About the Brittany (Bretagne) Region of France:
Brittany, along France's northern shore, is a land of enchantment. It features rugged coastlines with some of the world's most breathtaking views. It features more than 4,000 chateaux, manors and medieval homes. It's an ideal destination for water sports enthusiasts, lovers of fine cuisine and seafood, and anyone fascinated by legends and history. Find out how to plan a trip to France's region of Brittany.
Getting to Brittany:
Probably the method most people will get to Brittany is by flying into Paris, and driving, taking an organized tour or taking the train to Brittany. From Paris, the train ride to Rennes is about 2 hours, 15 minutes. If you are coming from Britian, the Chunnel (or Channel Tunnel) can transport person and car from Folkstone to Calais, France.
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See a map of Brittany
Major cities of Brittany:
Brittany's cities range from medieval villages to coastal cities.Rennes, capital of Brittany
Fougeres, which features a chateaux and was frequented by Chateaubriand, Balzac and Victor Hugo
Saint-Malo, a quaint town with cobblestoned streets
Dinan, a medieval fortified village
Quimper, known round the world for its faience pottery
Brest, a lively city with a rugged shoreline
Why to visit Brittany:
Brittany beckons with beauty, a diverse culture and amazing cuisine. Here are some of the best reasons to visit Brittany:
- Outdoor sports, especially on the water. With its situation on the Atlantic, this is an ideal vacation spot for sailing, kayaking, canoeing, surfing and scuba diving.
- Chateaux and historic attractions. This land is jammed with seemingly endless heritage sites dating back to megaliths.
- Spa seawater treatments. France's famous thalassotherapie was born in Brittany.
Top Attractions, Sights and Things to Do in Brittany:
The region is full of numerous world-class museums and historic attractions. The top picks include:
Oceanopolis, featuring 50 aquariums ranging from tropical and polar species
Cathedrale St-Pierre-St-Paul, or Nantes Cathedral, one of the last Gothic French cathedrals
Chateau de Combourg, the boyhood home of writer Chateaubriand
Grand Phare (or Great Lighthouse) on Belle-Ile-en-Mer, an impressive 300 feet high
Musee de la Faience, devoted to the famous pottery
Where to Stay in Brittany:
There is a wonderfully diverse mix of lodging options in Brittany, including:
Chateau Richeux, a Cancale oceanside 1920s villa with views of Mont St. Michel
Best Western France Angleterre-Champlain, a historic Rennes mansion converted into a reasonably-priced hotel