Three autumn city trips in festival mode

Explore Rennes, Brest and Lorient this autumn and this winter for a city break to the sound of music festivals! Vibrant culture and architecture, trendy bars and restaurants, and to top it off, the sea is never far away! Fill your days with urban walks, and trips to the seaside, and party at night with locals!

In the blink of an eye

1. Trans Musicales and good vibes in Rennes

From 6th to 10th December 2023

From Etienne Daho to Jeanne Added, including Portishead, Daft Punk, Björk, and more. Each edition has its share of revelations! For four days in early December, vibrate to the sound of the Trans Musicales in Rennes. In concert halls and bars, discover tomorrow’s headliners and experience the vibe of a city that cultivates its uniqueness! The Breton capital mixes half-timbered houses and a glass building by Jean Nouvel, Odorico Art Deco frescoes and walls full of street art, lively terraces and little hidden courtyards. Devour a sausage crepe at Lices market, or enjoy a brunch made with local products in Mail François Mitterrand, the new trendy neighbourhood. And for a breath of ocean air, head to Saint-Malo, 45 minutes by train! Is world music more your thing? Check the programme of Grand Soufflet, taking place in October all over Rennes.

Les Trans

Our tips:

Where to sleep: Les Chouettes
Where to eat: Origines / Bretone
Have a drink: les bars en trans
Brunch: the Mail district: Les grands gamins / Bibiche club / Le Magic Hall
Shopping: Blind Spot – disquaires à Rennes
Culture: Les Champs Libres
How to get there: by TGV in 1h40 from Paris

2. Festive break and sounds from elsewhere in Brest

From 24th November to 3rd December 2023

Go west… for a cultural and festive break in Brest. At the start of December, No Border, a festival of world folk music, takes over every part of this town with its proud maritime spirit. Between two concerts, stroll along the quays of Marina du Château or the commercial port, lined with trendy bars and restaurants. Discover the city from a gull’s eye view in the cable car that goes to Ateliers des Capucins. This former shipbuilding hub is now open to the arts, culture and technology. Dive to the bottom of the ocean by visiting the 70.8 maritime innovation gallery. You can’t beat a little boat trip to discover the Brest roadstead, one of the most beautiful in France. From the unusual little Maison Blanche harbour, which is really cute with its fishermen’s huts, to Petit Minou lighthouse, there are many paths offering other exceptional views of the roadstead, the bottleneck and the Crozon peninsula.

No Border

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Our tips:

Where to sleep: Le Vauban
Where to eat: Les Ptites recettes / Les Maraîchers
Have a drink: Le Tour du Monde / La petite poésie
Brunch: La Coloc
Shopping: Bad Seeds record shop
Culture: Centre d’art Contemporain la Passerelle / Les Ateliers des Capucins

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. Les IndisciplinéEs in Lorient

November 2023

Concerts inside a bunker… Try the experience during Les IndisciplinéEs, at the start of November, in Lorient. Ten days of concerts to discover emerging bands from the European and French scenes, some of which perform at Hydrophone. This music hall, currently the only one of its kind, is in Lorient-La Base. It’s “the” place to be, with its terraces, zip wire, quays where you can stroll while admiring the offshore racing boats, etc. Lorient embraces its coolness. Go shopping in its concept stores, enjoy the exhibitions in the art galleries, etc. Here, you will always find a lively bar for evening entertainment! Take the “batobus” to distance yourself from this urban merriment and discover the unspoilt charm of the Gâvres peninsular. Another idea: prolong your weekend and set off for Groix island, just opposite.

Les Indisciplinées