BRITTANY SOUTH AND WEST REGIONAL GUIDE

A seemingly endless and multi-faceted coastline, from the rugged cliffs of Finistere to the sandy stretches and dunes of the Quiberon Peninsula and Concarneau, make this part of Brittany a beach lover’s paradise.

 

The Wild West – Finistere ‘the end of the earth’ contrasts with the wooded river valleys and milder climate in Southern Brittany.

 

For heritage and culture visit historic Vannes and Quimper, or marvel at Carnac’s giant Neolithic stones.

 

Enjoy traditional Breton festivals – especially in the west.

 

The picturesque port of Roscoff is the perfect place to indulge in some of Brittany’s celebrated seafood.

 

Quimper

Shop for its distinctive ‘faience’ pottery and relax in cafes around the Gothic cathedral of Ste-Corentin in Brittany’s oldest city. Discover the lively covered market and enjoy outstanding nineteenth and twentieth century works, including paintings from the Pont-Aven School, in Quimper’s Musee des Beau-Arts. 

 

Morlaix

A thriving port in medieval times, once notorious for piracy, Morlaix is dominated by a striking pink granite viaduct above the town carrying trains from Paris to Brest. Explore cobbled streets of medieval houses in the old centre, admire the intricate carvings of La Maison de la Duchess Anne, and take a glass ‘Coreff’ - a potent local bitter.   

 

Vannes

Considered to be Southern Brittany’s major tourist town, prosperous and picturesque, the turreted ramparts enclose a maze of narrow streets and half-timbered houses. Visit the Musee Archeologique and take a boat trip to the beautiful islands in the Gulf of Morbihan.

 

Oceanopolis, Brest

Suberb aquarium with 3 areas - polar, tropical and temperate. Allow plenty of time for your visit - there are over 10,000 fish representing over 1,000 species.

 

Carnac Stones

The Carnac Stones, possibly dating back to 5000 BC, make up the most important pre-historic site in Europe - older than Stonehenge. Over 2000 standing stones stretch for 4km to the north of Carnac village where the Museum of Prehistory sheds light on their significance. 

 

Concarneau

One of France’s largest fishing ports and popular resort, the medieval walled town on a small island is one of Brittany’s most photographed sights. Visit the fishing museum showing the history of Breton ports and wander the flower-filled streets to watch the boats themselves go by.

 

Armorique Regional Park

Created in 1969 to protect this fragile rural area with its unique heritage, Armorique Regional Park stretches 1700km² from the granite peaks and moorlands of central Finistere, to the craggy Crozon Peninsula and western coastal islands. Ouessant (Ushant) - most westerly point of France - is a haven for migratory birds. Enjoy scenic moorland, woodland and lakeside walks in this mystic Celtic landscape, home to rare plants and animals and legends.   

 

Crozon Peninsula

A wonderful landscape of promontories and estuaries. Cliff paths trace rocky ‘fingers’ with amazing views from Pointe de Pen-Hir and Pointe d’Espagnols. Discover quiet sandy bays, sheltered harbours and multicoloured cliff caves accessible onlyby boat.

 

Brittany is famous for wheat flour crepes, delicate pancakes with wonderful fillings such as Plougastel strawberries in Kirsh served as a dessert or stand-by meal. Try savoury gallettes using buckwheat flour with a bowl of cider - the region is France’s largest cider producer.

 

Brittany’s rich fishing grounds ensure gourmet seafood, from heaped plates of mussels and ‘fruits de mer’ (seafood platter) to ‘cotriade’ (fish stew).

 

Finistere supplies early vegetables such as artichokes, and local salted butter is used lavishly. Wine is not a product of Brittany so dry white Muscadet or Gros Plant from around neighbouring Nantes is often served with seafood.

 

Thalassotherapy

 

These restorative seawater, seaweed and mud treatments, known since antiquity, were developed in Breton seaside towns in the nineteenth century. Relax and de-stress in centres around the coast - bound by a Quality charter - from Roscoff, where the first centre was founded, to Belle-Ile and Port-Crouesty. 

 

Golf

 

The mild climate is great for golf on courses close to welcoming resorts, spectacular cliffs and sandy beaches. You’ll find courses are un-crowded and a good choice of catering in friendly clubhouses.

 

Sailing

 

Sailing can be challenging around the jagged coastline. Camaret provides a good base to explore the small protected harbours of the Crozon Peninsula, the inland waterway of Rade de Brest or up river on the Aulne. Voyage south to the delightful Iles de Glenan around a calm lagoon famous for bird life.     

 

Quiberon Beaches

 

There is a choice of several fine sandy beaches on the east side of Quiberon Peninsula, whilst the west, ocean-facing shore, known as the ‘Cote Sauvage’ (Wild Coast) has cliffs and coves. Quiberon itself offers shops, beachside restaurants and a lively port with trips to Belle-Ile’s quiet coves

 

Son et Lumiere, Manoir de Mongrenier (advert ref BM000729) near Josselin

 

On 24, 25, 26 and 31 July, and 1 and 2 August 2008. Tickets from the Tourist Office in Josselin, email ot.josselin@wanadoo.fr or tel (00 33) 2 97 22 36 43

22€ - Dinner and Son et Lumiere

10€ - Son et Lumiere pre-booked

12€ - Son et Lumiere on the gate

Children under 12 – half price

 

Medieval-style dining in the manor grounds with entertainment by musicians, jugglers and knights. Son et lumiere performance based on the Battle of the 30 Knights in 1351. Local actors and volunteers. Music composed especially for the event. Some of the performance will be in English plus synopsis in English at each scene end. A dramatic piece of Breton history brought to life.

 

Pardons

 

These ancient religious festivals held throughout Brittany to honour the local patron saint are held in procession led by the priest and followed by singing pilgrims carrying colourful banners. Locronan’s ‘Petite Tromenie’ in July is one of the oldest and largest, processing to 12 sites in the forest, ending at Locranon Mountain. Rochefort-en-Terre holds its Pardon in August and Hennebont in September.

 

‘Fest Noz’

 

These village fetes are often held with a Pardon involving food and drink, with Breton costumes, music and traditional dancing.

 

Concarneau Fetes des Filet Bleus

 

Held annually in August - hear local dialects and music, and try seafood, gallettes and delicious cider.

 

Quimper Cornouailles

 

A spectacular 9 day celebration of Cornish (Cornouailles) culture held annually in July

 

Finistere Tourist Board

11 rue Theodore Le Hars

BP1419

29104 Quimper Cedex

 

Tel: (00 33) 298 76 20 70

 

Morbihan Tourist Board

Hotel du Departement

BP400

56009 Vannes Cedex

 

Tel: (00 33) 297 54 17 12

 

Please check precise details and dates with event organisers before making your holiday and travel arrangements.

 

Copyright: Holiday France Direct 2008