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My family lives in Brittany, and I’ve spent countless holidays exploring its coastlines, villages and hidden corners. Here is my personal best of Brittany – a mix of the region’s iconic highlights and a few places I return to again and again. If you’re planning a trip and wondering what the best places to visit in Brittany really are, these are the spots I’d prioritise.
Brittany is larger than most people expect, and accommodation can book out quickly in summer, especially in coastal towns and on the islands. Planning your bases carefully makes all the difference.
The list goes anti-clockwise from north to south. The numbers are not to indicate an order of preference but to show you the place on the map at the end of the post.
1. Saint-Malo – the iconic walled city
If it’s your first time in Brittany, you must have Saint-Malo on your list. Walking the ramparts at sunset, watching the dramatic tides and exploring the old town is one of the classic Brittany experiences. Yes, it’s popular. And yes, in July and August it fills up quickly – especially hotels inside the historic walls.
It’s also a good base to visit the famous Mont Saint Michel for the day. While it’s not in Brittany, it’s close enough, so I thought it should be mentioned on my list as it’s one of the most visited places in France – and for good reasons!
Where to stay
If you want atmosphere, stay inside Intra-Muros. Although it may be slightly more expensive than options outside of the city centre, you’ll be able to fully experience the town’s unique atmosphere and enjoy the sight of the illuminated walls at night. We enjoyed our stay at the very central Hotel des Marins, The Originals.
If you’re staying in Saint-Malo and want to experience some of the places mentioned in this best of Brittany in a very short time, have a look at this private guided tour of Saint Malo, Cancale, Cap Frehel and Dinan.
2. Dinan – medieval charm
Dinan feels like stepping into a storybook. Timber-framed houses, cobbled streets and the walk down to the port make it one of the prettiest towns in northern Brittany.
You can also go on a boat from Saint-Malo to Dinan, along the Rance River. It’s a great way to visit both towns in one trip.
Where to stay
It works beautifully as a base if you want somewhere calmer than Saint-Malo. Staying near the historic centre means you can explore early in the morning before day-trippers arrive. We picked Hotel Cafe du Theatre, which was the cheapest available option with a fantastic location.
3. Cap Frehel – wild coastal drama
You will have to get closer to the lighthouse to enjoy the beauty of the cape. That’s where you’ll get panoramic views and realise you are perched on stunning cliffs 70 metres above the sea. No construction is allowed there; you’ll only find one of the many lighthouses of the region. It’s one of the most powerful French lighthouses. Its light can be seen more than 50 km away. If it’s open when you visit, it’s worth climbing the stairs to the top!
The Cap Frehel is beautiful no matter what. When it’s sunny, the contrasts between the green vegetation, the blue sea and the somewhat pink cliffs are stunning. As you walk around the cape, you may even see Jersey or Guernsey on the horizon. And when the weather is terrible with winds, the sea puts on an incredible show. No wonder it’s one of the most visited places in Brittany.
If you have time, you can walk to Fort La Latte for more spectacular views (2 to 3 hours return).
4. Brehat Island – car-free escape
Bréhat Island is one of the easiest islands to visit – just a short ferry ride away – and feels completely different from the mainland. There is no car on the small island, so you’ll have to walk or cycle to discover its beauty. It’s often nicknamed Flower Island. But what surprised me the most on Brehat Island were the goats on the beach!
5. Pink Granite Coast – unique landscapes
The Pink Granite Coast around Ploumanac’h will take you around funny pink granite rocks, some up to 20-metre high and 300 million years old. Your imagination may let you spot a falling bottle, Napoleon’s hat or even a pig’s face. If you can be there at sunset, the colour contrasts are even more breathtaking. Plougrescant is famous for Castel Meur, the house between the rocks. There are a few interesting houses like that in the area. Nearby, Treguier is a charming small town worth visiting.
Where to stay
Perros-Guirec is a convenient base to explore this area.
6. Pointe du Raz – Brittany at its wildest
When you travel, you often wish for beautiful sunny weather. Unless you’re heading to the Pointe du Raz. It gets even more impressive when the weather is stormy. The turbulent waters are unchained. The waves crashing on the lighthouse in front of the headland offer a fantastic show.
Unfortunately, I had a flat sea when I visited. It was incredible for this place, but I felt I missed the best part of the experience! Still, the views were breathtaking. I had a fantastic time hiking from the Pointe du Van to the Pointe du Raz.
7. Concarneau – a walled town by the sea
Concarneau’s Ville Close sits on an island in the harbour and is compact, lively and photogenic. It is one of the most visited sites in Brittany. Concarneau reminds me somehow of Saint-Malo: it’s a fishing port with a walled city centre. There are also lovely walks along the coast there.
8. Pont Aven – art and sweet treats
You may feel inspired while exploring Pont Aven. It’s not surprising: many artists chose to stay there for a while and paint the lovely town. The famous French painter Paul Gaugin made Pont Aven famous with the Pont Aven School. You can nowadays still feel his influence as you wander in the town centre with the art galleries and the Museum of Fine Arts.
9. Port Manech’ – quiet coastal charm
I love the diversity of Port Manech’s landscapes. As you walk along the coast, you go from a stunning white sandy beach to a beautiful rocky creek. You may feel like you’re the only one in the world as the small houses or ports disappear. With turquoise water, the place is even nicknamed Tahiti!
10. Kerhervy – a weird surprise
This ship graveyard won’t seduce everybody. It looks sad, but it is still an interesting sight. And photographers can feel inspired there. I certainly did.
Fishermen were using this spot on the Blavet River to store their boats during the winter season. And that’s where they also hid their ships when they had to go to fight in WWII, so that the Germans wouldn’t take them. I read that some never came back, and that’s how the shipwreck graveyard started.
11. Saint Cado – postcard perfection
Etel Estuary is worth a visit. And my favourite place there is the small islet of Saint Cado. The cottage alone on its rock in the middle of the river is one of the famous images of the region.
12. Saint Goustan – harbour atmosphere
The small port of Saint Goustan looks like a perfect postcard. You can wander along the harbour and the small village where some of the houses date back to the 15th century. Then cross the bridge and go up the hill on your left for the best views. And if you have time, hop on a boat to explore the river and even further!
Auray and Saint Anne d’Auray are two nearby towns that are worth a visit too.
13. Vannes – historic centre and Gulf gateway
I love Vannes old town, the walls and its garden, and the marina. It’s a lively town, day and night (at least during summer).
Although I certainly prefer the smaller villages, Vannes is a great gateway if your time is limited. It’s a central place that should allow you to explore some beautiful places around the Gulf of Morbihan, including boat tours.
14. Arradon – quiet life by the water
Arradon is very close to Vannes, on the coast. It’s on my list because it’s one of my favourite spots along the Gulf of Morbihan to walk and admire the ever-changing landscape depending on the tides. With its hundreds of islands, the Gulf of Morbihan is as beautiful as fascinating. In Arradon, there are about 15 kilometres of coastal paths that will take you from one beach to another. My favourite is the Penboch area; I spent most of my holidays there as a teenager. You will feel like walking in a postcard. You’ll see the Ile aux Moines (Monks’ Island) most of the time from Arradon’s coast – it’s a great day trip if you have time.
15. Belle Ile – the ultimate island experience
In French, Belle Ile means Beautiful Island. I think it says it all! Cliffs, beaches, colourful harbours and scenic walks make it one of the most diverse destinations in Brittany. Hiking is the best way to catch views of the breathtaking coast.
And many more…
There are a lot more places that are worth visiting in Brittany and didn’t make it to that list, but isn’t a best of meant to be short? It was really hard to choose. I’m thinking of all the beautiful towns in Brittany, such as Quimper, Josselin, Vitre, Locronan, Douarnenez or Rochefort en Terre, for example. Or Carnac and its megalithic alignments. Or the island of Ouessant. And don’t get me started about all the lighthouses. You can live your whole life in Brittany and still find beautiful new spots to explore in the region!
Food and culture are part of the best of Brittany
The best of Brittany isn’t just about landscapes and pretty villages. A list of the must-see activities in Brittany wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the food and culture.
Visiting Brittany is also about galettes (crepes) after a coastal walk. Fresh oysters by the sea. Kouign-amann and salted butter caramel. Local cider poured into ceramic bowls.
And you’ll feel the Celtic heritage everywhere you go, and the Breton language, the maritime history and the important festivals.
Have you been to Brittany? What does your Best of Brittany look like? Share it in the comments below!
My Best of Brittany map
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