Where to Visit in South Brittany

The south of Brittany is home to picturesque countryside, charming towns and infamous cuisine. If you’re planning a visit this year, you may be a little overwhelmed when it comes to excursions. To help you single out the best places to visit, we’ve narrowed down some of the best days out to give you a nice mix of history, culture and general entertainment.

Standing Stones, Carnac

If you’re into your history, or you’re keen to give your family a bit more background on the place you’re visiting, then Carnac is the place to go. With numerous megalithic sites to explore, you’re guaranteed to learn a lot about how people used to live their lives. There are many dolmen (stone passages), stone circles, standing stones and other alignments are scattered over the entire region, making it clear to see that this area was of particular significance in the Stone Age.

Vannes

To the left and right of the Vannes’ city gate, you’ll see two town houses, the bottom floors of which have been converted into cafes. This is a great place to stop for a coffee and re-charge your batteries, as you admire the view of the marina.

If you’ve got kids, be sure to check out the aquarium and butterfly garden. If you can drag them out of these places, it’s also worth checking out the museum of mechanical toys – your kids will be shocked to see how they compare to today’s modern devices.

Pointe du Raz

Take a trip to one of the most popular Breton areas, Pointe du Raz – France’s answer to Land’s End. With delightful fishing ports and a wonderful view over the ferocious Atlantic Ocean, a scenic coastal walk will leave you feeling refreshed, whilst revealing some stunning vistas. Along the coast of Douarnenez, in the Port-Museum, you can learn more about boats and fishing, giving you a taste of what life is like for local maritime workers, both then and now.

Quimper

This is a town that’s steeped in history; from the footbridges that cut across the rivers, to the half-timbered houses and shops, everything seems rustic and enchanting. Visit the Cathedral of Saint-Corentin, which started being built as early as the 12th century and continued to have work done until the 19th century. The attention to detail found in the Gothic-religious architecture will take your breath away.