Where is Brittany?
Located in the northwest corner of France, Brittany is a region rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. From its rugged coastline to its rolling hills and forests, Brittany has something for everyone. Whether you're interested in history, culture, or the great outdoors, you'll find plenty to explore in Brittany, France.
Brittany is known for its delicious seafood, particularly mussels and oysters, which are often served in local restaurants and markets. In addition to its culinary delights, Brittany is also home to a rich history and culture. It has its own language (Breton) and traditions, and is home to several medieval castles, churches, and historic towns. These landmarks offer a glimpse into Brittany's past and provide a unique cultural experience for visitors.
If you're looking to experience the great outdoors, Brittany France has you covered. The region is home to several national parks and forests, which are perfect for hiking, biking, and picnicking. With so much to see and do, it's no wonder that Brittany is a popular destination for travelers from around the world.
Brittany is a peninsula, at the western end of France, located between the English Channel to the north, the Celtic Sea and the Atlantic Ocean to the west and the Bay of Biscay to the south.
Brittany is great for back-to-nature getaways, with its rugged coasts, jagged cliffs, and magnificent seascapes. Its coastline stretches for 2,700 kilometers (1,677 miles), featuring superb sandy beaches, cliffs, and hidden islands. It is bordered on the east by Normandy and the Loire Valley.
From its charming coastal towns to its vibrant cities and rural countryside, Brittany France is a destination that has something for everyone. Whether you're seeking a relaxing beach vacation or an adventure-filled holiday, you'll find it in Brittany.
So why wait? Start planning your trip to Brittany France today!
Brittany France Map
How to get to Brittany, France?
Brittany is one of the most furthest regions in Western Europe. Depending on where you are travelling from you'll have a few options and connections to take to be able to arrive. As France transport is very centralized you may be arriving in Paris. The distance between Paris and Brittany is 250 kilometers.
Brittany is one of the most furthest regions in Western Europe. Depending on where you are travelling from you'll have a few options and connections to take to be able to arrive. As France transport is very centralized you may be arriving in Paris. The distance between Paris and Brittany is 250 kilometers.
Travelling to Brittany by Train
The Paris-Rennes TGV (High Speed Train) will take you to the Breton capital of Rennes in around 1 hour 25 minutes. During the summer and school holidays, there is a train every half hour from Paris. Some trains continue to Brest (3 hours 25 minutes for the fastest), via Saint-Brieuc, Guingamp and Morlaix. For destinations in the great South, Rennes is connected to Lyon in 4:20 and to Marseille in 6:10. In the North, the Lille-Rennes journey takes 4 hours.
The TGV Paris-Montparnasse-Quimper serves Rennes, Redon, Questembert, Vannes, Auray, Hennebont, Lorient, Quimperlé and Rosporden. The shortest trip between the capital and Quimper takes 3 hours 30 minutes, 3 hours 10 minutes to Lorient. To reach Loire-Atlantique, you will take the TGV Paris-Montparnasse-Nantes (2 hours) or Paris-Montparnasse-Le Croisic (3 hours 15) line. Saint-Nazaire, Pornichet, La Baule, Le Pouliguen and Batz-sur-Mer are on the Paris-Montparnasse-Le Croisic line.
The TGV does not systematically serve these intermediate stations. From or to Nantes, there are also direct connections with Bordeaux (4 hours), Lyon (4:30), Lille (4 hours) and Marseille (6:30). There are discounted formulas with Ouigo to Nantes and Rennes.
TGV to Brittany
Travelling to Brittany by Plane
Brittany has a number of airports to chose from but, unfortunately, has drastically reduced flights from smaller airports like Lorient, Quimper, and Lannion in the last year.
Rennes airport, is located about 10 minutes by car from the city center (take the ring road, then exit 8, direction SaintNazaire). The terminal is served by bus line 57 of the Star network (ticket 1.50 euros) with a frequency of 20 to 30 minutes during the week (allow 20 minutes from the city center). The stop is 300 m from the terminal (intersection of avenues Joseph-Le-Brix and Jules-Vallès).
Nantes-Atlantique Airport is located 10 km south of the city center, in Bouguenais. A TAN shuttle (ticket 9 euros, departure every 20 min, Sun and public holidays, departure every 30 min) will take you there every day in 20 minutes (departures from the station or the Commerce stop in the city center, at the airport in front of hall 2).
Brest-Bretagne Airport is located approximately 5 km from the city center. It is accessed by the N12, direction Morlaix. The airport shuttle (ticket 1.60 euros) works in connection with line A of the tram at Porte de Guipavas station. This service is provided 12 to 24 times a day, 7 days a week. Outside the operating hours of the tram, the shuttle leaves from the SNCF station. Travel time: approximately 10 minutes.
Rennes airport
Travelling to Brittany by car
Brittany is serviced by a quality road network which connects the main cities. It should be noted that the entire network consisting of 4 lanes is free (except for the Loire-Atlantique part). From Paris, take the A11 (Océane) which leads to Chartres, then to Le Mans where it splits in two. The northern section (A81) leads to Rennes (350 km, 3 hours 30). From Rennes, you will take the N12 expressway which goes towards Saint-Brieuc, Guingamp, Morlaix and Brest (3 hours). For Saint-Malo, Dinan and Dinard, take the D137 from Rennes. Still from Rennes, you can follow the N164 which crosses the interior of Brittany to reach Brest via Loudéac, Mûr de Bretagne and Carhaix. The southern section (A11) goes towards Angers and Nantes. From Nantes, the N165 expressway leads to Vannes, Lorient, Quimper and ends in Brest.
The Guérande peninsula and the Côte d'Amour (La Baule) are accessible by an expressway from Nantes. Another option if you are heading towards the northern coast: go through Normandy by following the A13 to Caen, then the A84 which joins Saint-Malo (400 km, 4 hours). This route is often less congested than the 4-lane option to Rennes. It also has the advantage of being less boring, as the landscapes are so varied (ideal for a stopover at Mont Saint-Michel). The toll for a trip from Paris will cost you around 35 euros.
Travelling to Brittany by bus
Several long-distance bus companies connect the cities of Brittany (Brest, Rennes, Vannes, Quimper, Saint-Malo…) to many cities in France (Paris, Le Mans, Reims, Lyon, Grenoble…) at very cheap prices.
- Eurolines / Isilines also connects the main Breton cities to the rest of Europe.
- Ouibus also connections from Brussels with Rennes, Lorient, Quimper, Nantes and Brest, and from Geneva.
- Flixbus
What time is it in Brittany, France?
In Brittany, Central European Time (CET) is used as standard time, while Central European Summer Time (CEST) is observed when DST is in force.
The time difference between Brittany and New York City, USA is 6 hours.
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What is Brittany, France known for?
Brittany is a beautiful region located in the northwest corner of France. It's known for its rugged coastline, with miles of sandy beaches and rocky cliffs to explore. The region is also famous for its delicious seafood, particularly mussels and oysters, which are often served in local restaurants and markets.
In addition to its culinary delights, Brittany is also home to a rich history and culture. It has its own language (Breton) and traditions, and is home to several medieval castles, churches, and historic towns. These landmarks offer a glimpse into Brittany's past and provide a unique cultural experience for visitors.
If you're looking to experience the great outdoors, Brittany has you covered. The region is home to several national parks and forests, which are perfect for hiking, biking, and picnicking. With so much to see and do, it's no wonder that Brittany is a popular destination for travelers from around the world.
If you travel to Brittany you'll be dazzled by seaside landscapes and nature. Being a Celtic nation, Brittany maintains a strong cultural identity and Celtic language that can be discovered during festivals and traditional fest-noz (night-party).
Brittany is famous for food as well. It can be a delight for foodies who seek out the amazing seafood, sweet or salty crêpes, and world's most buttery dessert, kouign amann. Brittany is also known for its salted breton butter, milk, pork products, onions from Roscoff, and artichauts.
In addition to its culinary delights, Brittany is also home to a rich history and culture. It has its own language (Breton) and traditions, and is home to several medieval castles, churches, and historic towns. These landmarks offer a glimpse into Brittany's past and provide a unique cultural experience for visitors.
If you're looking to experience the great outdoors, Brittany has you covered. The region is home to several national parks and forests, which are perfect for hiking, biking, and picnicking. With so much to see and do, it's no wonder that Brittany is a popular destination for travelers from around the world.
If you travel to Brittany you'll be dazzled by seaside landscapes and nature. Being a Celtic nation, Brittany maintains a strong cultural identity and Celtic language that can be discovered during festivals and traditional fest-noz (night-party).
Brittany is famous for food as well. It can be a delight for foodies who seek out the amazing seafood, sweet or salty crêpes, and world's most buttery dessert, kouign amann. Brittany is also known for its salted breton butter, milk, pork products, onions from Roscoff, and artichauts.
Kouign Amann from Douarnenez
Called the most buttery snack on the planet by the Financial Times, The Kouign Amann was invented in 1860 in Douarnenez. On a busy day at the bakery, Yves René Scordia ran out of desserts and he only had bread dough, butter and sugar on hand. The kouign amann was an experiment that was a was surprising success: a flaky cake, full of butter and caramelized sugar with a little taste of brown butter and fermentation under a golden and caramelized crust.
Dance at a Fest Noz
Want to really get immersed in the local culture of Brittany?
Check out a Fest-Noz, which means night party in Breton language.
About a thousand fest-noz are held each year with attendance ranging from one hundred to several thousand people, thousands of musicians and singers, and tens of thousands of regular dancers. Beyond the practice of dance, the fest-noz is characterized by an intense conviviality between singers, musicians and dancers, a significant social and intergenerational mix and openness to others.
The fest-noz has even recently been added to UNESCO's List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Check out a Fest-Noz, which means night party in Breton language.
About a thousand fest-noz are held each year with attendance ranging from one hundred to several thousand people, thousands of musicians and singers, and tens of thousands of regular dancers. Beyond the practice of dance, the fest-noz is characterized by an intense conviviality between singers, musicians and dancers, a significant social and intergenerational mix and openness to others.
The fest-noz has even recently been added to UNESCO's List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Try a blue Breton lobster
Brittany is famous for its seafood. If you have a change try it all.
But gourmets are mainly interested in the Breton lobster. It's an amazing meal because of the high quality of its flesh and its distinct flavor! Purchasing Breton lobster ensures that you will be eating a prestigious product with an amazing taste that is also 100% natural and minimal in calories.
Order is grilled or go to Lomener and Kerroc'h in the town of Ploemeur for a special lobster dish called homard au kari-gosse.
But gourmets are mainly interested in the Breton lobster. It's an amazing meal because of the high quality of its flesh and its distinct flavor! Purchasing Breton lobster ensures that you will be eating a prestigious product with an amazing taste that is also 100% natural and minimal in calories.
Order is grilled or go to Lomener and Kerroc'h in the town of Ploemeur for a special lobster dish called homard au kari-gosse.
Go sailing in Brittany
The Brittany is known for all water sports. The region offers opportunities for surfing but if you really want to get away, come to Brittany for the sailing.
A land of adventurers and fishermen that have sailed the 7 seas for centuries.
Brittany is also the top region of France for recreational sailing. From International Maritime Festival in Brest to the Tabarly Center in Lorient, Brittany has an amazing sailing pedigree.
If you are a veteran navigator, starting out, or just want to go on a one day sail to one of the islands Brittany offer limitless opportunities for the pirate in you.
A land of adventurers and fishermen that have sailed the 7 seas for centuries.
Brittany is also the top region of France for recreational sailing. From International Maritime Festival in Brest to the Tabarly Center in Lorient, Brittany has an amazing sailing pedigree.
If you are a veteran navigator, starting out, or just want to go on a one day sail to one of the islands Brittany offer limitless opportunities for the pirate in you.
Must see places in Brittany, France
Stay for the beaches and come for the seafood. Brittany is a peninsula that is bordered on the back by France and juts out into the Atlantic, pointing to America.
With a total length of 1,772 kilometers, the Breton coast makes up a third of the French coastline. It is a land with a diverse range of coastal sceneries, including epic rocky coasts, stunning sandy beaches, vacation islands, and salt marshes.
Here are 5 reasons to take a major detour from your scheduled plans and sail away to Brittany!
Standing Stones of Carnac
Standing stones, also known as menhirs, are vertically positioned stones in the earth. Neolithic people placed them in the British Isles and Brittany, and they can also be found elsewhere in the world. Carnac is famous for its distinctive rows of ancient standing stones that can be seen nowhere else on the planet.
Standing stones can be found in singles, rings, lines, or groups. The majority of their dates range from 4000 to 1500 BC.
The standing stones of Carnac are one of Brittany’s greatest attractions. Three fields – Ménec, Kermario and Kerlescan – contain around 3,000 aligned megaliths, which date from 4000BC. It's unclear why they were erected, but it's assumed they had religious or cultural importance.
Standing stones can be found in singles, rings, lines, or groups. The majority of their dates range from 4000 to 1500 BC.
The standing stones of Carnac are one of Brittany’s greatest attractions. Three fields – Ménec, Kermario and Kerlescan – contain around 3,000 aligned megaliths, which date from 4000BC. It's unclear why they were erected, but it's assumed they had religious or cultural importance.
Visit the end of the world, Finistère
Finistère means 'Where the world ends" in French. There is no better place to find that point than at the Pointe du Raz.
Emblematic site of the granite coasts of Brittany, the Pointe du Raz, which overlooks the sea from 72 meters, is classified as a Grand Site de France. Its high cliffs covered with moors offer a wild and superb panorama on the sea, the lighthouses of La Vieille and Tévennec, as well as on the island of Sein, 8 kilometers away.
Pick up surfing in Brittany
Brittany is the peninsula that juts out into the Atlantic Ocean from France. It has a long, wild shoreline with beach resorts like Dinard and the walled city of Saint-Malo.
However, in recent years, beachgoers have noticed an increase in the number of surfers invading the region's seas. In terms of the number of surfers, Brittany is presently the second most populous area in France.
Here's a top five list of places to surf gnarly Breton waves, from La Torche to Guidel.
However, in recent years, beachgoers have noticed an increase in the number of surfers invading the region's seas. In terms of the number of surfers, Brittany is presently the second most populous area in France.
Here's a top five list of places to surf gnarly Breton waves, from La Torche to Guidel.
Discover the Natural Beauty of Brittany: From National Parks to Forests
Brittany is home to several national parks and forests, which offer a wealth of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. The region is known for its beautiful coastline, with miles of sandy beaches and rocky cliffs to explore. Whether you prefer to relax on the beach or hike along the rugged coastline, you'll find plenty of options in Brittany.
Inland, Brittany is home to a number of forests and parks, which are perfect for hiking, biking, and picnicking. The Forest of Broceliande is a particularly popular destination, with its ancient trees and legends of King Arthur. The regional natural park of Armorique is another great spot for nature lovers, with its diverse landscapes and varied wildlife. Whether you're an experienced hiker or just looking for a leisurely stroll, you'll find plenty of trails to suit your interests and abilities in Brittany.
Suscinio Castle
Visit the Medieval Castles and Churches of Brittany: A Step Back in Time
Brittany is home to a number of medieval castles and churches, which offer a glimpse into the region's rich history. These landmarks are scattered throughout the region, from the coast to the countryside, and are well worth a visit for anyone interested in history or architecture.
One of the most famous castles in Brittany is the Château de Fougères, which dates back to the 11th century. This castle is known for its impressive fortifications, which include a moat, drawbridge, and towers. Another popular castle is the Château de Suscinio, which was once the seat of the Duke of Brittany. This castle is known for its beautiful gardens and medieval architecture.
In addition to castles, Quimper is also home to many beautiful churches and cathedrals. The Cathedral of Saint-Corentin is a particularly stunning example, with its Gothic architecture and ornate details. Whether you're interested in castles or churches, you'll find plenty of options for exploration in Quimper and the surrounding area.
Where to stay in Brittany, France
There are many options for where an American tourist can stay when visiting Brittany, France.
Some popular choices include:
- Hotels: There are many hotels of all sizes and price ranges throughout Brittany, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly options. Many hotels offer amenities like swimming pools, fitness centers, and on-site restaurants, making them a convenient choice for travelers. One highly rated hotel is the Hôtel Barrière Le Grand Hôtel Dinard, which is located on the beach and offers easy access to the city center. This hotel has a restaurant, bar, and fitness center, and received positive reviews for its luxurious rooms and excellent service.
- Bed and Breakfasts: For a more intimate and personal experience, you might consider staying at a bed and breakfast in Brittany. These small inns or guesthouses are often run by local families and offer a cozy, homey atmosphere.
- Vacation Rentals: For a more private and independent experience, you might consider renting a vacation home or apartment in Brittany. This option allows you to have your own space and kitchen facilities, and can be a great choice for families or groups of friends.
- Camping: If you're an outdoor enthusiast, you might consider staying at a campsite in Brittany. There are many campsites throughout the region, ranging from basic tent sites to more luxurious options with amenities like showers and electricity.
Ultimately, the best accommodation choice for you will depend on your budget, preferences, and the type of trip you're planning.
Cities of Brittany, France
Discover the vibrant cities of Brittany, France - a region steeped in history, culture, and natural beauty. From the bustling capital of Rennes to the picturesque walled city of Saint-Malo, explore the top destinations that make Brittany a must-visit location in France.
The major cities in Brittany are:
- Rennes: The capital city of Brittany and also the largest city in the region.
- Brest: The second-largest city in Brittany and an important naval port.
- Quimper: The cultural capital of Brittany, known for its historic architecture and pottery.
- Saint-Malo: A popular tourist destination, known for its walled city and beaches.
- Lorient: A major port city, known for its music festivals and sailing competitions.
- Vannes: A historic city with a medieval center and a picturesque harbor.
- Saint-Brieuc: A commercial and administrative center with a rich history dating back to the Roman times.
Other notable cities in Brittany include Nantes, Dinan, Concarneau, Morlaix, and Auray.
Population of the cities of Brittany, France
Are you curious about the population of the major cities in Brittany, France?
Brittany boasts a diverse range of cities that are home to hundreds of thousands of people. In this section, we provide a breakdown of the populations of the largest cities in Brittany, as well as some information on their cultural and historical significance.
Whether you're planning a trip or simply interested in learning more about this fascinating region, read on to discover more about the people who call Brittany home.
Brittany is home to several major cities, including Nantes, the largest city in the region. As of 2021, Nantes has a population of over 316,000 people. Rennes, the capital of Brittany, has a population of over 216,000 people, making it the second-largest city in the region. Brest, known for its naval history and stunning coastline, has a population of approximately 139,000 people, while Quimper, with its rich cultural heritage, has a population of around 62,000 people. Saint-Malo, Lorient, Vannes, and Saint-Brieuc are also significant cities in Brittany, each with populations ranging from around 45,000 to 57,000 people. Whether you're interested in the vibrant culture, history, or natural beauty of Brittany, these major cities offer a wealth of attractions to explore.
Brittany boasts a diverse range of cities that are home to hundreds of thousands of people. In this section, we provide a breakdown of the populations of the largest cities in Brittany, as well as some information on their cultural and historical significance.
Whether you're planning a trip or simply interested in learning more about this fascinating region, read on to discover more about the people who call Brittany home.
Brittany is home to several major cities, including Nantes, the largest city in the region. As of 2021, Nantes has a population of over 316,000 people. Rennes, the capital of Brittany, has a population of over 216,000 people, making it the second-largest city in the region. Brest, known for its naval history and stunning coastline, has a population of approximately 139,000 people, while Quimper, with its rich cultural heritage, has a population of around 62,000 people. Saint-Malo, Lorient, Vannes, and Saint-Brieuc are also significant cities in Brittany, each with populations ranging from around 45,000 to 57,000 people. Whether you're interested in the vibrant culture, history, or natural beauty of Brittany, these major cities offer a wealth of attractions to explore.
