Highlights of Brittany in France: What You Shouldn’t Miss

Brittany, or Bretagne in French, is one of the most captivating regions in France. Located in the country’s northwest, it offers a unique blend of rugged coastlines, charming medieval towns, Celtic heritage, and outstanding gastronomy. While Paris and Provence often steal the spotlight, Brittany remains a gem that rewards travelers with authentic culture and breathtaking landscapes.

If you are planning a trip, here are the highlights of Brittany you should absolutely see and experience.

The Unique Character of Brittany

Before diving into specific highlights, it is worth understanding why Brittany is so special. Unlike other parts of France, Brittany has a strong Celtic identity, reflected in its music, festivals, and even language. Breton, a Celtic language related to Welsh and Cornish, is still spoken in some areas and proudly preserved on road signs.

The region is also shaped by the sea. With over 2,800 kilometers of coastline, Brittany offers some of the most dramatic seascapes in France: cliffs battered by Atlantic waves, golden beaches, and countless fishing villages. Inland, you’ll find rolling countryside dotted with chapels, castles, and prehistoric monuments older than the pyramids.

1. Saint-Malo: The Corsair City

No visit to Brittany is complete without exploring Saint-Malo, the legendary walled port city. Famous for its corsairs—privateers who once dominated the seas—Saint-Malo offers an impressive combination of history and coastal charm.

• The Ramparts: Walk along the 2-kilometer circuit of city walls for panoramic views of the sea and the old town.

• Intra-Muros: Inside the walls, narrow cobblestone streets are lined with cafés, boutiques, and seafood restaurants.

• Beaches: At low tide, you can walk to the tidal island of Grand Bé, where writer Chateaubriand is buried.

Saint-Malo is also a gateway to nearby Mont Saint-Michel in Normandy, though the city itself is well worth several days of exploration.

2. The Pink Granite Coast

Brittany is famous for its coastline, but the Pink Granite Coast (Côte de Granit Rose) is perhaps the most extraordinary stretch. Located in the Côtes-d’Armor department, it is known for huge rock formations that glow pink at sunrise and sunset.

The most popular base here is Perros-Guirec, a seaside resort with sandy beaches and plenty of walking opportunities. A must-do is the Sentier des Douaniers, a coastal path once used by customs officers to monitor smuggling. The trail winds past bizarre rock shapes, hidden coves, and turquoise waters.

Photographers and nature lovers will find this area particularly enchanting.

3. Rennes: The Capital of Brittany

Often overlooked, Rennes is Brittany’s lively capital and a perfect mix of old and new. With a large student population, the city has a vibrant atmosphere while also preserving a strong historical core.

Highlights include:

• Place des Lices: Home to one of France’s largest weekly markets.

• Half-Timbered Houses: The old town is filled with colorful medieval facades.

• Musée des Beaux-Arts: An art museum with works by Rubens, Picasso, and other masters.

Rennes is also a gateway for exploring the rest of Brittany, with excellent train connections to Paris and beyond.

4. Carnac and Its Prehistoric Alignments

For a journey back in time, visit Carnac, home to one of the world’s most important prehistoric sites. Here, thousands of standing stones (menhirs) stretch across the landscape in mysterious alignments.

These stones date back over 6,000 years and remain a puzzle for archaeologists. Were they ritual sites, astronomical observatories, or something else? While the answer is uncertain, the experience of walking among them is unforgettable.

Carnac is also a pleasant seaside town, with sandy beaches and opportunities for sailing and watersports.

5. Quimper: Heart of Cornouaille

Quimper, the cultural capital of Cornouaille in southern Brittany, is a city of art and tradition. Its Gothic cathedral, quaint footbridges, and flower-filled streets make it one of the prettiest towns in the region.

• Saint-Corentin Cathedral: A masterpiece of Breton Gothic architecture.

• Old Town: Cobbled streets lined with half-timbered houses and artisan shops.

• Faience Pottery: Quimper is world-famous for its hand-painted ceramics.

The town also hosts the annual Festival de Cornouaille, a celebration of Breton music and dance.

6. The Gulf of Morbihan

Often described as a “little sea,” the Gulf of Morbihan is a magical inland sea dotted with islands—legend says there are as many as days in the year. In reality, there are about 40, many of which can be visited by boat.

• Île-aux-Moines and Île d’Arz are particularly popular for cycling and walking.

• The coastline is filled with oyster farms, and tasting fresh oysters here is a must.

• Birdwatchers will love the diverse species that inhabit the marshes and mudflats.

The gulf’s calm waters contrast beautifully with the wild Atlantic just outside its entrance.

7. Brest and the Western Tip

At the far western edge of Brittany lies Brest, a city with a strong maritime identity. Although much of it was rebuilt after World War II, Brest remains an important naval base and a hub for oceanography.

The highlight is Océanopolis, a massive aquarium and research center dedicated to marine life. Beyond Brest, the landscape becomes increasingly wild, with dramatic cliffs, lighthouses, and windswept beaches. The Pointe Saint-Mathieu and Pointe du Raz are two of the most striking viewpoints in France, where the Atlantic crashes against sheer rock faces.

8. Dinan: A Medieval Jewel

Dinan is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in France. Its half-timbered houses, narrow alleys, and ramparts transport visitors straight back to the Middle Ages.

• Rue du Jerzual: A steep cobblestone street leading down to the river port.

• Château de Dinan: Part of the town’s impressive fortifications.

• River Cruises: Enjoy a boat trip along the Rance for peaceful views.

Dinan is particularly atmospheric in the evening, when lanterns light up the old streets.

9. Belle-Île-en-Mer

Just off the southern coast, Belle-Île-en-Mer lives up to its name: “Beautiful Island.” It is the largest of Brittany’s islands and a paradise for hikers and nature lovers.

The island’s rugged coastline inspired artists like Claude Monet, who painted its dramatic rock formations. Today, visitors can explore sandy beaches, picturesque harbors such as Sauzon, and the Citadel of Le Palais.

Belle-Île can be reached by ferry from Quiberon and makes for an ideal weekend escape.

10. Nantes: Gateway to Brittany

While technically part of the Pays de la Loire region today, Nantes has strong historic ties to Brittany and is often included in itineraries.

• Château des Ducs de Bretagne: A striking castle that once housed the Dukes of Brittany.

• Les Machines de l’Île: A fantastical attraction featuring giant mechanical animals, including a famous walking elephant.

• Bouffay District: A lively area filled with restaurants, bars, and medieval charm.

Nantes combines history with innovation and makes a fitting introduction or conclusion to a Brittany trip.

Food and Drink in Brittany

No highlight list of Brittany would be complete without mentioning its cuisine. The region is a haven for food lovers, with specialties rooted in the sea and the land.

• Crêpes and Galettes: Sweet crêpes made with wheat flour and savory galettes made with buckwheat are Brittany’s most famous dishes.

• Seafood: Mussels, oysters, scallops, and lobster are abundant along the coast.

• Cider: Traditional Breton cider, often served in earthenware cups, is the perfect pairing for galettes.

• Kouign-amann: A rich pastry from Douarnenez, made with layers of butter and sugar.

Sampling local food is not just eating—it’s part of the cultural experience.

Festivals and Traditions

Brittany’s Celtic roots are alive in its festivals. The Festival Interceltique de Lorient is one of Europe’s largest celebrations of Celtic culture, drawing musicians and dancers from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and beyond.

Other events include traditional pardons (religious festivals) and local fairs where you can hear bagpipes, watch traditional dances, and see people dressed in regional costumes.

Practical Tips for Visiting Brittany

• Getting There: High-speed trains connect Paris to Rennes in under two hours. Ferries also arrive from the UK and Ireland.

• Best Time to Visit: Summer offers warm weather and festivals, but spring and autumn bring fewer crowds and beautiful light.

• Transportation: A car is the best way to explore Brittany’s diverse landscapes, though public transport covers the main towns.

• Language: French is spoken everywhere, but you’ll also see Breton names on road signs. English is widely understood in tourist areas.

Final Thoughts: Why Brittany Should Be on Your List

Brittany is a region of contrasts: wild coasts and calm inland seas, medieval towns and modern cities, ancient monuments and vibrant festivals. Whether you are drawn by history, nature, or food, the highlights of Brittany promise a trip full of discovery.

From the fortified walls of Saint-Malo to the mysterious stones of Carnac, from the pink granite rocks to the seafood feasts, Brittany offers an authentic French experience with a Celtic twist. For travelers who want to see a different side of France, Brittany is a destination that should not be missed.