TRAVELBrittany GUIDE

www.oliverstravels.com Brittany is famed chiefly for its beaches, and with so much coastline to explore it’s certainly one of the best reasons to visit the region. But there’s more to Brittany than sun, sea and sand. This distinctive Atlantic region was independent until the 16th century and many inhabitants still regard it as a separate entity. It has its own language and Breton culture: the sounds of biniou (French bagpipes) ring out from inns and the locals dance well into the early hours at one of their fest-noz night festivals.

BRITTANY 101

CURRENCY EURO TIME ZONE GMT +1 ELECTRICAL TWO PIN ROUND HIGHEST TEMP. 19° C LANGUAGE FRENCH LOWEST TEMP. 8° C EMERGENCY PEAK SEASON 112 APRIL-SEPT

www.oliverstravels.com TRANSPORT TALK

BY WHEELS BY BIKE BY TAXI

Driving around Brittany has Brittany is home to eight Taxi services in and around its advantages: not only are major cycle routes Brittany are widely the roads toll-free but including a portion of the available around towns and you’ll also be able to epic La Velodyssée, which cities at taxi ranks. You can access some of the smaller ultimatly links Roscoff in also pre book with one of destinations that are the north of France to Brittany’s many taxi unreachable by train. Hendaye in the south. providers.

BY WATER BY AIR BY BUS OR TRAIN

You can sail direct into There are several airlines The local train network, or Brittany via the St Malo that fly to Brittany’s TER, runs throughout port. Ferries sail regularly convenient airports from Brittany with hundreds of on a daily basis; providers the UK and Ireland – services each day. There include Brittany ferries & Airports include Brest, are also several tourist Condor Ferries. Dinard and Nantes, with trains between Auray and several flights operating Presqu’ile de Quiberon. daily.

www.oliverstravels.com HIDDEN GEMS AND ACTIVITIES

Ile de Batz Ile de Batz is a small island offering coastal walks, a stunning exotic garden and Bronze Age burial sites. Parc d’Armorique Clamber up the boulders of Parc d’Armorique where You’ll find scenic walking routes and idyllic villages.

Saint-Malo

Quimper

Rennes

Quimper The bustling city of Quimper is a medieval city with imposing historic architecture, which is definitely worth a wander. Le Faouët The beautifully preserved Le Faouët is a rural village in the mountainous inland province of Kalon Breizh, seems to be stuck in the past.

Hidden Gems Picks for Kids Best Activities Foodie Delights TOP PICKS FOR KIDS

Skim Across Waves Sail Around the Coast Walk Through History

The beaches of Brittany Brittany's coastline offers Village De Poul-Fetan is a make for a fantastic day great family fun activities! living museum where the out! Hit the waves with 29 Try messing about in boats kids can explore an Hood Surfclub, where you with Eulalie Paimpol, which authentic Breton village and the whole family can can take you on a tour of and learn all about the learn the ins and outs (and the coast while the kids Breton lifestyle. There’s falling-ins) of surfing from hoist the mainsail and even a treasure hunt for the friendly and supportive splice the mainbrace. the younger members of teachers. the family to enjoy.

Solve Mysteries Underwater Wonders Myths and Legends

Brittany has its fair share of Then there’s Océanopolis La Porte des Secrets in theme parks for Aquarium, whose tropical, Brocéliande is an engaging memorable family days polar and temperate museum hosted in the out. Head in to the jungle sections containing some historic Paimpont Abbey, at Enigmaparc, a fantastic of the weirdest and most which reveals the day of puzzle-solving and wonderful sea creatures mysteries of this legendary games through a series of will have everyone forest and its ties to Merlin themed rooms. marvelling at the and Arthur. underwater world.

www.oliverstravels.com MAP IT OUT: WHERE TO FIND THE BEST FOR KIDS

Sail Around the Coast

Underwater Wonders Saint-Malo

Quimper Walk through History Myths and Legends Rennes

Skim Across Waves Solve Mysteries CROWD-PLEASERS: BEST ACTIVITIES

Swim Among Fish Take a Sailing Trip Go Island-Hopping

With so much wonderful A boat trip is a great way to Does island-hopping coastline there’s a ton of see the Breton sights. sound more your cup of activities to explore. Saint- Voiles et Traditions are the tea? Croisières Izenah can Malo Plongée ideal people to talk to sort you out with an Émeraude organises scuba about a boat trip, as their excursion around the Gulf diving around Saint Malo, wooden boats provide a of Morhiban to visit exploring two shipwrecks charming way to beautiful ancient-looking as well as appreciating all experience the coast of fishing villages, with the marine wildlife. Brittany. stunning scenery to enjoy on the way.

Tour a Walled City Cycle Admire the Blooms

Saint Malo is the jewel in Biking is a great way to Jardin du Conservatoire the crown of Brittany’s experience the culture and Botanique National de coastal towns, and Saint- landscapes of Brittany. If Brest is home to more than Malo Guide really gets to you’re looking to hire a bike 1,700 species of plants. the heart of the town’s for you and your friends, they’re even grouped into history and wonderful check out Abicyclette. their home countries so architecture. A perfect day They can even help you to you can brush up on your out for the whole family! plan the best route for your geography! group.

www.oliverstravels.com MAP IT OUT: WHERE TO FIND THE BEST FOR GROUPS

Take a Sailing Trip

Swim Among Fish Admire the Blooms Saint-Malo

Quimper Cycle

Tour a Walled City Rennes

Go Island-Hopping BEST FOODIE DELIGHTS

Bistro Autour du Buerre

Au Rythme Distillerie des Menhirs

Au Rythme des Marées in Bistro Autour du Buerre is a The Distillerie des Baden is a treat for any celebration of all things Menhirs produces whiskey seafood fan – it’s an oyster dairy. One particular from buckwheat (the same farm that tells you product is put front and thing Brittany’s famous everything you need to centre in many of the crepes are made from) and know about these tasty restaurant’s dishes – butter. offers free tours during the crustaceans, from how Dig in, and try not to think summer. Embrace the they’re farmed to how too much about the chance to try this unusual they’re eaten. calories! tipple.

L’Auberge des Glazicks Restaurant le Coquillage

Dishes to Try

For a true taste of luxury, Brittany’s oysters are Restaurant le Coquillage in L’Auberge des Glazicks has prized by gourmands from Cancale is an intimate been awarded an around the globe. Breton restaurant that makes the impressive two Michelin lamb is a dish well worth most of the freshest fish stars thanks to the ordering if you see it on a and shellfish available. innovation of chef, Olivier restaurant menu. The There’s even a cookery Bellin. If you’re feeling famous buckwheat school on-site if you want indecisive, try the tasting Pancakes make a tasty to learn a thing or two as menu for a little of lunch or afternoon snack. well! everything!

www.oliverstravels.com MAP IT OUT: WHERE TO FIND THE BEST FOR FOODIES

Bistro Autour du Buerre Saint-Malo Restaurant le Coquillage

L’Auberge des Glazicks Quimper Distillerie des Menhirs Rennes

Au Rythme We’d like to think we know travel pretty well. Since we first hatched Oliver’s Travels in 2003 it’s been essentially all we’ve talked about. You could call us obsessed.

Our extensive blog, Oliver’s Journal has got tons of information and inspiration on locations across Europe and the Caribbean. It’s a one-stop shop for family-friendly holiday fun, the best group activities, foodie finds and a good dose of adventure. If you found this travel guide useful, (we hope you did!), you can find a whole host more on the blog, too!

At Oliver's Travels we don't do ordinary. From family villas and chateaux in Brittany and luxury cottages in the UK, to Mediterranean villas with pools and Caribbean beach vacation homes, we have something for everyone, everywhere.

Get in touch Follow Us 0800 133 7999 www.oliverstravels.com