4 stop-offs where culture sparkles

Artful mosaics in Rennes, creative vibes on Belle-Isle, a mix of styles in Guingamp and underground life in Morlaix… This summer, head westwards for an out-of-the-ordinary cultural getaway. A hot selection of places where Brittany has fun with culture and vice versa.

In the blink of an eye

1. Rennes

Odorico in pixel party mode

In Rennes, you need to keep your eyes open. Not to make sure you’re going in the right direction but so as to catch glimpses of glittering façades here and shimmering flooring there. Their creators? Odorico. A family of Italian mosaicists who spruced up the city bit by bit in the 20th century. You start at the Saint-Georges swimming pool, an Art Deco gem where swimmers splash about surrounded by a peacock blue and gold fresco. Then off to Rue Dupont des Loges for an urban mini-safari in search of hidden motifs, artful allusions and golden geometries. A mandatory crepe break at Bretone, a crepery housed in the Odorico family’s historic residence: the bathroom alone is well worth going out of your way to see. Total mosaic look, gilded wall and diva bathtub.

Good to know: La Criée, Rennes’ central market, provides a feast for the eyes as much as the taste buds: you track down Odorico’s pixels while chomping on a galette-saucisse – the Breton version of a hot dog.

Where to spend the night:

Le Magic Hall

2. Belle-Île

Unsuspected creativity

You thought you knew it. Wild, sea-salty, a hint of mystery. But Belle-Ile holds its cards close: it’s overflowing with creators who give it a whole other allure. At Fluïd, glass blows hot and…beautiful. Its creations captivate individuals and famous labels alike, starting with Dior. Same story at Bo Glass Studio, a temple dedicated to glass that also perpetuates the glassblower’s time-honoured skills – knowhow recently inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List. As regards icons, pay Sarah Bernhardt a visit at Pointe des Poulains, where the Divine Sarah’s home away from home has been turned into a dedicated museum open for guided tours. An immersion in the world of an icon who did things her way. Coming in autumn 2026 (and eagerly awaited): Propice, an XXL third place housed in the island’s former penal colony. Artists’ residencies, café-gallery, coworking, accommodation and more besides… A mix covering 1,400 m² that’ll make you want to put down your bags and create, get down to work or simply get inspired.

Where to spend the night:

Chambres d’artistes

©Couple enjoying beautiful views on the ocean, standing together near the car on the rocky coast, showing with hands heart shape. Carefree lifestyle, love and travel concept

Ideas

The inratables of the summer, the place to be to treat yourself to a seafood platter, the best views on the GR®34, the best spots to start surfing… in short, all the good...

3. Morlaix

The Breton underground

In Morlaix, street art sneaks up on you wherever you are. On walls, under bridges, in the backstreets. You play hide-and-seek with the 80 works that colorize the city. And to ensure you take them all in, go on a guided tour. Works, techniques and anecdotes – Street art deciphered. Looking for unexpected roomies? The SEW and the Espace des Sciences share the city’s former tobacco factory. The alternative scene’s HQ on one side: films, concerts, bookshop, festivals… post-industrial ambience and raw energy. 2,400 m² to grandstand as a budding scientist on the other. Onsite, you’ll also come across La Morlaisienne, an XXL monumental fresco by Zag, who’s established himself as the city’s street-art icon. Special mention to the funicular tunnel: 100 years of oblivion followed by an artful resurrection overseen by Zag. This offbeat venue, never used since its construction in 1906, is now an underground street-art gallery – the first of its kind in France. What can you see there? A monumental dragon and works by 7 artists in full immersion mode. Underground, literally.

Where to spend the night :

La Passerelle

4. From Guingamp to Paimpol

Patrimonial patchwork & artful vibes

Here, heritage whoops it up in mix & match mode. Three styles of basilicas, half-timbered houses and Renaissance fountains… Guingamp is an architectural balancing act. And it works. The highlight of the show? The former prison, built in 1841. No more bars these days, exhibitions that keep you in thrall instead: it’s now home to the GwinZegal Art Centre. Contemporary photography, residencies, workshops and encounters with artists. Concrete conversion for a venue steeped in history. As a bonus? A joyride to Paimpol to explore Beauport Abbey. Eight centuries of history, a green cloister, a church open to the skies… and a programme that brings its ancient stones alive, with exhibitions and live performances among the highlights. Followed by a trip to Domaine de la Roche-Jagu where culture gets some fresh air with temporary exhibitions in a 15th-century château and a listed garden with panoramic views of the Trieux Valley. An all-green tour with an avid gardener as your guide.

Where to spend the night:

La Demeure