Heritage

Combourg remains closely linked to François René de Châteaubriand, the most famous of all French Romantic authors, who found his inspiration here, at the end of the 18^th century, in this historic, leafy green setting. Follow in the poet’s footsteps, and enjoy the country atmosphere of Tranquille Lake, and the imposing castle.

Between Vannes and Nantes, the fortified village of La Roche-Bernard has dominated the River Vilaine for a thousand years. These days the village is best known for its Michelin-starred restaurant but most people come to wander around its quaint streets and take boat trips down the river.

Forget everything you thought you knew about Brest, and come and explore the heart of this naval port, nestled in one of France’s most beautiful natural harbours. On the menu: the amazing Pont de l'Iroise bridge, a stroll along the lively quays as far as the castle museum, and of course Océanopolis.

One of Brittany’s greatest saints, Guénolé, is credited with founding the major abbey of Landévennec. The location is splendid: at the spot where the Aulne River enters the Bay of Brest. Destroyed a number of times, the medieval abbey’s ruins are still to be admired, alongside the modern museum and abbey.

Above the River Jaudy in the Côtes d’Armor department, Tréguier is best known for being the birthplace of St Yves, the patron saint of lawyers. But this attractive ‘little town of character’ also has a splendid cathedral, a pretty waterside harbour and plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities.

The walled town of Vannes is without doubt one of Brittany’s most attractive sights and a must-visit on any trip to Morbihan. Wander around the well-preserved medieval streets before enjoying a harbour-side lunch then taking a boat trip around the gulf. Kids will love the aquarium and butterflies.

A short and pleasant boat trip across the bay of Lorient, Port-Louis is worth a day of anyone’s time. The main sight is the star-shaped fort, which now houses two fascinating museums, but there’s also a nice – and busy – sandy beach. Energetic sorts can take the coastal path to Locmiquélic.

At the tip of the Crozon Peninsula, Camaret-sur-Mer has proudly defended the Bay of Brest for centuries. As well as the historic Tour Vauban military lookout, Camaret offers visitors some lovely beaches and spectacular views. The annual religious pardon is one of Brittany’s most memorable.

Once famous throughout France for its thriving sardine fishing and canning industries, Douarnenez is now a very popular family resort. As well as its maritime heritage, there is a choice of beaches, scenic coastal walks and a full calendar of events. Let’s not forget the myths and legends….

Not only is Quimper the administrative capital of the Finistère department, it is also generally regarded as the cultural heart of Brittany. The town is known for its cathedral, atmospheric old quarter and museums but most of all for its annual festival celebrating Breton culture.

Now a quiet market town where the River Blavet meets the Nantes-Brest canal, Pontivy was once the seat of one of Brittany’s most powerful families before becoming one of Napoléon’s ‘new towns’. Visit the castle then amble around the streets.

On the frontier between France and Brittany, Vitré was once one of the region’s most important towns. Its 15th and 16th-century buildings rival Dinan for medieval quaintness and its fairytale castle will delight young and old.

As well as being France’s third most important fishing port, Concarneau has other assets that make it a very popular summer resort. The main draw is the quaint ville close (walled town) followed by some lovely sandy beaches and a lively maritime festival in August.

Atop its hill surveying two valleys south of St-Brieuc, the little historic town of Moncontour looks perfectly picturesque now, crowned by its highly decorative church, but its strategic location made it the focus for many battles, until business won out. Today, tourism is the victor.

Named after the beech trees that mark the pretty, rural, hilly area around it, the town of Le Faouët stands quietly in northwest Morbihan. Its centrepiece is its staggering covered market place, but its glorious outlying chapels also made painters flock to it, as is recalled in the museum.

At the western end of the Lac de Guerlédan overlooking the Nantes-Brest canal, the Abbaye de Bon Repos is a must for lovers of contemporary art. The 12th-century Cistercian abbey hosts regular exhibitions, a weekly farmers’ market and a spectacular son et lumière in August.

While it’s not one of France’s most attractive cities, St-Nazaire makes a fascinating destination for boat and plane enthusiasts as well as fans of World War II history. The beaches along its coastline are some of the best in the Loire-Atlantique department; one was immortalised on film.

The main reason to visit Fougères is to see its magnificent castle, one of the finest fortresses in Europe, but this little town on the Brittany-Normandy border also has a lovely medieval district and a lively Saturday-morning market.

Walking around Dinard, with its Belle Époque villas and stripy beach tents, is like taking a trip back to the 19th century. The most British of Brittany’s resorts is popular with families who are attracted by its sandy beaches and coastal walks. Nearby St-Briac and St-Lunaire are also worth a visit.

In the heart of the Côtes d’Armor department, the characterful little town of Quintin is a well-preserved one-time centre of the weaving industry. Most visitors come to see its châteaux but there are also the watermills as well as some mysterious megaliths.

Standing high on the side of the wooded Trieux River, the tough-looking Château de la Roche-Jagu is the only survivor of some ten fortresses that once oversaw stretches of this valley in medieval times. Recently restored, it still guards the way to the pretty river port of Pontrieux.

A towering 16th-century spire rockets up above the remaining medieval ramparts of Hennebont, an historic port at a strategic river-crossing on the Blavet, at the back of Lorient’s huge natural harbour. In the 19th century, industry arrived in town, plus an important stud farm championing the Breton horse.