There’s a reason France is one of the most visited countries in the world. From the romantic architecture of Paris, to the beautiful beaches of the Riviera, or the fabulous food & wine of Bordeaux, France has a cultural vibe that can suit even the harshest critic’s taste. But what if you could have it ALL in one region of France? We’ll let you in on a little secret! In northwest France lies the region of Brittany. A 3.5 hour car ride from Paris, Brittany is buzzing with a magnificent coastal landscape, the best seafood in the world, beautiful beaches and some of the quaintest, most picturesque villages France has to offer.
We recently started our world tour by spending one week in Brittany. Here are 6 must-see attractions that will feed your cultural appetite.
1)Â Visit Mont Saint-Michel
No trip to the Brittany region is complete without a visit to World Unesco Heritage Site Mont Saint-Michel. This architectural masterpiece dates back to the 7th century and rises from every viewpoint in Brittany. Once you park your car, enjoy the 3km stroll along the boardwalk and appreciate the size of this neo-Gothic structure as you inch ever closer to it. If the tides are out, be sure to take a walk around the walls and note the effect the ocean has on this fortress. Once inside, enjoy a cup of coffee at one of the many shops along the inner city, which hosts a population of 50 people. And finally, if your legs have the energy, be sure to climb the 700 steps to the top of the Monastery where you will be greeted with more splendid views of the Bay of Mont St Michel.
2) Get lost in time with a visit to St Malo
At the heart of Brittany is the city of St Malo. Start your trip by getting lost for a day in the walled city within St Malo – called Intra-Muros. Walk through its cobblestone streets and you’ll feel as though you’ve taken a step back in time. After a stroll through the walls of the city, head towards the English channel and catch a seaside lunch while enjoying the sea breeze. During low tide, you can walk out to Grand Be, an outer island off the coast, and catch great panoramic views of this beautiful city.
3)Â Enjoy delicious Oysters in Cancale
Known as the Oyster Capital of the World, Cancale is a seaside village that is filled with oysters, oysters, and well – more oysters! The oyster farms off the coast produce over 25,000 tons annually and their produce is shipped to 5 star restaurants all over the world. There’s no better place to catch the freshest, most succulent crustaceans than right here in Cancale. Take a stroll to the end of the harbor, where there are a number of oyster stands set up selling oysters at market price. The best way to enjoy them? Grab a baker’s dozen ($6 Euro), drizzle with some lemon, sit along the bay and take in glistening views of the water as you eat! After savoring your meal, stop at one of the many restaurants or bars and wash down with a nice glass of Chardonnay – or enjoy a gelato if it’s a hot summer day.
4) Sunbathe at one of the many beaches of St-Cast-le-Guildo
Brittany is lined with numerous great beaches that tourists flock to in the summertime. St-Cast-le-Guildo offers a number of fine beaches to soak up the sun. Head to Grande Beach where you won’t have any trouble laying your beach blanket down – it’s super wide so you’ll have plenty of personal space. The beach is in the shape of an arc and has very calm waters, which makes it an ideal spot for families. Stay here long enough and you may think you’re lost on a Caribbean Island, what with all the pale sand and crystal clear calm waters (albeit a bit colder!).
5) Take in one of France’s most Beautiful small villages
France is littered with hundreds of scenic villages, and right in the heart of Brittany is historic Saint Suliac. Voted one of France’s best small villages, its hillside views of the Rance River and narrow cobblestone streets give it a distinctly historic feel. As you walk through these narrow streets, be sure to have your camera ready to capture 12th century homes dotted with colorful flowers. Grab a coffee and a pastry and embrace the atmosphere of this tiny village.
6) Soak in a scenic sunset at Pointe du Grouin
Brittany offers a number of great places to catch a sunset, but none better than a short hike to the edge of Pointe du Grouin. Just 10 kilometers outside of Cancale, take the short 1km hike from the car park to reach the peninsula and you’ll be greeted with some spectacular scenery, as English Channel waves crash into the cliff. It is at the westernmost tip of the Bay of Mont St-Michel, and its brilliant location and unimpeded views of the coast allow for spectacular, sublime viewing of Le Mont St Michel, the Channel Islands, and Herpin Rock. Located just steps from the edge of the peninsula, Hôtel de la Pointe du Grouin is a great way to end your day with a meal and sunset view.
When to go to Brittany?
The best time to visit Brittany is in the summer, but if you want to avoid the majority of tourists, try the shoulder seasons of May or September.
How to get to Brittany?
The Brittany region is approximately 3.5 hours from Paris. You can fly into Charles de Gaulle Airport or Beauvais-Tillé Airport and drive from there. Public transport is not impossible, but a rental car is the best way to explore the region.
Where to Stay in Brittany
One of the great ways to experience Brittany is to stay in a historic French home. There are a number of great vacation rentals in Brittany and on platforms like Airbnb or VRBO you’ll be destined to find the French vacation home of your dreams – and it won’t break the bank! Brittany rentals are extremely affordable and can suit travelers on every budget. We mostly used Airbnb on our road trip and felt that the towns of Saint Pere, Dinard, or Dinan are great starting points from which to to explore Brittany.
Where to Eat in Brittany
French cuisine is definitely some of the best in the world. There numerous amazing restaurants that offer delicious and authentic food. If you are an oyster fanatic, the restaurant Au Pied d’Cheval in Cancale is a must.
Another one of our favorites worth recommending is L’Entre Deux Verres, located right in the heart of beautiful St Malo. It is such a charming place where you can expect a fantastic French meal with a twist.
There are also plenty of local cheese, meat and vine shops dotted around the towns. For a French picnic, grab a fresh baguette at a local bakery and enjoy the tastes and aromas of French life – bon appetit!
France is a beautiful country with countless attractions. The Brittany region offers a wide range of activities for couples, families with kids, or solo travelers. We absolutely loved our week adventure exploring northwest France and you can read more about our France adventures on our blog (link below).
This is a guest post by Gosia Herman.
Gosia Herman, wife, mom of 2, fitness & travel fanatic has been traveling the world with her family for the last 7 months. She is the creator of travelerstateofmind.com.
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