Uncovering the 6 Breathtaking Villages in Brittany Away from the Main Paths
**Discovering the Hidden Gems of Brittany, France: A Cultural and Natural Paradise**
Brittany, a region in northwestern France, is a treasure trove of unique experiences, blending prehistoric mystery, medieval history, artistic expression, and coastal allure. From the enigmatic standing stones of Carnac to the charming villages nestled amidst picturesque landscapes, Brittany offers an unparalleled journey through time and culture.
One such gem is the medieval village of Moncontour, which joined the list of The Most Beautiful Villages in France in 2010. The narrow alleys, bourgeois houses, and restaurants in Moncontour offer an immersive experience in Breton culture. Hikers will appreciate the many trails departing from Moncontour, allowing them to discover the surrounding area.
The Medieval Citadel of Moncontour, housed by immense ramparts built between the 13th and 14th centuries, stands as a testament to the region's rich history. Nearby, the village of Ploumanac'h is a former fishing village, known for its proximity to the extraordinary Pink Granite Coast, featuring pink-hued rocks and the Mean Ruz lighthouse.
Ploumanac'h is a must-visit when touring the Côtes-d'Armor region in Brittany. It is a popular destination for nature and authentic getaways in a typically Breton setting. The village is worthy of a postcard landscape, charming vacationers who come to relax in Brittany.
Another captivating destination is the village of Pont-Aven, known for its atmosphere that has long attracted artists seeking inspiration. One of the region's culinary specialties to discover in Pont-Aven is the butter galette.
Brittany is home to several beautiful islands worth visiting during the summer. The Historic Village of Saint-Suliac, a coastal village rich in history, located not far from Saint-Malo on the Emerald Coast, is one such island. Saint-Suliac has been inhabited since Prehistory by the Neanderthal Man between 300,000 and 28,000 BC, and later populated by Viking peoples and conquered by the Romans. Beyond its historical aspect, the preserved surroundings of Saint-Suliac attract tourists seeking an idyllic and peaceful setting.
Saint-Suliac was once a fief of the Templars, and it houses a medieval charm reminiscent of the past. The village offers a step back in time with cobblestone streets, stone houses, and slate roofs. The medieval village of Locronan, near Quimper, shares a similar charm, offering a glimpse into the region's history. Locronan served as a filming location for Jean-Pierre Jeunet's film, A Very Long Engagement, starring Audrey Tautou and Gaspard Ulliel.
Brittany's cultural heritage is also showcased in the Quimper Pottery Museum, which celebrates the art of ceramics and the history and techniques of Quimper faience, a craft central to Brittany’s cultural identity. The Valley of the Saints, a unique cultural project featuring huge granite statues of Breton saints on a hill, combines contemporary sculpture with local tradition while offering stunning countryside views.
Furthermore, Brittany is noted for its wild coastlines, fairy tale villages, golden sandy beaches, and dramatic cliffs. Josselin Castle, overlooking the River Oust, is an impressive medieval castle that features French gardens and an imposing façade, immersing visitors in the history of Breton nobility and medieval architecture.
Lastly, Rochefort-en-Terre, in the Gueuzon Valley, is a charming town known for its flowery and colorful landscape. It was elected among The Most Beautiful Villages in France in 2016, adding to its allure as a must-visit destination in Brittany.
These places collectively showcase Brittany’s unique combination of prehistoric mystery, medieval history, artistic expression, and coastal allure, making it a must-visit destination for any travel enthusiast seeking a blend of natural beauty and cultural richness.
In-flights, considering a visit to Brittany, France? Explore home-and-garden inspirations from picturesque bourgeois houses in the medieval village of Moncontour, or immerse in the lifestyle of Pont-Aven, a village known for its artistic expression. Post-trip, share stories of traveling through Brittany's hidden gems like the historic Saint-Suliac, a coastal village steeped in prehistoric history, or Rochefort-en-Terre, named among The Most Beautiful Villages in France.
