Attractions in Brittany

Brittany, with its diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage, offers a plethora of attractions spread across its various areas. Here’s a breakdown of top attractions by area within Brittany:

Rennes and Around

• Rennes Historic Center: Explore the medieval streets, half-timbered houses, and the stunning Parlement de Bretagne.

• Les Champs Libres: A cultural hub containing the Brittany Museum, Science Center, and a planetarium for educational exploration.

• Rennes Opera House: Known for its unique architecture, this venue hosts diverse musical and theatrical performances.

• Parc du Thabor: Noted as one of France's most exquisite gardens, blending French formal, English landscape styles, and a botanical garden.

• Marché des Lices: One of France's largest markets, bustling every Saturday with fresh produce, local foods, and vibrant atmosphere.

• Portes Mordelaises: The historic entrance to the old city, featuring two towers and a drawbridge, symbolizing Brittany's ducal power.

• Saint-Yves Chapel: A restored Breton Gothic chapel, now the Tourist Office, often hosting temporary art exhibitions.

• Place Saint-Anne: A lively square surrounded by cafes and bars, anchored by the imposing Saint-Aubin Church.

• Rennes Street Art: The city's streets are adorned with murals and installations, adding a modern artistic flair.

• Brittany Parliament Building: An architectural masterpiece with rich history, offering guided tours of its impressive interiors.

Northern Coast (Côtes-d'Armor and Ille-et-Vilaine)

• Saint-Malo: Famous for its fortified old town (Intra-Muros), sandy beaches, and maritime history.

• Cap Fréhel: Offers dramatic cliff-top views and is one of Brittany’s most spectacular natural sites.

• Fort La Latte: A striking 14th-century fortress perched on a rocky promontory near Cap Fréhel, offering panoramic views of the Emerald Coast and fascinating medieval architecture.

• Dinan: A well-preserved medieval town with charming streets, a picturesque port, and a castle.

• Mont Saint-Michel: Although just over the border in Normandy, this iconic UNESCO World Heritage site is easily accessible from the Northern Coast of Brittany and is a must-visit for its stunning medieval abbey and unique tidal island setting.

• Cancale: Renowned for its oyster farms, Cancale is a paradise for seafood lovers. The waterfront area, Plage de La Houle, is lined with oyster stalls and restaurants with sea views.

• The Pink Granite Coast (Côte de Granit Rose): Famous for its unique pink-hued rock formations, this stretch of coast near Perros-Guirec offers some of Brittany's most picturesque landscapes.

• Île-de-Bréhat: A short ferry ride from the mainland, this beautiful island is known for its mild climate, Mediterranean vegetation, and car-free environment, making it perfect for cycling and walking.

• Vallée des Saints: An open-air museum near Carnoët, featuring hundreds of monumental granite sculptures representing Breton saints, often referred to as the "Easter Island of Brittany."

• Ploumanac'h: A village in the heart of the Pink Granite Coast, known for its extraordinary natural rock formations, beautiful beaches, and the iconic lighthouse, Phare de Mean Ruz.

• Paimpol: A charming port town famous for its "Fête des Chants de Marins," a sea shanty festival. The town is also a gateway to the Isle of Bréhat and offers a rich maritime history.

Western Brittany (Finistère)

• Pointe du Raz: Brittany’s version of Land’s End, with breathtaking cliffs and sea views.

• Quimper: Known for its Gothic cathedral, pedestrianized old town, and faïence pottery.

• Locronan: A beautiful village in France, known for its architecture and artisan shops.

• Océanopolis in Brest: A large aquarium and marine center that offers an in-depth look at ocean ecosystems, featuring diverse marine life from Brittany and beyond, making it an educational experience for all ages.

• Île de Sein: A small island off the coast near Pointe du Raz, accessible by boat. Known for its wild beauty, lighthouses, and the resilience of its inhabitants, it's a serene getaway from the mainland.

• Concarneau: Famous for its 'Ville Close,' a walled old town on an island in the harbor, Concarneau is also known for its fishing port, maritime tradition, and lovely beaches.

• The Crozon Peninsula: Offering some of Brittany's most stunning landscapes, the peninsula is ideal for hiking, with cliffs, sandy beaches, and hidden coves along its coastline.

• Douarnenez: Known for its maritime museum, Port-Musée, which celebrates the town's fishing heritage, and the picturesque Plage du Ris, a popular beach.

• The Abers (Aber Wrac'h, Aber Benoît, and Aber Ildut): These estuaries in the northwest of Finistère are known for their natural beauty, with peaceful waters, green landscapes, and opportunities for kayaking and sailing.

• Huelgoat Forest: Famous for its enchanting landscapes filled with giant boulders, mystical legends, and scenic walking trails that lead to hidden waterfalls and the remarkable Moulin du Chaos.

• The Névez Area: Characterized by its traditional thatched cottages (chaumières) and standing stones, offering a glimpse into Brittany's rural architecture and prehistoric past.

• Penmarch and the Eckmühl Lighthouse: Penmarch, at the tip of the Bigouden Peninsula, is known for its rugged coastline and the impressive Eckmühl Lighthouse, which visitors can climb for panoramic views.

Southern Coast (Morbihan)

• Quiberon Peninsula: Renowned for its wild coast (Côte Sauvage), offering dramatic cliffs and sweeping sea views, and its spa and thalassotherapy centers.

• Belle-Île-en-Mer: The largest of Brittany's islands, accessible by ferry from Quiberon, known for its varied landscapes, from rugged cliffs to picturesque villages and sandy beaches.

• Île-aux-Moines and Île d'Arz: Two beautiful islands in the Gulf of Morbihan, known for their serene atmosphere, walking paths, and traditional Breton architecture.

• Rochefort-en-Terre: Voted one of France's most beautiful villages, this charming town is famous for its flower-lined streets, medieval architecture, and artisan shops.

• La Roche-Bernard: A picturesque town on the banks of the River Vilaine, known for its old port, historic quarter, and the Marais de Brière, a vast marshland perfect for birdwatching and nature walks.

• Josselin: Notable for its imposing castle overlooking the Oust River, beautiful medieval streets, and the Canal de Nantes à Brest.

• Port-Louis: Home to the Citadel of Port-Louis, housing the Musée de la Compagnie des Indes, which delves into the history of the French East India Company.

• Megalithic Site of Locmariaquer: An important prehistoric site featuring the Table des Marchand dolmen, the Grand Menhir Brisé, and the Er Grah tumulus, providing insight into Neolithic Brittany.

• Suscinio Castle: Located near Sarzeau on the Rhuys Peninsula, this medieval castle was once a residence of the Dukes of Brittany and is surrounded by marshlands and the coast.

• Guérande: Famous for its medieval city walls and gates, Guérande is also known for its traditional salt marshes, where the renowned 'Fleur de Sel de Guérande' is harvested.

Inland Brittany

• Brocéliande Forest: Steeped in Arthurian legend, this mythical forest is associated with Merlin, the Lady of the Lake, and other folklore.

• Rochefort-en-Terre: A picturesque village known for its floral displays, cobblestone streets, and artisan shops.

• La Gacilly: Renowned for its annual outdoor photo festival, La Gacilly is a picturesque town that also celebrates its artisanal heritage, including a famous Yves Rocher botanical garden.

• Vitré: A town that seems frozen in time, with one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Brittany, timber-framed houses, and cobbled streets.

• Fougères: Home to one of the largest medieval fortresses in Europe, Fougères Castle, set within a town that boasts a rich architectural heritage and beautiful public gardens.

• Kernascleden: Notable for its remarkable 15th-century church, renowned for its well-preserved medieval frescoes depicting scenes from the Bible and saints' lives.

• Domaine de Trévarez: Known as the "Pink Castle," this 19th-century estate features a striking château, extensive gardens, and hosts various cultural events and exhibitions.

• Combourg: Associated with the Romantic movement, thanks to François-René de Chateaubriand who grew up here. The Château de Combourg, overlooking a lake, adds to the town's romantic and historical allure.

Coastal Islands

• Île de Bréhat: Just off the northern coast, known for its pink granite rocks, Mediterranean vegetation, and car-free environment.

• Belle-Île-en-Mer: The largest of Brittany’s islands, offering varied landscapes from cliffs to sandy beaches.

• Île-aux-Moines and Île d'Arz: Located in the Gulf of Morbihan, these islands offer a peaceful escape with beautiful landscapes and walking paths.

• Ouessant (Ushant): Situated at the westernmost point of France, Ouessant is known for its rugged landscapes, lighthouses, and as a haven for seabirds. The island's dramatic coastlines and traditional way of life make it a fascinating destination.

• Île de Batz: Off the coast near Roscoff in the Finistère department, this small island is known for its exotic garden, the Jardin Georges Delaselle, mild climate, and serene beaches. It's easily accessible by a short ferry ride.

• Île de Sein: A tiny island located off the Pointe du Raz, known for its stark beauty, resilience of its community against the elements, and significant role in French history during World War II. The island is virtually flat and has a distinctive atmosphere.

• Groix: Located off the coast of Lorient, Groix is notable for its geologically diverse beaches (including one with unusually green sand), cliffs, and cycling paths. The island has a rich maritime history and a distinct cultural identity.

• Hoëdic and Houat: These two small islands near the Quiberon Peninsula are cherished for their unspoiled sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and protected natural environments, offering a true escape from the hustle and bustle of mainland life.

• Île Molène: Part of the Iroise Marine Nature Park, this island is known for its rich marine biodiversity, traditional Breton architecture, and as part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, emphasizing conservation and sustainable development.

• Les Sept-Îles: A bird sanctuary off the coast near Perros-Guirec on the Pink Granite Coast, Les Sept-Îles (The Seven Islands) is a crucial breeding ground for seabirds, including puffins, making it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers.