Visit Brittany, beautiful coastlines, vibrant culture & shellfish

A cheerful welcoming in the wildest area

Brittany doesn’t care if you’re ready for it—it thrives on being unforgettable. Situated in northwestern France and bordering Normandy, it has long been a crossroads of history, shaped by Viking raids, medieval conflicts with England, and maritime trade.

No matter where you’re travelling from, a luxury Brittany holiday in France offers the perfect blend of relaxation, culture, and high-end adventure. Here, traditions thrive in every village, from stone houses nestled in the cliffs and along the coasts, to the vibrant festivals that bring its culture to life. It’s a land where the past whispers through ancient stones and megaliths, their purpose still shrouded in mystery. The sea, ever-present, offers an endless horizon of adventure, whether you’re exploring rugged coastlines or sailing to its hidden islands. The food alone is a treasure—a bite of a buttery crêpe or the freshest seafood paired with the sound of waves crashing nearby. Every corner seems to tell a story, from quaint fishing villages to castles that echo with legends of long-lost heroes.

2,800

Kilometers of coastline

800

Islands and islets

80%

Of french shellfish production

6000+

Menhirs

Meet Brittany

Brittany’s story begins long before recorded history, its roots stretching back 450,000 years. One of the world’s oldest known hearths, discovered in Plouhinec, reveals traces of early human settlement, while Homo sapiens made this land their home 35,000 years ago.

As you explore Brittany, you’ll walk in the footsteps of Neolithic settlers who left behind breathtaking megalithic formations, still standing as silent witnesses to an ancient past. Scattered across the region, these mysterious stone alignments continue to intrigue and inspire, drawing thousands of visitors each year.

Sea & Sand

Bordered on three sides by the English Channel and the Atlantic Ocean, the maritime culture in Brittany is deeply rooted, and you will never be far from the sea. Make sure that your luxury Brittany holiday involves seafaring activities such as boating, fishing, oyster-tasting, or long hikes along breathtaking coastal areas such as the Pink Granite Coast.

Brittany’s coastline stretches over 2,700 kilometers, offering a diverse range of landscapes shaped by the tides and winds. The region is known for its dramatic contrasts: from towering cliffs at Pointe du Raz to vast sandy beaches like La Baule and the wild dunes of Quiberon.

The coastline changes constantly, with different shades of grey dominating the scenery—granite cliffs, mist-covered horizons, and waves rolling under a moody sky. The tidal ranges here are among the highest in Europe, revealing stretches of seabed at low tide that transform the landscape within hours. The combination of strong Atlantic currents and sheltered bays creates ideal conditions for a variety of marine ecosystems, attracting a rich diversity of seabirds and marine life, including dolphins and seals in the Iroise Sea.

You can walk for hours along the coast, breathing in the crisp sea air, with landscapes shifting from rocky coves to sweeping beaches. Brittany’s shores are not only visually striking but also home to unique natural phenomena, such as the pink-hued granite formations of Ploumanac’h. The region’s granite, among the oldest rock formations in France, dates back over 300 million years and have been sculpted by wind and water into surreal shapes—some resembling animals or mythical figures. In places like Huelgoat, inland Brittany’s forests also reveal giant granite formations, adding to the region’s geological richness.

A Land of Stone and History

In Brittany, the echoes of prehistoric architecture are remarkably present and visible. This region’s millennia-long history has left its mark through an array of megalithic stones, castles, quaint houses, majestic cathedrals, and much more.

Among these, the Menhirs of Carnac stand out as one of the most significant prehistoric monuments in Europe. These mysterious stone alignments, dating back between 5000 and 3000 BC, stretch over several kilometers and continue to baffle historians and archaeologists with their enigmatic origins and purposes. Walking among these ancient stones, one can’t help but feel a profound connection to the distant past.

Brittany’s rich cultural tapestry is also woven through its medieval castles and villages, where the architecture tells tales of bygone eras. Wandering through towns like Locronan, Rochefort-en-Terre, and Dinan, visitors will find cobbled streets, half-timbered houses, and stone-built squares that have remained untouched for centuries, Similarly to Norman villages, on the neighboring lands.

Among the most striking medieval sites, Château de Fougères stands as one of the largest and best-preserved medieval fortresses in Europe. Its immense defensive walls, dotted with 13 towers, once protected Brittany’s eastern frontier. Perched on a rocky outcrop and surrounded by a deep moat, the castle offers a vivid glimpse into medieval military architecture.

Equally impressive, the ramparts of Saint-Malo encircle the historic center, a symbol of the city’s maritime strength. Built from thick granite, they offer breathtaking views over the sea and the Fort National. Today, a walk along these walls immerses visitors in Brittany’s seafaring legacy while revealing the charm of Saint-Malo’s historic heart.

Local culture

Brittany, a region with a strong identity, is deeply rooted in its Celtic heritage. The Breton language (Brezhoneg) is still spoken and taught, and fest-noz gatherings, recognized by UNESCO, bring generations together with traditional music and dances featuring the biniou and bombarde.

Bretons take immense pride in their cultural traditions, and this pride comes to life during festivals and special occasions. Women of all generations don regional costumes—not for the sake of tourists, but as a celebration of deeply rooted customs. Traditional embroidery, often featuring intricate floral and geometric patterns, reflects centuries-old craftsmanship, particularly in regions like Pont-l’Abbé and Quimper. The coiffe, an ornate lace headpiece, varies in style from one area to another, symbolizing local identity and heritage.

Summer is the perfect time to experience this vibrant culture. Festivals and events fill the calendar, showcasing the intricate Breton costumes, lively music, and cherished traditions passed down through generations. The Festival Interceltique de Lorient, one of the largest Celtic festivals in the world, unites performers from Brittany, Scotland, Ireland, and beyond, celebrating a shared heritage through music, dance, and storytelling. The locals welcome visitors with open arms, eager to share the stories and rituals that define their identity.

Gastronomy

Breton culture is also acclaimed for its local gastronomy and cuisine. Locals know how to surprise and enliven visitors’ taste buds—so make sure not to miss out on sampling delicious regional specialities. Try their famous “galettes”: a particular kind of savoury buckwheat crepe filled with cheese, ham, eggs, and other delicious ingredients. Other local fare to indulge in includes the “far breton” (a prune-flavoured flan), the unique “Kouign-amann” cake, and seafood in all forms.

With over 2,700 kilometers of coastline, Brittany offers some of the finest maritime cuisine in France. Oysters are a delicacy produced in Brittany that you should certainly sample during your holiday, ideally accompanied by a fine local white wine or a crisp glass of Breton cider (cidre brut), made from heritage apple varieties grown in the region’s lush orchards.

Brittany is also home to a thriving fine dining scene, with over 30 Michelin-starred restaurants across the region. From elegant establishments showcasing innovative takes on seafood to charming crêperies serving traditional recipes perfected over generations, the region caters to both refined palates and lovers of authentic, rustic flavors. Whether dining in a seaside bistro with views of the Atlantic or enjoying a multi-course gourmet experience, Brittany promises an unforgettable culinary journey.

In short, if you are a gourmet or a curious foodie, Brittany is an ideal destination. We can devise the perfect culinary tour of the region for you, opening your palate to authentic flavours and guiding you to some of the finest gourmet experiences Brittany has to offer.

Land & Sea Adventures

Discover Brittany through unusual and off-the-beaten-path adventures that offer a fresh perspective on this enchanting region. Pedal along its rugged coastline, where breathtaking ocean views accompany you at every turn.

You can also explore its winding waterways on a serene river cruise, drifting past charming hamlets and lush landscapes. Or embrace the region’s deep maritime heritage through hands-on experiences like pêche aux moules (mussel harvesting) or pêche à pied, where you forage for clams, cockles, and razor shells along the vast stretches of sand exposed at low tide. These traditional activities are a way of life in Brittany, passed down through generations.

For those drawn to the sea, Brittany offers a wealth of water-based adventures. Glide along the coastline on a sea kayaking excursion, ride the waves with a surfing or windsurfing lesson, or explore hidden bays on a stand-up paddleboarding trip. Snorkeling in Brittany’s clear waters reveals a vibrant marine world, while a sailing trip lets you navigate between dramatic cliffs and picturesque islands.

Whether by land or sea, Brittany offers a multitude of ways to explore its natural beauty and traditions, ensuring every journey is rich with discovery.

Brittany’s history is as deep as its cultural identity, shaped by a unique heritage that often sets it apart from the rest of France. The Bretons are known for their strong sense of independence, a spirit that has endured for centuries in their traditions, language, and way of life. While this pride in their roots is unmistakable, so is their warmth and hospitality—visitors are always welcomed with open arms and a genuine love for sharing their culture.