The Essential Guide to Brittany
An independent kingdom until 1532, Brittany still has a rebellious feel, its rocky coasts and windswept beaches conjuring a Celtic—and Druidic—past. History is alive here, especially in the ancient ramparts, half-timbered houses, and picturesque villages that cling to old customs and festivals. Come to this mystical region to experience a very different side of France.
Ille-et-Vilaine, 3 Avenue George V, 35800 Dinard, France
One of the most scenic walks on Brittany’s Emerald Coast, the Promenade du Claire de Lune offers stunning views of St-Malo, St-Servan, and the Rance Estuary. The portion in Dinard is bordered by palm trees and mimosa blooms as well as...
9 Rue de l'Orme, 35400 Saint-Malo, France
At once sweet, salty, and smoky, Beurre Bordier is one of Brittany’s most famous products. Taste it for yourself at butter artisan Jean-Yves Bordier’s Saint-Malo creamery, where he uses 19th-century methods of pounding and shaping...
1er étage, 7 Quai Admis en Chef Thomas, 35260 Cancale, France
At this Michelin-starred restaurant overlooking the port of Cancale and the bay of Mont St-Michel, chef Raphaël-Fumio Kudaka proves that Breton ingredients and Japanese cuisine are a match made in heaven. Combining local seafood with Japanese...
Locronan, France
A member of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France, Locronan is one of the country’s most treasured villages. A historic monument since 1924, it’s known for its granite houses and large square, where the sacred Church of St. Ronan is...
Place Saint-Corentin, 29000 Quimper, France
A magnificent example of Gothic architecture, Quimper’s St. Corentin Cathedral dates back to the 13th century, when the bishops of France forced their influence on wild and unruly Brittany. Built on the remains of an ancient Roman temple,...
56340 Carnac, France
In Carnac, row upon row of some 3,000 upright stones cover three fields (Ménex, Kermario, and Kerlescan), creating a magical atmosphere. Though the exact meaning and purpose of the prehistoric stones—some dating as far back as 4000...
Le Buot, 35350 Saint-Méloir-des-Ondes, France
In 2008, chef Olivier Roellinger stunned the culinary world by shuttering his famous three-Michelin-starred restaurant to focus on more relaxing endeavors. This was good news, however, for guests of Château Richeux, his picturesque hotel in...
