If there is something that makes Brittany special, it is its towns. Towns where time stood still centuries ago.
French Brittany: discover its most beautiful villages
French Brittany is a dream region whose villages seem to be taken from a fairy tale. But there is so much to see, enjoy and get to know, that it seems impossible to choose just a few places to enjoy all its charm. Do you want to come with us on a small route?
The unmissable villages of French Brittany
French Brittany is littered with wonderful little medieval towns. These are some that you should not miss, although surely if you dare to visit this region you will discover many others for yourself. Let’s start!
Vitre
Without a doubt, it is one of the most photogenic settings in Brittany thanks to its castle . A castle that dates back to the 11th century and that retains its drawbridge. And don’t miss its Notre-Dame church, a beautiful example of Flamboyant Gothic.
But no, the charms of Vitre do not end here . We recommend that you let yourself be carried away by its medieval alleys, flanked by half-timbered houses. There will be times when you won’t know if the buildings you see and the streets you walk on are real or a stage.
Concarneau
On the shores of the sea is this beautiful town. Of her it is necessary to highlight its walls, built in the fourteenth century. But that walled city, the Ville-close, is actually an islet. An incredible place where there are, at whose feet, in the port, we can still see small colored boats moored.
And here too it is worth getting lost and wandering aimlessly through its narrow cobbled streets . You will discover traditional shops or small treasures such as Saint-Guenole square or the Château de Keriolet.
Josselin
If you dream of an idyllic place in which to take dream photos, this is the place you are looking for. It has a fortress that can be seen from afar and that already immerses you in the magic of this incredible town. And it is that Josselin is able to transport you in time.
In the Saint-Croix neighborhood you can see beautiful half-timbered stone houses with flowers adorning their balconies. The oldest dates back to 1536 no less. You’ll be breathless!
Rochefort-en-Terre
What comes to mind when you think of a medieval town? Surely cobblestone streets, stone, and wooden houses, flowers everywhere… Well, that place you have in your imagination is this beautiful town. Be sure to visit the castle park, the medieval church and its wall .
But above all, do not resist walking through its streets. Rochefort-en-Terre will surprise you with its wonderful colour , the fruit of the flowers with which it is adorned at any time of the year, regardless of the cold or the heat. And its Breton craft shops give the place an even more magical touch.
Locronan
Never has a gray town reached such beauty. And it is that the highlight of this small Breton town is the material with which its houses are built: granite. This is so because in the area there was a great production of this stone, highly valued centuries ago.
Granite was an expensive material, but the flax and hemp trade brought prosperity to the town. However, this trade stopped growing in the 17th century and Locronan stopped in time . Something that we are grateful for now because that way we can enjoy it.
Pont Aven
The name comes from its bridge that crosses the River Aven, and it differs from other towns by the light color of its houses, by the nature that surrounds the river, and, of course, by its famous cookies.
They say that it is one of the towns with the most beautiful light in the world . So much so that Gauguin boasted of having been inspired by him for his great works. Or at least that’s what the locals say. The truth is that we believe it when we know this beautiful town.
Vannes
The port trade gave it great prosperity for centuries , and this is reflected in its mansions and its half-timbered mansions. And they are not few, because in this town there are almost two hundred of these unique homes.
But in Vannes, there is much more. Here you can admire one of the best preserved walls in France , or a beautiful 15th century cathedral. Everything, without forgetting that port to which it owes so much.
Do you already know where to start your tour of French Brittany? Take good note of these towns and do not miss any. Although we recommend that you let yourself go aimlessly and surely you will discover many more.
Tags: french brittany, tips for french brittany, tips for travelling
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