July 3, 2026, 1:02 pm | Read time: 7 minutes

Luna Vogt from the TRAVELBOOK editorial team lived in the Breton city of Quimper for a year and got to know the region intensively. She reveals six places you should not miss when traveling to Brittany.

Saint-Malo

Soft sandy beach right on the Atlantic, colorful and medieval buildings, and a range of typical Breton specialties: Saint-Malo represents Brittany for me like no other French city.

The town is best known for the battles for its liberation by the Allies in World War II. During the battle in August 1944, the old town was almost completely destroyed. However, after the war, it was reconstructed true to the original, allowing visitors to experience Saint-Malo in its medieval style once again.

Inside the city, there are numerous Breton food spots where you can discover savory galettes and sweet delicacies. My personal insider tip is the ice cream parlor “Sanchez.” They offer many extraordinary ice cream flavors, and the “caramel au beurre salé” has particularly captivated me. Salted butter caramel is one of Brittany’s specialties par excellence–and if ice cream isn’t an option, it is sold in many stores in the form of candies or cream.

The port city is definitely a must-see and offers an authentic insight into Breton culture with its charm and interesting history.

Pointe du Raz

Pointe du Raz is often referred to as the “end of the world,” and when I first stood on the rugged cliffs there, I immediately understood why.

Pointe du Raz not only offers a fantastic view of the beautiful Atlantic but also of old lighthouses and the island Île de Sein.

I find the legend of the sunken city of Ys particularly fascinating. According to the legend, it is said to lie off the coast and was swallowed by the sea due to the king’s daughter Dahut. The princess is said to have lost the only silver keys that kept the sluice gate to the city open. To this day, it is said that on calm seas, you can still hear the bells of the Cathedral of Ys.

A unique event is also the sunset at Pointe du Raz. In the few milliseconds when the sun disappears into the Atlantic, you can see a green ray on the horizon. The “green flash” gives the place the mystical flair that the coastal landscape already possesses.

Concarneau

Whether you’re a sports enthusiast, interested in boats, or a city lover: Concarneau is one of the places that particularly surprised me. Most people know Concarneau for its mighty fortress walls in the old town and the large fishing port. But few know that the city is also one of the most important centers of offshore sailing in France.

Record holder François Gabart, who circumnavigated the world solo in 42 days, 16 hours, 40 minutes, and 35 seconds, has his innovation projects based in Concarneau. With his team, he develops and builds state-of-the-art racing yachts and sustainable maritime projects. A walk along the harbor allows you to view the world-famous trimaran “SVR-Lazartigue,” with which Gabart set his world record.

If you’re looking for a cool down after city strolling or want to try surfing, head to “plage des sables blancs” (“white sand beach”). It’s a wonderful place to end the day by the sea. The fresh sea air and relaxed atmosphere make Concarneau a place you should definitely visit.

Rennes

From festivals to concerts to weekly markets, Rennes offers everything you shouldn’t miss during a visit. The capital of Brittany is especially known for its vibrant and diverse cultural scene, showing that the region has much more to offer than impressive nature and historical buildings.

I have traveled to Rennes several times and quickly realized that Brittany has a completely different side. In addition to the well-known coastal landscapes and charming old towns, Rennes impresses with a creative and youthful atmosphere that can be felt in many corners of the city.

The numerous street art works and street musicians provide an inspiring insight into the modern and hip life of the French region. Among the most famous events is the “Transmusicales” music festival, which takes place every December and features artists from a wide variety of music genres. Also among the most important events are the art and theater festival “Les Tombées de la Nuit” and the Breton festival “Yaouank,” which is considered the largest festival of Breton culture and has even been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

After all the cultural impressions, Rennes also offers many opportunities to relax. I was particularly impressed by the “Parc du Thabor” in the city center, which was a real highlight for me as a park lover. It combines elements of a French, English, and botanical garden and invites you to take relaxing walks. You can observe exotic birds, discover lovingly designed rose gardens, and find small quiet corners that invite you to linger.

Rennes combines culture, creativity, and relaxation in a special way and should definitely be on the list when traveling through Brittany.

More on the topic

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Quimper

I find the Celtic roots of the region particularly exciting. For example, street signs not only display the French spelling of place names but also the Breton. Unfortunately, only a few residents still speak the Celtic language. Nevertheless, it is nice to see that the city is trying to preserve its cultural identity.

In addition to details like these, medieval houses, numerous boutiques, and traditional crêperies invite you to stroll. The towering Saint-Corentin Cathedral also leaves its mark. It has two towers, which, due to their construction in different centuries, have a small, curious bend.

If you want to chat with locals, in my experience, there are hardly better places than the bars in Quimper. In the pub “Ceili,” for example, you can have the local specialty “Arthurienne” poured. The drink is mixed from cider, beer, chouchen (Breton mead), and often a splash of lambig.

Brest

Brest is visibly marked by the bombings during World War II. This is precisely what makes the place so exciting and worth seeing for me. The city houses the second-largest naval base in all of France and is one of the country’s most important commercial and military ports.

If you’re interested in history, you should visit the well-known “Musée National de la Marine” in the Château de Brest. You can also view historical documents and pictures on the “Tour Tanguy” to see what the city looked like before World War II. The large aquarium “Océanopolis” is also worth a visit for young and old. It offers fascinating insights into the deep underwater world.

To conclude, I recommend a ride on the “Téléphérique de Brest.” The cable car is part of the city’s public transport and offers a fantastic view over Brest and its harbor.

The fresh air of the Atlantic coast, the numerous regional specialties, and the history of Brittany greatly influenced me during my year in France. For those who want to experience France beyond the tourist regions like Paris or the Côte d’Azur, I highly recommend not missing Brittany.