Situated on the plush northwest coast of France, the Celtic Nation of Bretagne should be on everyone’s bucket list. Here are our Top Ten reasons to visit le bon vrai Bretagne.

2,800km of Beautiful Coastline
From its rugged pink granite shapes and high cliffs of the north to the estuaries and islands of the south, the hardest decision to make is where to stay. Families will appreciate just as much the numerous fine sandy beaches at some of the key holiday seaside resorts.

Seafood
Brittany is one of the best places in the world to enjoy seafood. Try the famous “plateau de fruits de mer”, seafood platter or a bowl of moules marinières with fries. Even better, prepare it yourself for free. Simply join the locals at low tide for some seafood picking, a Breton tradition.

2900 Protected Monuments
As the 2nd largest historical heritage region after Paris, Brittany has a wealth of historical interests. Trail through its fortified towns like Saint-Malo, its stunning Vauban’s citadel on Belle-Île, its best preserved medieval castle of Fougères or in its historic capital, Nantes, just a few of the many tourist attractions awaiting your visit.

Festivals
From Celtic dance to bagpipes and bombard music competition or even religious processions in full traditional costumes, Brittany is renowned for its festivals. Emerge yourself in the heart of the Breton culture and join in. Plenty to choose from during July and August across the region. These are a “must do” in every holiday activity list.

Hiking and Cycling
Go hiking on the stunning Pink Granite coast, on the Monts d’Arrée moors or in the legendary Brocéliande forest. Cycle through the apple orchards of the countryside or follow the scenic coastal path on the Côte Sauvage in the south, just to name a few…

Jewels in the Crown!
Quite challenging to single out outstanding sites but you should not miss the Unesco’s listed Mont Saint-Michel, close to the Brittany border, Guérande’s Salt marshes, the world renowned megaliths of Carnac, the stunning village of Rochefort-en-terre, a boat trip to the island of Belle-Île, and many more…

Markets
Food markets are key weekly events in every town where stalls are full of local produced vegetables, fruits, meat, local caught fish and seafood. Full of atmosphere and colourful displays will draw you in. Best places to do your weekly shopping and taste some local specialties.

The Islands and Birds Sanctuaries
With a staggering number of 800 islands and islets, Bretagne is home to many seabirds species best appreciated especially around the Sept-Iles. If you are after off of track places, catch a boat and explore some of the finest islands like Bréhat, Sein, Batz, Belle-Île and Ile aux Moines in the Morbihan Gulf.

Restaurants
There are plenty of restaurants here to satisfy your hunger and for all budgets. Crêperie restaurants might actually outnumber as pancakes are one of the main specialty dishes of Brittany. Logis de France and Relais Routiers venues offer some good quality food at affordable prices. Children are always welcome with reduced price menus.

Sailing
Sailing has always been a very popular activity in Brittany which hosts some of the best races in the world. All the main seaside resorts also have yachting clubs to hire equipment or have lessons. If you prefer water at a slow pace, you can always go cruising on the 600km of canals and rivers.