Brittany has been a popular getaway in Western Europe for holiday makers for what seems like forever, and there’s a good reason (or a number of good reasons, in fact) for this. It is the ideal destination for a short break from the hustle and bustle of city living – it is classically beautiful, with fantastic beaches, lovely weather, and a long and storied culture.
The sheer variety of the region makes it a perfect place for just about any kind of traveller. Whether you’re alone, with your family or on a romantic break for two; whether you prefer a cheaper holiday enjoying the locals’ preferred dining spots or you like to live in the lap of luxury at a boutique hotel; whether you want to soak up the sun on the beach or take in the latest in modern art… basically, whatever you like, you’ll find something to love here.
And it’s easy to get to as well – instead of wasting a couple of hours waiting to board a plane and then sitting in cramped conditions and having to spend a small fortune on a bottle of water, why not take the ferry over instead? Brittany Ferries offer some great deals on holidays in France which include return ferry travel with your car. Click here to view their latest deals.
Here are some more reasons to head over to this glorious part of France – in case you’re not convinced already!
The Beautiful Beaches
The lovely resort of Dinard is home to a number of fantastic beaches in itself. It has been popular among British travellers since the 19th century, and it’s not difficult to see why. The former fishing village was the most popular resort in France until the Riviera took the top spot in the ‘30s, and attracted celebrities, wealthy businessmen and even European royalty. There are more than 400 listed buildings here, many of which date to this time.
Arguably the most dazzling of beaches here is the Plage de l’Écluse, a large expanse of golden sands just to the north of Dinard. It is a beautiful beach, replete with lovely blue and white beach huts. The sea wall makes for a nice seaside walk, the sands are perfect for building castles, and there’s a seawater swimming pool – what more could you want?
Arts and Culture
Every summer, Morbihan in central Brittany opens its L’art dans les chapelles (Art in chapels) to visitors. This display takes place over 25 different sites across the Blavet Valley, most of which are chapels that date back to the 15th and 16th centuries.
20 of today’s best and brightest artists get to display their work here each summer, meaning you can spend a day enjoying a walk around the beautiful area, stopping off to admire impressive architecture and incredible artwork.
Enjoy a City Break
Saint Malo – the City of Corsairs – is a wonderful place to visit, either for a week or just a day trip. The impressive Old Town is lined with cobbled streets and dotted with grandiose granite mansions, and is encircled by town walls.
The pink granite on the nearby beaches makes for an awe-inspiring sight. Make sure to visit the cathedral and the castle to get a taste of the city’s rather turbulent history. Thankfully, that is entirely in the past – the island is a truly tranquil place these days.