Visiting Brittany Along the Waterways
Brittany was named after its long historical association with Britain as many of the Welsh had immigrated to the region under the Roman rule of Sothern France. Brittany has also long been a wonderful summer getaway for the French with its sprawling coastlines and green banks that come to life during the warmer seasons. The towns along these waterways all have something special to offer that make them worth a visit with their rich natural beauty along the Atlantic coastline.
- Dinan
- Rennes
- Josselin
- La Gacilly
- La Roche Bernard
- Nantes
Dinan
Perched along a hill side, overlooking the Rance River, the town of Dinan is a true hidden gem of France. It is the quintessential fairy-tale town, with cobbled streets winding up steep alleys with medieval stone and wooden facades lining the walk ways. The town is so well-preserved and offers a fantastic glimpse into France during the middle ages. A turreted drawbridge, castle and winding Roman ramparts line out the town’s landscape. Dinan is filled with the best kept secret restaurants to taste some authentic Breton cuisine and must try their popular local delicacy known as the kouignn-amann in an array of flavours! Walk the high walls, take in the beautiful country views, visit the beautiful Gothic cathedral with its iconic stained glass and visit the historically-rich Chateau Dinan.
Rennes
Rennes has so much to offer visitors. Fashioned in the old medieval style of the French Brittany, this town also houses quaint little streets and stores to visit. It is also home to the iconic San Mont Michel, a beautiful medieval monastery sight that lies in the middle of a tidal marsh. Thousands of visitors flock here yearly to view this magical pastoral site. Rennes is a fascinating city itself, with a 200 year old history dating back to its Gallo-Roman days. There are lots of museums, ancient sites and plenty of architectural delights.
Josselin
Another picturesque town to relax and get away from the city bustle in Northern France , Josselin is overlooked by a towering castle that is still inhabited by the Rohan family. The castle grounds are open to visitors and you can enjoy long walks within its vast gardens and enjoy the stunning décor of the chateau.
La Gacilly
La Gacilly is the perfect stop for creatives and art lovers. The town is famous for its world famous beauty brand Yves Rocher who created a beautiful botanical garden with over 100 species of plants, herbs and flowers that have inspired his ranges. The full experience can be found at Maison Yves Rocher and also houses an eco-friendly spa with beautiful views of the gardens which you canwalk around in. Every year during the summer La Gacilly hosts the largest outdoor photographic festival and cruise into the lower valley into the Oust Valley.
La Roche Bernard
Water sport enthusiasts and seafood lovers will delight in a visit to La Roche Bernard. Founded by the Viking Lord in 1000 AD, this port thrived during the 19th Century due to its strategic location. The maritime industry flourished and so did its cuisine where you can sample and indulge in the very best of French seafood. La Roche is also home to the Michelin-starred restaurant L’Auberge Bretonne. On Thursdays the town hosts a fantastic market and you can watch some local artisans at work with their trade and crafts. La Roche Bernard is known as the Breton village built on water and you will delight in its beautiful lush summer walkways and delightful ocean breeze.
Nantes
Nantes lies at the end of the Canal Erdre that flows out into the Atlantic Ocean. This beautiful town has something to offer travellers of all ages, with a beautiful garden alive with artfully hedge-cut characters, a giant bench and interesting animals made out of vibrant flower beds and more. During the summer the festival brings alive the mechanical animals and dancers to the streets. The town area has lots of boutiques offering a variety of French made items and some beautiful art deco restaurants.
