It's a shame that Brittany isn't as popular as other places in France. Sure, the capital city of Paris is a beautiful metropolis that offers the finest food, fashion, and more. And sure, the French Riviera is the perfect Mediterranean paradise to escape to. But Brittany, with its countryside charm and nostalgic beauty, is a place worth visiting as well. Most especially the towns, cities, and communes that make up the region. Out of all of them, here are where you ought to go!
Brest
Located off the coast in Brittany, Brest is a coastal town in the region that's also one of the biggest in the area. It is the home of the French Atlantic fleet, after all. It's also a walled-city, very much like the way they did it back in the Middle Ages. Such a novelty rarely exists anymore, and even rarer that they're as beautiful as this breathtaking commune. So that, along with the lively local community here, this is a unique slice of France you won't find anywhere else.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Concarneau
Also a fortified city in Brittany, Concarneau is another sight to behold. Perched on a peninsula, you may actually compare it to
Il de la Cité in Paris. Like the latter, the French coastal town is almost like it's on its own world as if you're traveling back in time to an actual Medieval kingdom when you step foot here. Especially when you see the half-timbered houses, the cobblestone streets, the charming cafés, and more!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Dinard
Arguably one of the most luxurious parts of Brittany, the coastal city of Dinard is one you'd probably enjoy the most. You can almost compare them to the likes of
Cannes and
Saint Tropez, though it's actually comparatively a downgraded version of the latter two cities. A resort town through and through, the many five-star hotels, first-class spas, swanky restaurants, and more will ensure that you will get the pampering and the relaxation that you expect to get here!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Lorient
Though the city itself looks quintessentially French—quintessentially French countryside, to be exact!—Lorient is actually a very world city in Brittany. From its history and heritage, elements of other countries have infiltrated this coastal town, probably because of its very openly strategic location itself. Formerly serving as a port for ships sailing to the Orient and back, you can catch many Eastern influences here, from a few restaurants and such to a handful of the town's delicacies. But, at the same time, Lorient is also known for its Celtic Festival too, one that decidedly looks a tad Irish.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Nantes
The sixth-largest city in France, Nantes is as bustling a metropolis as Paris is. It's very much an urban area, so much so that you can almost forget that it's actually located in the French countryside. Like the French capital, classic architecture dominates here, with corners, like Passage Pommeraye, that are just as busy as in the other cities in the country. A notable highlight, however, is Les Machines de l'Île, a mechanical elephant that's the symbol of the artistic and technological excellence of the city.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Quiberon
Sometimes, the tranquility of a place is a good enough reason to visit it. It applies most especially in the city of Quiberon in Brittany. A smelling fishing port along Brittany's coast, it's an exceptionally peaceful commune that some may even consider remote. Most especially when they compare it to the other cities in the region. Though they're not that unique, the white sandy shoreline and crystal blue waters will ensure that you'll still enjoy your time here!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Quimper
A castle-like church, wooden half-timbered homes, cobblestone streets, and a nice plaza in the center. If you didn't know any better, you'd think the city of Quimper came from some storybook or a romantic
classic French novel or something. And that's the essence of this town in Brittany. A nostalgic charm amidst a world that's becoming more and more technological, it's a welcome change of pace for those who've only stayed in urban capital cities.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Rennes
While Quimper looks more like a French fairytale village, Renne actually looks more like a
neighborhood in Amsterdam or something. Why? Because the houses are all clumped together very much like in the Dutch capital. Add to that the different colors that render said houses that made for quite a feast for the eyes. It only goes to show that countries in Europe really have influenced each other in more ways than one. Despite this, however, the vibe, the charm, and the spirit in Renne are undoubtedly French!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Saint Brieuc
With a population of 45,000 people, Saint Brieuc is actually one of the busiest cities and most urban parts of Brittany. It's also a fishing port, which explains the local liveliness here that has charmed most visitors who've gone here. Though you never would have guessed it just by looking at it. Made up of wooden half-timbered cottages with a quiet coast surrounding it, Saint Brieuc is pretty remote as well. Life in the city itself can get bustling at times, yes, but go outside and it's a surprisingly very quiet area of Brittany.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Saint-Malo
Though it was substantially damaged by World War II, Saint-Malo remains one of the more breathtaking cities in Brittany. The walled fortress itself is an architectural marvel, exposing its strategic structure without sacrificing the rustic Medieval beauty it presents. And since the city itself is quite elevated, the place remains safe even when the surrounding waters can get wild at times. Overall, the nostalgic charm and the coastal feel makes for a great time here, for sure!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Vannes
Despite its storybook-like look, the city of Vannes actually has a strong industry: boatbuilding. And it makes sense too because the town is located near the coast of Brittany. An aesthetically medieval city in the region, you almost feel like the place never caught up with the 21st-century. Most of what you'll find here look too much like it has existed for centuries now, which, essentially, is a big part of its charm.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Brittany is a region of France you ought not to miss while you're here. The area, overall, is historic, charming, beautiful, nostalgic, unique, rare, and more. There's practically no end to how you can praise this part of the country, especially when you visit the cities here!
Now, when you do get here, make sure you get a
luxury home to accommodate you! That's the best way to enjoy your time here!
