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Fancy a trip across the Channel this Spring? This north‑to‑south tour of Brittany is easily accessible by eco‑friendly ferry or train, making it an efficient way to experience the region's varied offerings. Whether you're a keen maritime history buff, gastronome or culture vulture, this itinerary provides a glimpse of what Brittany has to offer.
An itinerary from north to south of the gateways to Brittany
Kick off the journey in Saint‑Malo, a historic fortified town where the ramparts and time‑worn streets are steeped in history. At La Cité d'Alet, you can explore the early foundations of the town – where remnants of Gallo‑Roman settlements and later fortifications tell the story of a seafaring community.
Kouign Aman
Nicolas Dequin
Overlooking the sea, Saint-Malo is where you can catch a glimpse of Brittany's maritime past. From the ramparts, there are views of the ocean and forts, accompanied by the cries of gulls and whistle of the sea breeze that will make you feel like a privateer for a day. When you're not soaking up the history, fuel up on Saint-Malo's mouth-watering specialities like crepes, local seafood or the famed kouign aman – a local pastry that's a nightmare to pronounce but a dream to eat.
Next, head inland to Rennes, the capital of Brittany. Here, traditional half‑timbered houses and a thrumming city centre meet modern urban energy. At the weekly Marché des Lices, after shopping with the advice of local producers, sample the city’s signature dish: the galette‑saucisse – a grilled pork sausage wrapped in a buckwheat pancake that's sure to replenish lost calories from a morning rambling the city.
Half-timbered houses down Rues de Rennes
HDYTI-Eulanda Shead Osagiede
Galette saucisse in Rennes
HDYTI-Eulanda Shead Osagiede
Rennes also features a lively arts scene and diverse dining options, making it a dynamic base for exploring both history and contemporary culture.
Your itinerary concludes in Nantes, a city that blends its rich maritime heritage with modern innovation. Nantes is home to the imposing Château des Ducs de Bretagne – a monument to the city's seafaring legacy – and offers a range of attractions that highlight its creative spirit.
Notable among these is Les Machines de l’île, where mechanical installations inspired by Jules Verne and Leonardo da Vinci capture the imagination. Nantes' vibrant neighbourhoods, street art, and culinary scene – featuring local specialities such as Cake' Nantais and artisanal biscuits – round out an experience that will have you booking your return trip.
Le Grand Éléphant, Nantes
HDYTI
Getting to Brittany
By boat – Brittany Ferries, from Portsmouth to Saint-Malo, aboard the 'Saint-Malo,' the first hybrid ferry for a more efficient and eco-responsible crossing.
For more information visit brittanytourism.com; @visitbretagne_official
