Nature

The Pays des Abers aka the Coast of Legends is an area of Finistère north of Brest, known for its fjord-like rocky inlets. The Abers are split into three districts: Aber Wrac’h in the north, Aber Benoît to the south and ‘between the Abers’, all with charming villages and spectacular coastline.

One dramatic headland follows another along the Cap Sizun from Douarnenez to the Pointe du Van. Most of these promontories prove gloriously unspoilt – and uninhabited, unless you’re a bird; along the cape’s gentler southern side, the ports of Audierne and Pont-Croix stand in slightly less daunting locations.

North of Saint-Quay-Portrieux, you’ll find the tallest cliffs in Brittany. At 341ft (104m), the Pointe de Plouha is the highest point on an 8-mile (14km) stretch of rocky coast that takes in hidden coves, bird nesting grounds, an ancient harbour, wartime heroics and a chapel with chilling murals.

A short way southwest of Nantes hides a huge lake, Grand-Lieu, but unless you’re a bird, it’s probably not on your radar, as it remains a big secret. Stretching over flat land as it does, it’s hard to get an overview of the place, although it claims to harbour the second-largest range of birds in France.

The Ille-et-Rance canal is a 52 mile (84km)-long stretch of water that links Rennes with St Malo. The area offers some wonderful opportunities for cycling and walking and below the hilltop village of Hédé you’ll see the unusual site of 11 locks in less than 1.2 miles (2km).

La Gacilly is synonymous with the late Yves Rocher who created and ran his cosmetics empire in this charming Morbihan village; it’s also renowned for its arts and crafts. When you’ve checked out the botanical garden and tried some treatments in the spa, go walking with donkeys or rent a boat.

Northeast of Guérande is the Brière national park, France’s second largest area of marshland after the Camargue. In past times, Brière was a centre for peat digging and reed picking but now it’s a Mecca for tourists who come to observe its birdlife and explore its canals and islands by boat.

Marking the westernmost tip of the Bay of Mont St-Michel, this brilliantly located headland not only allows you to benefit from sublime views eastwards, but also splendid ones to the west. The island just offshore is off-limits though as it’s the preserve of birds.

West of Mûr-de-Bretagne is the Lac de Guerlédan, Brittany’s largest lake. Not only is this the perfect place for sunning yourself or messing about on the water but the area also offers extensive trails for walking and cycling. The Quénécan forest and Abbaye de Bon Repos are not to be missed.

Le Croisic is best known for its fishing industry but this attractive port was also one of the first tourist resorts in Brittany. The town is a more cost-effective base to explore the Guérande peninsula than nearby La Baule and offers wilder beaches and rugged coastal walks.

North of Paimpol, the so-called Goëlo Coast is a must for lovers of the outdoors. Take the GR34 old customs officers’ path around the peninsula from the active fishing village of Loguivy-de-la-Mer to Pors-Even, taking in the magnificent views and historic town of Ploubazlanec.

On the south Finistère coast, Mousterlin’s little headland is like a thin finger pointing at the Glénans, a beautiful protected archipelago. Long, unbroken sandy beaches stretch out temptingly to east and west of the headland, but discover more secretive marshlands and birds behind the dunes.

What a charming contrast between these close neighbours on the eastern Bay of St-Brieuc: the port of Dahouët hiding in its cove and the resort of Le Val-André stretching out for all to admire along a very long curving bay. The Île Verdelet adds a magical touch at the end of the latter.

The most southerly of northwest Finistère’s three abers, Aber Ildut makes a deep gash in the coast, but the port of Lanildut is a gentle balm. Heading north, a string of extraordinary circular natural harbours line up in more exposed locations, but still offer exceptional protection from the elements.

Situated between the Aven and Belon rivers, Riec-sur-Belon is known throughout the world for the quality of the oysters that are produced in its waters. This attractive village has been an inspiration for chefs and artists and its coastal path continues to inspire visitors.

It's magic! Vibrant colours and lighting effects which change with the rhythm of the tides. From a look-out on Pointe des Roseliers, Saint-Brieuc Bay reveals a delightful view of land and sea as far as the Port du Légué. Cliffs, ports, dunes and heathland decorate the coastline with their charms – the sea, peace and quiet, sports ... and great food!

The Rance Estuary, which runs north from the medieval town of Dinan into the English Channel between the traditional seaside resort of Dinard and the walled town of St Malo, is best known for its tidal power station. You’ll also come across one of France’s most beautiful villages.

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.

Crossing the Morbihan from east to west, the Lanvaux Moors offer an unspoilt panorama criss-crossed by hiking trails and dotted with pockets of forest. A natural setting, filled with a variety of flora and fauna, and exceptional megalithic sites. Take your time! A stone's throw away, the mediaeval town of Malestroit is well worth a visit.

If you like landscapes combining land and water, you are sure to be enchanted by the Redon Marshes, where the superb valleys of the Vilaine, Aff and Canut rivers offer a great place to dally and admire the marshes and wide range of architectural styles. Just perfect to explore by boat!

Just 6 miles (10km) south of Rennes, the Boël Valley is one of the most attractive sections of the River Vilaine. The valley is a popular destination with walkers and mountain-bikers as well as fans of kayaking. Twitchers shouldn’t miss the Parc Ornithologique de Bretagne in Bruz.