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

The best time to visit Brittany

Brittany is a year-round destination, rich in culture, tradition, and natural beauty. Whether you're drawn by its lively festivals, coastal hikes, or charming villages, each season offers something unique to experience. Thanks to its oceanic climate, Brittany enjoys mild winters and pleasantly warm summers, making it ideal for everything from quiet getaways to outdoor adventures.

To help you decide when to visit, we’ve broken down what each season has to offer, so you can make the most of your trip. And with easy ferry access and great places to stay , your trip to Brittany will be seamless from start to finish!

Spring in Brittany

Spring brings a gentle warmth, with temperatures ranging from 11°C to 18°C. As the season unfolds, the landscapes come alive, flowers bloom, and the inviting weather encourages more visitors to the region. It’s the perfect time for travellers to explore the scenic coastal paths and charming medieval towns.

Take in Brittany’s Culture

Spring is the ideal season to experience Brittany’s charm: peaceful, scenic, and full of heritage. With mild weather and fewer visitors, it’s the perfect time to slow down and explore.

Enjoy peaceful spring walks along the coast. Plage de Carnac in Morbihan is an ideal choice.

  • Carnac Megaliths: Wander among thousands of ancient standing stones at one of Europe’s most remarkable prehistoric sites.

  • Coastal Paths: Enjoy quiet walks along Brittany’s stunning coastline, with dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and sweeping sea views.

  • Village Life: Discover Brittany’s storybook villages, where cobbled streets, local markets, and half-timbered houses reflect a rich cultural past.

Spring Festivals in Brittany

Spring in Brittany bursts with energy: craft beer, seafood feasts, sailing thrills, and vibrant music. From coastal villages to buzzing cities, there’s something for everyone.

  • Craft Beer Expo (St Malo): In March, sample local and international brews, meet brewers, and enjoy the lively port atmosphere.

  • Scallop Festival (Erquy, Saint-Quay-Portrieux & Paimpol): April celebrates Brittany’s scallop season with boat trips, fresh seafood, and live music across three ports.

  • Ar Men Race (La Trinité-sur-Mer): In May, watch top sailors tackle a challenging offshore race around the iconic Ar Men lighthouse.

  • Made Festival (Rennes): Also in May, Rennes comes alive with four days of electronic music, DJ sets, and late-night energy.

Visit Brittany’s Gardens

Spring is the perfect time to explore Brittany’s gardens: lush, colorful, and full of life. From historic grounds to botanical treasures, these green spaces are a feast for the senses.

Wander the Jardin des Remparts and enjoy Vannes in bloom.

  • Jardin des Plantes (Nantes): One of France’s largest botanical gardens, it features rare and exotic plants in a beautifully curated landscape.

  • Jardin des Remparts (Vannes): Nestled by medieval walls, this elegant garden offers terraced flower beds and classic French design in a historic setting.

  • Conservatoire Botanique (Brest): A haven for endangered plants, this garden features tropical greenhouses and a rich Mediterranean collection.

Summer in Brittany

In summer, Brittany enjoys temperatures around 22°C, perfect for exploring the region’s stunning scenery. July and August are Brittany’s peak months, a period filled with bustling beaches and vibrant events. For a more tranquil summer experience, consider June or early September, when the weather’s still warm but crowds thin out.  

Brittany’s Beaches

The sunny weather makes summer the best time of year to explore the many beautiful beaches throughout Brittany. From hidden coves to sweeping bays, Brittany’s coastline is home to some of France’s most beautiful beaches.

Surfing in Baie des Trépassés, Finistère, is perfect in the summer.

  • Plage de l’Île Vierge (Crozon Peninsula): Framed by white cliffs and turquoise water, this scenic cove is best admired from the GR34 coastal path, as access is now restricted.

  • Plage du Sillon (St Malo): A golden stretch along the city walls, ideal for walking, swimming, and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.

  • Plage de Trestraou (Perros-Guirec): A family favourite on the Pink Granite Coast, offering water sports, boat trips, and a lively promenade.

  • Baie des Trépassés (Pointe du Raz): Wild and windswept, this dramatic beach is perfect for surfers and lovers of raw natural beauty.

Summer Festivals in Brittany

Summer in Brittany offers an exciting lineup of vibrant festivals, filled with music, cultural traditions, and a lively atmosphere.

  • Festival Interceltique (Lorient): Held in June, this famous event celebrates Brittany’s Celtic roots with music, performances, and lively parades.

  • Fête de la Musique (around Brittany): Also in June, this festival marks the summer solstice with open-air concerts that bring together locals and visitors.

  • Festival des Vieilles Charrues (Carhaix): Taking place in July, France’s largest music festival features international stars, French acts, and emerging talent, along with food, art, and cultural experiences.

Brittany’s Great Outdoors in Summer

Brittany’s natural beauty shines in summer, offering endless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.

Set sail and explore the hidden coves of the Gulf of Morbihan.

  • GR34 Coastal Path: Hike along this stunning route and take in dramatic cliffs, sweeping landscapes, and picturesque coastal towns.

  • Amorique Regional Natural Park: Explore diverse ecosystems through various hiking trails, where you can spot local birds and wildlife in their natural habitats.

  • Cycling and Kayaking: For the active traveler, Brittany’s cycling and kayaking routes wind through breathtaking scenery, providing an unforgettable way to explore the region.

  • Gulf of Morbihan: For a more peaceful experience, rent a boat and glide through calm waters, discovering hidden islands and secluded coves at your own pace.

Autumn in Brittany

A slightly cooler time of year, autumn temperatures range from 17°C to lows of 10°C. With fewer tourists and a beautiful autumn colour palette, the season offers a more relaxed opportunity to experience Brittany's charm at your own pace.

A Colourful Landscape to Explore

As autumn paints Brittany in golden shades, the region becomes even more captivating. The Forest of Brocéliande, Brittany’s largest woodland, is rich in Arthurian legend and brimming with ancient trees, deer, and vibrant birdlife.

Explore Brocéliande in autumn, where vibrant colours bring ancient legends to life.

  • Forest of Brocéliande: Spanning 7,000 hectares, this mystical forest transforms in autumn, with its trails bathed in golden hues.

  • Hiking Trails: With nearly 200 signposted routes, there’s something for everyone—whether you're enjoying a leisurely family walk or tackling a longer hike.

Autumn Festivals in Brittany

Autumn in Brittany is full of flavour, celebrating seasonal harvests, local traditions, and the region’s rich culinary heritage. It’s the perfect time to eat, drink, and enjoy.

  • Festival Gourmand (Rennes): In October, Rennes hosts a delicious celebration of Breton cuisine with local produce, food trucks, and pop-up restaurants.

  • Chestnut Festival (Ploërmel): Also in October, this cosy festival marks the chestnut harvest with tastings, artisan stalls, and traditional music.

  • Apple Festival (Quévert): In November, enjoy cider tastings, fresh apples, and festive dancing as Quévert celebrates Brittany’s apple season.

European Heritage Days

Each September, European Heritage Days open the doors to Brittany’s rich past, offering unique access to historic sites, landmarks, and cultural treasures.

Celebrate European Heritage Days and discover Brittany’s hidden treasures like Fougères Castle.

  • St Malo: In Saint-Malo, walk the ramparts, join guided tours, and dive into the city’s corsair history. Exhibitions and events turn the walled city into a stage for its maritime story.

  • Ancient City Gates and Castles: Visit Château de Fougères, one of Europe’s largest medieval castles. Explore its towers and walls while hearing tales of knights and battles.

Winter in Brittany

With temperatures averaging around 10°C, winter brings a quieter, more peaceful side of Brittany. It’s the perfect season to enjoy crisp coastal walks, explore historic towns without the crowds, and experience the region’s festive charm. While chillier, winter offers a cozy atmosphere, and plenty to discover.

Christmas in Brittany

Brittany shines during the festive season, with twinkling lights, lively markets, and a warm holiday spirit fill the air. It’s a magical time to visit.

Immerse yourself in Christmas magic while wandering through the festive streets of Quimper.

  • Christmas Markets: Explore festive markets in Rennes, Nantes, Quimper, St Malo, and beyond. Enjoy local cider, sweet treats, handcrafted gifts, and live music in a joyful setting.

  • Festive Charm: From decorated town squares to cozy cafés, December is full of heartwarming moments, perfect for embracing the season in true Breton style.

Winter Festivals in Brittany

Winter in Brittany is calm and cozy, yet still full of surprises. With festive lights, live music, and historic charm, it’s a season to slow down and enjoy.

  • La Route du Rock (St Malo): In February, this winter edition of the famous music festival features global artists performing in intimate venues throughout St Malo’s historic old town.

  • Les Trans Musicales (Rennes): Taking place in December, this renowned festival in Rennes highlights a diverse mix of international bands, with local Breton treats like galettes and cider available at the venues.

  • Fest-Noz (Quimper): Around the turn of the year, enjoy traditional Breton celebrations with communal dancing and live music, especially during local winter holidays.

Enjoy a Peaceful Brittany

In January, Brittany is at its quietest, calm, uncrowded, and full of gentle charm. It’s the perfect time to slow down and explore at your own pace.

At Christmas, Saint-Goustan’s port lights up with beautiful decorations for a charming riverside walk.

  • Charming Towns: Stroll through peaceful streets, browse local shops, and soak up the relaxed winter atmosphere.

  • Historic Landmarks: Visit ancient sites and heritage towns without the crowds, from medieval castles to coastal forts.

  • Coastal Walks: Brave the bracing sea air with a walk along Brittany’s dramatic winter coastline; just be sure to bring a warm jacket!

There’s so much to do in Brittany year-round, with each season offering its own delights to enjoy. It’s hard to pick the best time to visit! Book your accommodation with us and enjoy 30% off your ferry trip to Brittany. Explore this wonderful part of France, start your unforgettable adventure, and book now!

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