Things to do & places to visit in Brittany, France

Brittany's dramatic 750-mile coastline traces a rugged hem against the chilly Atlantic. Attractions such as St-Malo's 1689 Fort National, the prehistoric ruins and striking beauty of Gavrinish Island and Brest's Oceanopolis aquarium cling to the rocky shoreline of France's most northwestern province. Nantes, Rennes and Brest are the largest cities. Rennes is just two hours from Paris by TGV. Breton and Gallo, the ancient languages of this Celtic province, are still spoken in pockets throughout the area.

Brittany #11 destination in France 2023. The average rating score is 4.46 based on 96.6k traveler reviews, of 120 attractions. Timezone: Europe/Paris, current date and time: Tuesday, May 07, 2024, 8:52.

Top things to do (27)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Sentier des Douaniers (3.061 reviews)
- A place you need to see at least once in your life!
Hiking Trails

Opened in 1907, Sentier des Douaniers is the ideal way to discover Ploumanac ' H and its impressive rock-sculpted cliffs of nature. Book half a day on foot to go on this circuit, considered one of the major natural sites of the region. At sundown, the pink granite seems to be on fire. See more..
5.0 Grand Site Naturel de Ploumanac'h (2.143 reviews)
- Stunning pink rock formations - visit every time for walks when we’re in Brittany
Historic Walking Areas

Referred to amongst friends as the ‘pink rocks’ walk, we absolutely love this area. It’s such a beautiful part of the northern Brittany coastline. Would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys a scenic walk and/or a bit of a climb in the rocks. We’ve had lots of fun taking posed photos here over the years. The water is often a gorgeous shade of blue/ turquoise. The town it’s situated in is very pretty with a number of lovely little shops, cafes and seafood restaurants. In the warmer months theres also places to get ice cream. Would recommend to families, couples, groups of friends. Enjoyable for all ages. See more..
5.0 Pointe de Pen-Hir (977 reviews)
- Amazing natural site with monuments
Points of Interest & Landmarks

This site is more fascinating than the commercial touristic Pointe Du Raz which worthy visiting as well. The beaches and rocks' formations are still natural beautiful. The additional monuments are added to this natural site as representing bloodshed events occurred even in such natural sites. Such a contrast! See more..
5.0 Les Aiguilles de Port Coton (655 reviews)
- romantic
Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas

we went there during the daytime, at sunset and st night always a spectacular scenery. the is a parking lot and at anytime people around to watch the sunset, have a picnic. Also a good starting point for hikes along the coast See more..
4.5 Les Remparts de Saint-Malo (8.043 reviews)
- Great views of Britanny coast and old city
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks

Ramparts enclose 95% of the old Saint Malo walled city do you can walk nearly all the way round with spectacular views on the seaward sides. Must do part of any Saint Malo visit, especially on a clear day. Lots of public car parks outside the walled city but gets super busy in summer so arrive early, See more..
4.5 Ville Close de Concarneau (2.678 reviews)
- Great half a day visit!
Tuesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Walking Areas

Very beautiful ! Takes about 2-3 hours to visit in a relaxed manner. You can count half a day if you are eating inside. You can find restaurants and eateries in all price ranges. You can keep some budget to try some Brittany specialities : Maison Georges Larnicol is great to taste some yummy Kouign Amann and chocolates. Augustine Artisan Glacier has some amazing ice creams. Visiting with a stroller is very much doable. However I suggest taking a baby carrier if you want to go up the fort to get the good view. See more..
4.5 Parc du Thabor (2.562 reviews)
- Wow!
Tuesday: 7:30 AM - 8:30 PM Parks

I guess you have already seen places described asbeing the one of the best, and probably found out that the hype was unjustified. So when I read that the Thabor park is one of the most beautiful gardens in France my first reaction was one of disbelief ("yeah right"). But what a great surprise it was! The gardens are rich in color, great to spend time in, and stunningly beautiful. It has the flowers you would expect but will surprise you with sequoias. Each area within the park has an individual look. The rose garden has an added attraction - reading the names of each type of rose is a journey in time jumping from nobility to celebrities to some very funny names (there is a really big rose there, check out how they call it). Set aside at least one hour to enjoy this place. It is worth it. See more..
4.5 Centre Historique de Vannes (2.311 reviews)
- Medieval architecture with interesting shops
Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

Main central area of Vannes is the original walled town centre with medieval architecture. This is also a more upmarket town centre of Britanny with the associated interesting shops including local art and products. Huge number of cafes and restaurants to choose from in this area ..but like most places in France ..book if there is somewhere specific you fancy because they all get very busy in summer months. Must see area for any visit to Vannes. Lots of public car parks in area (best is the underground Port car park ..€10 plus for the day)..well signed as you follow town centre signs. See more..
4.5 La Pointe du Grouin (2.244 reviews)
- Beautiful place, great food and service
Historic Walking Areas

Fine dining in a spectacular setting. The fish soup is outstanding. So is the fish and the guinea fowl. The service is excellent, friendly, classy. The staff is helpful (we got a table although the entire place was booked solid). A great experience. See more..
4.5 Centre Historique (2.122 reviews)
- Beautiful city
Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

Beautiful city. Historic center very well maintained. Beautiful medieval streets and alleys. Most of the streets are pedestrian only and full of restaurants, cafes and interesting shops. Medieval style wooden buildings are everywhere. The city is also famous for its artists, so there are many art galleries with original works Don't miss the descend or climb Rue do Jerzual and Rue du Petit Port all the way to the river. It's spectacular. At the time of our visit the ramparts were closed. The port of Dinan is super charming. The city is a hidden treasure.Beautiful but not very touristy See more..
4.5 Plage du Sillon (1.732 reviews)
- Low tide
Beaches

We stayed in Saint Malo for 5 days and there is only one night that we experienced a high tide. The sea was generous enough to offer the beach to us for 4 days. The beach is very clean. No plastics or anything not from nature. See more..
4.5 Pointe du Raz (1.700 reviews)
- Stunning views
Tuesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

Great views. The stunning natural beauty of this place will leave everybody impressed. The car park is huge and nearby are lots of restaurants, souvenir shops and snack bars. But if you leave the touristy stuff behind, you'll enjoy a nice walk and experience some unforgettable views. See more..
4.5 Ile de Batz (1.622 reviews)
- Amazing scenery
Islands

Definitely worth a trip!! This island is charming and the coastline is amazing… the tracks are good for kids, maybe from time to time challenging with a stroller. Lots of rest area where you could have a lunch in the nature. Some restaurants are available, but way too little for so many tourists (or be clever at what time you want to eat!) particularly during Summer. See more..
4.5 Fort La Latte - Château de la Roche Goyon (1.452 reviews)
- Definitely worth a visit
Tuesday: Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Castles

The Castle of Roche Goyon, also called Fort La Latte, is a castle located on the tip of the Latte, near Cap Frehel in the department of Cotes-d'Armor in the municipality of Plevenon in the bay of Saint-Malo. Remarkable for its location on a rocky cape, facing the sea, it served as a backdrop for several films. The castle of Roche-Goyon was built in the fourteenth century by the lord of Matignon, Stephen III Gouon. The construction of the castle began in the 1340s, its keep dates from 1365-1370. In 1379, after the exile of the Duke of Brittany John IV, the castle was besieged by Bertrand Du Guesclin. It was not until the eighteenth century, under Louis XIV, that the castle regains its strategic interest. It will serve until the end of the First Empire where the evolution of military techniques led to its inadaptability. From 1892, it was sold to various private owners before being bought by an enthusiast Frederic Jouon Des Longrais in 1931 who undertook heavy restoration work. See more..
4.5 Cap Fréhel (1.390 reviews)
- Nice place for views and a little stroll
Tuesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas • Lighthouses

Very nice spot, not too crowded (due to Covid?) Beautiful view of the cliffs. Nice to have an easy walk (you can do more if you like!). To get up the lighthouse you have to pay 3€ but its‘ worth it. Parking fee is 3€ for 3 hours (longer stay not possible) and keep 3€ in coins ready,it‘s easier and faster to pay this way. See more..
4.5 Port De St Goustan (1.367 reviews)
- The Port is great but Ty Bagou boat hire is superb
Piers & Boardwalks

Ty Bagou boat hire. I don’t think they are on trip advisor but they deserve a mention because they provide such a great option for this area. Not cheap but €90 for two hours of independent navigation of the two rivers south of Gouston is well worth it. Thomas provides detailed instruction and maps with great advice for all eventualities. We loved it and recommend it as a great way to spend an afternoon (you can do a whole day too and could get at least 4, maybe 6 people on the little, slow boats. See more..
4.5 Centre Historique de Rennes (1.355 reviews)
- Brittany's beautiful capital
Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

This was my first time in Rennes and I am very delighted with Brittany's capital. It has it all, like Paris on a smaller scale, but not that hectic and stressful. The city center is very picturesque, with cute little squares, half timbered houses, interesting shops,...etc. There're two beautiful Cathedrals, as well a terrific Thabor parc right in the center. Really a nice city to visit. See more..
4.5 Cathedrale Saint-Corentin (1.328 reviews)
- One of the finest
Tuesday: 8:30 AM - 12:00 AM, 1:30 PM - 6:30 PM Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

This medieval Gothic cathedral is perhaps the city's most prominent architectural landmark. See more..
4.5 Centre Historique de Locronan (1.325 reviews)
- Very touristic
Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

Beautiful medieval town with its alleys and stone house and its imposing church.The main square is beautiful (already used in several movies)It's just a pity that there is always a flood of boring tourists whose only interest is taking photos and selfies The city is completely pedestrian. There are several car parks very close to the historic center. As it should be, there are many craft shops and cafes. At night it becomes a ghost town with no one or nothing to do. Despite everything, it is worth visiting this beautiful city See more..
4.5 Domaine de Suscinio (1.305 reviews)
- Interesting place
Temporarily closed - Closed until Apr 4, 2023 Spent 2-3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Castles

The Château de Suscinio, was one of the residences of the Duke of Brittany, built between the thirteenth and the fifteenth century. Located on the Rhuys Peninsula, a unique site, close to the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Morbihan, the castle is surrounded by marshes where exceptional fauna and flora are to discover. See more..
4.5 Parc Animalier et Botanique de Branféré (1.211 reviews)
- Great family day out with
Spent More than 3 hours Zoos

Quite expensive but entry fees include the parcabout which went down well with the children (and parents!). The bird show was also impressive. There aren’t actually that many animals compared to a more traditional ‘zoo’ but the ones they have are all well cared for and some are roaming free. It’s a big site so plan for a full day out, it’s also exposed/little shelter so try and aim for good weather, we were lucky and narrowly avoided a thunder storm which arrived as we were leaving. All in all a v good day and would visit again/recommend . See more..
4.5 Château de Fougères (1.186 reviews)
- impressive Medieval fortress
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Castles

One of the largest medieval fortresses in Europe, the castle of Fougeres impresses with its grandeur and majesty. It is a huge architectural space with 13 towers and several courtyards. It played an important role in the 100 Years' War and in the history of Brittany. Entrance price is 9 euros. Worth the visit See more..
4.5 Rochefort-en-terre (1.172 reviews)
- Amazing architecture
Tuesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks

Beautiful village with amazing medieval architecture, and lots of small specialist shops. One of our favourites was Les Oubliettes Brocante, tucked away just off the main high street, near the steps to the château. This little antique / second-hand shop has a large selection of unusual and affordable items for sale. We spent ages just browsing, and finally left with a few choice items. Visit out of season, in the afternoon, for the best experience. See more..
4.5 Promenade du Clair de Lune (1.021 reviews)
- Nice walk, even in December
Historic Walking Areas

It’s really good to walk alongside the sea with on the one hand beautiful houses and on the other hand an amazing view on Saint-Malo. Moreover, thanks to the Gulf Stream that maintains mild temperatures you’ll see flowers and exotic trees even in winter. Nice experience. Highly recommended. See more..
4.5 Remparts de Vannes (977 reviews)
- Very well preserved
Historic Sites

And majestic. With beautiful gardens very well maintained and a nice walk on the walls themselves offering great views of the gardens. See more..
4.5 Réserve Naturelle des Sept Îles (913 reviews)
- Worth a visit
Nature & Wildlife Areas

It’s a well worth 2 hour trip. You see a lot, learn a lot. Only problem is if you don’t understand French since all comments are in French. You get to see the 7 islands and a part of the coastline going back to port. Very interesting !! See more..
4.5 Marché aux Huîtres (898 reviews)
- Don’t miss grabbing oysters straight from the market
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM Farmers Markets

Small market of 8 oyster producers located on the port of Cancale open every day of the year, all day Tastings on the spot facing the Mont Saint-Michel take away See more..
4.5 Abbaye de Beauport (878 reviews)
- A must to visit
Tuesday: 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites

One of the finest preserved surviving examples of the religious architectural fervour, the abbey was constructes in the 13th century overlooking Paimpol bay. The French Revolution saw the dissolution of the abbey and it becam in turn a town hall, residential accomodation, shool and cider press. Today, the grounds surrounding the abbey extend over 297 acres and shelter a variety of fragile and threatened ecosystems. See more..
4.5 Les Remparts de Dinan (874 reviews)
- A great place to stroll
Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Historic Walking Areas • Observation Decks & Towers

What could be cooler than walking around the medieval part of the city of Dinan on the ramparts. Views of the river from the ramparts are not to be missed-a picture post card for sure (you remember postcards!). Walking in many sections of the ramparts are shaded by trees plus there are benches to sit. A great place to stroll. See more..
4.5 Centre Historique de Pont-Aven (844 reviews)
- A germ, a must see, what a beautiful village!
Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

Such a beautiful village. Every step looks like a postal card. We've been amazed by the beauty of it! Elected in 2020 at "number 4 most favorite village of France" by the French (there is a annual competition), and it really deserved it. We walked in the village, bought biscuits at the "Traou Mad" (tastefull things in breton) biscuits shop, went for lunch (lots of choice), went to to the museum, walked again, went to the see the chaptel afterwards at the top of Pont Aven (by car, we were tired), what a great and beautilful day! See more..