France

Things to do in Brittany

Surrounded by the sea and bursting with character, Brittany is a truly captivating place to discover, and whether you choose to wander around walled medieval cities, explore tranquil villages or admire Stone Age sites, you'll never be short of things to do in Brittany.

Famed for its ruggedly beautiful 700-mile coastline, delicious food, and unique culture, Brittany is one of the most picturesque regions of France, and you’re guaranteed to have a wonderful time during your holiday here.

To give you more freedom and peace of mind when you travel with your car why not upgrade to one of our Flexi tickets? Allowing you to take the scenic route home and not have to rush back, our Standard Flexi and Fully Flexi tickets give you greater flexibility to your departure time!

 

CQF

Calais

DVR

Dover

Morning

01:55

04:25

06:50

09:15

Midday

11:40

Afternoon

14:05

16:40

Evening

18:55

20:50

23:40

About the city

Brittany’s beach retreats

One of Brittany’s most famous features is its incredible coastline. Boasting over 700 miles of striking beaches, hidden bays, fishing villages and thriving resorts, the area is perfect for those looking to relax by the sea, or anyone who enjoys a coastal hike.

Western Brittany and the Finistère region have some of the most beautiful beaches, while Ploumanac’h on the northern pink granite coast boats undiscovered sandy stretches that are perfect for those in search of a peaceful wander. 

The Crozon Peninsula south of Brest is the perfect location for boat trips to the gorgeous islands of Ouessant, Sein, and Belle Île, so this is the place to head to if you are looking for a bit of adventure during your stay.

 

Medieval cities in Brittany

Brittany is home to some of the most picturesque medieval cities in Europe. Explore the charming old quarter of Dinan, which fights for the title of the region’s prettiest town due to its half-timber framed houses, cobbled streets, and craft shops. Here, you can enjoy waterside restaurants, picturesque views, and a market on Thursdays!

Known as the cultural capital of Brittany, Quimper is one of the best places to experience true Breton culture, especially since it is home to the famous Festival de Cornouaille every July. During your time here, take a look at its Gothic cathedral, admire its atmospheric Old Town, and take a boat trip on the river.

In the heart of the region is Rennes, Brittany’s gorgeous administrative capital, and a hotspot for foodies. The city's famous Saturday morning food market is one of the best is the whole of France. Make sure to stop in this city for some crepes - a true symbol of the region's delicious cuisine. You’re also sure to love wander through Rennes’ medieval Old Town, and relaxing in the beautiful Thabor Gardens.
 

Historic castles in Brittany

Crumbling castles, defensive forts and elegant châteaux, Brittany has it all. Thanks to its strategically important location along the coast, the region is full of fortifications and inland manors that are waiting to be explored.
 
The south-eastern province of Morbihan has the highest concentration of castles, totalling 56, including the fairy tale Josselin Castle and the royal residence Château de Suscinio. Here, you will also find the Standing Stones of Carnac, with hundreds of these mysterious formations to discover.

Brittany's castles are some of the most beautiful in the whole country, so it may be difficult to choose which ones to visit. We suggest taking in the medieval magic at the Castle of Vitré, which is now a museum where you can learn all about the history of both the castle and the town, and also exploring the magnificent Fougères Castle which is located on the border with Normandy and offers an interactive experience.
 

Outdoor activities in Brittany

With such a diverse landscape of moors and countryside, there are an endless number of things to do in Brittany for those who love spending time in the great outdoors. Popular choices are cycling tours around Finistère, snorkelling near the 'Coast of Legends' in Pays d'Aber, and hiking the many coastal paths which come with amazing views.

Brittany also boasts a number of stunning national parks which are perfect for a self-drive adventure. The marine park of Parc Marin d'Iroise, the marshlands of Brière, and the Armorique regional natural park all make for perfect day trips. Plus, if you upgrade to one of our Flexi tickets, you could have even more time to explore these wonderful national parks. Our Standard Flexi and Fully Flexi tickets give you greater flexibility on your departure time, giving you peace of mind on your self drive adventure!

Animal lovers should head to Zooparc de Trégomeur, a fantastic zoo which is home to a whole variety of species, including camels, tigers, snow leopards, lemurs, and porcupines. Some of the zoos latest arrivals are a couple of pandas, offering a wonderful opportunity to see these rare creatures too.

Feeling inspired to try out all of these things to do in Brittany for yourself? Book your Dover to Calais crossing today and start planning your trip to this diverse and fascinating region of France.
 
 

Feel inspired to try out all of these things to do in Brittany for yourself?

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