Bretagne is a cultural region in the north-west of France and is often referred to as ‘Little Britain’. Bordered by the English Channel and the Celtic Sea, it boasts a 30-kilometre stretch of the beautiful Côte de Granit Rose coast. Through medieval times, Bretagne and Britain fought for trade. However, today’s tourism brings far happier relations between the countries. The fashion for seaside resorts was largely introduced by the British.
Bretagne is home to megalithic monuments scattered across the peninsula and is also well known for its elaborately carved crucifixion scenes, found at crossroads to villages and small towns. Highlights of the region include its many intact manors and castles. Premiere Classe Quimper hotel is perfect whether you are in Bretagne on business or for pleasure. Only a few minutes from the town centre, everything is right on your doorstep.
A two-day break
Two days in Bretagne gives you enough time to get a feel for the region. On day one you could discover Dinard, an elegant seaside resort boasting luxury villas and casinos. Take leisurely walks around the town, relax on the beach or delve deeper into its culture with a guided tour. On day two, relax in Roscoff Tropical Garden, which offers a panoramic view of Morlaix bay. With an abundance of tropical plants, waterfalls and fountains, it is simply stunning.
A week-long stay
A week is the perfect amount of time to enjoy Bretagne. Stay in Premiere Classe Brest hotel as a great starting point for exploring the region. Make the most of Bretagne’s coast by trying a variety of water sports, such as windsurfing and canoeing. For more relaxed days, try your hand at a round of golf. Dinard Golf combines beautiful sea views with a great course.
A family holiday
Bretagne offers plenty to do for the whole family, proving you’re never too old to have a good time! Take kids to the Amoripark amusement park for a fun-filled day of playgrounds, go-karts and bouncy castles. The Plijadour water-fun complex is a great all-rounder, offering sparking blue swimming pools for adults and a fun water slide for children. There are also plenty of zoos in Bretagne to offer a look at look at local and exotic wildlife.
Transport
Getting to Bretagne by ferry is easy from the United Kingdom and Ireland and gives you the option of taking your own vehicle or caravan. Simply travel to either St Malo or Roscoff. All of Bretagne’s airports are served by several airlines, making plane travel another great option. The region itself has a fast and efficient rail network, making travel once there simple.
Gastronomy
You can’t visit Bretagne without trying a classic crêpe. Visit Crêperie Le Nantucket for interesting combinations, such as crêpes with Nutella or savoury buckwheat pancakes with horseradish. Thanks to its proximity to the ocean, seafood is some of the best and freshest around. Venture to Le Chalut in St Malo to get a taste for it.
Events
Bretagne is well-known for its vibrant array of festivals and events. Breton festivals take place in towns and villages throughout the region and incorporate traditional music and dancing for a fun, folky feel. The Festival Interceltique de Lorient takes place in August and celebrates Celtic traditions with a variety of music and art.
Interesting fact
The coast in Bretagne stands out due to its unusual colouring. The Côte de Granit Rose is situated in the Côtes d'Armor department and boasts special pink rock, which is extremely rare. Besides Bretagne, it can only be found in Canada, Corsica and China. The spectacular landscape has inspired artists such as Paul Signac and Marc Chagall.
Useful links
Tourisme Bretagne
http://www.tourismebretagne.com/
Brittany Ferries
http://www.brittanyferries.com/