Brittany (Breizh) is France's westernmost peninsula — a Celtic heartland thrust into the Atlantic where granite cliffs, prehistoric megaliths, medieval walled cities, and 2,800 kilometres of coastline combine into one of Europe's most distinctive travel destinations.
Top attractions
The most popular and significant attractions in Brittany.
Attractions by category
Explore by your interests.
Prehistoric
Coastal_nature
Islands
Medieval_towns
Castles
Museums
Villages
Abbeys
Cathedrals
Forests
Markets
Practical information
What you need to know before you go.
- Getting Around
- A hire car unlocks all of Brittany's best scenery. Trains serve Rennes, Brest, Quimper, Saint-Malo, Lorient, Vannes, and major towns. The BreizhGo network (breizhgo.bzh) integrates trains, buses, and ferries.
- Best Base
- Rennes for the east and inland; Saint-Malo or Dinard for the Emerald Coast; Quimper for Finistère; Vannes for Morbihan and the Gulf.
- Tourist Office
- Rennes central tourist office at 11 Rue Saint-Yves, 35000 Rennes (Monday–Saturday); Brittany regional tourism at tourismebretagne.com
Tips for visiting attractions
Make the most of your sightseeing time.
Hire a car in Rennes or Brest — the most dramatic sites (Pointe du Raz, Presqu'île de Crozon, Cap Fréhel) are inaccessible without one
Visit Carnac on a guided tour from Maison des Mégalithes rather than viewing from roadside only — the fenced sections can only be accessed with a guide
Book Belle-Île ferries at least 2 weeks ahead in July–August via compagnie-oceane.fr; the Quiberon–Belle-Île crossing sells out entirely
The GR34 coastal path follows the entire Brittany coastline — day-hiking individual sections is one of the best free activities in the region
Combine Fort La Latte and Cap Fréhel in one afternoon drive — they are 5 km apart and both accessible from the same car park area
Frequently asked questions
Is a car necessary to visit Brittany?
For coastal highlights (Pointe du Raz, Cap Fréhel, Presqu'île de Crozon, Carnac), a hire car is strongly recommended. Major towns and islands are accessible by TER train and ferry without a car.
When is the best time to visit Brittany?
May–June and September–October for mild weather, open coastal paths, and lower prices. July–August is peak season with crowded beaches and fully booked coastal hotels.
Is Carnac worth visiting?
Yes — the Carnac alignments are the largest concentration of prehistoric standing stones in the world. The outdoor alignments are free to view from public paths; the fenced areas require a guided tour from Maison des Mégalithes (€6 (~$6.50)).