Brittany forms the westernmost point of France. Anyone traveling to Brittany will almost doubtless misunderstand the travel distance between the Netherlands and the region characterized by rock formations, rugged coastal areas and the culture that is a mix of the former British rule of Brittany and French culture. Today, Brittany is one of the most popular tourist regions in France.
Brittany ‘s Top 10 Things to Do
#1. Mont Saint-Michel
According to dictionaryforall, this peninsula is only accessible to pedestrians. Although the peninsula is still officially part of the Normandy region, it is also classified within many sources as a point of interest for the Brittany region, as it is only a few kilometers from Brittany. Today the island is connected to the mainland by a causeway, in the past you could only reach the island on foot at low tide. The stately abbey that stands above the mountain is a much-visited building. With just under four million visitors a year, Mont Saint-Michel is one of the most famous buildings in France.
#2. Granite Rocks
Along the coasts of Brittany are rock formations made of granite. Along the Côte de Granit Rose are shiny pink granite rocks that form a beautiful interplay with the sandy beaches and the constructions along the coast. Thanks to the action of wind and seawater, some rock formations have taken on bizarre shapes.
#3. Dinan
The medieval town of Dinan is a popular tourist destination within Brittany. The old town, which is almost completely enclosed by a medieval city wall, is the main attraction of Dinan. Dinan is the birthplace of the former French general Bertrand du Guesclin (1320-1380), who is renowned for his great tactical acumen that allowed him to stand against a large British force during the Hundred Years War. His heart is now literally buried with Dinan.
#4. Vitré
The historic town of Vitré is well worth a visit. An important building for Vitré is the medieval castle that towers over the city. This Château des Rochers-Sévigné houses a historical museum. In the city you will also find remaining pieces of fortress wall, a beautiful Notre-Dame and the most beautiful medieval center of the region.
#5. Saint-Malo
Port city Saint-Malo has its origins in the sixth century AD. Today it is a bustling city with beautiful beaches, a lively center and it is also an excellent base for excursions in the area. The city walls and the old town of Intra-Muros are the main attractions of Saint-Malo.
#6. le de Bréhat
The island of Bréhat is located off the north coast of Brittany. The island, where the south is mainly characterized by subtropical vegetation, is especially popular among hikers. Those who want to walk or cycle will be treated to beautiful landscapes on Île de Bréhat. The island is also an endless source of inspiration for artists.
#7. Menhirs
Large stones placed in formation are typical of Brittany. You can find these menhirs, often no higher than one meter, in large parts of Brittany. In the comics of Asterix and Obelix, these stones play an important role. The strong hero Obelix is a menhir hewn who you often see in the famous comics with a menhir on his back.
#8. Océanopolis
You can view the fascinating underwater world in Brest in the aquarium and theme park Océanopolis. The park is open almost every day in the summer, in winter the park closes its doors on Mondays.
#9. Museums
In Brittany you have a wide choice of museums. In Rennes you will find the museum of fine arts (Musée des Beaux-Arts) and the Musée de la Marine, a maritime museum that is located within a large castle. In Carnac is the Musée Préhistoire, one of the best prehistoric museums in the world. Something typical of this region is the Musée de la Pomme et du Cidre, where you can see how apples are made into cider and calvados.
#10. Château de Kerjaen
The former residence of Louis XIII is now open to tourists. Besides an impression of one of the more beautiful buildings in Brittany, you can view furniture from the 17th and 18th centuries in the museum inside the castle.
