Named after different Dark Ages saints, the two lovely resorts of St-Jacut and St-Cast occupy dramatic capes that stick out from the Côte d’Emeraude either side of the Arguenon estuary. They used to be home to competing fishing communities, but now they vie with each other for tourists, each boasting splendid beaches.

The Îles de Glénan are an archipelago of islands about 10 miles (16km) off the south coast of Finistère. Only accessible in summer, they are best known for their sailing and diving schools and for having a unique indigenous flower.

On the opposite bank of the River Odet to Bénodet, Sainte-Marine is perfectly placed to explore the Pays Bigouden, an area of Brittany that is known for its distinctive headdresses. The beach stretches for 2.5 miles (4km) to Île-Tudy, a former fishing community, which is now a fashionable summer resort.

A handful of very well-protected peninsulas stretch out into the back of the Bay of Brest. Religious men founded abbeys in these privileged locations, such as that at Daoulas. Plougastel-Daoulas meanwhile is reputed in France both for its calvary and its delicious strawberries.

Belle-Île, 9 miles (15km) off the coast of Morbihan, is Brittany’s largest island. After a turbulent past, which included occupation by the British, the ‘beautiful isle’ is now a magnet for tourists thanks to its temperate climate, magnificent coastline, 60 gorgeous beaches and renowned opera festival.

A 15-minute boat ride from Roscoff, the Île de Batz (pronounced ‘ba’) is a hidden gem that is worth seeking out. The main attraction is its exotic garden but there are also some lovely beaches, leisurely walks and great views from the top of the lighthouse.

The countless rocks off Brittany’s coasts look stunning, but they’ve long been lethal to shipping, no more so than at the French entrance to the Channel, around northwest Finistère. To warn of danger, staggering lighthouses went up, the most remarkable being the Phare de l’Île Vierge, the tallest in Europe.

Five miles (8km) off the Pointe du Raz, the Île de Sein is arguably Brittany’s most unusual island, not least because it’s entirely flat. When you’re done exploring the only village’s museums, take a walk around the coast to see the lighthouse and the historic Free French Monument.

In the temperate south of Brittany, the Gulf of Morbihan has been described as one of the most beautiful bays in the world. From Locmariaquer and its ancient stones in the west, taking in the walled town of Vannes, on to the Rhuys Peninsula in the east, the gulf has something for all tastes.

Off the coast of Paimpol is Ile Bréhat, one of Brittany’s loveliest islands. In actual fact, Bréhat consists of several islets around two small, car-free islands, which are joined by a bridge at low tide. It is easily accessible by a regular 10-minute boat journey from Pointe de l’Arcouest.

Northeast of Belle-Île, the islands of Houat and Hoëdic are the perfect places to get away from it all. Houat, the larger island, has sweeping sandy beaches and a network of footpaths while its smaller sister, Hoëdic, boasts a network of coves, a fort and some Neolithic sites.

These seven elusive, rarely inhabited islands lie about as many kilometres north of the exceptionally popular Côte de Granit Rose, but few humans set foot on them. Monks tried to establish a foothold, but gave up. The main occupants are the seabirds that congregate here to nest in vast numbers.

The island of Ushant (Ouessant in French), 18 miles (30km) off the coast of Le Conquet, is where you’ll find France’s most westerly point, Pointe de Pern. The island is well known for its lighthouses and treacherous seafaring heritage but especially for its indigenous sheep.

Jutting out into the sea for 9 miles (14km) and just 72ft (22m) wide at its narrowest point, the Quiberon Peninsula is a tourist destination par excellence. With its rugged coastline, sweeping sandy beaches, fishing villages and rich cultural history, this beautiful area of Morbihan won’t disappoint.

On the temperate east side of the Gulf of Morbihan, the Rhuys Peninsula has something to interest all members of the family. From the magnificent Château de Suscinio to golden beaches and from coastal paths to a noted Neolithic site, the peninsula is the perfect place for a relaxing few days.

At 4.3 miles (7 km) long by 1.8 miles (3 km) wide, Île de Groix is Brittany’s second largest island after Belle-Île and lies 8.7 miles (14km) off the coast of Lorient. Once a major centre for tuna fishing, Groix is now noted for its lovely (and unusual) beaches and its important concentration of minerals.

Part of the Armorican Regional National Park, the Crozon Peninsula juts out into the sea south of Brest. Its southernmost tip culminates in Cap de la Chèvre, a wild and windswept rocky outcrop. On the way you’ll discover charming villages, fortifications, scenic footpaths, rare flora and a grotto.