Brittany holidays

Located in the northwest corner of France, Brittany shows off its independent spirit through its Breton language, regional cuisine and landscapes entwined with Celtic mythology. With wild Atlantic beaches, medieval towns and plenty of buckwheat crepes to fuel you along the way, holidays to Brittany offer a little something for everyone.

Top destinations in Brittany

Rennes

Medieval history meets modern flair in Rennes, Brittany’s up-and-coming capital. Explore lively squares filled with half-timbered houses, then feast on buckwheat crepes.

Brest

This dynamic French city is constantly reinventing itself. Discover a rich seafaring legacy at its marina and museums, or enjoy panoramic views from the cable car.

Lorient

Home to a yacht-filled harbour, an 18th-century watchtower and a sailing museum, this charming French port city combines historical monuments with a seafaring spirit.

Brittany: fast facts

Language

French

Currency

Euro (€)

Time zone

Rennes - UTC+1 (CET) and UTC+2 (CEST)

High season

June – September

Low season

November – March

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Brittany holiday highlights

Jardin des Remparts

Local delicacies

No trip to Brittany is complete without sampling the region’s famous ‘galettes bretonnes’ (savoury buckwheat crepes). Considered by some to be the French version of pizza, they usually come served with various fillings, the most traditional being ham, gruyere cheese and egg. Eager to try one? You’ll find restaurants throughout the region dedicated to ‘galettes’ and market vendors selling them too.

Myths and legends

With its Celtic roots, Brittany is steeped in myth and mystery, from tales of giants and fairies to Arthurian legends. Visit the Neolithic Carnac Alignments, which are said to be the Roman legions that Merlin turned to stone. And discover the Cordon des Druides in the Fougères Forest. If you’re feeling your years, head to the Brocéliande Forest, the alleged home of the Fountain of Youth.

Charming small towns

One of the best things to do in Brittany is to explore its ‘Petites Cités de Caractère’ (Small Towns of Character). Ranging from medieval settlements to quaint fishing villages, these scenic spots are known for their maze-like streets, half-timbered houses, art studios and secret gardens. Roscoff, in particular, stands out for its picturesque harbour, and Châteaugiron is famous for its 11th-century castle.

Things to do in Brittany

Brittany

Top attractions

Walk Saint-Malo’s granite ramparts at low tide to access hidden beaches like Plage de Bon-Secours with its seawater pool. At Fougères Castle, time your visit with golden hour to see the medieval towers glowing over the moat. Over on the Pink Granite Coast, the village of Ploumanac'h’s famous rock formations make a picture-perfect backdrop for a coastal hike.

Beaches

Claiming a third of the country’s coastline, Brittany has some of France’s most beautiful and ruggedly wild beaches. Uncrowded Plage du Sillon in Saint-Malo is a favourite with families. And Plage de la Mine d’Or in Pénestin is known for its sunsets. Looking to surf? Hang ten at Baie des Trépassés on Cap Sizun or Plage de Saint-Tugen in Audierne.

Nature

Brittany has a wealth of natural beauty to explore, from its Pink Granite Coast to the Arthurian Brocéliande Forest. Admire Atlantic Ocean views from Pointe du Raz and stroll across the salt meadows in Mont-Saint-Michel Bay on the Normandy border. For some of the region’s richest sea life, visit the Iroise Marine Natural Park — you may spot grey seals and dolphins.

Cuisine

Beyond the buckwheat crepes, there’s a whole host of delicious local specialities to try at restaurants in Brittany. The small town of Cancale is known for its outstanding oysters. And if you have a sweet tooth, dig into ‘far Breton’ (custard cake) and ‘kouign-amann’ (flaky pastry). Looking to drink like a local? Pop the cork on a bottle of dry sparkling Breton cider.

Culture and museums

History enthusiasts won’t want to miss the region’s war memorial sites, including Saint-Marcel’s Musée de la Résistance en Bretagne. And one of the best art museums in Brittany is the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rennes. Visiting in August? Head to Pont-Aven, once home to post-Impressionist painter Paul Gauguin. Stick around for the Fête des Fleurs d'Ajonc, a traditional Breton festival.

Nightlife

Rennes is home to some of the best nightlife in Brittany. Head to Rue Saint-Michel — nicknamed ‘Thirst Street’ — for popular late-night watering holes. In Brest, Hôtel Vauban’s basement concert hall has been the go-to place for live music since the 1960s. Looking for a more mellow scene? Make a beeline for Vannes’ old town wine bars.

Find the best time to visit Brittany

Weather in Brittany through the year

March – May: Spring in Brittany is generally mild, though rain showers are common. Pack layers and a light waterproof jacket for the changeable weather. This is a great time to see wildflowers along the GR34 coastal path.

June – August: Summer brings long days and warm temperatures, with highs averaging 21°C. It’s the ideal season for beach visits, outdoor markets and festivals.

September – November: Expect crisp temperatures and frequent rain showers, especially along the coast. It’s a popular time for foraging and admiring the autumnal foliage in Brocéliande Forest.

December – February: Winters rarely drop below freezing, but you can count on wind and rain. Be sure to take advantage of the Christmas markets — Brest hosts one of Brittany’s largest.

Events in Brittany

Les Vieilles Charrues (July): France’s biggest music festival draws huge crowds with its international headliners and homegrown talent. Expect everything from pop to punk and plenty of local food stalls.

Fête des Remparts (July): Held every other year in Dinan, this medieval festival is always popular for its jousting tournaments, craft markets and re-enactments, all set against the town’s 13th-century ramparts.

Festival Interceltique de Lorient (August): Celtic culture takes centre stage at this 10-day festival in Lorient. Performances from across the Celtic nations include traditional music, dance and a grand parade.

Christmas markets (November to January): Head to Brittany’s Christmas markets for artisan gift stalls, mulled cider and carol singers. Rochefort-en-Terre’s is particularly festive, with its half-timbered houses featuring light displays.

Know before you go

Budget

The region is pricier during the peak summer season. But cheap holidays to Brittany are still very doable, especially during the shoulder seasons. Expect to pay less than 15 euros (€) for a simple meal and under €10 for a short taxi ride. Ordering a coffee? You’ll usually pay around €2.

Health and safety

Overall, Brittany is a low-risk destination, with no recommended shots beyond routine vaccinations. Weather can sometimes be unpredictable on coastal walks, so pack sun cream, sturdy shoes and layers for the trails. You’ll often find ticks in forested areas like Brocéliande, so apply insect repellent and check your skin for bites after hikes.

Free things to do

Follow the GR34 coastal path from Plouha to Paimpol for picturesque views over Île-de-Bréhat. In Saint-Malo, walk along the old city walls from Porte Saint-Vincent to Bastion de la Hollande to discover its history as a base for government-backed pirates. Feeling brave? Head to the ancient Huelgoat Forest, where legend says the Grotte du Diable hides a path to the underworld.

Family friendly

Snorkel in Baie de Morlaix’s calm waters, where curious kids might spot starfish and sea anemones. In Beffou Forest, autumn brings the chance to forage for mushrooms like porcini and girolles (best done with a local guide). And at Fougères Castle, little adventurers can roam ramparts and towers straight out of a storybook.

Getting around Brittany

Douarnenez

Public transport

Buses: Brittany’s affordable regional BreizhGo bus network connects major towns and cities with smaller inland villages and coastal resorts. Schedules can be limited on weekends and during holidays.

Trains: High-speed TGV trains make Rennes an easy hop from Paris in under two hours. From there, TER regional services branch out to places like Saint-Malo, Vannes and Quimper. In summer, take the scenic Tire-Bouchon train from Auray to Quiberon. It skips the route’s notorious traffic and hugs the coast for excellent scenery.

Boats: Ferries run from ports like Quiberon and Vannes to nearby islands like Belle-Île, Île-aux-Moines and Île-de-Groix. Tickets can sell out during the peak summer months, so book ahead if you’re island hopping.

Domestic flights

While most travellers arrive by train or car, there are a few small airports in cities like Brest and Rennes that offer limited connections to other parts of France, including Paris and Lyon.

Find domestic flights

Driving and car hire

Driving in Brittany is generally safe and easy thanks to well-maintained roads and clear signage. The N12 is the main artery linking Rennes to Brest, while smaller routes like the Route des Phares and the Route des Abers offer plenty of coastal scenery. Brittany is France’s only highway-free region, so no need to worry about tolls.

Check car hire

FAQs about Brittany holidays

Where is the best area to stay in Brittany?

Base yourself in Saint-Malo for sandy beaches, historic ramparts and easy ferry trips to Dinard and the Channel Islands. Further south, Quimper offers a slower pace with its distinctive earthenware pottery shops, cosy creperies and well-preserved old town.

How many days do you need for a holiday in Brittany?

You’ll want to spend at least five days exploring Brittany’s cities and coast. To make the most of the region’s diverse landscape and many traditional towns and villages, consider extending your trip to a week or longer.

When is the best time to visit Brittany?

Brittany’s photogenic coastline draws loads of tourists in summer, with July and August being the busiest months. For fewer crowds without sacrificing the warm weather, aim to visit in May or June. Many coastal resorts rely on the tourist industry and can be quiet between October and March. Some come to a near standstill during the winter months.

Is it safe to travel to Brittany?

Brittany is considered a very safe travel destination. The region’s crime rates are generally lower than other areas in France, making it a popular choice for families and solo travellers alike.

What is the language in Brittany?

French is Brittany’s official language, but you may also hear Breton, the region’s traditional language. While some people will have a basic understanding of English, it always helps to arrive prepared with a few French words. A well-placed ‘bonjour’ (hello) and ‘merci’ (thank you) can go a long way.

What is the currency in Brittany?

Brittany uses the euro (€), and you’ll find ATMs and card-friendly businesses throughout the region. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, though American Express is less common. Tipping isn’t mandatory, but rounding up your bill is welcome.