Must-see attractions in Brittany

  • Pointe du Cabellou

    Finistère

    Head southwest of town to this viewpoint poking into the sea, where you can discover the remains of an old 18th century fort.

  • Plage du Cabellou

    Finistère

    About 7km south of town, this is decent spot for sunbathing and swimming, with views back to Concarneau.

  • Tour de l'Horloge

    Brittany

    Climb up to the little balcony of this 15th-century clock tower whose chimes ring every quarter-hour.

  • Grotte de l'Apothicairerie

    Golfe du Morbihan

    The huge Grotte de l'Apothicairerie is formed from two caves where waves roll in from both sides.

  • Plage des Grands Sables

    Golfe du Morbihan

    This rather epic 2km-long stretch of sand spans the calm waters of the island's eastern flank.

  • Alignements de Kermario

    Golfe du Morbihan

    Parts of this array of menhirs – containing 1029 stones – is open all year round.

  • Plage de Corz

    Finistère

    The best beach on the island, west-facing, to the south of Lampaul.

  • Grand Aquarium

    St-Malo

    Containing over 600 species of marine creature, this very popular aquarium about 4km south of the city centre features a 'Nautibus' ride – a simulated…

  • Palais du Parlement de Bretagne

    Rennes

    This 17th-century former seat of the rebellious Breton parliament has, in more recent times, been home to the Palais de Justice. In 1994 this building was…

  • Musée d'Histoire de St-Malo

    St-Malo

    Within Château de St-Malo, built by the dukes of Brittany in the 15th and 16th centuries, this museum examines the life and history of the city through a…

  • Église St-Pierre et St-Paul

    Finistère

    At the heart of Argol, this 1576 church – dedicated to St Peter and St Paul – was much enlarged in the late 17th century, while its bell tower dates to…

  • Viaduct

    Finistère

    Built in 1861 to carry the Brest–Paris railway, this colossal viaduct is unmissable. During daylight hours you can walk along the lower level for a great…

  • Église Notre-Dame-de-la-Tronchaye

    Golfe du Morbihan

    Originally dating to the 10th century, this handsome church is famed for (and named after) a statue of the Virgin Mary discovered by a shepherdess in the…

  • Musée Jacques Cartier

    St-Malo

    This 16th-century manor house was the home of controversial explorer Jacques Cartier (1491–1557), who mapped the St Lawrence River and whose explorations…

  • Musée de Poupées

    Golfe du Morbihan

    Part of the grounds of the Château de Josselin, this quirky museum has a collection of more than 3000 vintage dolls and puppets amassed by Herminie de…

  • Église St-Melaine

    Finistère

    Right by the viaduct that arches over town, the magnificent form of this venerable and tranquil late-15th-century Flamboyant Gothic Église St-Melaine…

  • Château de Keriolet

    Finistère

    This impressive building is an exquisite example of 19th-century architecture. Its intriguing Russian connections are revealed during a guided tour …

  • Musée Municipal d'Art et d'Histoire

    Finistère

    Situated next to the small town hall (off the main square near the church), this museum is largely dedicated to the history of the linen industry. It…

  • Musée des Beaux-Arts

    Finistère

    The ground-floor rooms of the town's main art museum are home to 16th- to 20th-century European paintings, and upper levels include a room dedicated to…

  • Anse du Verger

    Brittany

    Anse du Verger, 4km west of the point, is a lush terrain of beaches, dunes and trails with a picturesque small church, Notre Dame du Verger, dedicated to…

  • Musée de Morlaix

    Finistère

    Closed for restoration till 2019, this museum showcases the area's history, archaeology and art, which also incorporates the beautifully preserved half…

  • La Demeure de Corsaire

    St-Malo

    This 18th-century mansion and historic monument was once owned by corsair (privateer) François Auguste Magon. Guided tours are knowledgeably presented but…

  • Centre de Découverte des Algues

    Finistère

    Learn all about local seaweed harvesting at this enthusiastically run museum, which also organises guided walks and gives regular free lectures (often in…

  • Statue of King Gradlon

    Finistère

    Outside the wall of Église St-Pierre et St-Paul, on the corner of place de L'Église and rue de L'École, you will find this 3m-long statue of Breton legend…

  • Espace des Sciences

    Rennes

    Highly popular with and chiefly aimed at kids, the Espace des Sciences is a fun interactive science museum arranged over two floors, situated in Rennes'…

  • Château-Musée de Dinan

    Brittany

    The town's museum is atmospherically housed in the keep of Dinan's ruined 14th-century château, showcasing the town's history, with information sheets in…

  • Moulin de Kermaux

    Golfe du Morbihan

    The stumpy remains of this old windmill now serve as an observation point over the Alignements de Kermario.

  • Grande Plage

    Golfe du Morbihan

    Grande Plage is a long, family-friendly and attractive, sheltered sweep of sand; bathing spots towards the peninsula's tip are less crowded.

  • Plage des Bas Sablons

    St-Malo

    This long and pleasant beach by the marina in St-Servan has a dike that prevents the water from receding entirely at low tide.

  • Plage de Donnant

    Golfe du Morbihan

    This lovely beach on the west side of the island is secluded, but swimming is very dangerous due to riptides.

  • Plage des Sables Blancs

    Finistère

    This lovely stretch of sand is around 1.5km northwest of town. There are lifeguards on duty in summer.

  • Plage d'Herlin

    Golfe du Morbihan

    This small, sheltered beach on the south coast of the island is a good choice for young kids.

  • Grande Plage

    St-Malo

    This very long, north-facing beach runs along the coast outside the Intra-Muros.

  • Plage du Prat

    Finistère

    Small sheltered beach towards the southern tip of the island.

  • Grève Blanche

    Finistère

    The largest and best beach, on the northern shore.