Boasting more than 1,000 kilometres of coastline, Brittany — Bretagne in French — is a peninsular region in northwest France between the English Channel and the Bay of Biscay. Its maritime heritage is reflected in its fishing ports, from Saint-Goustan in the south to Dahouët in the north, and major port cities such as Brest and St Malo. The dramatic beauty of its seascapes is showcased in areas like the Pink Granite Coast close to Lannion, while the rich variety of sumptuous beaches like Dinard, Perros-Guirec, and Quiberon draw visitors to the area throughout the summer.

Armorique Regional Natural Park leads inland from the dramatic shores of western Brittany, with trails through spectacular ranges like the Black Mountains, offering views across the region, into the ancient forest at Huelgoat. Neolithic standing stones around Carnac are reminders of the people who lived in the area thousands of years ago. Brittany is peppered with historic towns and villages to explore, from the regional Breton capital of Rennes, a university city with timber-framed structures and a sumptuous parliament building, to the historic medieval walled city of Vitré with its ruined castle.

Between April and October, the seaside resorts along the coast of Brittany attract visitors from around the world, with the busiest times of the year being July and August. These are normally the hottest months in the region, when the days are long. Some of the attractions and facilities in the seaside towns and villages are closed during autumn and winter, and there can be fewer flights into the region from some destinations. Towns and cities are busy throughout the year, especially those with universities and colleges such as Brest and Rennes. There are a variety of events and festivals here all year round, including 10 days in May for the Brittany Festival (Fête de la Bretagne), celebrating Breton culture with more than 300 music, food, and all-ages activities taking place throughout the region.

Saint-Malo

Located on the beautiful Emerald Coast of northern Brittany, Saint-Malo is an enchanting port city with a natural harbour. The Intra-Muros (between the walls) area encompasses the old walled town with an imposing cathedral, a maze of medieval streets, and stories of 19th-century privateers. It also boasts two tiny islands you can walk to at low tide, Grand Bé and Petit Bé.

Île de Bréhat

Take a 10-minute ferry from the Pink Granite Coastline at Pointe de l’Arcouest to the car-free island of Île de Bréhat. At only 3.5 kilometres long, the island is small enough that you can hire a bike to explore the incredible natural scenery, including its red granite cliffs, as well as a 19th-century fort, the Héaux de Bréhat lighthouse, and Guerzido Beach, before heading to the charming tiny village of Le Bourg.

Carnac

Travel back around 7,000 years to witness the majesty of the standing stones in Carnac, numbering almost 3,000 across an area of more than four kilometres, and one of the most important prehistoric sites in Europe. Discover the various theories about the alignments of these megaliths and head to the Neolithic grave mound, the Tumulus of St. Michel.