Facts about Brittany in France (Bretagne)

Read our key interesting facts about Brittany, a quick way to decide at a glance whether this enchanting region could be your next holiday destination.

FUNCTIONAL FACTS:

Population: 3,094,534 (official figure of 31/12/2008)
Size: 27 209 km2 with 2800km of coastline. More below.
Geographical Situation: Northern Western part of France - Check our map of Brittany.
Region: 4 administrative departments of Ille-et-Vilaine, Côtes d'Armor, Finistère, Morbihan and one historical one (Loire-Altantique)
Languages: French (official) and Breton
Climate: oceanic type - More climate information on our weather page
Money: Euros
 
01

2800km of Beautiful Coastline

From its rugged pink granite shapes and high cliffs of the north to the estuaries and islands of the south, the hardest decision to make is where to stay. Families will appreciate just as much the numerous fine sandy beaches at some of the key holiday seaside resorts. More...
brittany beautiful coastline
02

Seafood Haven

Brittany is one of the best places in the world to enjoy seafood. Try the famous "plateau de fruits de mer", seafood platter or a bowl of moules marinières with fries. Even better, prepare it yourself for free. Simply join the locals at low tide for some seafood picking, a breton tradition. More ...
moules marinieres
03

2900 Protected Monuments

2nd largest historical heritage region after Paris. Brittany has a wealth of historical interests. Trail through its fortified towns like Saint-Malo, its stunning Vauban's citadel on Belle-Île, its best preserved medieval castle of Fougères or in its historic capital, Nantes, just a few of the many tourist attractions awaiting your visit. More ...
Monuments in Brittany
04

Festivals

From celtic dance to bagpipes and bombard music competition or even religious processions in full traditional costumes, Brittany is renowned for its festivals. Emerge yourself in the heart of the Breton culture and join in. Plenty to choose from during July and August across the region. These are a "must do" in every holiday activity list. More ...
Festivals in Brittany
05

Hiking and Cycling

Go hiking on the stunning Pink Granite coast, on the Monts d'Arrée moors or in the legendary Brocéliande forest. Cycle through the apple orchards of the countryside or follow the sceneric coastal path on the Côte Sauvage in the south, just to name a few ...
Cycling on the Cote Sauvage in Brittany
06

Some Jewels in the Crown !

Quite challenging to single out outstanding sites but you should not miss the Unesco's listed Mont Saint-Michel, close to the Brittany border, Guérande's Salt marshes, the world renowned megaliths of Carnac, the stunning village of Rochefort-en-terre, a boat trip to the island of Belle-Île, and many more ...
Salt Marshes in Brittany
07

Markets

Food markets are key weekly events in every town where stalls are full of local produced vegetables, fruits, meat, local caught fish and seafood. Full of atmosphere and colourful displays will draw you in. Best places to do your weekly shopping and taste some local specialities.
Markets in Brittany
08

The Islands and Birds Sanctuaries

With a staggering number of 800 islands and islets, Bretagne is home to many seabirds species best appreciated especially around the Sept-Iles. If you are after off of track places, catch a boat and explore some of the finest islands like Bréhat, Sein, Batz, Belle-Île and Ile aux Moines in the Morbihan Gulf. More ...
Birds Sanctuaries in Brittany
09

Restaurants

Plenty of restaurants to satisfy your hunger and for all budgets. Crêperie restaurants might actually outnumber as pancakes are one of the main speciality dishes of Brittany. Logis de France and Relais Routiers venues offer some good quality food at affordable prices. Children are always welcome with reduced price menus.
Creperie Restaurants in Brittany
10

Sailing in Brittany

Sailing has always been a very popular activity in Brittany which hosts some of the best races in the world. All the main seaside resorts also have yatching clubs to hire equipment or have lessons. If you prefer water at a slow pace, you can always go cruising on the 600km of canals and rivers.
Sailing in Brittany
 

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Northern Coastline
North Brittany
Emerald Coast
north brittany
Pink Granite
north brittany
North Finistère
Southern Coastline
south brittany
South Finistère
south brittany
Morbihan
north brittany
Loire-Altantique
 
Brittany Best Beaches
Beaches
Brittany Castles
Castles
Brittany festivals
Festivals
Brittany Beautiful Villages
Villages
Canals and rivers
Canals
Churches
Churches
Brittany Islands
Islands
Brittany Top Towns
Top Towns
Bookstore: Recommended travel & tourist guide books to Brittany with walking maps, Road maps, Children's books, Asterix, Breton Cuisine and much more