Known as the homeland of the Breton people and one of the six Celtic nations, Brittany in the Northwest of France offers amazing natural and historic attractions for everyone. You will surely love exploring and seeing the lush wilderness, breathtaking bays and views of the sea, historic medieval towns, and green forests. Visiting the Brittany region when you are in France would be a really great idea, especially if you are looking for some break to the beauty and splendor of the capital city of Paris and other French cities. Here are just some of the top things to do in Brittany, France.
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1. Be amazed by The Standing Stones at Carnac
Known to be the French version of the Stonehenge in the United Kingdom, the Carnac is yet another mysterious historic area in the world. The historic complex features more than 3,000 granite stone, menhirs or single standing stones, and dolmens or multi-stone clusters. It was said that they were erected by the people during the Neolithic Period. There are also countless tales behind this mysterious complex. But it will surely feel surreal when you walk around the Standing Stones at Carnac.
The Standing Stones at Carnac
Address: LIeu-dit le Ménec, 56340 Carnac, France
Opening hours: 10am - 1pm, 2pm - 5pm (daily)
2. Admire the beauty of Pont-Aven
The quaint town of Pont-Aven has been a very symbolic town in Brittany, France, because of the people that have lived there. The village has been the residence for some of the most legendary artists in France. One of the former residents of the village is Paul Gauguin, the renowned post-impressionist artist. Because of that, the village attracts a lot of tourists, especially those who are into the arts and exploring the amazing streets and the flourishing art community in Pont-Aven.
Pont-Aven
Address: Pont-Aven, 29930, France
3. Visit the Cathedral of Saint-Corentin
The Quimper Cathedral, historically known as the Cathedral of Saint-Corentin, is a 13th-century church known for its breathtaking collection of 15th-century stained-glass windows, and the statue of King Gradlon riding a horse in between its spires. The church features a very luminous and grand gothic style that makes it very popular among every tourist, especially those who are interested in history.
Cathedral of Saint-Corentin
Address: Place Saint-Corentin, 29000 Quimper, France
4. Relax at Parc du Thabor
The majestic Parc du Thabor is regarded as one of the most beautiful parks in France. The parc features a 10-hectare (25-acre) garden that extends to the orchard area that was formerly owned by Abbey St-Mélaine. Situated on a promontory, the parc was named after Mount Tabor in Galilee. You will surely love the beauty of its three gardens that feature over 2000 species of flowers, 1000 trees, a duck pond, a waterfall, a children’s playground, a rose garden, an aviary, a bandstand, several greenhouses, and an orange farm.
Parc du Thabor
Address: Place Saint-Mélaine, 35000 Rennes, France
Opening hours: 7:30am - 6:30pm (daily)
5. Learn about the history of Chateau de Dinan
Chateau de Dinan, or the Dinan Castle, is a castle that was built in 1382. It is also known as “Donjon de la duchesse Anne” or the Keep of Duchess Ann. The castle was built by John IV of Montfort, Duke of Brittany, just after he returned after being exiled in England. The town of Dinan is connected directly to the castle and serves as the main defense and compel submission for the town. While it has very significant security and defense purposes, the castle is specially made to be a residential castle. In fact, there’s a kitchen on the ground floor and it has the usual medieval layout for its halls and chambers.
Chateau de Dinan
Address: Château de Dinan, 22100 Dinan, France
6. Have fun at Bay of Saint-Brieuc and Paimpol
Known to have the fifth-highest tides in the whole world, the Bay of Saint-Brieuc and Paimpol features a variety of water activities that everyone will surely enjoy. The bay consists of several beaches, cliffs, inlets, promontories, and dunes that will surely bring outdoor water fun for the whole family. The bay is also known for its delicious catch of scallops, where it is already considered as one of the best dishes in town.
Bay of Saint-Brieuc and Paimpol
Address: Saint-Brieuc, Bretagne, France
7. Venture into the forest of Brocéliande
Located 40 kilometers (25 miles) west of Rennes is the forest of Broceliande. The forest is mostly owned by several prominent families in the area. Because of that, some of the areas might be restricted from the general public. However, fret not as the best sites are usually open for the public to visit and explore. The forest is known to be a very mythical and mysterious place because of the countless stories and legends about King Arthur, Merlin the wizard, and Viviane the fairy behind it.
Brocéliande
Address: Brocéliande, 72240 La Chapelle-Saint-Fray, France
Website: Brocéliande
8. Marvel at the beauty of Saint-Malo Walls
You will surely marvel at the beauty of the walls of Saint-Malo, inside and out. The mighty walls of the coastal town of Saint-Malo were built to protect the town from attacks. In fact, the wall was deemed to be very useful during World War II. Behind the walls are the narrow, cobbled streets of the town that are lined with exquisite shops, boutiques, and gourmet restaurants that are adjacent to the chateau and the cathedral. You can also spend the day at one of the beaches near the town.
Saint-Malo Walls
Address: Saint-Malo, France
9. Wander through Huelgoat Forest
The magical Huelgoat Forest is laden with large boulders and breathtaking natural sights that make it very popular among tourists and locals alike. But probably the most famous sight in this forest is the Trembling Rock, an elliptical-shaped boulder that anyone can climb and even push around. The forest was once part of royal land where only the rich and the famous can enter. However, everyone, regardless of class, can enter and marvel at the beauty of the magical forest of Huelgoat.
Huelgoat Forest
Address: 892 Rue de la Roche Tremblante, 29690 Huelgoat, France
Website: Huelgoat Forest
10. Explore Mont Saint-Michel Abbey
See for your self one of the first UNESCO World Heritage Sites as you get to visit Mont Saint-Michael Abbey. In the year 708, people started to worship Saint Michel and it has become one of the most important landmarks of pilgrimage during medieval times. For hundreds of years, the abbey has survived countless wars, time, and many other factors. It has also been the symbol of the resistance of France against the English attackers during the Hundred Years’ War in the 14th to 15th century. The abbey was declared a historic monument in 1874 and it has undergone several restorations to maintain its beauty up to this day.
Tip from Content Creator
It's a magical experience any day when you get to explore a building from 708 AD! Mont St. Michel in France is a destination that everyone should put on their bucket list. While the shops and restaurants within the walls are touristy, no doubt, the history & beauty of the area makes it well worth a visit.
We highly recommend going on a tour when you visit. We had an English-speaking tour guide for free who was really great and made the experience very fun. We learned about the history of the monastery & got to tour the inside.
If you go later in the year, you get to see the entire island surrounded with water.
Enjoy the beauty of Brittany
With all of the natural and historic beauty that it offers, the region of Brittany in France is indeed a destination for every traveler out there. Make sure to do all of these great things to do while in Brittany, France. Start planning your trip today.
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