Brittany guide
Brittany North East
Enjoy Brittany's vibrant capital city of Rennes, the rich seafaring history of St Malo and the sheer elegance of neighbouring resort Dinard. Add the pristine medieval charms of Dinan, breathtakingly beautiful countryside, and even an enchanted forest, and you'll still have only scratched the surface of this region's delights.
The best feature of the northern Brittany shoreline is the area between Trébeurden and Perros Guirec known as the Pink Granite Coast where fascinating, odd shaped rose coloured rocks contrast beautifully with the vibrant blue sea. Enjoy invigorating coastal walks along marked footpaths and absorb the spectacular views or just relax on one of the lovely sandy beaches.
If you are near Perros Guirec in early summer you must take a boat trip out to the Sept Iles, an amazing bird sanctuary where the sight of the seabirds that meet you on arrival at the main island is really impressive - go in June and you might even spot a few puffins before they migrate!
To the east is the Emerald Coast and the popular family seaside resorts of Sables d'Or les Pins, elegant Dinard and St Malo with its beautiful old walled city. Inland is Dinan, a charming medieval town in a tranquil setting on the Rance river and Rennes with its fine architecture, museums, good shops and restaurants. Delve deeper for verdant countryside with lakes and rivers where you can enjoy many watersports or soak up the magic of the enchanted Forêt de Brocéliande where the legendary wizard Merlin reputedly lived.
Places to visit
Cancale
Visit the oyster beds, learn all about them at the 'Ferme Marine' museum and sample delicious seafood in the quayside restaurants.
Combourg
Has a beautiful château and lake and was once the home town of the famous French writer Chateaubriand.
Dinard
Known as the 'Cannes of the north' this resort offers sandy beaches, excellent dining and a fine casino. Boat trips are available to and from St Malo across the calm waters of the Rance estuary.
Things to do
Cité des Télécoms
Discover Europe's largest educational, interactive and fun telecommunications centre in Pleumeur Bodou (near Trébeurden).
Cobac Parc
South west of Dol de Bretagne, this 12 hectare theme park includes an aqua park and over 30 fun activities to amuse the whole family.
Golf
Northern Brittany boasts some of the best courses in France including Golf de Dinard, St Malo, Val André and St Samson.
St Malo's Grand Aquarium
A unique experience which offers a new approach to marine life through a fantastic trip from cold waters to tropical seas.
Food and drink
Local specialities
Cancale oysters. Far Breton, a prune flan. Crêpes and galettes, sweet and savoury pancakes.
What's on the menu?
Coquille St Jacques, a dish of scallops in a creamy sauce. Gigot d'Agneau, roast leg of lamb cooked with garlic.
What to drink
Wash down those crêpes with a bolée (large cup) of strong Brittany cider.
Brittany south West
Dramatic rock formations, fine beaches, glorious countryside, and a unique sense of identity mean that this part of Brittany is often compared with Cornwall. There's also the fabulous seafood, historic cities such as Brest, Quimper and Vannes, and the genuinely warm Breton hospitality to enjoy.
The seemingly endless coastline in this part of Brittany from the wild rugged cliffs of Finistère to the contrasting south with its long sandy stretches and mild climate is a beach and nature lover's paradise. Dotted along the way are rocky coves, pretty fi shing ports and villages and popular family seaside resorts such as Bénodet and Concarneau. There is plenty of historic interest too - the charming medieval cities of Quimper and Vannes are a delight to visit and the Neolithic standing stones at Carnac which date back to 4,500 BC are awe inspiring. Venture inland for peaceful valleys and glorious countryside ideal for walking and cycling; the Lac de Guerlédan for a variety of watersports, and pretty Josselin with its lovely château and riverside setting. If you enjoy being on the water take a boat trip round the beautiful Gulf of Morbihan - a large inland bay studded with small islands that are a haven for wildlife, especially birds.
Further out to sea (a 45 minute trip) is Belle Ile en Mer with its stunning scenery, pleasant beaches and great coastal views. Go for the whole day and take a picnic with you..
Places to visit
Concarneau
Visit the fishing museum located inside the walls of the old town. Then walk around the bay and the ramparts and take in some gorgeous coastal views.
Pont Aven
A charming little port that has been an inspiration to both painters and poets. The famous Impressionist Paul Gauguin was a frequent visitor.
Quimper
Discover the old quarter with its half-timbered houses, crêperies and a wide collection of shops selling the hand painted pottery (faïence) that this pleasant city is famous for.
Things to do
Océanopolis
For a great family day out head to this huge aquarium in Brest which displays many species of sea life from the world's great oceans. The penguin section is a particular favourite with children.
Parc Animalier et Botanique de Branféré
This unique park just 20k south east of Vannes makes a great day out. Stroll amongst rare species of plants and exotic animals roaming free in pleasant woodland.
The Crozon peninsula
Explore the inlets and coves of this heavenly spot, a haven for windsurfing, cliff top walks, or simply lazing in the sun.
Food and drink
Local specialities
Artichokes and a wonderful buttery sticky cake called Kouign Amman. Lobsters from Roscoff.
What's on the menu?
Cotriade Bretonne, a fish stew. Poulet au Cidre Breton, chicken cooked in cider. Moules Marinières, steamed mussels served in white wine sauce.
What to drink
Brittany does not produce its own wine and so the Breton folk tend to enjoy dry, white Muscadet from neighbouring Western Loire which goes down so well with delicious seafood.
