20 good reasons to come to Brittany in 2020

Brest 2020, International maritime festivals

It only happens every four years, so don’t miss the boat: from 10 to 16 July, a fleet of over 1,000 boats is meeting near Brest, providing the perfect opportunity to visit the most splendid vessels in the world and to learn about the different maritime cultures from around the globe, all in a musical and festive atmosphere!

Where to sleep: Hotel Vauban

On the side: With the song, Brest, he paid homage to his birthplace in the most beautiful way possible. In 2020, Miossec is making a musical adaptation of “A la ligne”, the story by Joseph Ponthus on the dreams and ordeals of an office temp in Brittany (Grand Prix RTL/Lire 2019) – on tour from March (FR).

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Rennes, up to Parr

From 16 May to 4 October, an exclusive retrospective of this British photographer, Martin Parr is taking place at the FRAC in Rennes. With his acidic and ironic look at the world today, he hunts down images of mass consumption. It’s kitsch, grotesque and moving.

Where to sleep: Hotel und Spa Le Saint-Antoine

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Family spirit

Close-up on Brittany and cinema: on 29 January, L’Esprit de Famille by Eric Besnard comes out in cinemas. This comedy stars François Berléand, Josiane Balasko, Isabelle Carré and Guillaume de Tonquédec. Alexandre is the only person who can see and hear his recently deceased father… The film was shot in Morbihan (Erdeven, Auray, Arradon, Locmariaquer) and Finistère (Quimper).

Oyster tasting

The queen of oysters is the Cancale oyster, and not only in months that have an “r” in them. Louis XIV ate them voraciously; in November, Cancale oysters joined the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage list. Grown in the sea and stirred by the tides of Mont-Saint-Michel bay, they have a slightly salty and hazelnut taste to die for, perfect with a piece of rye bread with salted butter… Who wants to share?

Where to sleep: Les grands gîtes“ in Cancale (FR)

Pinault Collection in Rennes: the return!

Two years after the success of the exhibition “Debout !”, Rennes is doing it again: a selection of works from the François Pinault Collection – most of which have never been shown in France before – will be staged this summer from 25 June to 13 September. An exhibition on the theme of black and white, in tribute to Brittany and the Jacobins Monastery. It’s a must-visit, naturally.

Where to sleep: Balthazar

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Look out to sea, watch the gulls and gaze at the stars: in 2020, it’s time to treat yourself to a breath-taking view and a dreamlike environment!

Tonight, we’re sleeping in the lighthouse

Head west to Aber Wrac’h and Plouguerneau: out at sea, Ile Vierge, a little piece of paradise with maritime pines and turquoise water, is waiting for you. As if by magic, the former 33-metre-tall square lighthouse has been converted into a hostel for ten people – inauguration scheduled in June. If you want to be part of the happy few, you’ll need to book quickly!

Crazy about Dufy in Quimper

At the Musée des Beaux-Arts in Quimper, passion, pleasure and the joy of living are celebrated! It all kicks off with Raoul Dufy until 4 May, with 300 works illustrating his favourite subjects: the sea, regattas, music and festive celebrations, as well as his collaborations with the decorators and great couturiers of the crazy years, the 1920s. From 19 June until 21 September, intimacy and creation appear on the scene. Flash-back to avant-garde Paris and its emblematic couples: muses and painters, dancers and writers, photographers and sculptors… The museum is a festive celebration all by itself!

Where to sleep: Hotel Ginkgo

Roof & Origines: in Rennes, dining and climbing in a new venue

Situated in the former hospital, this venue combines indoor climbing and a restaurant serving local and organic food. A unique way of experiencing the festive and friendly Breton way of life! We think you’ll love trying out climbing or yoga before having brunch, not to mention the beers brewed on-site, or a little nap in the loungers…

The Roof in Rennes (FR)

Where to sleep: „Le Magic Hall“

Rejuvenation at Hôtel de la plage

This is a tourist icon on the Trégor coast, an institution that had been asleep for years, but now Hôtel de la Plage in St-Michel-en Grève has risen from its ashes! And it’s going full out: brasserie with exceptional view of the bay, a spa area that also has a panoramic sea view, a gastronomic restaurant and 19 cosy rooms, scheduled to open this spring. Don’t miss out on this cheerful, relaxed and family-friendly place.

Hôtel de la plage (FR)

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Go West to Ushant

The lighthouse island, a lush land of gorse and heather, where 800 inhabitants live in the winter, surrounded by the Iroise sea: this is Ushant, the sentinel at the end of the world! Connected to yourself and to others, nestle up in Roc’h ar mor hotel and restaurant, which was revamped last spring. The Eskal is making a come-back. This cultural and living space is the project of musician and composer, Yann Tiersen. Portrait, his double album released in December, was recorded here. You can also admire the Stiff radar tower designed by Jean Prouvé, one of the masters of modernity alongside Charlotte Perriand. So far, yet so near… Ushant has not yet revealed all of its secrets.

Where to sleep: Hotel Le Roc’h Ar Mor (FR)

On the side: to immerse yourself in the atmosphere, read the story by Gwenaëlle Abolivier, “Tu m’avais dit Ouessant“ (FR) published in October (Editions Le Mot et le Reste).

Get back to basics, take a breather… In 2020, it’s time to live intensely, close to the elements.

Art Rock is back

The first names have just been revealed for the 2020 edition of Art Rock, in the centre of Saint-Brieuc, on 29, 30 and 31 May. IAM, Philippe Katerine, Izïa, Etienne de Crécy: the music side of things is looking good, but Art Rock is more than just a handful of headliners. It’s also a thunderbolt for lesser known talents, a true melting pot where dance, digital arts, plastic arts, culinary arts and street art all come together in a unique and friendly atmosphere. Dive into the excitement of Art Rock!

Where to sleep: Hotel Edgar

Wave Games in La Torche

Calling all water sports fans: the Wave Games are back! From 17 to 25 October, the cream of French and international surfers, windsurfers, paddle boarders and kite boarders will be at La Torche, one of the best spots in the world, for a competition. Only the best will be taking part, each one faster, higher and more astonishing than the other. At mythical spot with a top organisation, it’s going to be a high-quality show!

Wave games (FR)

Where to sleep: Villas Héol

Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Festival Interceltique de Lorient

Slightly long in the tooth but still young at heart, the Festival Interceltique is taking over Lorient from 7 to 16 August. This year it is honouring the land where it was born and nurtured: Brittany! Follow the Grande Parade des Nations celtes, experience the Nuit Interceltique at Stade du Moustoir and set off to storm the citadel of Compagnie des Indes!

Where to sleep: Hôtel Les Rives du Ter

Oceans – maxi Brest of

Travel the vast salty expanses without leaving solid ground? That’s the challenge set by Brest. Océanopolis is celebrating its 30th anniversary and for the occasion, the ocean discovery centre, unique in Europe, has ordered sunshine (with the installation of a passageway in the shape of a solar wave and 1,540 m² of solar panels). Things never stop at Ateliers des Capucins: in June, 70.8 is opening. It’s a fun and scientific space dedicated to maritime innovation – 70.8 is the percentage of oceans on Earth, in case you were wondering!

Where to sleep: Hôtel Vauban

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Food at the mill

It’s dinner time! Entirely renovated, Moulin de Rosmadec reopened last year in Pont-Aven after six months of works. With its exceptional view of the Aven, it delights guests with local products. The house speciality: urchin shell filled with lobster flavoured with tandoori, endive and sea urchin meat. It’s enough to make your mouth water!

Where to sleep: Castel Braz (FR)

On the side: don’t forget to visit the town where Gauguin forged his style: at the fully accessible museum, with 4,500 works of art in a permanent collection, pending the opening of the future creation and exhibition centre dedicated to contemporary Breton artists.

Good restaurant recommendations! In 2020, surprise, enjoyment and well-being are on the menu…

Starry night at Maison Tiegezh

One star for the restaurant, four stars for the hotel: in Guer, at the gateway to Brocéliande forest, star-awarded chef Baptiste Denieul – who has just been recognised by Gault et Millau as one of the six Grands de Demain in France – has created a little 4-star hotel. Five bedrooms and one family suite, with a well-being space and outdoor jacuzzi, are the perfect way to prolong the exceptional moments spent at the table.

Maison Tiegezh (GB)

It’s trail time!

Did you think it was a mountain activity? With the first signs of spring, trails start to appear in Brittany, in three départements. Due to interest and the diversity of the trails and local landscapes, 30 routes, from 7 to 45 km, are being marked out. The circuits reveal a hidden side to Brittany, full of variety, appeal and with a strong character. Training has a new appeal in inland Brittany!

Head to the trails in the Heart of Brittany (FR)

Where to sleep: Hébergements insolites de Quénécan (GB)

TV fame

Two new episodes of the detective series, Crimes parfaits, with Antoine Duléry, were filmed in Vannes and the surrounding areas for France 3. On Arte, in the television film, Claire Andrieux, Olivier Jahan will be rekindling the characters of the film Sand Castles. The cast is made up of: Thomas VDB, Emma de Caunes, Yannick Rénier and Michel Vuillermoz from Comédie-Française…

Buckwheat mania

He’s the “Bocuse of the Breton pancake”! Bertrand Larcher, the founder of the Breizh Cafés in Cancale, Saint-Malo, Paris and Tokyo, is opening his Maison du Sarrasin in Fougères in May. It’s a unique, friendly place where you can enjoy “buckwheat”, this little piece of Breton heritage, guaranteed gluten-free, in every form and whenever you fancy: in traditional ice creams with organic and short circuit options, in crêpes and pancakes, of course – along with a Cataldi “caffè”, voted the best coffee roaster in France. An exclusive fine grocery line will soon be available too.

Breizh café (GB)

Where to sleep: Château du Bois Guy (GB)

Here’s the proof that you need to be quick… you’ve already missed: Céline at the Vieilles Charrues!

The Vieilles Charrues festival is going to be like Coachella: the emblematic Canadian singer will be at Carhaix, on 16 July, as part of her “Courage World Tour”, getting festival-goers up and dancing to her vibe!