1 Saint Malo: the corsair city
Saint Malo / image chosen by monsieurdefrance.com : Image by Jean-Michel SACHOT de Pixabay
If Saint Malo is in Brittany, it's a town with a character and history all its own as one of its mottos says: "ni Français, ni Breton, Malouin suis!" Saint Malo is a great stopover for a long weekend as there's so much to see. The walled city, of course, which is called "intra muros" (within the walls in Latin), the immense and beautiful plage du Sillon, which for a long time was the only link between the city, situated on an island, and the mainland. There are beautiful villas on the Courtoisville side, the astonishing sculpted rocks at Rothéneuf, but also a magnificent coastline with fortified islets to protect the town from the English in the 17th century. The most famous is the "petit Bé" just in front of the town.Also worth seeing is the ilôt du Grand Bé, a little further on, on which you can see the tomb of the famous writer Châteaubriant.
Finally for gourmands, Saint Malo is the Brittany we love, with its seafood platters (the coast is rich in crabs, lobsters and other shellfish), its Breton galettes and its delicious butter. The best butter in the world, by the way, made by Maison Bordier (which you'll find within the walls) and which is obviously salted, as Breton people are wont to do, but also flavored (chili, seaweed...).
What to see around Saint Malo
L'ile de Cézembre, opposite Saint Malo. What's magnificent about Saint Malo are the ever-changing colors of the sky. They can go from blue to grey, from pink (in the morning) to orange in the evening. In summer, nothing beats the beautiful golden light of evening. Photo chosen by Monsieurdefrance.com: depositphotos
Obviously Dinard, just across the road, seaside town par excellence, and one of the most beautiful in France. 10 mins by car. You'll passthe Rance dam, a tidal power plant that provides electricity for several hundred thousand inhabitants thanks to turbines that the tide drives. Not far away there's also Cancale, also 10 mins away, renowned for its oysters, and the port is well worth a detour. Inland, there's the beautiful medieval town of Dinan with its steep streets full of very old houses built of stone and wood. Also worth seeing is Cap Fréhel, near Saint Cast, and the remarkableFort la Latte, a fortified castle set on a rock facing the sea (30-minute drive in summer). Further afield, you can discover the Mont Saint Michel, in Normandy. It's a 40-minute drive away. If you have more time, push on to Château de Combourg, a 30-minute drive away, to discover a stunning fortress and the place that inspired Châteaubriant. Then there's the Bourbansais zoological park in Pleugueuneuc, with its wild animals surrounding a castle that's well worth a visit. It takes about 30 minutes to get there from Saint Malo;
One of Saint Malo's fortified islets: Fort National at high tide/ Image by Thierry BEUVE de Pixabay
2 Dinard: English treasure in Brittany.
Some of the seaside villas of Dinard in Brittany / Photo chosen by monsieurdefrance.com: shutterstock
Just opposite Saint Malo is Dinard. A town born of the sea-bathing craze launched by the English in the mid-19th century. A must-see spot for the jet set until the early 20th century, the town adopted a very English style, and wealthy tourists threw themselves into building villas, each more beautiful than the last. There are several hundred of them, many of them veritable castles on the seafront. A course in seaside, English and aristocratic architecture, as well as a stroll along the sea on either side of the large lock beach.
What to see around Dinard
The same as around Saint Malo, since the corsair city is 2 km away as the crow flies. You can also visit the Montmarin, an 18th-century malouinière surrounded by a magnificent garden on the banks of the Rance, the river that separates Dinard from Saint Malo (10 min drive from Dinard). A malouinière is a castle built by a shipowner in the countryside to spend the summer away from the stifling city walls. There are dozens of them, but they are rarely open to the public. Le Montmarin is the most beautiful;
3 La côte de granit rose
The Côte de Granit Rose is an exceptional stretch of coastline in Brittany's Côtes-d'Armor region, stretching roughly between the communes of Perros-Guirec, Trégastel, and Ploumanac'h. It's named for the naturally pink-hued granite rock formations sculpted by wind and marine erosion over the millennia. This rare geological phenomenon is due to the presence of certain minerals, such as feldspar and quartz, in the rocks.
Le phare de Ploumanac'h photo chosen by monsieurdefrance.com depositphotos
What to see on the pink granite coast
Ploumanac'h. This village, voted "Favorite Village of the French" in 2015, is an excellent starting point for exploring the coastal trails, in particular the customs officers' trail (GR34). You'll see rocks with evocative shapes, such as the "mushroom" or the "dog's head". Also worth seeing: Beaches and coves at Trégastel, for example, which are renowned for their fine sand and enchanting scenery, perfect for swimming or relaxing. And finally, the Sept-Îles archipelago. This protected offshore site is an ornithological nature reserve. You can see puffins and other rare species. I almost forgot! You must also see Tréguier, with its cathedral and historic center. And don't forget to treat yourself to a good meal in one of the many crêperies, which are a true Breton art de vivre, often very affordable.
4 Brehat island: the island of flowers.
One of the houses on the island of Bréhat / Photo chosen by monsieurdefrance.com: [email protected] via depositphotos
The island of Bréhat, nicknamed l'Île aux Fleurs, is a must-see destination in Brittany. Located in the Côtes-d'Armor region, near Paimpol, it's renowned for its landscapes, with sea-struck rocks, ancient houses and the absence of cars. A small island (3'09 Km2) whose coastline can be circumnavigated in a day, it benefits from a very mild climate, allowing it to be studded with gardens and plantations to the point of being nicknamed the Flower Island. Beware, the place is very popular and there are visitor quotas in summer to avoid making life hell for the locals. To get to Brehat, you need to take a boat. It's easy to do from the pier road in Ploubazlanec.
What to see on the island of Brehat and surroundings ?
The lighthouse on Brehat island / Photo chosen by monsieurdefrance.com: by Frederic Diercks de Pixabay
The village of Brehat is typically Breton. There's also theglassworks of Brehat, an artisanal manufacture where you can watch beautiful blown glass objects being made. If you like to look far afield, there'sthe Peacock Lighthouse, on the island's north coast or the chapel of Saint Michel, at the top of a hill. Of course, you can also rest on one of the many small beaches and meditate in front of the Maudez cross, erected in memory of Saint Maudez, who stayed on the island (and is said to have driven away the snakes incidentally, we thank him in passing).
5 Quimper: Brittany's most beautiful city?
Lthe little streets around Quimper Cathedral / Photo chosen by monsieurdefrance.com: Image by 🌼Christel🌼 de Pixabay
Capital of Brittany's Cornouaille region, this is probably one of the most beautiful towns in Brittany. Spared by the bombing raids that destroyed Brest, Lorient and Saint Malo. Don't miss the famous Saint Corentin Cathedral. It was built between the 13th and 15th centuries, but the towers were added in the 19th century (and reach a height of 75 metres). Seen from the air, the cathedral is not completely straight and turns a little to the left. This is probably due to the terrain on which it had to be built, but it is said to be a way of recalling the tilt of Christ's head on the cross.
What to see in and around Quimper
The quays of the Odet in Quimper / Photo chosen by monsieurdefrance.com: bbsferrari via depositphotos
Quimper has preserved its historic heritage, and it's a real treat to go for a stroll down little streets like rue Kéréon, rue Elie Fréron or rue du chapeau rouge. Don't miss the quays of the Odet, the river that runs through the town. Just 20 minutes from Quimper, there's the typically Breton port of Douarnenez, not to be missed (you'll enjoy a seafood platter). The old lighthouse is an impressive sight on the coast. You can also go, by boat, to the island of Sein. A resolutely patriotic island since it provided the highest number of resistants per inhabitant during the Second World War. If you want to discover the most typical and beautiful of Breton villages, stop off at Locronan (30 mins from quimper). Old houses, granite, a remarkable church and Breton calvaries: it's all here! One more thing: you'll hear Breton spoken. It's in Finistère that the Breton language, even older than French, has the most speakers (we call them bretonnants).
Typically Breton with its granite houses and hydrangeas in bloom: the Breton village of Locronan / Photo chosen by monsieurdefrance.com: Kassandra2 via depositphotos
6 La pointe du Raz
Good thing it's not far from Quimper. The Pointe du Raz is the end of the European continent. It dominates the Atlantic, and the ocean hits it more or less hard depending on the season (storms here are roaring, so beware in winter!). It overlooks what's known as la baie des Trépassés with the Pointe du Van and the Vieille lighthouse. It's called baie des trépassés because there have been many shipwrecks in this very risky passage for sailors.On a clear day you can see the island of Sein (malicious tongues will tell you that if you can see Sein it means it's going to rain and if you can't see Sein it means it's raining). There is a charge for parking, but it's for a good cause, as a good part of the proceeds go to environmental preservation;
La pointe du Raz / Photo chosen by Monsieurdefrance.com : mariobono via depositphotos
To see around the Pointe du Raz
Of course, l'ile de Sein. A small island 2 km long and 1 km wide, home to 242 inhabitants known as the Sénans. Isolated in the middle of the sea, it's beautiful to look at and has a rich history. This was the last free place in France before the Nazi occupation in 1940. In fact, the men of Sein joined forces with General de Gaulle, leaving their island for London. An old tradition, mind you, since Sein is said to have been the refuge of Brittany's last druids. The island of Sein can be reached from Audierne. Beware, it's best to book in summer as it sells out quickly.
Le phare de la vieille / Photo chosen by monsieurdefrance.com: scrabble via depositphotos
7 Carnac and the Gulf of Morbihan
Menhir alignments at Carnac / Photo chosen by monsieurdefrance.com: Image by gama de Pixabay
Here's a truly amazing site. It dates back to the dawn of time, since it seems that the Carnac alignments were erectedmore than 6 millennia ago. A UNESCO World Heritage site, they consist of hundreds of menhirs lined up one after the other. Menhir means "raised stone" in Breton, and that's what it's all about. There are several sites, in fact, with at least 3,000 stones in all. The Menec, Kermario and Kerlescan sites are the most popular. The sites have been landscaped to protect them from the growing number of visitors who come to admire what is both a technical feat (the menhirs weigh several tons) and a veritable archaeological mystery in the tradition of Stonehenge;
Carnac and its menhirs / Photo chosen by monsieurdefrance.com : TravellingLight via depositphotos
What to see around Carnac
Quiberon and the wild coast / Photo chosen by monsieurdefrance.com : sdecoret via depositphotos
Carnac is also a tourist town. The village is typically Breton (the church is remarkable) and Carnac-plage is a popular seaside resort. You can also visit the typical Breton port of la Trinité. Carnac is at the gateway to the Gulf of Morbihan, a magnificent place with a temperate climate (the maritime pines can testify to this). The shores of the wild coast, around Quiberon (just next to Carnac), are magnificent and well worth discovering. Also worth seeing is Auray, a major religious site dedicated to Sainte Anne, Patroness of Brittany (and grandmother of Jesus). I have a soft spot for the port of Auray: a place called Saint Goustan, which is so typically Breton and makes for great photos before settling down for a drink or a good Breton crepe. Arradon, Sarzeau, Saint Gildas de Rhuys are worth a detour. Further afield the town of Vannes is famous for its beautiful streets and old houses. Also worth seeing are the castle and, above all, the gardens of Suscinio.
Saint Goustan is the port of Auray / Photo chosen by monsieurdefrance.com : harly7777 via depositphotos
8 Belle-île en Mer
Belle ile en Mer and its steep cliffs / Photo chosen by monsieurdefrance.com : Petunyia via dépositphotos
We all know it: Brittany is also a whole lot of islands. Some are very small, notably in the Golfe du Morbihan, while others are medium-sized, like Bréhat or Sein. There are larger ones like Ouessant and there's the most beautiful, aptly named: Belle-Ile. 80 KM2 and 80 Kms of rocky coastline above the encircling Atlantic Ocean. It's the largest island in Brittany and the 3rd largest in mainland France. It is shared by 4 communes: Sauzon, Locmaria, Bangor and Le Palais. Just over 5,000 people live here year-round, but there are many more in the summer months!
Les aiguilles (the needles) of Port-coton when the sea is bad / Photo chosen by monsieurdefrance.com Petunyia via dépositphotos
What to see around Belle-île-en-mer?
You're in for a real treat if you like walking and exploring. You can easily go from a steep cliff, at Pointe des poulains for example, to a delightful golden-sand beach at Belle Ile. The landscape is highly varied, and has inspired many artists, including Claude Monnet and alsoSarah Bernardt, who lived here for a long time to escape fame and live with her friends and son. A museum is dedicated to her.
Belle ile en Mer and its beaches / Photo chosen by monsieurdefrance.com: Petunyia via dépositphotos
Heritage, a strategic site (it was notably attacked by the English in 1761), it was fortified by Vauban and the walls are impressive in Le Palais, the island's capital. The citadel is one of the Vauban citadels classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The Kerdonis lighthouse, located in the south of the island, is an architectural marvel and offers a breathtaking view of the sea. For the beach, don't miss Donnant beach, ideal for surfing and swimming. To reach Belle-île-en-mer you need to take a boat. The easiest way is from Quiberon (50 mins) but you can also leave from Vannes, Port-Navalo or le Croisic.
Off the island, there are the seaside resorts of Quiberon, Le Croisic, La Turbale and Piriac sur Mer. We can even go one step further and introduce you to another island: Noirmoutiers in Vendée;
9 Concarneau and the closed city
The port and ramparts of Concarneau : Photo chosen by monsieurdefrance.com : davidmartyn via depositphotos
Concarneau is Brittany's other walled city along with Saint Malo. A walled city (1 km of ramparts) packed with good restaurants and typical little streets where you'll love strolling and taking photos. Here you'll find the fascinating Fishing Museum. The port is still very active, with "real" fishermen and sailing enthusiasts. Good produce is available. It's the starting point for sea excursions, notably to the Isle of Sheep. You can also relax on the beach at plage des sables-blancs or kernevel;
The fortified port / Photo chosen by monsieurdefrance.com : studioM via depositphotos
What to see around Concarneau?
The typical port of Loctudy and the island of the same name are well worth a visit. Bénodet is well worth a detour. The same goes for the marshes of Mousterlin if you want to make a nature stopover. And then there's the coast with the pointe de Penmarc'h (which is said painmar).
Penmarc'h lighthouse / Photo chosen by monsieurdefrance.com: Willy Mobilo via depositphotos
10 Brocéliande
The forest is mysterious in Brocéliande / Photo chosen by monsieurdefrance.Com : flotsom via depositphotos
Welcome to mysterious Brittany. The land of legends. Mind you, the whole of Brittany is a land of legends. Here, we'll show you a fountain protected by fairies, or there, a wood populated by korrigans, those naughty little creatures who'll play a thousand pranks on you. Brittany is also the land of l'Ankou, the name given to death, who can be heard from afar with his creaking cart into which he throws the souls of those he has killed with his scythe. But no place is more rife with legend than the forest of Brocéliande in the heart of Brittany. Part of the novel of the Round Table is said to have taken place here, making it a major Arthurian site. This is where the fairy Viviane is said to have raised Lancelot before imprisoning Merlin in a castle at the bottom of a lake. It's also where the Grail is said to have resided. Walk through Brocéliande, a forest of legend.
Morgane and Viviane live in the heart of Broceliande according to legend. Beware of their magical powers if they take a liking to you! Photo chosen by monsieurdefrance.com : Subbotina via depositphotos.
Brocéliande what to see around?
First of all, the Brocéliande forest has another name: the Paimpont forest. Paimpont is the name of the nearest town. In the forest, you must seeMerlin's stone, which is said to be his tomb. It's said that if you pour water on it, it starts to rain. Mind you, in Brittany, there must be quite a few people watering Merlin's stone, as it rains often but not for long, which is one of the charms of the region, this changeable weather. Also worth a visit la fontaine de Barenton - A magical site in the forest, associated with the legend of Merlin the Enchanter. This is where Merlin is said to have performed enchantments and where Viviane is said to have imprisoned Merlin in a magical trap. The fountain is a quiet, mystical spot, ideal for a break.
Château de Trecesson in Campénéac, in the heart of the Forêt de Brocéliande / Photo chosen by monsieurdefrance.Com: diabolique04 via depositphotos
The Château de Trecesson in Campénéac is magical, on its island and we can well imagine the fairy Viviane living there. The château de Comper and its gardens. This medieval castle is home to an interpretation center on the legends of Brocéliande and Merlin. The castle and its gardens are perfect for an immersion in the history and tales of the forest. Le Val Sans Retour is un emblematic place of the forest, associated with the legend of the fairy Morgane and the cursed knights. According to myth, this site is where unfaithful lovers were trapped. You can hike here to explore its trails. The Valley of the Saints is breathtaking. Although not directly in the Broceliande forest, this nearby valley is home to a series of monumental statues of Breton saints, a must-visit for memorable photos. There's also the Arbre d'Or, a large tree associated with the legend that a magical tree held a powerful secret. Further afield, treat yourself to a trip to inland Brittany, often little-known, and that's a shame. Josselin and its château, for example, are well worth a detour (1H from Paimpont.
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