Brittany is a broad peninsula in the west of France, bordered to the north by the English Channel and to the west by the Atlantic.
The Côte d’Emeraude or Emerald Coast, the corsair city of Saint-Malo, the mysterious pink granite coast that runs to Perros-Guirec, and the region of Pont-Aven immortalised by Paul Gauguin, Brittany offers a patchwork of intriguing landscapes and legend.
The seaside resorts of the region are popular with both French and foreign tourists with warm white sand beaches, cliffs, enchanting offshore islands such as Groix, Glénan, Ouessant and Belle-Ile-en-Mer and there are great opportunities for windsurfing, kayaking and yachting.
There are many campsites, hotels and gites for holiday makers to choose from but be aware that due to its popularity, thanks in part to the Brittany Ferries local business initiative re-establishing the old UK/France trading route, booking in advance is strongly advised in the peak summer months.
The region of Brittany is proud of its Celtic culture and historic documents record the region as a sort of mythical “little Britain”, the land of Arthurian legend. Celtic artistic identity has been consciously revived in the region over the last few years and Brittany’s famous Inter-Celtic Festival is hugely popular celebrating traditional Breton music, poetry and dance and fellow Celts are particularly warmly welcomed.
The cities of Rennes, Dinan and Vannes are among the loveliest in France. Rennes is the home to the one of the largest street markets in France, set in the old medieval quarter of the town. Dinan is a walled city set on a hill and has many beautiful 15th century half-timbered houses.
Things to do in Brittany
Visit the stunning medieval walled town of Dinan and take in a boat ride on the River Rance.
Celebrate the music and culture of Celtic nations at the Festival Interceltique in August at Lorient.
Wonder at the extraordinary megalithic monuments around Carnac – they pre-date the Egyptian pyramids.
Wander along the Côte de Granit Rose – the bizarre pink rock formations and gem-like beaches are beautiful.
