9 Stunning Places That Will Make You Want To Visit Brittany

The port city of Saint-Malo in Brittany was once a stronghold for privateers
The port city of Saint-Malo in Brittany was once a stronghold for privateers | © Hemis / Alamy Stock Photo

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Brittany is a wildly beautiful area of France, featuring more than 1,600 miles of rugged coastline. Dramatic cliffs punctuated with pristine beaches make up the seascapes, along with plenty of pretty islands. On the inland, the landscapes are filled with forests, castles, medieval towns and mysterious monuments from prehistoric times. Here are the best spots for those seeking nature, history and adventure.

Mont-Saint-Michel Bay

Natural Feature, Architectural Landmark

This extraordinary island commune looks like it’s been plucked straight from a fairytale. The enormous abbey that dominates the top of the mound dates back more than a thousand years, and you could spend a day exploring that alone. The settlement cascades down from the abbey into a web of quaint streets worth a wander.

Josselin Castle

Historical Landmark

Josselin Castle, Brittany, France.
© Storvik / Alamy
Josselin Castle is one of many exquisite medieval fortresses in Brittany, notable for its impressive round towers that loom over its canal-side location. If you can drag yourself away from the external view, you’ll find an amazing interior inside and stunning grounds.

Dinan

Historical Landmark

Dinan, port de Dinan et la Rance au coucher du soleil. Picturesque Dinan is known for its medieval ramparts
Courtesy of Brittany Tourism

The pretty walled town of Dinan, whose medieval buildings and cobbled streets crowd around the banks of the Rance river, hasn’t changed much since the Middle Ages. As such, it’s one of Brittany’s most atmospheric and attractive settlements.

Crozon Peninsula

Natural Feature

Arguably the most impressive stretch of Brittany’s coastline, the rocky promontory of Crozon is famed for its secluded coves, lovely beaches and sheer cliffs, some of which tower more than 100 metres from the azure ocean. The ports of Camaret and Morgat are good places to base yourself for a day of exploring.

Brest

Natural Feature, Historical Landmark

Unlike many of Brittany’s settlements, Brest is a place that looks excitedly to the future, rather than fondly at the past. Located in a spectacular natural harbour, the town has a series of notable landmarks, including the Pont de l’Iroise bridge. Perhaps the best way to admire it all is from the urban cable car – the first of its kind in France.

Carnac Stones

Ruins

Stone circles and burial barrows at the neolithic site in Carnac, France
© Pez Photography / Alamy

The Carnac Stones form an exceptionally well-preserved megalithic site (they predate The Great Pyramid of Giza by a whopping 2,000 years), and are by far the world’s largest collection of prehistoric standing stones.

Locronan

Historical Landmark

Locronan, a medieval village in Brittany, France. Locronan is one of the prettiest medieval villages in France
© PRILL Mediendesign / Alamy Stock Photo
Locronan is renowned as one of Brittany’s prettiest villages, with cobblestone streets and granite homes. Most of the buildings are unchanged from the 18th century when the town’s merchants fuelled the local economy by trading hemp sails to the French Navy. Head to the top of the hill for the views.

Saint-Malo

Historical Landmark

Saint-Malo is a popular holiday destination
Courtesy of Brittany Tourism
Saint-Malo is a handsome port city on Brittany’s north coast. Its most scenic part can be found inside the old city walls, where the narrow streets twist past inviting restaurants, shops and cosy hotels. Beyond the city itself, sandy beaches and the glittering sea beckons holidaymakers during the summer months.

Île Milliau

Natural Feature

Jouez les Robinson sur líile Milliau
Courtesy of Brittany Tourism

One of more than 800 islands and islets dotted around the Brittany coast, Île Milliau is a stunning mass of land accessible via foot at low tide from the port at Trébeurden. At just a kilometre (just over half mile) in length, it’s easily explorable, with exceptional views of the surrounding scenery from its highest point.

There are plenty of stunning and charming places in Brittany. To find out more about Brittany’s iconic places, islands or main cities, visit brittanytourism.com.
This branded content article was published as part of a commercial campaign that has now ended.

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