Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Brittany, France

In northwest France, Brittany is a region with a distinct identity, unique landscapes, and even its own language. This area is recognized as one of the six Celtic Nations, boasting a maritime climate that often evokes a sense of Ireland rather than that of mainland France.

The coastal scenery alternates between breathtaking and picturesque but remains consistently stunning. The most dramatic views include colossal headlands battered by the Atlantic and cliffs unlike any found elsewhere, especially along the Pink Granite Coast. It would take considerable time to list the historic towns and villages that inhabit this region, many of which have been meticulously preserved and remain largely unchanged for centuries.

Let us explore the best things to do in Brittany:

1. Coastal Scenery

The region boldly extends into the Atlantic, featuring a raw and beautiful physical geography that invites years of exploration along the oceanfront in Côtes-d’Armor, Finistère, Ille-et-Vilaine, and Morbihan, allowing one to continuously discover mesmerizing sights.

The Pink Granite Coast in Côtes-d’Armor is particularly noteworthy, where the rocks display a mysterious hue that seems almost unnatural.

The Sentier des Douaniers trail and the granite lighthouse at Ploumanac’h will leave you in awe.

Additionally, Pointe du Grouin near Saint-Malo, Pointe de Pen-Hir in the Parc Naturel Régional d’Armorique, and Cap Fréhel, accompanied by the formidable Fort la Latte, deserve special mention.

2. Prehistoric Monuments

For those who enjoyed Asterix stories in their youth, the forests within Brittany’s interior abound with prehistoric menhirs, dolmens, and cairns.

Constructed approximately 7,000 years ago, these monuments can be found solitary on hillsides or throughout woodlands, or as part of significant complexes that continue to astonish visitors.

The village of Carnac in the Morbihan department represents a treasure trove for prehistory enthusiasts, home to over 3,000 monumental stones, forming the largest collection worldwide.

Yet, this is merely an introduction to Neolithic Brittany, which offers countless additional sites to explore, including cairns at Barnenez and Gavrinis, as well as a stunning passage grave at Roche aux Fées.

3. Saint-Malo

Drawing comparisons between the historical district of this port city and Mont-Saint-Michel is certainly justified.

The medieval walls of Saint-Malo are impressive, allowing visitors to walk along the ramparts and gaze down at the labyrinthine streets or out over the cinematic beaches to the north and west.

On clear evenings, one can be captivated by the sunset illuminating the solemn grey stone structures of the old town.

Do not miss the opportunity to visit the tomb of the romantic writer, Chateaubriand. When the weather permits, the beaches such as Plage du Sillon, with its rocky islets and crystalline lagoon-like pools, are fantastic.

However, swimming may be a bit brisk due to the water temperature.

4. Huelgoat Forest, Finistère

Located in the hilly inland section of the Parc d’Amorique is Huelgoat, a lakeside village enveloped in woodland concealing remarkable natural rock formations and caves.

By visiting the village’s Office de Tourisme, one can obtain maps for a variety of hiking routes, from hour-long circular trails to adventurous journeys through moss-laden deciduous forests.

The optimal trail starts behind the old watermill by the lake, leading into a realm of peculiar and oversized granite boulders.

Embark on the steep staircase down to the Grotte du Diable, a cave situated ten meters beneath the lake, its walls adorned with rounded rocks.

5. Old Centre of Dinan

Dinan is celebrated even in a region renowned for its charming towns.

Often regarded as the most picturesque in Brittany, its upper section, nestled within the walls, features cobblestone streets and houses dating back to the 1200s.

As you stroll down Rue de la Cordonnerie, the historical ambiance may lead you to question whether you are still in the 21st century! The upper levels of these rickety half-timbered structures seem to precariously hover over the street.

The river port is equally atmospheric, brimming with restaurants lining the quay and complemented by a 40-meter-high railway viaduct adding drama.

Make your way to the 13th-century castle to commence a tour of the ramparts or delve into the history of this remarkable town.

6. Oysters, Cider and Crêpes

For aficionados of seafood, Brittany is the ideal location.

When you order a plateau de fruits de mer, expect to be served an abundant selection of shellfish and crustaceans, accompanied by crusty bread and melted butter.

The region offers an array of unique gastronomic experiences, including the oyster market in Cancale, where one can enjoy freshly harvested oysters.

Cider is the regional beverage, and in Finistère, you can explore the designated Route du Cidre, traversing the AOC Cournouaille cider region.

Moreover, every Breton street seems to house a crêperie.

These establishments serve not only the classic crêpes widely known but also galettes, savory buckwheat pancakes typically filled with fried eggs.

7. Locronan

Recognized as one of France’s “plus beaux villages,” Locronan captivates all who visit.

This small village, home to only a few hundred residents, features a completely pedestrianized old center that is a true delight to explore.

If it feels a bit like a film set, it is no surprise, as several French films and television shows have been filmed here.

The most grandiose homes in Locronan date back to the 1700s, built by the owners of sail-weaving businesses that engaged in thriving trade with not only the French navy but also the Spanish and British.

8. Quimper Cathedral

Like many of Brittany’s churches, this magnificent Gothic structure invites thorough exploration, featuring unique elements that enhance its appeal.

Notably, it narrows in the center to conform to its natural surroundings, a design choice aimed at circumventing a swampy area when it was constructed in the 13th century.

The cathedral is Quimper’s most exquisite piece of heritage and is classified as a French National Monument.

Its stunning spires reach a height of 75 meters and stand on either side of a sculpture of Gradlon, the semi-mythical 5th-century King of Cournouille.

9. Remparts de Vannes

During the Breton War of Succession in the 14th century, Vannes was besieged four times by both English and French forces.

This tumultuous history has bequeathed the town a comprehensive defensive system encompassing an old quarter filled with half-timbered houses, enhancing its charm and gravitas.

No place exemplifies this more than the Jardin des Remparts to the east of the walls.

This elegant formal garden features topiaries and flowerbeds adorned with the River Marle, all set against the medieval ramparts and towers.

A market operates on Tuesday and Saturday mornings at Place des Lices, a square that once hosted jousting tournaments during the Middle Ages.

10. Île de Batz, Roscoff

Opposite the town of Roscoff, historically a refuge for pirates and smugglers, lies an island that represents a tranquil slice of rural paradise.

A ferry ride takes approximately 15 minutes, and one should allocate at least half a day on Batz to explore its coast and countryside.

Many visitors opt to rent bicycles for the day, cycling along coastal paths next to small beaches, surrounded by farmland.

Thanks to the warm currents of the Gulf Stream, many fields are dedicated to potato farming, and it is said that Batz potatoes are among the finest.

The temperate climate also supports the island’s botanical garden, established in the early 20th century, showcasing 2,000 species, including palm trees typically found in much warmer locales.

11. Brittany’s Canals

The countryside in this region is intricately laced with a network of canals totaling 600 kilometers.

This expansive system opens up numerous opportunities for outdoor tourism.

On the Canal de Nantes à Brest in the south and the Canal d’Ille-et-Rance in the north, narrowboats can be rented without requiring a license, as their slow speed allows time to appreciate the historic landmarks and the 19th-century engineering that made these waterways possible.

For those preferring to remain on land, the “Voies Vertes,” where the canal’s towpaths have been transformed into walking trails, provide gentle pathways suitable for all ages, including young children.

12. Rochefort-en-Terre

Rochefort-en-Terre, another village acclaimed as one of the most beautiful in France, seems to transport visitors back in time by at least a century.

This not only includes its historic houses but also the overall layout of the medieval settlement: wells and drinking troughs remain, now adorned with flourishing geraniums.

During summer, Rochefort emanates vibrant color, with window flowerboxes and wisteria climbing up the granite walls.

The village has developed over several centuries, resulting in an enchanting blend of styles ranging from rustic half-timbered houses to grand Renaissance stone palaces with conical turret roofs.

On summer evenings, the entire village shines like a romantic fantasy!

13. Château de Fougères

Situated not far from the border with Normandy, the small town of Fougères boasts a formidable fortress that rises dramatically along its western walls.

It is regarded as one of the finest castles in Europe, encapsulating a rich history of military architecture.

The castle as it stands today was initially constructed in the 1100s, followed by numerous reinforcements and extensions over the next four centuries.

The towers have remarkably withstood the test of time, with three of them accessible to visitors.

The most notable is likely Mé lusine Tower, erected in the 1300s by Raoul II, the Count of Eu.

14. Saint-Goustan

From the 17th to the 19th century, this port served as one of the busiest in Morbihan and witnessed numerous significant events.

Among these was Benjamin Franklin’s arrival in 1776, seeking French assistance during the War of Independence.

Today, the port no longer accommodates such bustling activity, but instead serves as a charming destination for leisurely strolls under the sun, featuring half-timbered houses dating back to the 1400s, numerous boutiques and art galleries, as well as outdoor dining options by the water.

After exploring Saint-Goustan, one can cross the medieval bridge to visit the town of Auray, which hosts a vibrant market on Mondays.

15. Zoo and Botanical Garden of Branférer, Le Guerno

Few zoos are located in settings as picturesque as this one in Morbihan, established within the grounds of a mid-19th century château.

In the early 20th century, the estate’s owner envisioned a game reserve where animals could roam freely and enlisted zoologists to help realize this dream.

Opening to the public in the 1960s, it has grown into a popular attraction.

The park is home to 1,000 animals including zebras, hippos, antelopes, and yaks across 150 hectares of beautifully designed landscapes featuring waterfalls and prairies.

Visitors who value environments conducive to animal well-being will find this zoo particularly satisfying.