Brittany is quite unlike other parts of France and was actually independent of France until the 1500s. Both in 2015 and 2016 we spent a wonder-full month there and plan to return in 2017. Why should you visit? Here are nine reasons for exploring this magical corner on the edge of Europe.
The sea – the crashing of waves, white sand, rocky inlets, estuaries are probably the first things one associates with Brittany.
A feeling of age, and mystery, permeates the well-known sites at Carnac, but megaliths, standing stones, and barrows which are thousands of years old can be found all over Brittany.
There are interesting and beautiful gardens in which you can wander, and then linger in the café, such as the Parc Botanique de Haute Bretagne, the Thabor Gardens in Rennes, and the Exotic Gardens in Roscoff.
The Art Galleries and Museums in Rennes, Quimper, and Landerneau are immaculate, well laid out, and treasure troves.
The Parish Enclosures, the Enclos Paroissiaux, are unique to Brittany and a fascinating reminder of the wealth of the region in the 16C and 17C, created by the trade in flax, canvas, and linen. There are the ‘great enclosures’ in the Élorn Valley (St Thégonnec, Guimiliau, Lampaul-Guimiliau, and so on), but there are also the hidden gems.
The soaring Cathedrals in Rennes, Quimper (St Corentin), and Dol de Bretagne (St Samson) are buildings which I have explored, on sites which date back 1500 years. But there are more cathedrals, originally founded as the original Bishoprics when Brittany was first evangelised by monks from Cornwall and Wales: St-Brieuc, St Malo, St Patern, St Paul in Nantes, and St Tugdal in Treguier.
Historic towns like Dounarnenez, Locronan, Landerneau, and Rennes tempt you to wander and explore.
The Food. There are endless creperies and restaurants but the real joy is to explore the markets and cook at home!
And above all there is the countryside which is easily accessible – hills, valleys, hidden green lanes, and moorlands.
Further information
Wendy Mewes’ books on Brittany
France this way
Brittany Tourism
Nachthawk
Very inspiring 👍 love the shots… you’ve got a good eye! What gear are you using, if you don’t mind me asking…
Candy Blackham
Thank you – very kind. I use a Canon 600D DSLR camera and shoot RAW files, and on walks a small Canon Powershot SX240 which takes jpeg images. I edit in Lightroom and Photoshop. I didn’t have a tripod so all the shots inside the churches are handheld with me holding my breath!
Nachthawk
Yeah I shot RAW and edit mostly in Lightroom. I use a Sony A 65 and my iPhone for the jpegs. Stunning shots you create…
Just made contact with a German living in Brittany, he bought an old mill near Roscoff (Moulin de Kellerec) and I will make that my base for discovering that beautiful part of France.
Candy Blackham
It’s a long way from the Tundra to Brittany!
sunnydaysinseattle
I will be there 🙂