Map location

1. Carnac stones

Carnac is world-known for its mind-blowing ancient standing stones complex where more than 3,000 granite stones, single standing stones (menhirs) and multi-stone clusters (dolmens), were erected by the people of the time. And we’re talking here about the Neolithic period, around 3,300 BC and even 4,500 BC. The largest of its kind in the world, this awesome area is also surrounded by many tales and mythical stories, making a walk through the place feel like a walk through a fairytale. Here, you’ll gaze at stones up to 4 meters (13 feet)! This is the perfect place to start your encounter with Brittany’s great history.

Carnac stones

Address: LIeu-dit le Ménec, 56340 Carnac, France

Website: Carnac stones

2. Cote de Granit Rose and the Ploumanac'h lighthouse

One of the three places in the world where there are examples of this peculiar pink rock (the other being in Corsica and China), the Côte de Granit rose or Pink Granite Coast is a wonderful 30-kilometer (18.5-mile) stretch of unusual pink sands and rock formations on northern Brittany’s coast. Surely one of the most outstanding coastlines in Europe, this fascinating place is a haven for family holidays.

Cote de Granit Rose and the Ploumanac'h lighthouse

Address: Ploumanac'h, Sentier des Douaniers, 22700 Perros-Guirec

Website: Cote de Granit Rose

3. Pointe de Pen-Hir

With its dramatic cliffs, up to 70 meters (230 feet) high, and scenic sea, the pointe de Pen-Hir is an unbelievable place where the strength of nature takes all of its meaning. Based in the far west of the Crozon peninsula, this spectacular headland is well known for its breathtaking scenery. From the series of offshore rock stacks (Tas de Pois), passing by its massive WWII memorials and several Neolithic menhirs, the area is full of walks and tracks for you to fully enjoy the greatness of the elements. A top-ranked spot for all outdoor lovers, surfers, and cyclists!

Pointe de Pen-Hir

Address: 29570 Camaret-sur-Mer

Website: Pointe de Pen-Hir

4. Cap Fréhel

Cap Fréhel is another wonderful peninsula in Côtes-d'Armor in northern Brittany. Here, the only human presence is two lighthouses located at the tip of the Cap. Its wild coastline includes high cliffs and rocks eroded by the strong sea. There are mesmerizing walks through giants cliffs and attractive beaches featuring breathtaking views over the Emerald Coast and the Channel Islands, a seabird reserve, a historic lighthouse, and a fortress.

Cap Fréhel

Address: 22240 Plévenon

Website: Cap Fréhel

5. Phare d'Eckmuhl

The Phare d'Eckmühl is an impressive 65-meter (213-foot) high lighthouse, still active in the city of Penmarc'h. One of the tallest in the world, the tower is open to the public and visitors who don’t mind climbing the 307 steps to reach the top of the edifice. From there, you’ll rest enjoying the lovely view of the seascape! Worth the effort!

Phare d'Eckmuhl

Address: Place Davout, 29760 Penmarch

Website: Phare d'Eckmuhl

6. Mont Saint-Michel

One of France’s most stunning sights, the Mont Saint-Michel, even though it’s officially located in Normandy, has always been proudly recognized as part of Brittany. This holy island and its incredible medieval monastery are a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring a complex and mind-blowing architectural complex composition. Walking the streets to the abbey, the monastery, the great halls, and gardens feels just like a dream.

Mont Saint-Michel

Address: 50170 Mont Saint-Michel, France

Website: Mont Saint Michel

7. Parc Naturel Régional d'Armorique

The Armorica Regional Natural Park is a protected area, displaying a vast range of natural wonders such as sandy beaches, islands, dramatic rocks, fast rivers, and a hilly landscape. This is a great place to wander in an almost intact area and to enjoy a big breath into the wild.

Parc Naturel Régional d'Armorique

Address: 15 Place aux Foires, 29590 Le Faou

Website: Parc Naturel Régional d'Armorique

8. Pointe Saint Mathieu

With its sémpahore, lighthouse, and abbey ruins, the Pointe Saint-Mathieu is a beautiful headland in Brittany at the edge of magnificent cliffs. Here, you’ll discover its old buildings and settlements such as the 56-meter (183-foot) high lighthouse. Near one of the biggest cities in the region, Brest, this place is great for a nice day out!

Pointe Saint Mathieu

Address: 48 Place Saint-Tanguy, 29217 Plougonvelin

Website: Pointe Saint Mathieu

9. L'Île Vierge

Home to the tallest stone lighthouse in Europe, Île Vierge is a little 6-hectare (15-acre) piece of land, 1.5 kilometers (0.93 miles) off the northwest coast of Brittany where you can visit the lighthouse and access the island only by a ferry crossing. A top thing to do for those in love with the sea and its unique universe.

L'Île Vierge

Address: L'Île Vierge, 29880 Plouguerneau

10. Cairn of Barnenez

The Cairn of Barnenez is another one of the many Neolithic monuments of Brittany. Located near Plouezoc'h, on the Kernéléhen peninsula, this mammoth construction dates back to 4,800 BC and is probably one of the earliest of his kind in Europe, as well as one of the oldest man-made buildings still standing in the world. If you want to have a close encounter with one mark of mankind past, this might be one of the best places to go in France!

Cairn of Barnenez

Address: 6993C Route de Barnenez, 29252 Plouezoc'h

Website: Cairn of Barnenez

11. Côte Sauvage

The Côte Sauvage or Wild Coast is a very nice coastline to make a long walk all the way to Quiberon. Surrounded by dramatic cliffs and rocky beaches, you’ll love walking or cycling through the paths covering the whole western coastline of the peninsula and enjoy the fantastic nature in its full glory!

Côte Sauvage

Address: 7 Boulevard de la Côté Sauvage, 56170 Quiberon

Website: Côte Sauvage

Discover Brittany!

With these 11 awesome things to do all around the region of Brittany in northwestern France, you will enter a completely new world!