Discover the historic Old Bridge in Dinan, the stunning views of the River Rance and the town's medieval charm.

The Best Cities, Towns & Villages Across Brittany

Brittany , in north-western France, is known for its dramatic coastlines, medieval towns, and rich Breton culture. Whether you're looking for lively cities, quiet countryside, or beautiful seaside spots, you'll find some of the best towns and villages in France right here.

This guide showcases Brittany's top towns, cities, and villages, from coastal spots with beautiful beaches to charming villages with local cuisine . Brittany has something for everyone.

Discover your perfect Brittany holiday here . Book now and enjoy 30% off your ferry trip to Brittany .

How to Explore Brittany

Exploring Brittany is easy with its well-connected road network and public transport options. A road trip through Brittany is one of the best ways to experience the beauty of its best towns like St Malo, Dinan, and Vannes, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace.

You can bring your car to Brittany via ferry, with services to St Malo and Roscoff, both perfect bases for discovering the region's beauty. Find our lowest fares to St Malo or Roscoff for the best deals on your ferry trip.

The Best Cities in Brittany

Brittany’s cities beautifully combine the region’s rich history and traditions with modern culture. Explore these locations filled with medieval architecture, lively markets, cobbled streets, delicious local cuisines, and much more!

Rennes

Visit Rennes, the lively capital of Brittany, France. This city mixes history, culture, and fun. Walk its old streets. Explore gardens, cafés, and shops. Key attractions of the city:

  • Old Town: Stroll colorful streets and visit the lively Place des Lices market.

  • Parlement of Brittany: Discover this grand 17th-century building.

  • Musée des Beaux-Arts: Enjoy European art, including works by Picasso and Rubens.

  • Opéra de Rennes: Admire the neoclassical theater and catch a show if you can.

Rennes is one of the best towns in Brittany—and a perfect place to start your trip. Find our lowest fares to Brittany.

Opéra de Rennes: A Neoclassical Opera House on Place de la Mairie

St Malo

Visit St Malo, a charming coastal city in Brittany, France. Known for its pirate history and stunning walled old town, St Malo offers breathtaking sea views and cobblestone streets to explore. Key attractions include:

  • Fort National: A historic fort with panoramic coastal views.

  • St Malo Cathedral: A striking Gothic cathedral in the heart of the old town.

  • The Beaches: Relax on sandy shores and swim in clear waters, like Plage du Sillon, or Plage de Bon Secours.

  • Port Area: Enjoy fresh seafood at the lively harbour.

St Malo is your perfect base for discovering Brittany, stay in our best accommodations for a great experience. With easy access to nearby gems like Dinan, Cancale, and Mont Saint-Michel, you’re just a short trip away from more adventure.

Saint-Malo, a coastal city in Brittany, known for its landmarks, including the Saint-Vincent Cathedral.

Brest

Located in northwest France, Brest is a dynamic port city known for its nautical heritage and stunning coastline. Top things to do in Brest Brittany:

  • Océanopolis: Discover marine life at this leading ocean center.

  • Brest Castle: Explore this fortress with harbour views.

  • Lively Waterfront: Cafés, culture, and seaside charm.

Use Brest as a base to visit Camaret-sur-Mer, Quimper, and the Crozon Peninsula. It’s one of the best places to visit in Brittany and a great pick among Brittany France cities. Find the best accommodation in Brest and make the most of your journey.

Discover the historic Brest Castle and its beautiful gardens with views of the harbor.

Quimper

Often called the cultural heart of Brittany France, Quimper charms with medieval streets, Breton traditions, and artistic flair. Top attractions:

  • Saint-Corentin Cathedral: A Gothic masterpiece in the city center.

  • Old Town: Cobbled streets and half-timbered houses.

  • Musée des Beaux-Arts: Fine art from classic to modern.

Enjoy markets, festivals, and nearby gems like Concarneau, Pont-Aven, and the Crozon Peninsula. Well-connected by train, it’s one of the best towns in Brittany for history and culture lovers.

Quimper: The cultural heart of Brittany with medieval charm.

Lorient

A lively port city in southern Brittany, Lorient blends maritime history with modern flair. Highlights include:

  • Cité de la Voile: Learn about sailing at this interactive museum.

  • Harbour & Markets: Fresh seafood and seaside walks.

  • Festival Interceltique: A major Celtic music event each summer.

Easily accessible by ferry, Lorient is near the Gulf of Morbihan and Île de Groix. A great base for exploring Brittany France towns.

Quai des Indes in Lorient, Brittany, bathed in the golden glow of the morning sun.

The Best Towns in Brittany

Brittany’s towns offer a peaceful escape from the bustling cities, with a slower pace of life and a strong sense of tradition. Towns like Dinan, Carnac, and Vannes are ideal for a quieter experience, where you can meander through medieval streets, browse local markets, and immerse yourself in the region’s history, all without the crowds of larger cities.

Carnac

One of the best seaside towns in Brittany, Carnac is famous for:

  • Carnac Stones: Over 3,000 ancient standing stones.

  • Beaches & Coastal Trails: Perfect for relaxation and walks.

  • Seafood Scene: Known for oysters, mussels, and scallops.

Carnac, near Auray and Vannes, is a great spot for both history lovers and beach fans. It blends ancient sites with beautiful seaside vibes.

Explore the Carnac Stones, home to over 3,000 ancient menhirs.

Vannes

Vannes, a picturesque town on the Gulf of Morbihan, is celebrated for its well-preserved medieval architecture and quaint old town. Vannes offers:

  • Old Town & Ramparts: Walk medieval walls and quaint streets.

  • Saint-Pierre Cathedral: A stunning historic church.

  • Harbour & Islands: Access Île-aux-Moines and more.

To visit Vannes, take the ferry from Portsmouth to St Malo, then drive south for about two hours to reach Vannes. Discover the best ferry fares and top accommodations in Vannes.

In spring, the ancient Remparts de Vannes bloom with color, wrapping the city in beauty and history.

Dinan

Dinan, a beautifully preserved medieval town overlooking the River Rance, offering a magical journey back in time. Must-sees:

  • Château de Dinan: Historic fortress and panoramic ramparts.

  • Old Port & Artisan Shops: Full of local character.

  • Half-Timbered Streets: Straight out of a storybook.

Close to St Malo and Mont Saint-Michel, Dinan is a top spot among most beautiful towns in Brittany. Find the perfect accommodation for your trip and enjoy a 30% discount on your ferry journey.

Explore Dinan for a magical journey back in time.

Concarneau

A picturesque coastal town with a rich maritime heritage, Concarneau is celebrated for:

  • Ville Close: A historic walled town on an island, filled with shops and cafés.

  • Harbour & Fishing: A seafood lover’s haven with fresh catches daily.

  • Seaside Charm: Scenic beaches, ocean views, and a laid-back atmosphere.

Easily accessible from Quimper, Concarneau is one of the best places to visit in Brittany France for those seeking history, coastal beauty, and delicious seafood.

Stroll along the ramparts of Concarneau for breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Pont-Aven

Pont-Aven, is a charming riverside town known for its peaceful atmosphere and ties to artist Paul Gauguin, who captured its beauty in his work. What to explore in Pont-Aven:

  • Musée de Pont-Aven: Celebrating Gauguin and local art.

  • Riverside Walks: Peaceful trails and scenic spots.

  • Charming Town Center: Artisan shops and quiet cafés.

Near Concarneau and Lorient, this artistic haven is a peaceful stop on any southern Brittany trip.

Enjoy the serene atmosphere of Pont-Aven.

Quiberon

Quiberon, a breathtaking peninsula in southern Brittany, is a haven for beach lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Don’t miss:

  • Côte Sauvage: Wild cliffs and dramatic coastal trails.

  • Sandy Beaches: Ideal for sunbathing and swimming.

  • Gateway to Belle-Île: Ferry access to Brittany’s largest island.

Near Carnac and Auray, Quiberon offers a perfect mix of wild coastal landscapes and relaxed beach-town charm.

Quiberon's sandy shores provide the perfect setting for relaxation and a fun day at the beach.

The Best Villages in Brittany

Brittany’s villages provide a glimpse into the region’s charm and traditions, offering a peaceful contrast to its bustling towns and cities. With their narrow streets, artisan shops, and deep-rooted ties to Breton culture, these villages exude an intimate and tranquil atmosphere, perfect for an authentic escape.

Rochefort-en-Terre

Rochefort-en-Terre, one of France’s most beautiful villages, is a storybook destination famous for its flower-filled streets and medieval architecture. Rochefort-en-Terre delights with:

  • Flower-filled Streets: A postcard-perfect setting.

  • Medieval Château: A peaceful place to explore.

  • Artisan Boutiques: Handmade goods and local flavor.

Near Vannes and Questembert, it's a must for those seeking idyllic Brittany France villages.

Explore Rochefort-en-Terre, one of France's most enchanting villages.

Locronan

Locronan, is a quaint and picturesque village steeped in history, set amidst rolling countryside. Its cobbled streets, granite houses, and galleries showcase the region’s rich artistic heritage.

  • Saint-Ronan Church: A spiritual and architectural gem.

  • Craft Shops & Galleries: Local art and heritage.

Near Quimper, Locronan is perfect for a peaceful, culture-filled day trip.

Discover Locronan, a picturesque village of cobbled streets, granite houses, and rich history.

Saint-Suliac

Saint-Suliac is a historic fishing village nestled along the River Rance, renowned for its picturesque streets and traditional Breton architecture. What you will find in Saint-Suliac:

  • Historic Charm: Narrow lanes and stone cottages.

  • Estuary Views: Serene riverside scenes.

  • Traditional Architecture: Deep-rooted Breton beauty.

Close to Dinan and St Malo, Saint-Suliac is a hidden gem among prettiest villages in Brittany.

Experience the charm of Saint-Suliac, a historic fishing village on the River Rance.

Brittany’s cities, towns, and villages are far more than just the highlights we've mentioned—this region is full of hidden gems just waiting to be explored!

Our travel experts have handpicked the best places to stay in Brittany, ensuring you have the perfect base for your adventure. Book your holiday with us today and enjoy 30% off your ferry trip to Brittany.

WANT TO EXPLORE FURTHER?

Join our mailing list to receive travel inspiration, our latest 168澳洲体彩幸运10开奖官方开奖结果 实时直播 历史号码 精准数据统计news & offers

By signing up, you accept to receive news, travel ideas, special offers, communications following an abandoned basket from Brittany Ferries 澳洲幸运10十168体彩开奖网 and information about our partnerships. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking on the link at the bottom of each of our commercial emails. For more information, please read our privacy policy.