Architectural diversity, exquisite gastronomy, breathtaking coastal landscapes… the Northwest region of France has everything to please.
A Breton getaway is all the more tempting with a multitude of activities available, from gourmet picnics to catamaran excursions, museum visits, or historic monument tours, among others.
Where is Brittany located?
Brittany is a region in the Northwest of France.
Its main cities are Rennes (the capital of Ille-et-Vilaine and the regional prefecture), Quimper (Finistère), Saint-Malo (Ille-et-Vilaine), Brest (Finistère), Lorient (Morbihan), and Saint-Brieuc (Côtes-d’Armor).
To the south of the region lies Nantes, the prefecture of Pays de la Loire, and to the north, Rouen, the prefecture of Normandy.
We can also provide a detailed map of Ille-et-Vilaine.
We have selected three important cities in Brittany along with their main tourist attractions.
Rennes in Ille-et-Vilaine
Historical monuments, museums, as well as parks and churches are part of Rennes' rich heritage.
The Parliament of Brittany was built in 1655 to house the Parliament and served this purpose until its dissolution in 1790 during the French Revolution. Today, the building hosts the Rennes Court of Appeal. Guided tours are regularly organized to explore this beautiful 17th-century architecture.
The Thabor Park, located in the northeast of the city, was designed in the 19th century by Denis Bühler on the orchard of a former Benedictine abbey. Spanning over 10 hectares, the estate features a French garden, an English garden, a rose garden, a botanical garden, greenhouses, fountains, and a music kiosk.
The Place des Lices, dating back to the 15th century, is also worth visiting. Situated northwest of the city center, it is especially known for its iconic Saturday morning market from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. It is the second-largest public square in France, hosting over three hundred artisans and merchants from across the region.
Quimper in Finistère
Quimper is the oldest city in Brittany. Founded by the Romans and experiencing significant growth in the 17th century due to the pottery industry, the capital of Cornouaille boasts a wealth of cultural treasures.
The Jardin de la Retraite is one of its must-see attractions. Protected by the city walls, this peaceful oasis welcomes visitors daily from 9 a.m., with closing times varying by season. The grounds include a tropical garden, a palm grove, and a dry garden featuring Mexican plants.
Saint-Corentin Cathedral, named after the city’s first bishop, is one of the finest examples of Breton Gothic architecture. Built in the 12th century, the building impresses with its spires and intricately detailed stained glass windows.
The Fine Arts Museum is also worth visiting. Some 3,000 paintings and 12,000 engravings are preserved in this establishment, founded by engineer Jean-Marie de Silguy.
Lorient in Morbihan
In Morbihan, on Brittany’s southern coast, Lorient is a city whose identity is closely tied to the maritime world. The maritime theme is omnipresent in many tourist activities, such as exploring a Nazi submarine base or yacht races at the Cité de la Voile.
The Cité de la Voile is undoubtedly one of the city’s highlights. As the only museum in Europe entirely dedicated to sailing, the establishment aims to attract younger audiences with various multimedia activities, such as rigging games, radio-controlled sailboats, and a sailing race simulator allowing up to 10 visitors to navigate the open sea together.
The Keroman submarine base is also a must-visit. Used by the German Army during World War II, it was later repurposed by the French Navy before becoming one of Lorient’s main tourist attractions. During a guided tour, typically lasting two hours, visitors learn about structures like the K3, the largest block, measuring 170 meters long and 20 meters high.