Brest

Brest is the largest city of the west of Brittany and the second in the region after Rennes, the capital. It is also a very tourist town, where millions of travelers come every year. You do not discover Brittany without going through this great city! This is a must and that is why I decided to give you some ideas for the perfect trip!

The key elements of a real tourist:

- The port

The port of Brest is both a marina, trade, passengers and the largest French military port on the Atlantic coast. It is imperative for you to take a walk there! Through all its activities and being a little lucky, you might be able to observe fishing boats in action, discharging their fishing harvest. During a stroll along the harbor, you can also observe rare luxury liner mooring. You'll understand that there will always be something to do in this port.

Military port of Brest

The marina of Brest

One of the attractive aspects is access offered by the port to the Crozon peninsula. The peninsula offers all the typical activities enjoyed by tourists surfing, gliding, hiking, beautiful beaches, etc. But I will not tell you more because I decided to write you a mini article about Crozon!

- Océanopolis

Océanopolis is a Centre of Scientific Culture and Technology Sea near the port of Brest and offers the general public of all ages a dive in the heart of the marine environment and its ecosystems. It's like a giant aquarium. The ocean discovery park has 68 aquariums and basins containing 4 million liters of seawater. Océanopolis has become the main attraction for all the little Breton children.

Tropical fish in Océanopolis

Inside, 4 parks are available, each with a different universe: the tropical pavilion, polar, temperate and biodiversity. But I prefer to let you discover for yourself! Do not hesitate to inquire on the website of "Océanopolis".

Sharks in Océanopolis

- Castle of Brest

The castle dates from the seventeenth century but has lost none of its charm. It is possible during a ride to get there, the opportunity to take some great shots. Since 1955, the castle also hosts the Navy's national museum collections. Another must! A trip to the museum will also allow you to discover a little history of the castle and the city.

The Brest's castel

Of course, Brest is located on the coast and is surrounded by many beaches. Sunny beaches for the lucky ones! You will find all the necessary calm for a late afternoon, after visiting Océanopolis for example.

Where sleeping? I propose this time to sleep for the next step: Crozon! Enjoy your stay in Brest!

Roscoff

For this third stop, I suggest you stop at Rosko (Roscoff in Breton). This town is located 72km or 1h15 drive from Perros-Guirec. This is the last town you can explore the north coast of Brittany.

(After the trip around the Brittany will be accomplished, I plan to concentrate and make you discover some islands easily accessible from the cities that I offer. See you in the end to know everything!)

Little information: it is a city serviced by Brittany Ferries as Saint-Malo but it also has a connection with Spain for the bravest!

• A day at Roscoff:

Roscoff is a small city, activities are scarce. It is therefore a quiet town, full of charm where the days are punctuated by the sound of waves, walks along the beaches and discover the land of Brittany. A simple idea is to take his car where rent one for people who do not have and let loose on the surrounding roads. The landscape of this city are perhaps the most typical of the Breton landscapes, you will see the villages where houses are of origins, built of stone, the small village composed of one or several bakeries (very typical in Brittany!), churches are also original and preserved architecture.

Church "Notre-Dame de Croaz-Bats", Roscoff

There is nevertheless an activity not to be missed in Roscoff: scuba diving. This activity is available in St Pol de Léon, a small town located 5km from Roscoff. Departure times are available through this link.

The Roscoff nautical center also offers several boat trips and activities. You can practice sailing, kayaking and even take private lessons if you want to improve your level. For more information, you can visit their official website.

Roscoff also has a protected wildlife that you can discover the exotic botanical garden. Discover 3 000 species of subtropical plants, a rock 18 meters high with panoramic views of the Bay of Morlaix, waterfalls, ponds and fountains.

Example of tropical flowers

Exotic botanical garden

Anecdote: the famous Roscoff onions. The mild climate also promotes market gardening and especially that of succulent Onion Roscoff protected by an AOC and AOP. This local product is part of local history through the human adventure of Johnnies. Since the nineteenth century, the Johnnies, Roscoff onions dealers, depart every August, on the other side of the Channel, sell their onions. It is a well known story.

• Where to sleep tonight?

The "Hôtel aux Tamaris" seems to be the best compromise. It offers rooms where the service is excellent, overlooking the sea and especially several options approaching the services of thalasso therapy.

The charm of this city does not stop there because its port provides access to one of the most beautiful island in Brittany: “L’île de Batz”! See you later for discover this new mystery appearance.

Perros-Guirec

What better than Perros-Guirec to make your second stop of your Brittany's tour!

After discovering and be charming by the active life of Saint-Malo why not take a few days to relax in Perros-Guirec.

The route's Saint-Malo - Perros Guirec is the longest path among those that I will present in this blog, about 2 hours drive. In the future, I will try to organize your trip with maximum 1h30 path between two cities.

Perros-Guirec is a town smaller city than Saint-Malo but known mainly for its authenticity. We can say that the town represents to itself all Brittany. Indeed, whether landscapes, activities or local enterprises, everything is typically Breton.

As I told you, Perros-Guirec is a town that remains calm despite tourist population during the summer. It is ideal to regain strength during your trip while continuing to discover Brittany.

I propose to alternate between spa and peaceful visits.

Relaxation 

• The “Thermes Marins”

This is the largest thalassotherapy center of the town and especially one of the most recognized in the region as it has several programs for all people suffering from pain, especially joint.

This center offers programs for one day, half-day or individual. For more information, here is the website. 

• Sleep in Perros-Guirec

In this article I really want you to introduce you to the tranquility and beauty of Brittany. This is why I advise you as housing rental home really. The prices are affordable, the owners are friendly and especially the houses are typical Breton.

I give you here the official website for Perros-Guirec's tourism. You will find directly all available accommodations and all walks and tours available.

Discovery 

The tourist office and/or independent organizations offer many activities in Perros-Guirec. Here are my 3 favorite activities, there are of course many other activities (sports and water if you're feeling energetic!)

• The "Balade Mediative" (Mediative Ride)

Come wake walking along the beaches and see the pink granite coast. This walk is made to awaken your senses: walk, breathe, observe, feel, see and hear. This takes place every Friday from June and every Friday from 29 July to 28 September. Here is a link that will allow you to get in touch and book your place if you want.

• “Paysage de granit” (granit landscape)

This ride is for nature lovers but also curious. "Why granite is pink?" If you ask yourself this question this path is for you! The tour is led by a guide who will take you to discover this part while explaining the history of these rocks. Schedules and information here.

• "Un éclat dans la nuit" (a shine in the night) 

This walk begins at sunset and takes place on the beach. The darkness is countered by pretty lanterns that will enlighten your steps. You can also see something very typical here: lighthouses, used to help boats to moor at night. For now, the expedition is scheduled 4 times, 5 and 19 July and 2 and 16 August. Warning reservations required in advance here.

Well, I hope you enjoy your stay in Perros-Guirec and you relax because the road is not over!

Saint-Malo

Saint-Malo or Sant-Maloù in Breton is a city in the North-East of Brittany. Begin the trip through this town seems to be a good starting point because it is the city where there is the largest port for passengers in the region between Brittany and the United Kingdom. The city is easily accessible to all individuals and families from the North.

Saint-Malo is a charming city for both its land and sea side. This is a little spot of paradise if you enjoy sunbathing on the sand, stroll along the harbor or discover the architecture remained intact, you will be happy to deposit your bags a few days.

A dream setting : 

• Intra-Muros

This area of Saint-Malo is undoubtedly the best known part of the city and especially the most typical. This is the "hidden", so-called "Old Town", surrounded by ramparts, this part is only accessible on foot. The architecture takes you into a magical atmosphere harboring hidden treasures. Insides there are many small cobbled pedestrian streets where you can discover a life that seems quiet and many small shops. Of course, several shops are dedicated to Brittany and allow you to come back with memories like the famous tee-shirt marine (blue and white striped), the Galette bretonne (no pancakes, it is totally different) and a Bigoudène that you can hang in your car.

• Feeling hungry ?

Crêpe 

Yes, walk, discover and perhaps even losing can open the appetite. So you can stroll through streets and small stone’s stop for a gourmet break. Many merchants offer waffles, pancakes, ice cream or the Breton specialty: amann kouign. This specialty is mainly made of butter. You can find the recipe link here if you want to bring one part of Britanny at home: here.

Galette

To continue in the Breton charm, you cannot spend a few days in Saint-Malo without enter, sit down and order delicious “galettes” followed by “crêpes” accompanied by cider locally produced. These specialties are made from different flours and are eaten in restaurants called "crêperie". The galettes are accompanied by savory ingredients while crêpes are accompanied by sweet ingredients.

Saint-Malo is an ideal city to enjoy the benefits of Brittany, I had the opportunity to go there regularly since my childhood and to test several restaurants.

Here are the restaurants that are a must for me during your stay:

The “Crêperie Margaux”: this restaurant with typical decoration offers all the Breton’s specialities at affordable prices, around 15€ for a menu. I recommend you the galette called “Arthur”: excellent!

“Bouche en folie”: if you want to taste local products and seafood, this restaurant is for you. Between 15 and 30€ for a menu (yes more than the other but all products are fresh and seasonable). Ideal for a romantic dinner just 20 meters from the beach and close to the ramparts.

• A moment of madness?

    Want to sunbathe?

You just have to climb some stairs during your stroll to reach the top of the ramparts. From there you can see all the beauty of the city in your back while sandy beaches await you down! Saint-Malo is 19 kilometers scope of sandy beaches filled with surprises including 3 kilometers surrounding Intra-muros. At low tide, several sites reveal some coves, dunes, cliffs and ruins. So you have to be patient and just go with what offers Breton’s nature. Several activities are available for all ages, sports, kids club, etc.

    
   
      In the evening

The principal activity and the most famous of Saint-Malo is the casino called “Barrière Casino”. Several gambling halls are installed containing slot machines and table games such as Black Jack. The casino also has theaters that can accommodate concerts or just entertainment. Do not hesitate to ask beforehand.

• Tired?

Accommodation in Saint-Malo is not really complicated, among many hotels, guest houses and other means, you will always find a place to rest and unwind. The best thing to do is book your hotel in the Intra-muros. From there you can make the majority of your desires on foot.

If you want to fall asleep to the waves and enjoy breakfast with breathtaking views of the beach I recommend this hotel: Hotel Kyriad Saint Malo Centre Plage.

For character and charm you can also look with some French keywords like "logement St Malo" which means “accommodation St-Malo”. Rent an apartment allow you to have more freedom and especially to meddle in local life totally. Feel free to look for a rental!

I hope you enjoy your first step in Britain, get ready for more!

Degemer mat!

Welcome to my blog devoted to Brittany, one of the most typical and picturesque parts of France!

Resident for over 20 years in this region, I was able to discover the unforgettable places, cities with extraordinary stamps, beautiful islands sometimes tropical landscapes and villages where time seems to stand still.
That's why I decided to share with you my experience and hope make you want to walk on my feet. This blog provides the main characteristics of cities that I have chosen and activities to do, hotels and restaurants that I had. The goal is to guide you in order to make the tour of my Brittany (Breizh in Breton) in 2 weeks.

Let yourself go and travel to the heart of Brittany. One thing is certain: it will be a totally magical trip.