What better way to describe this land of strong character (and weather)? As France's fourth-largest tourist region, Brittany's appeal lies in its diversity: a maritime land where you can discover the benefits of thalassotherapy and water sports of all kinds. But Brittany's charm can also be seen in its picturesque villages, some of the most beautiful in France, where traditions are still alive and well. From Finistère to Ille-et-Vilaine, via Côtes-d'Armor and Morbihan, here are the 15 most beautiful villages in Brittany to discover!
N° 1 - Concarneau, the military citadel
Concarneau, the military fortress© RnDmS - Adobe Stock
If there's one place to admire in Brittany, it's Concarneau and its famous walled town, full of charm. In fact, it's one of Brittany's must-sees if you're looking for relics of the Middle Ages. The fortifications surrounded by the sea are a wonderful reminder of this military fortress's past. Don't hesitate to take the time for a leisurely stroll and discover its streets, cobbled houses and numerous small craft stores.
Read more : What to do and see in Concarneau? The 15 must-sees
N° 2 - Dinan, the picturesque town
The town of Dinan© bbsferrari - Adobe Stock
Dinan is one of Brittany's most charming small towns, where time seems to stand still. Its cobbled streets, half-timbered houses and slate roofs are ideal for a bucolic stroll with your partner, family or even friends. During your stay in Dinan, don't miss the opportunity to see its monuments steeped in history: the medieval Château de Dinan, the Basilique Saint-Sauveur, the Church of Saint-Malo, the Tour de l'Horloge and the Abbey of Léhon.
The village of Dinan is also included in our of France's most beautiful medieval towns !
N° 3 - La Gacilly, a green interlude
The village of La Gacilly© myriam - Adobe Stock
La Gacilly is an ideal village for lovers of photography and craftsmanship. An ideal day in La Gacilly starts with a morning strolling through its charming streets to discover the art of ironwork, glass, wood, leather... Take advantage of the afternoon to get some fresh air and stroll through the surrounding countryside, in the calm of the shady forests or along the river banks. And if you're there in summer, don't miss the Photography Festival, an important event in village life!
Read more: What to do and see in Morbihan and its Gulf? Top 11 most beautiful spots
N° 4 - Dol-de-Bretagne, the ideal stopover before Mont Saint-Michel
Dol-de-Bretagne church© Ariane Citron - Adobe Stock
Situated 20 minutes' drive from Saint-Malo and in the heart of the Mont Saint-Michel bay, Dol-de-Bretagne is a small stopover village much appreciated by tourists for its medieval houses and unique view of Mont Dol and its marshes. Take the time to visit Saint-Samson, its majestic Gothic cathedral, which is well worth a visit, then head off to discover the mythical Mont Saint-Michel, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
N° 5 - Saint-Cado, the mysterious island in the Rivière d'Etel
The island of Saint-Cado© Cyrille - Adobe Stock
Located between Lorient and Auray, the island of Saint-Cado is one of the most beautiful villages not only in Brittany , but also in France. Accessible via a bridge, this little piece of land is always a favorite. Take the time to stroll through its charming little fishermen's cottages and intoxicatingly colorful landscapes. And if you're curious, ask a local to tell you about the curious legend of Saint-Cado bridge...
N° 6 - Bécherel, the city of books
The town of Bécherel© melanieleleu - Adobe Stock
It's no wonder that words are so important in Bécherel! Considered the Breton city of books, there are over 14 bookshops, each more original than the last. From flower shops to wine bars, from calligraphers' workshops to bookbinders' workshops: bookworms won't know where to turn! A commune of Rennes Métropole, Bécherel is one of the treasures of Ille-et-Vilaine and one of the most beautiful villages in Brittany.
N° 7 - Guerlesquin, the other Finistère
The village of Guerlesquin© Michal - Shutterstock.com
Land of knights and bards, Guerlesquin offers a journey back in time right in the heart of Finistère. This pretty granite village is home to a former seigniorial prison that is the object of much curiosity. This square building surrounded by watchtowers housed the prisoners' dungeons on the first floor. But if you want to discover Guerlesquin like a true Breton, come and join us in August for the World Menhir Throwing Championships! I promise, the sky won't fall!
Read more: What to do and see in Finistère? 21 must-sees
N° 8 - La Roche-Bernard, on the banks of the Vilaine river
La Roche-Bernard© Isabelle Ledoux
La Roche-Bernard, which has been awarded the "Petite Cité de caractère" label, was built by the Viking Bern Hart (strong like a bear) in the 10th century. From its rocky promontory, you can admire a splendid view of the Vilaine River, which has been the daily life of this village for centuries. At the far end of the Old Port, you'll find the largest concentration of old sailing ships in Brittany, testimony to La Roche-Bernard's intense maritime activity a few hundred years ago. To find out more, a visit to the Musée de la Vilaine Maritime at Château des Basses-Fosses is a must! Want to find out more about Brittany's museums? Check out ourtrip to Brittany to discover the Musée National de la Marine network!
N° 9 - Locronan, an inexhaustible source of inspiration
Locronan village© Alexi Tauzin - Adobe Stock
From Polanski to Jeunet, many film-makers have chosen Locronan as their film set, considering it one of the most beautiful villages in Brittany. This picturesque village in Finistère, a region of splendor between land and sea, has preserved its heritage, notably its typical granite mansions in a pedestrian-only historic center. Beautifully preserved, they bear witness to the town's rich past, which saw its heyday in the sailing trade.
Locronan is also one of our Top 25 most beautiful villages in France.
N° 10 - Saint-Briac-sur-Mer, a bucolic stopover
The village of Saint-Briac-sur-Mer© Delphotostock - Adobe Stock
Bordered by the English Channel, Saint-Briac-sur-Mer is a charming fishing village in Ille-et-Vilaine that can be considered one of the most beautiful villages in France. Renowned for its dozen or so beaches and its historic church, it is also home to some very pleasant footpaths in summer. The Chemin des peintres, where Auguste Renoir found inspiration in 1886 for his painting La Bergère, la vache et la brebis , is certainly the most popular. These 13 bucolic kilometers form the first stage of the Sentier des douaniers, one of Brittany's most popular hiking trails.
Read more : GR 34 le Sentiers des Douaniers: itinerary and information
N° 11 - Legendary Saint-Suliac, one of France's most beautiful villages
The village of Saint-Suliac© Michal - Adobe Stock
Just 5 kilometers from Saint-Malo, Saint-Suliac is listed as one of the most beautiful villages not only in Brittany, but also in France. According to legend, this fishing village, founded in the 10th century by the Vikings, is home to Gargantua's tomb. A menhir can be seen here, believed to be the giant's tooth! If you'd like to get a bit of height yourself, take the path to Mont Gareau, from where you'll have a splendid view of the Rance and the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel.
Read more : What to see on Brittany's Emerald Coast? The 13 must-sees
N° 12 - The enchanting Rochefort-en-Terre, voted Most Beautiful Village in France
The village of Rochefort-en-Terre© Rolf St
Built on a rocky spur, Rochefort-en-Terre stands on ancient Roman fortifications. Between the famous Brocéliande forest and the Gulf of Morbihan, this village has been elected Petite Cité de Caractère, Plus Beau Village de France and Ville Fleurie. An enchanting land, Rochefort-en-Terre has attracted many artists, including the painter Alfred Klots, who transformed the ruins of his castle into a sumptuous Breton manor house.
N° 13 - Pont-Aven, a land of inspiration
The village of Pont-Aven© DaLiu - Shutterstock.com
But Pont-Aven is much more than a gastronomic stopover: it's also one of the most beautiful villages in France! This village in Finistère is better known as the City of Painters, since it was here that the Pont-Aven school, founded by Paul Gauguin, was born. The village's bohemian spirit still attracts artists who come here to seek inspiration on the banks of the sometimes calm, sometimes capricious Aven river.
Read more : What to do and see in Pont-Aven The 10 must-sees
N° 14 - Moncontour, medieval town
Moncontour village© Wil Tilroe-Otte - Shutterstock.com
25 km from Saint-Brieuc, in the Côtes-d'Armor region, Moncontour is surrounded by imposing ramparts and built on a rocky spur: it was once a fortified town of the Duchy of Penthièvre. It's a delight to stroll through its narrow streets, admiring the mansions and wealthy properties inherited from the cloth merchants who made its fortune. Every odd-numbered year, a medieval festival brings back its lustre to this historic town, one of France's most beautiful villages. See you in 2023!
N° 15 - Ploumanac'h, a jewel of pink granite
The village of Ploumanac'h© RicoK - Shutterstock.com
Voted France's favorite village in 2015, Ploumanac'h is a former fishing hamlet now linked to the commune of Perros-Guirrec in the Côtes-d'Armor region. All along its coastline, pink granite stones that appeared three hundred million years ago protect the village from the whims of the sea. This sumptuous spectacle is a permanent object of study for geologists and a source of inspiration for many painters who come to enrich their palette of colors at sunset.
In the same vein, check out our articles What to do in and around Perros-Guirec? Top 15 must-do activities and What to do in and around Trégastel? Top 15 must-do activities.
