5 Reasons Brittany Should Be Your Next        Travel Destination

Brittany, located in the northwest of France and often referred to as ‘Bretagne’, is a region of France that enchants every traveler with its coves, medieval cities, and Celtic soul. For history lovers, lovers of nature, or lovers of non-touristic and beautiful France, Brittany is a historic province with a lot of history and magnificent landscapes. Here’s the list of reasons why you should consider travelling to Brittany and why it stands as one of the most magical places in France.

 

Key Takeaways

• Stunning Coastline: With more than 1,200 km of cliffs, sand beaches, and picturesque harbors, the coast is a unique landscape.
• Rich Cultural Heritage: Some primary cultural factors include; Traditional festivals with cultures having Celtic origins, and unique means of housing.
• Delectable Cuisine: Especially fish & seafood, buckwheat pancakes called ‘galettes’, crepes, and specific to the region cider and ‘ kouign-amann’.
• Diverse Interior: Hills, the vast area of integrated meadows, large tracts of forests, and several major rivers.

5 Reasons Brittany Should Be Your Next Travel Destination.

1. Explore Brittany’s Rich History

Brittany is an ancient city and has many attractions that date back thousands of years. Beginning from the ancient megaliths of Carnac, which are as monumental and ancient as Stonehenge, to the well-preserved medieval fortresses and castles, this land was always inhabited by different cultures.

Still very active today is the Celtic heritage with festivals, music, and traditions, rooted directly in Breton’s Celtic culture. Brittany was originally an independent kingdom but later was integrated with the French kingdom and even now Brittany is quite different from the rest of France.

2. A Nature Lover’s Paradise: Wild and Beautiful Outlines of Coast of Bretagne

It has more than 2700 kilometers of spectacular coastline, which makes the country a perfect destination for those who like to spend time on the shore, to hike or just to enjoy the beautiful nature. The Pink Granite Coast gives a feeling of having an airplane view as the rocks appear to be pink during the sunset. Another famous coast is the Emerald Coast near Saint Malo, well known for its emerald green water and sandy beaches.

For a less hectic vacation, visit the Gulf of Morbihan, which is an enclosed sea with islands. It is very calm and peaceful or visit Pointe du Raz, described as the Irish cliffs of Moher that are very windy. Along the shore of this area, there are lighthouses, picturesque fishermen’s dwellings, and coves that are suitable for practicing beach walking.

3. Brittany’s Food Scene: Swedish Food Safari

     

Exploring food and wine is part of Brittany’s sightseeing attractions, so you should have a taste of it. These are mostly the crêpes and galettes, which are thin, round, and flat. and can be taken as sweets or meals in that area. The famous galette made from buckwheat flour is a traditional local dish usually containing ham, cheese, and eggs.

Brittany is also famous for fresh seafood, especially oysters, mussels, and scallops. The so-called ‘oyster capital’ of Cancale is a coastal town that can boast of generating fresh sea-shelled delicacies daily. The traditional matching drink to compliment the meal is Breton cider, which is traditionally served in a ceramic bowl. Another local delicacy is kouign-amann, a buttery caramelized pastry that is a must-taste for lovers of desserts.

Unique Culture and Traditions:

 This unique part of France has a rich culture, especially reflected in the festivals and traditions that are celebrated in the region. All year round, one may attend fest-noz—Breton night celebrations accompanied by an orchestra using bagpipes and bombardment instruments. Farmers and villagers wear custom-made clothes, and everyone is free to participate in the dancing part, thus making it more cheerful.

A Breton cultural festival called Festival Interceltique de Lorient, usually held in August every year, is recognized as the biggest cultural celebration of Celtic people in the world. This lively event is dedicated to celebrating the Celtic spirit and includes musicians, dancers, and artists from Celtic countries. It is always a good time to see how much Celtic roots are still present in the region of Brittany nowadays.

5. Stunning Towns and Villages:

Brittany is one of the regions in France that comprises some of the most beautiful towns and villages that you could imagine. Quimper is the historical centre of Cornouaille and has more than a few Gothic buildings, such as the Cathedrale Saint-Corentin. Clinging to the outskirts of the town proper is Dinan, which has half-timbered houses and cobbled streets as if they were carved out of a picture book.

To experience something different, one should try going to the little village of Locronan, which is often referred to as one of the most beautiful villages in France, making it one of the 5 reasons Brittany should be your next travel destination. Its beautiful granite structures and the enchanting square make it a camp for photographers and filmmakers.

Transport to and Within Brittany

Accessing Brittany in France is not a problem, because you can arrive either by train, car or flight. If you are travelling from the U.S., you can travel to France just with your US passport.  Rennes, the regional capital, has an easily accessible airport and there are TGVs to Paris that take over 2 hours. When in Brittany, it is advisable to hire a car because this area is rich in secluded, wonderful corners, but locals use buses and trains as well.

Best Time to Visit

Unlike some other coastal towns in England, Brittany can be visited throughout the year; however, it is recommended that one visit during summer, which is between June and September, as it is relatively rainy with full festival season. Summer is also beautiful but very busy and hot; winter is also good, with fewer people and a colder climate for walking around and visiting parks, etc. Autumn and winter are mild with occasional rain and it’s a perfect time to stay in a coastal Bretagne village with a glass of cider and some creative buckwheat galette.

Conclusion: 

Brittany is simply a memorable place to visit. It remains the ideal country for any traveller who would like to explore a different part of France with the brand values of its Celtic cultures, warm welcomes, and gorgeous landscapes.

This region that keeps the secrets of the medieval ages and the modern world at the same time will get you enchanted.