Visiting Brittany: 10 Experiences You'll Love
Want to visit Brittany? With so many things to do, experience, and discover, there's no shortage of opportunities in the region. To give you some ideas, here are ten experiences for couples, families, or solo travelers that you absolutely shouldn't miss.
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Finally Reach Mont-Saint-Michel
Even though Mont-Saint-Michel is not located in Brittany, but rather in Normandy, you are nevertheless very close, especially if you are heading towards Saint-Malo. With over two million visitors each year, it is undeniably one of the most iconic monuments in France.
Known for its tidal surges that rise «at the speed of a galloping horse,» it is home to the Mont-Saint-Michel abbey, which will require some effort to reach, but the view is worth it. And of course, take the time to discover one of the local specialties before heading back to dry land.
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Discover the beautiful city of Saint-Malo
Visit Brittany, visiting the famous pirates' lair, now transformed into a charming seaside town. Known for its ramparts, a classified historic monument, Saint-Malo can be visited at your own pace: start with the fortifications, then head towards the Saint-Vincent Cathedral, which was bombed during the war and rebuilt in 1972 after 28 years of work. And of course, end your stroll by the port and the Solidor Tower, a 14th-century keep.
From Saint-Malo, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the islands of Grand-Bé and Petit-Bé. These islands are only accessible at low tide from Bon-Secours beach. It is on Grand-Bé island that you will find the tomb of the writer François-René de Chateaubriand. Be sure to carefully check the tide times so you don’t have to swim back!
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Visiting Brittany via Dinan
Unquestionably one of the most beautiful cities in Brittany, the medieval town of Dinan should definitely be included in any tour of the region. Among the city's must-sees, we invite you to explore the medieval Rue du Jerzual, the historic center, the Port of Dinan, the castle, as well as the Clock Tower, whose mechanism, one of the oldest in Europe, dates back to the 15th century. It's worth noting that the Church of Saint-Malo is over 500 years old and will transport you to the heart of history.
After Dinan... Dinard
Facing Saint-Malo, the small town of Dinard has a crazy charm. You'll love going there early in the day, as the town's market hall hosts one of the region's largest markets every morning. It's the perfect opportunity to stock up on local specialties.
And to discover Dinard, there's nothing like taking the Clair de Lune promenade, which runs along the sea, from Prieuré beach to the Bec-de-la-Vallée cove embarkation point. A walk to do during the day, but also in the evening in summer, for a completely different atmosphere.
Visiting Brittany: Hotel Le Nessay, your cozy nest
A 20-minute drive from Dinard, you'll discover Hotel Le Nessay; more precisely in Saint-Briac-sur-Mer. This beautiful building, constructed at the end of the 19th century on the site of a former fortress, welcomes you for a peaceful stay in an undeniably charming setting.
From your room, enjoy a magnificent view of one of Brittany's most beautiful beaches, or opt for the annex, located below, for a stay just a few yards from the waves, with a breathtaking panorama.
Le Nessay also invites you to combine well-being and gastronomy, with its Phytomer Spa and its restaurant, a true regional must-visit, under the leadership of chef Thomas Estrader. And don't miss a short detour to the Patisserie for delicious Breton specialties.
Note that since April 2021, Le Nessay has had its own guesthouse, with rooms decorated in a chic country style. A heated outdoor 17-meter swimming pool is reserved for guests.
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Walking along the Pink Granite Coast
On a nice day, head to Perros-Guirec and Trébeurden to walk the Pink Granite Coast path. This 10-kilometer (6-mile) hike is named after its pinkish rocks made of mica, feldspar, and quartz. You'll see how some, sculpted by the tides and wind, seem to defy gravity and balance magically. If you get the chance, plan your walk for sunset.
Win the tip of the Raz
Meet at the tip of Finistère, that's where you'll find the Pointe du Raz, which majestically overlooks the Iroise Sea. The panorama is breathtaking, especially if you lower your gaze to admire the waves crashing on the rocks, 70 meters below your feet.
Protected since 1996, Pointe du Raz preserves the ecosystem of species and is also classified as an exceptional site for the beauty of its heathland landscapes.
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To go out to sea
But visiting Brittany also means taking to the sea. And in this regard, the choice is wide, as there are many islands to discover. While the island of Ouessant is located near Brest, Belle-Île-en-Mer gathers from Quiberon. It is also on the Quiberon peninsula that you can visit Houat and Hoëdic, for a walk on the paths lined with boat hulls.
Dreaming around the dolmens of the Roche aux Fées
It is Viviane and her builder fairies who are said to have erected this construction, in a single night! Impressively, the site hosts 41 schist blocks, weighing up to over 40 tons each, for nothing less than the largest dolmen in France.
From Essé, where the dolmen is located, you can follow the fairy path to discover others, such as those on the Three Marys heath or the Champ Dolent in Dol-de-Bretagne.
Tour the Château des Ducs de Bretagne
You're still almost in Brittany: Nantes is an essential part of any regional discovery trip, as the city is deeply rooted in Breton culture. Its castle, built in the 13th century on the ruins of a Gallo-Roman wall by the Dukes of Brittany, has become a museum detailing the history of Nantes. There, you will discover over 1000 objects and works of art.
