Travel guide Brittany | France | Itineraries

The Bretons invite the Canadians

Among other things, Brittany is renowned as the region where giants are made. Do you know it? These are the creations of the Royal de Luxe company. The company creates magnificent giant puppets that walk through city streets. They came to Montreal in 2017 with their many lilliputians, the friendly little giantess and her uncle, the scuba diver, an 11-meter colossus. Do you remember?

It is also the home of Asterix the Gaul, whose fictional village was inspired, according to specialists, by the extreme tip of the Breton peninsula, called Finistère. There are more than 550 megalithic sites in Brittany. Menhirs and dolmens that must have inspired our friend Obelix. Finally, have you ever heard of Quimper’s earthenware?

But Brittany in 2021 is much more.

As tourist activities are about to start again in summer of 2021, the Bretons are taking advantage of it to fine-tune their invitation. They are already proud, and rightly so, of the many seaside resorts that line their peninsula between the Atlantic and the English Channel.

They are also proud of their cycle path: the VéloMaritime which stretches for almost 1,500 km from the Channel to the North Sea, stopping at the Belgian border. And then, all those water activities they can boast about.

France : Travel guide Brittany | Itineraries and Highlights - Crédit Berthier emmanuel EV4

But now they want us to discover hidden treasures; historical and contemporary, artistic and gastronomic, architectural and natural heritage. Secret beaches, canals and islands, architectural legacies, good addresses, nestled in an abundance of nature, all along a route that allows you to soak up the local culture.

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The modern crossing of an old country

Brittany invites us to take a week-long route from south to north, linking Nantes to Mont-St-Michel. A course that is up to date and off the beaten track.

The tourism infrastructure is committed and energetic. Restaurants, accommodation and activities are numerous and varied throughout. Shall we accept the invitation?

France : Travel guide Brittany | Itineraries and Highlights - Itineraire Bretagne

Nantes

Starting point: Nantes, a city to be discovered on foot.

It shows a bold face with its all-wooden Hermitage lookout that resembles a heronry and its estuary art trail including Les anneaux (The Rings) – 34 works are part of the trail. It also invites you to discover its history. The Castle of the Dukes of Brittany in the heart of the city and the medieval quarter bear witness to this.

France : Travel guide Brittany | Itineraries and Highlights - Chateau Des Ducs De Bretagne. Nantes © Philippe Piron Lvan

The life of its busy inhabitants can be seen in the hundred or so parks and lively public markets.

And then, it’s impossible not to visit the mechanical animals of the Machines de l’île (Island Machines). Unique in the world.

France : Travel guide Brittany | Itineraries and Highlights - La Galerie Des Machines. Les Machines De L Ile Nantes © Jean Dominique Billaud Lvan

St-Nazaire

Let’s move to St-Nazaire, following the Loire estuary.

Several works of contemporary art are scattered here and there along the sixty or so kilometres. They blend in with nature. The Serpent d’océan (Ocean Snake) is an amazing work of art representing a long skeleton of a sea serpent. And there are many others.

France : Travel guide Brittany | Itineraries and Highlights - Serpent D Ocean Saint Brevin Credit Ot St Brevin

To keep with the theme, breakfast is suggested at the restaurant La Mare aux oiseaux, located in the heart of a nature reserve. I love the idea.

France : Travel guide Brittany | Itineraries and Highlights - Mare Aux Oiseaux Restaurant Hotel Spa Eric Guerin

La Baule

And then, we leave for La Baule, located in the magnificent bay of the Atlantic coastline, and apparently one of the most beautiful bays in the world.

Its beach stretches for nine kilometres. There are prestigious hotels and historic villas. Nearby, a visit to the salt marshes of Guérande is tempting. A renowned salt production site, it isa succession of man-made basins where the evaporation of sea water results in its crystallization… which we then find on our tables. We can agree that the activity stands out.

France : Travel guide Brittany | Itineraries and Highlights - Dans Les Marais Salants De Guerande Avec Laurent Bourcier Simon

Rennes

The capital of Brittany will be the next stop. Here is Rennes, where the river Vilaine meanders and where we discover several beautiful half-timbered houses.

If you like prestige and gilding, you will be delighted by the visit of the Grand’Chambre of the Parliament of Brittany. Then take the time to enjoy a pancake. After all, aren’t we in Brittany?

France : Travel guide Brittany | Itineraries and Highlights - Parlement De Bretagne Patrimoine Historique Rennes Villes D Art Et D Histoire Perez Rafa

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