France travel Forum

Brittany
Dinard coastline
Much of Brittany's history dates back to its Celtic roots. The landscape is littered with ancient and mysterious standing stones and the local language (sadly in danger of dying out) is based on Celtic, more closely resembling Welsh than French. The Celts came from Britain around the 6th century with their culture, traditions and folklore that still reign supreme in the region today, particularly in the rather arid interior, lending Brittany a touch of mystery and enchantment. There are a number of festivals in the various small towns, celebrating everything from military victories to religious icons to the 'idiot of the forest'.

The Bretons maintained an independent state until the 16th century in this northwest corner of France, which protrudes into the Atlantic with an irregular coastline featuring inlets, cliffs, offshore islands and stretches of white, sandy beach. It is the coastline that has made Brittany the most popular summer holiday destination in France, next to the Côte d'Azur, for both French and foreign visitors. The coast is liberally sprinkled with resorts and campsites, always full during the summer season.



Resorts

See our separate guides to the following Brittany holiday resorts: St Malo


Attractions

Standing stones, Carnac

Carnac

Carnac, on the south coast of Brittany in the Bay of Biscay, is one of Brittany's most trendy holiday resorts. The family-friendly holiday resort of Carnac Plage is bright and breezy, sporting a sand-duned peninsula, a lovely stretch of beach, plenty of entertainment and...  see full details



Dinard coastline

Dinard

Opposite St Malo, sitting atop a rocky headland above the Rance, Dinard was a popular holiday spot with the British in Edwardian times; they still visit today for the bracing sea air and a stroll along the promenade. The seafront is lined with...  see full details



La Baule © Arlenz

La Baule

Just west of Nantes, La Baule is Brittany's most fashionable and expensive holiday resort. Like most Breton seaside towns, it was the Victorians that first flocked here to play and promenade in the balmy air. Today La Baule is favoured by the French...  see full details



Nantes © Stéfan

Nantes

Attractively situated on islands in the estuary of France's mighty Loire River, the solid city of Nantes exudes an air of importance and historical significance, an interesting holiday destination. Although not officially part of Brittany any longer, Nantes has always been regarded as the...  see full details



Quimper © S. Möller

Quimper

Quimper, Brittany's oldest city, beckons those who need nothing more from a holiday than cobbled streets to wander through, a lazy river to cruise gently down or a wide selection of cafés and bars to sample. The idyllic holiday town of Quimper, spread...  see full details



Talloires © Fett

Talloires

The small village of Talloires has fashioned a booming tourist industry from the very best in raw ingredients: medieval architecture, charming locals, and picturesque surroundings ripe with opportunity for both summer and winter sports. The Lake Annecy is filled with holidaymakers swimming, sailing and...  see full details


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