Attractions & Activities in Brittany

The unique Breton culture and traditions form a large part of the appeal that brings back holidaymakers to this highly individual part of France year after year. And with a typical combination of Breton pride, hospitality and practical approach, the region goes to great lengths to present its many attractions in the most accessible and friendly way possible. Major places of interest are all clearly signposted, and virtually all tours are accompanied with facilities for an English spoken translation.

In addition, many of these attractions offer a discount on purchases and entrance fees when you present a Brittany Ferries’ Privilege Card. This card is free, and available to all groups and individuals booking a Brittany Ferries’ holiday.

56310 Melrand
(22k south-west of Pontivy)
Tel: 02 97 39 57 89

Discover how medieval people lived in this 1000 year-old village, which was inhabited for several centuries before being deserted. The village has been partly recreated, complete with farm animals, and visitors can also view some of the original remains.

Open daily May to Aug 10am - 7pm, Sep to Apr 11am - 5pm (11am to 6pm weekends)

35720 Pleugueneuc
(10k west of Combourg)
Tel: 02 99 69 40 07

Visit the interior of this majestic château and discover numerous pieces of magnificent furniture and fine paintings, plus other valuable 'objets d'art'. Outside there are lovely gardens with barbeque, picnic, and children's play areas where you can watch various species of wildlife including tigers and giraffes wandering in partial freedom.

Open daily from April to Sept 10am - 7pm, and Oct to 2nd March 2pm to 6pm.

Place de la Cathédrale
35120 Dol de Bretagne
Tel: 02 99 48 35 30

Cathédraloscope, the only one of its kind in Europe, gives you a unique insight into the way cathedrals are built. The fascinating interior display shows you 1000 years history of the cathedral, and lets you into some of the secrets of its construction. English translations are available.

Open 1st May to 30th Sept 9.30am - 7.30pm & 1st Oct to 30th Apr 10am - 6pm. Closed 7th Jan to 1st Feb.

35305 Fougères
Tel: 02 99 99 79 59

This château has been watching over the borders of Brittany for a thousand years. The wooden fortress was besieged by our King Henry II in 1166 and destroyed by fire. Reconstruction was started immediately in stone, and completed by the end of that century. Here you can discover the history of this reconstruction over the many years, and the secrets of military architecture.

Open Feb to Dec 9.30am to 12 noon, and 2pm - 5pm (9am to 7pm June to Sept)

Le Bayon, P.A. de Montauban
56340 Carnac
Tel: 02 97 24 06 29

These little tourist trains offer 3 circuits with an English commentary: 1. Vannes - a lovely old town with cobbled streets and ramparts. 2. The ports and beaches of Quiberon on the rocky 'Savage' coast. 3. Carnac, La Trinité sur Mer and three groups of alignments (standing stones).

Tours run from Easter to Oct 10am - 7pm. For exact times, departure points and reservations, please telephone the above number between 9am and 1pm.

Site de Cosmopolis
22560 Pleumeur-Bodou
(4k east of Trébeurden)
Tel: 02 96 46 63 80

Under the vast white globe of the 'Radome' you can watch a 'son et lumieré (sound and light) show in front of the 340 ton aerial which received the first transatlantic TV broadcast. Or enter the 'Clean Room' and see Telecom 2, the satellite which the Ariane rocket carried into a 36,000k orbit.

Open April to June 11am - 6pm (7pm Jul/Aug) Other months 2pm - 5pm (closed Jan)

Port de Plaisance du Moulin Blanc
29200 Brest
Tel: 02 98 34 40 40

Océanopolis is a huge, exciting exhibition of all things connected with the sea. You'll need a full day to make the most of your visit, with aquariums, live shows and over 1000 species of living creatures. Discover the world's oceans in the 3 pavilions: Polar (with penguins, seals and real ice floe), Tropical (underwater views of sharks and coral reefs) and Temperate (many aspects of the sea around Brittany including seals and jellyfish).

Open 10th Sept to 30th March 10am to 5pm (closed Mon) and daily 1st April to 7th Sept 9am to 6pm

2 avenue de l'Odet
29950 Bénedot
Tel: 02 98 57 00 58

Take a cruise with full commentary along the rivers Pont l'Abbé and Odet (claimed to be France's loveliest river) or take a high speed catamaran to the beautiful Glénan Isles with their contrasting wild and gentle scenery. Alternatively, you can choose a sea fishing trip. Boat trips run from April to Sep (please phone for departure times)

10% discount on river and island cruises. 5% discount on sea fishing trips.

Domaine de Menehouarne
56240 Plouay
(15k north of Hennebont)
Tel: 02 97 33 15 15

Keen cyclists will really enjoy this museum and activity centre covering the history of the bicycle to the present day. Plouay features amongst the main cycle race centres in France, and was one of the finishing legs of the 2002 Tour de France. Visit a workshop, the artists' gallery and exhibition centre, or take a guided mountain bike tour on a hired bicycle or tandem. Children over 7 can join one of the various activity programmes held here.

Open Tues to Sat in Apr, May, June & Sep, 10.30am - 12.30pm and 1.30 - 6pm. Open daily in July & Aug 10am - 7pm.