Brittany is one of the most beautiful places in France. From quaint villages and beautiful countryside to beautiful coastlines. Brittany has something for everyone. Best of all, Brittany has plenty of great things to do, scattered throughout the region.
All this makes this region one of the great regions of northern France to visit during a road trip. It was a lot of fun and I really enjoyed the drive. Over the years we have explored all over the country and loved the West of France and Brittany itself.
Here are some of our favorite places in Brittany that you should visit once you arrive. That way, you won’t have to spend hours researching Brittany’s top destinations and can focus on all the fun it has to offer.
Have a great time exploring France.
1.) Rocronan
The pretty village of Rocronan, just north of Quimper, may be small, but it’s well worth a few hours when visiting Brittany.
Affectionately named, petit cité de Caractaire in Rocronan hosts some of Brittany’s best-known religious processions. If that sounds like your thing, be sure to stop by Locronan. It is worth noting that Grand Tromeny which will be held in July. To give you hope, it only happens once every six years.
Another pilgrimage site is the Chapelle Sainte-Anne-la-Palue, just a few kilometers from Rocronan. He is one of the best things to do in Brittany if you want to explore the region’s religious heritage.
This chapel has a painted statue of Saint Anne, also made of granite. Once you leave the village, you can enjoy the sunset. St. Ann’s Beach; It is very nice. It’s very rural so you’ll need to bring lots of sunscreen and a picnic, but it’s worth it.
You can then drive further down the coast to nearby Douarnune and Tresmarauen Beach. We love how natural and natural it is.
Read more: Best cities to visit in France
2.) Saint-Malo
If you love medieval history, visiting Saint-Malo is one of the best things to do in Brittany. Home to some of the best-preserved medieval barricades, Saint-Malo is easily a spot he could spend a day exploring.
The city is perfect for exploring on foot, as it has many winding roads and cobbled streets. You can include things like: castle of saint malo This is truly an iconic sight. There is a small admission fee, but it is well worth it.
Then visit the Grande Plage du Sillon (luxury beach) or a beautiful mansion. Demeur de Corsaire; You can go inside. It was built in the 1700s and still stands today.
To make things easier, Book this private walking tour Comes with a guide. It’s a great way to learn more about the centuries of history contained within Saint-Malo and its medieval streets.
Read more: Best cities to visit in France
3.) Joslyn Castle
An absolute gem and its history castle of jocelin One of the most beautiful places in Brittany. Best of all, when driving between Rennes and Quimper, you can easily stop by the Chateau de Josselin.
The majestic castle, with its magnificent walls and classical towers, is beautiful to behold. Plus, there’s no admission fee to go inside and explore the staterooms, gardens, and doll museum.
However, if you would like to visit the ground floor, take a guided tour instead. This can be booked at the castle for a small fee.
If you are coming by car, this place It’s only a 1 minute walk away. All of this is great and makes it easy to visit. Entry to Chateau de Josselin is prohibited from November 1st to April 8th of each year, so be sure to go during warmer months.
4.) Nantes
Nantes is one of the famous cities in Brittany that you’ve probably heard of. It plays a huge role in history and is one of the best things to do in Brittany if you’re a history buff. Medieval Nantes was the capital of the Duchy of Brittany and where Henry IV signed the Edict of Nantes in 1598.
Not only that, Nantes, the sixth largest city in France, is worth spending more than a few hours visiting. We recommend staying overnight to fully enjoy it.
If you’re here, be sure to stop by. Castle of the Dukes of Brittany It’s right next to Nantes-South train station. In addition, there is Place Royale, Rue Crébillon, the Buffet district, and Place du Cambronne.
To make things easier, be sure to do the following Book your essential Nantes City Pass. Not only can you access major tourist attractions such as Nantes Museum, Château de Goulaine, etc. Additionally, public transportation and city cruises are included.
Finally, for a relaxing walk, Nantes Botanical Garden Here you can take a tour of the Palm House, which was built in the 1800s.
Read more: Best cities to visit in France
5.) Dinan
Located on the northern tip of Brittany, visiting Dinant is one of the best things to do in Brittany while driving through some of the most beautiful parts of northern France.
Now, what makes Dinan special is its medieval history and influence (which is very evident in this part of France).
Please be sure to take a look upon your arrival. Elzual Gate It’s centuries old. Oh, and there’s also the Saint-Sauveur Cathedral nearby.
You can easily walk between all the attractions. Park your car and explore Dinant on foot.
You might also want to attend Les Soirées, an event organized to tell the story of John IV, Duke of Brittany, and his servants and knights.
That’s unbelievable.
6.) Vitreous body
called art history villageVisiting the magical city of Vitres is one of the must-dos when visiting Brittany.
This part of Brittany is full of half-timbered houses and narrow alleys throughout the city, and you’re sure to find beautiful things and streets to explore. Notable spots include Rue Baudelaire and Notre-Dame Church.
Vitre Castle is also a witness to the history of the town, so be sure to visit this historic castle. It’s home to a medieval history museum, so consider taking a guided tour to get the most out of your visit.
A few kilometers away, to the southeast of Vitres, is also the Château des Rochers Sevignées. It is open to the public and visitors can view museum collections honoring Madame Sevigne and other important items from her family.
Read more: Top things to do in northern France
7.) Broceliande Forest
Said to be the home of King Arthur and the wizard Merlin, the Forest of Broceliande is a must-see when visiting Brittany.
Once you arrive, be sure to explore the amazing trails and beautiful areas. Not only that, you can also stop by to see the tourist attractions of Merlin’s Tomb. Compere castle. The latter is full of Arthurian history and legends.
In addition, you can also check: La Fontaine de Baranton. This is exactly where the wizard Merlin, who is stuck in the area and completely lost, meets Vivian.
If you like the legends of King Arthur, visit this place in Brittany.
8.) Stone of Karnak
Another great spot for history buffs is karnak stone. That said, history buffs aren’t the only ones who will enjoy this place.
Known for being founded by the pre-Celtic people of Britain, the Karnak Stones are mysterious structures in France that date back to 4000 BC.
Stop at the Maison des Megaris Visitor Center to explore the Karnak Stones and explore the wider area.
Then head to Mane Nguyen Beach, a long stretch of white sand. It’s a great place for water play in the summer. However, the waters of the Atlantic Ocean can be cold.
9.) Cotes de Granite Rose (pink granite coast)
This beautiful stretch of coastline along the Côtes d’Armor is a sight to behold. Not only that, he is one of the best things to do in Brittany if you want to explore France’s great outdoors.
Also be sure to visit the seaside resort of Perros Guirec. There are plenty of things to do in this area for those looking for a little relaxation, including sporting activities, swimming, and other family-friendly activities.
You can also actually see a lot of pink granite around Plumanac and along the coastline. Tregastel. It’s a beautiful country drive along the coast, with lots of small towns along the way.
Read more: Top things to do in northern France
10.) Camper
If you are still looking for a historical atmosphere and an old town feel, one of the best things to do is to visit Quimper while driving through the Brittany region.
While you’re here, take time to admire Brittany’s finest Gothic building, the Basilica of Saint-Corentin. Here it’s worth taking a closer look at the legendary figure of King Gladion.
Also, don’t forget to visit. art museum and the Breton Provincial Museum. These museums have extensive collections ranging from objects, photographs, and costumes to paintings, artwork, and more.
After that, I went to the botanical garden. Chateau de Lanillon. Although it is small and not the biggest, it is a great place for a walk in the summer heat.
11.) Rennes
Today, Rennes remains the cultural and economic center of Brittany and is well worth a visit.
While you’re here, be sure to explore the following spots: Hotel de Ville on Place Mary, Saint-Sauveur church, Brittany National Park Square. Further north-east of Rennes is the Saint-Pierre Cathedral, which offers great views of the architecture that makes Rennes so beautiful.
Then head to the fort Porto Mordreise. Everything feels so historic and the streets are just magical. In fact, I think Rennes’ old town is one of my favorite areas in the city.
Finally, grab a table for some tasty treats. brutone. Their caramel crepes are so delicious. Oh, and don’t forget the hot chocolate.
Read more: Top things to do in northern France
10 best places to visit in northern France
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