In Western France, between the English Canal and the Atlantic Ocean, is the peninsula of Brittany. For several thousand years, the ocean has shaped the coast of Brittany, which has deep fiords, steep rocks and long, fine, sandy beaches. Along the coast of Brittany, there are numerous beach towns, anything from large, mundane places to small, cosy towns. The tides of the coast of Brittany are an impressive phenomenon. Brittany also offers a multitude of ancient mementos in the shape of barrows and long lines of monoliths.

The landscape of Brittany

The landscape of Brittany is characterised by lovely coastal landscapes with wild rock and gentle sandy beaches, while further into the mainland, you will find green vines and flat fields of grass.
The Emerald Coast on the northern coast of Brittany is one of the most popular holiday destinations by reason of the golden sandy beaches and the lovely, blue-green ocean between the jagged rocks.

Large cities of Brittany: Nantes and Rennes

Nantes is located by the shores of River Loire, surrounded by vine fields and lettuce leaves. The city offers medieval houses and bold, modern architecture as well as several interesting sights, such as the medieval fortress of Château des Ducs de Bretagne, the cathedral and the Jules Vernes museum and the art museum.

Rennes is the capital of Brittany and is located where the Rivers Vilaine and Ille join. Through the centre of the city, the two rivers are transformed into canals and give a cosy atmosphere in the city. The old part of Rennes city with the medieval houses, the cathedral and the parliament is located north of the River Vilaine.
The city has an active cultural life, and one of the most beautiful and largest markets of France take place at Place des Lices every Saturday.

Tourist attractions in Brittany

The jagged coast with the ever uneasy and often foaming ocean is the main attraction of Brittany and is best experienced by walks along the coast.
The summer half is full of festive events. The two largest ones are Festival de Cornouaille in July and Festival Interceltique in August, where the people of Brittany get together to play, dance and listen to local music and eat local food.

By Carnac, you will find one of the largest prehistoric findings with almost 3,000 menhirs in mystical lines and patterns from ancient times.

Sports activities in Brittany

Brittany is ideal for cycling holidays due to the many cycling paths that take you through the wonderful landscape. If you wish to be trekking on your holiday in Brittany, the Armorique Regional Natural Park offers good trekking. The coast will tempt you with yachting activities and is especially suited for surfing. In the mainland, there are numerous golf courses. Brittany is also a true paradise for anglers. There are 170 km of coast line besides from rivers with numerous fish species.

If you are into pampering, you should try one of the many spas where you can relax with alga therapy, mud baths and sea showers.

Gastronomic characteristics of Brittany

The most famous food of Brittany is buckwheat pancakes ”Galettes” that are available in may ”Crêperier” (pancake places) as main courses with miscellaneous filling, accompanied by apple cider.
Apart from this, Brittany offers all kinds of fresh-caught fish and shell-fish, for instance oysters from Cancale, scallops and shrimps from St-Brieuc bay, lobster from St-Guénole and clam from Vivier-s-Mer.

The climate of Brittany

Brittany has a temperate coast climate with gentle winters and chill summers. The annual temperature is a little higher than in Denmark. The weather changes a lot – nice sunshine can suddenly be replaced by heavy rain clouds with a refreshing shower.

Some of the photos are kindly lent out from Maison de la France. Photographers: Daniel Gallon-Dangal and Jean Malburet.