Probably one of the most famous places on the Crozon Peninsula: Pointe de Pen-Hir. It is here that the Tas de Pois are located, these huge rocks installed at the end of this point. The view from this place is breathtaking. For walkers, the GR34 passes through here.
    Around this point, don't miss the Memorial Museum dedicated to the Battle of Normandy; but also the Alignments of Lagatjar which are megaliths installed here since 2500 BC.
  • Camaret sur Mer
    This is a charming little town in the heart of the Crozon Peninsula. On the spot, take a walk along the bank and admire the facades with a view of the sea. Take the dyke called the Sillon, to get to the Vauban Tower. And discover many other places to visit on site.
  • Dinan Point
    Another breathtaking view that you can admire on this Crozon Peninsula. The Pointe de Dinan is wild and offers beautiful walks. On site, discover the Château de Dinan: this magnificent arch carved into a rock.
  • Virgin Island
    Probably one of the most beautiful beaches to do in Brittany: the beach of Île Vierge. Fine sand, rock falling into the sea, pine trees as far as the eye can see, … There is a heavenly side to this place with turquoise water.
What to do in southern Brittany?

Quimper

Now that you know all of our favorite places to do in northern Brittany, let's talk about southern Brittany and its must-sees!
Quimper is one of the most westerly towns in southern Brittany. With its historic city center, this city is classified as a City of Art and History. A passage through Quimper is essential to discover this charming city and its essentials:

  • Old Quimper
    Start your discovery of the city by taking a tour of its historic center and admire its old half-timbered facades steeped in history. From the halls to the Museum of Fine Arts, the city center is full of beautiful discoveries. Then go along the Quai de l'Odet.
  • Saint Corentin Cathedral
    Saint-Corentin Cathedral is located in the heart of Old Quimper. 76 meters high, this cathedral was built between the XNUMXth and XNUMXth centuries. From the choir, to the arrows, passing through the transept and the nave, the construction lasted several centuries and offers a building of undeniable architectural richness.
    The decoration of the facade contrasts with the sobriety of the interior. A great visit!
  • The Museums of Quimper
    Quimper is a city steeped in history. Many museums can be visited and explain all or part of its past. Among the most representative, there is the Museum of Fine Arts but also the Museum of Earthenware or the Departmental Breton Museum. Book your visit to the Earthenware Museum

The Glénan archipelago

Welcome to the Breton Caribbean! Pretty cool nickname, no? This is the nickname given to the Glénan archipelago. This set of islands is a natural treasure, accessible in just 1 hour by boat! The activities on site are diverse and for all tastes!
Without counting on the fact that the whole is protected and therefore acts as a paradise for biodiversity: fauna, local and rare flora,...
Everything is in place to make your getaway to the Glénan islands a heavenly break during your stay in Brittany!
On the program: rest on the white sand beaches, excursion to discover the different islands, kayak or paddle for the more adventurous, introduction to sailing or diving, … There is all this, and even more, to discover on this exceptional archipelago.

Useful information
Some important information for accessing the Glénan archipelago. First of all, you should know that only one island, Île Saint-Nicolas, is accessible to pedestrians.
Departures by boat are from April to September from the ports of Bénodet, Concarneau, Loctudy, Beg-Meil or Port-la-Forêt.
Before boarding, remember to prepare your bag correctly: sunscreen, hat, water, picnic, garbage bag (so you don't leave anything lying around!),... Book your crossing

Quiberon

Continuing your route on the south coast of Brittany, you will reach the Quiberon peninsula. This small strip of land is 14 kilometers long. There are quite a number of things to do on this Breton peninsula. First of all, there are regular departures for offshore islands such as Belle-Île or Houat; you can also take advantage of the Quiberon thalasso on site; or take a walk along the Côte Sauvage and discover this setting combining wild beauty, steep cliffs and crashing waves. This place is as dangerous as it is beautiful! So take a walk at your leisure, but above all, no swimming. The latter is prohibited on this entire coastline.

The Coast of Megaliths
The Quiberon Peninsula is located at the start of an astonishing coast: the Côte de Mégalithes. As you can imagine, many sites composed of megaliths are located in this part of Brittany. You should easily find a site where you can observe these stone giants that have been there for thousands of years: Locmariaquer, Carnac or La-Trinité-sur-Mer to name but a few.

Belle-Île

Here is one of the most charming islands in the region: Belle-Île-en-Mer. Typically Breton, Belle-Île has charmed more than one! Whether it is its magnificent peaks with exceptional viewpoints, its absolutely charming countryside or its historic buildings, Belle-Île is a must-do in Brittany.

  • Visit the Palace
    Main city of Belle-Île, Le Palais is home to some interesting places to visit such as the Citadel Vauban, the Historical Museum of the city or the fortifications offering a beautiful walk with a view of the bay.
  • The small port of Sauzon
    This is a very charming place. The small Sauzon marina is a pleasant place to stroll. Its colorful houses, its quay filled with restaurants in summer and its small lighthouse are all elements that make Sauzon an ideal place to pass.
  • The Pointe des Poulains
    Located northwest of Belle-Île, Pointe des Poulains is one of the must-see places to visit on the island. It offers an exceptional panorama over the bay.
    This is where the Sarah-Bernhardt Museum is located, in homage to the famous tragic actress who regularly stayed on this point.
  • Discover the surrounding islands
    Belle-Île is not the only island off the Bay of Quiberon. His two “little sisters” are nearby. These are the Houat and Hoëdic Islands. They are also worth a detour. Be careful, no cars on these two islands!

Valves

Among the cities for which we had a real crush, there is the pretty town of Vannes, along the Gulf of Morbihan. Strolling through its streets to its port was a real pleasure. Let's immediately take a look at the things to do and see in Vannes, Brittany:

  • The walls
    Before entering the city of Vannes, you will have to cross the ramparts surrounding the city. These date from the XNUMXth century and, luckily, were spared during the Second World War, just like the rest of the city.
  • City Close
    Once past the ramparts, you enter the heart of Vannes, called the closed city. You will be surprised and charmed by the many small cobbled streets surrounded by half-timbered houses. A real favorite for this magnificently calm atmosphere and this perfectly preserved historic architecture!
  • Saint-Pierre Cathedral
    If you pass in front of the Saint-Pierre cathedral, do not hesitate to go inside and admire the interior. Elements of the first XNUMXth century church are still visible inside. Other interesting elements are also present inside.
  • Beaux-arts museum
    This magnificent museum took place in the old covered market of the city. Magnificent masterpieces are on display in this museum, such as the famous painting “Christ on the Cross” by Eugène Delacroix. Regularly, temporary exhibitions and concerts are organized in this hall.
  • Château-Gaillard
    This museum dates from the XNUMXth century. It now houses the Museum of History and Archeology which brings together many discoveries made in Morbihan since the XNUMXth century. Very rich and instructive collections on the past of the region.
  • The marina
    Indeed, the pretty marina of Vannes is part of the charm of the city! Very easily accessible from the walled city, it will be the subject of a beautiful walk between pleasure boats and XNUMXth century buildings around it.
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