Join one of the very best small group tours of Brittany to discover an ancient land, rich in medieval history and Celtic traditions, a unique region, proud of its identity, brimming with art and culture, lively towns and cities, pickled in the past villages, and boasting a rich and distinctive cuisine. A tour with Best of France Travels reveals real Brittany – authentic, enchanting and delicious.
Take a tour of Brittany
Best of France Travels have been running tours in regions across France for 25 years and know all the best places to go. They currently offer three tours of Brittany (9 days, 10 days and 13 days), which take you to the most magical parts of the region: the former capital of Brittany – Nantes, a culturally diverse and beautiful city alongside the Loire River, the vibrant capital Rennes with its beautiful medieval buildings and colourful market, Roscoff from where the famous Onion Johnnies headed to the UK to sell onions and garlic to housewives from the seat of a pushbike, and Quimper, the cultural heart of Brittany, famous for its colorful pottery and home to an imposing cathedral, atmospheric old town and museums.
Discover the rich heritage of medieval citadel towns like captivating Dinan, Josselin with its majestic castle and Vannes which has the most beautiful half-timbered houses, and a fabulous market you’ll get to visit. Explore the coastlines from the Gulf of Morbihan on the Atlantic Coast including the port town of Concarneau which is packed with maritime history, to the Pink Granite Coast, which got its name from the color of its unusual rock formations; and discover the Emerald Coast which is home to visit the bustling ports of Saint Malo, AKA the city of Corsairs.
Discover fascinating little towns, and picture postcard villages like Locronan with its boutique filled streets and exceptional architecture dating from its time as a centre of trade and weaving in the Middle Ages; and the exquisite village of Rochefort-en-Terre, voted one of the most beautiful villages in France, where you’ll wander through the narrow streets, past ateliers and workshops, admiring the geranium bedecked houses along the way. And you’ll make a stop in exquisite Saint Goustan in Auray where Benjamin Franklin landed in 1776 on his quest to gain help from France to obtain American Independence. And for the ultimate in time travel, you’ll head to Carnac and marvel at the mysterious and magical Menhirs, some 3000 prehistoric standing stones and a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site. You can’t help but be moved by the site of them standing tall like sacred sentinels.
In this land of art and culture, you’ll discover the sights that have inspired artists over the centuries. Take in the scenery that inspired Picasso in Dinard, and in Pont-Aven see for yourself the beauty of this quaint harbour town that so enthused Renoir and Gauguin. Take a cruise of the Gulf of Morbihan, an inner sea that’s dotted with islands. Visit castles and museums, ride a giant mechanical elephant in the arty city of Nantes, visit gorgeous La Gacilly and take a workshop at the Maison de Yves Rocher, the iconic French beauty brand.
Each of the three tours is different offering experiences across the region, with two of the tours taking you to the majestic Mont-Saint-Michel, the island topped by an Abbey with a gravity-defying statue of the Archangel Michael. Though it’s just over the border in Normandy, this dazzling medieval site with its winding cobbled streets and medieval buildings is a must-see.
And each of the three tours will see you dine at the most delicious cafes, brasseries, creperies, bistros and restaurants. Brittany is home to the crêpe, but there’s so much more to the region than pancakes! When it comes to the finest local produce, Brittany is arguably France’s capital with some of the best seafood in all France – fleshy lobsters and St Jacques scallops and in Riec-sur-Belon, you’ll enjoy fresh Belon oysters overlooking the stunning Belon River and enjoy a delicious, traditional meal of scallops and far breton (traditional dessert) at famous restaurant Chez Jacky. Indulge in Breton butter cookies, algae tapenade, local cider, gateau Nantaise (a rum and vanilla delight) or even a Kouign Amann (yummy pastry with sugar and butter), and salted caramel, the region’s favourite sweet treat!
Though you will experience lots, there’s no rushing from place to place and each tour is carefully crafted to ensure you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the sights and the scenery, the French lifestyle and fabulous food, and you’ll time to relax and do your own thing.
You’ll not only discover the famous must-sees, you’ll veer off the beaten path to discover less well- known gems that most visitors never know about and that give you insight into the history, culture and daily life of France. Your home away from home on these tours will be in 4-star and boutique hotels near town centers with air conditioning, WiFi, and cable TV (with minimal hotel changes).
These exclusive small group tours are led by Shannan Carter, an Australian who lives in France. A former French teacher who has led immersive travel experiences around France for more than 25 years, her expertise and passion for France, her attention to detail and little black book of contacts mean that you get to experience authentic Brittany and its magnificent sites, the most picturesque villages, the historic cities, fabulous restaurants, and make the most wonderful memories to cherish forever.
Find out more and book your place at: bestoffrancetravels.com
