Le Marche a Joselin ©Lamoureux Alexandre
Welcome to Brittany, a region of incredible treasures and contrasts with a richly diverse scenery and heritage. Always a favourite among families for seaside holidays, Brittany is also best for a replenishing break. High-class accommodation with luxury spas and gourmet restaurants, premium food & wine experiences and beautiful golf courses. Combined with the region’s spectacular landscapes, fresh sea air and authentic living.
5 ways to #FeelBrittany
Taste
Learn how to cook real Breton pancakes.
In the lovely seaside resort of Bénodet, Vero, a native of Finistère, as genuine as the local butter, will let you into the secrets of 100% Breton pancakes, continuing the traditions of her grandmothers. In a friendly atmosphere, get your hands in the bowl and turn out your own pancakes. Then all you have to do is enjoy them!
http://www.brittanytourism.com/ideas/brittany-experiences
Sight
Walk the GR34 and enjoy a new postcard at every turn
Open your eyes to the sights with an invigorating walking holiday in Brittany. The Grande Randonnée (GR® 34) runs along 1,800km of Brittany’s coastline, constantly offering stunning sea views! Established in 1791, the footpath allowed guards to roam the coast to prevent smuggling. Fallen into disuse in the early 20th century, thetrail is experiencing a second life since 1968.
http://www.brittanytourism.com/to-see-to-do/iconic-routes
Smell
Opening of the Maison Yves Rocher in La Gacilly
Discover all the secrets of this world famous French cosmetics brand, born in the village of La Gacilly through a new immersive multi-sensory scenography! Learn about the incredible assets of plants and get a glimpse into the beauty laboratory before strolling the botanic garden.
https://www.maisonyvesrocher.fr/
Touch
Luxury spa break in St-MaloTreat yourself to true Breton luxury and comfort by the sea with a wellness break at the Grand Hôtel des Thermes*****. Choose from a multitude of rituals inspired by the whole world: blond wood, stones, pebbles, subdued lighting, refined cabins facing the sea, soft music, warm atmosphere.
http://www.thalassotherapy.com/
Hear
Lorient Interceltic Festival
From 3 – 12 August 2018, around 700,000 people will invade the Celtic land of Lorient for the Festival Interceltique. From Galicia to Scotland, the cream of Celtic music can be enjoyed in a really convivial atmosphere. Around 200 events and shows and 5000 performers are on the bill. The Guest of honour in 2018: Wales
http://www.festival-interceltique.bzh/
NEED TO KNOW
GOOD TO KNOW IF TRAVELLING ON A BUDGET…
- New low cost train service from Paris to Rennes
- The road network in Brittany includes plenty of toll-free dual-carriageways – a little detail that makes a big difference to your budget!
A LOCAL’S TOP TIP
One of the pleasures of summer in Brittany is enjoying seafood. Especially when eaten straight from the producer whilst admiring the sea!
FOR THE DIARY
The Route du Rhum 40th anniversary – The 11th edition of the legendary transatlantic solo race promises an exceptional sports scene, with six classes of boats and no less than a hundred boats competing. Join the 200,000 people who come and watch the boats depart in Saint-Malo every four years – 4 November 2018 www.routedurhum.com
The Valley of the Saints 10th anniversary – Around 1500 years ago, priests and monks coming from Great Britain landed on the coast of Brittany. Some, like Malo or Brieuc, have left their mark on the region. In the village of Carnoët, sculptors have created dozens of giant four-metre high granite statues of saints and placed them on a feudal mound with views stretching out as far as the Monts d’Arrée mountains. In 2018, for the site’s 10th anniversary, the 100th statue will take up residence on the hillside. The site managers have asked a Breton artist and a British artist to create together in Falmouth a statue of Saint-Piran, the patron of Cornwall – a tribute to the links between Cornwall and Brittany. A Breton market will take place in Falmouth on 5th and 6th May 2018, before the statue sets sail on a heritage sailing boat to Brittany. From July 26th to 29th, the arrival of Saint-Piran will be celebrated with 3 days of festivities at the Vallée des Saints, during which the statue will be solemnly installed on its base- 26 to 29 July 2018 www.lavalleedessaints.com
La Gacilly Photo Festival 15th edition – La Gacilly is synonymous with the late Yves Rocher who created and ran his cosmetics empire in this charming Morbihan village; it’s also renowned for its annual photo festival, France’s largest outdoor photographic festival, which takes place from June to September. Focusing specifically on the environment and the challenges the planet faces, this is an arts event that fully intends to become part of the landscape. This exhibition counts several hundred large format photos, taken by well-known artists and amateur photographers alike. Installed in the open air throughout the quaint cobbled streets of the charming village of La Gacilly, this exhibition needs no special effects. For its 15th year, the age of adolescence, youth and puberty, the festival intends to show these same aspects in the changing landscapes of five continents – 30 June – 2 September 2018 www.festivalphoto-lagacilly.com
Fête des Remparts – Since 1983, the Ramparts Festival has taken over the pretty little town of Dinan for a weekend. Step back into medieval times and get carried away by the fun and friendly atmosphere. Everyone can enjoy taking part in this unusual role-play game with all locals dress up in period costumes and a whole range of events taking place such as jousting tournaments, a big medieval market, balls, a grand parade… Take this opportunity to discover or rediscover Dinan, a Town of Art and History – 21-22 July 2018 www.fete-remparts-dinan.com
Dinard British Film Festival – For more than 20 years, every autumn the seaside town attracts some of the biggest names in British and French cinema during festival week. Held in Alfred Hitchcock’s honour, it is said that he modelled the famous Pyscho house on one of Dinard’s elaborately turreted villas – 26 – 30 September 2018 www.festivaldufilm-dinard.com
France, Morbihan, Sauzon a Belle-Ile-en-Mer, randonnee a la Pointe des Poulains ©BerthierEmmanuel
franceuncovered.com 
We visited St Malo late July 2018; the town and coast is very scenic; the view of the beach and ocean from our hotel was magnetic. The inlet at St Malo was beautiful.
Our train from Paris Montparnasse was cancelled and the indicator did not show an alternative train. I approached a Frenchman (Patrick) waiting at the station and he was most helpful; he took me to information/ticket office and then to a train about to leave for Rennes where we caught a connecting train to St Malo. I would again like to thank Patrick for his help and kindness to us.
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