With its countless stone-walled crêperies, traditional dancing Fest Noz festivals and road signs translated in Celtic language, Brittany loves to be unapologetically Breton. You will fall under the charm of this land shaped by the ocean, where fishermen hum centuries-old sea shanties at the local bar and tide times determine the course of the whole day.
If you are not one to be put off by below-average water temperatures and the occasional drop of rain, here are 15 unmissable things to see, watch and experience in Brittany. The spectacular scenery and fresh catch of the day are well worth the effort.
1. Get lost in the charming streets of Brittany’s medieval towns
There is no shortage of defensive walls, granite castles and cobbled streets in Brittany. The region is home to a long list of towns and villages straight out of the Middle Ages, from Dinan’s colorful half-timbered houses to the flowery streets of Rochefort-en-Terre, through Moncontour, Vitré or Josselin – each with its own history of fierce battles, and lucrative mercantile trading.
Often topping the list of Brittany’s most picturesque villages, Locronan has been part of France’s select club of classified historic monuments since 1924. Perched on a mountain less than 10 km away from the sea, you can catch breathtaking sights of Douarnenez Bay. The town also has a rich history, as a convergence point for different faiths and many Druid sites survive today. There’s also a yearly Troménie procession paying tribute to the village’s Catholic patron saint, Saint Ronan.
Planning tip: The village puts on an enchanting Christmas festival in early December with concerts, shows and activities, all in true Breton style.
2. Take a romantic walk along the Pink Granite Coast
Stretching over a dozen kilometers between Perros-Guirec and Trébeurden, the Pink Granite Coast owes its name to the blush-color rocks with a rare chemical composition formed from volcanic activity some 300 million years ago. Take the GR34 footpath, which meanders along the coast, and be prepared for some truly splendid sights as the rocks’ soft pink meets shades of sea blues and earthy greens. Sunset lighting only adds to the magic.
Local tip: Keep your eyes peeled for some of the more fantastically shaped rocks, including the “painter’s palette” and the “crab…
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