Exploring the Brittany coast

The Breton coast is extraordinary! You’ll be amazed by the beauty of its coasts... no two spots are the same and the scenery is stunning whichever way you look.

On the north coast, stretching through the Côtes-d’Armor and the Ille-et-Vilaine, you’ll find towns and ports that have marked history. From Saint-Malo, hometown of maritime explorer Jacques Cartier, to breathtaking Mont-Saint-Michel Bay and, of course, the Emerald Coast (known for Cancale and its bay), Brittany has a story to tell.

To the west in the Finistère, other features of Breton heritage quite literally shine... because this part of France is home to an impressive number of Brittany lighthouses, poised on some equally famous headlands. And that’s not all: from Douarnenez Bay and the village of Locronan to the port of Le Guilvinec and other sights... there’s simply so much to see.

And last but not least, the Morbihan is always worth a visit. On its southern coastline, you’ll be able to lie back and relax on some of the region’s finest beaches around the Gulf of Morbihan. And you could even set sail, with a boat trip out to the islands that lay off the coast, such as Belle-Île, Houat and Hoëdic.

Visiting Brittany is a feast for your eyes. And the region’s tables offer plenty to feast on too! The list of local produce is a long one, with many specialities closely linked to the sea. Among them, make sure you sample: 

• scampi, a sought-after crustacean that features on many seafood platters. And coincidentally, a speciality of Le Guilvinec! 

• oysters, another seafood delicacy not to be missed and a staple in Cancale! Enjoy them with a drizzle of lemon juice or simply baked... a must when visiting the Emerald Coast. 

• and, among the vast array of dishes that deserve your attention, we simply cannot forget Kouign-Amann! This is not a seafood dish but it originates from Douarnenez. Enjoy one at teatime, overlooking the bay!

Brittany is a vibrant destination, with plenty going on all day and night! There are festivals in the region all year round, including on the coast.

Music lovers are in for a treat, whatever genre they prefer. Take, for example, 

• Les Vieilles Charrues, which showcases the ultimate in contemporary sounds. 
• La Route du Rock, which gets Saint-Malo rocking every August. 

• And the Lorient Interceltic Festival, a landmark event celebrating Celtic culture. 

Breton heritage is often in the spotlight too, with an array of events such as: 

• The Vannes Historical Festival, which transports visitors back to the city’s golden age. 
• Skedanoz, a sumptuous sound-and-light show that lights up the Carnac Megaliths. 
• And for foodies, Erquy is the place to be, with its Scallop Festival!