Our Guide to Brittany (Bretagne)

Tradition, Coast and Celtic Culture in Brittany

A popular destination for many, the Brittany region boasts a 600 km sandy coastline that curves around the north-western tip of France, known as Bretagne in French. The region features fertile countryside and charming market towns.

The Breton people are known for their resilience, practicality and friendliness. They maintain a strong connection to the land, the sea and their cultural heritage. In some areas, the Breton language is still spoken, and local traditions are celebrated at various festivals and Fêtes Nocturnes (Fest-Noz) events.

Breton Culinary Favourites

The region is known for its excellent seafood, sweet crepes, tasty savoury buckwheat pancakes, fresh cider, 'galettes' biscuits and buttery Kouign-Amman cake. It offers a variety of sports including sailing, windsurfing, fishing, golf, hiking, mountain biking and horse riding.

Celtic Heritage & Legends 

Known to the Celts as Armorica, the 'land of the sea', Brittany has a long and lively past and deep Celtic roots. Prehistoric megaliths (standing stones) rise from the ground around Carnac, and it is said that young King Arthur received the sword of Excalibur from the fairy Vivian in the Paimpont Forest, 40 km south of Rennes.

Half-timbered buildings characterise the bustling, medieval towns of Vannes, Dinan and Rennes, while the castles and fortresses of Saint-Malo, Fougères and Vitré bear witness to Brittany’s strategic location.

A Dynamic Maritime Region

The Brittany region has drawn numerous artists, and the picturesque town of Pont-Aven in the Bigouden area features galleries showcasing works from both historic and contemporary painters. With landscapes ranging from cornfields and oyster beds to woodland walks, expansive sandy beaches, modern shipping ports, and historic towns, there's something for everyone in this diverse and vibrant area.

Rennes, in Ille-et-Vilaine, has served as Brittany’s capital since the 16th century. It houses the Breton Houses of Parliament and remains a centre of cultural activity, supported by its significant student community.

Dramatic Coastlines, Beaches and Fishing Villages

The department of Côtes-d'Armor on the northern shore is lined with seaside resorts, pink granite coves and traditional fishing ports. Morbihan, on the southern coast, is backed by wooded river valleys and has a gentler feel and a milder climate. Exposed to the rough Atlantic winds, Finistère in the west has drama. The name means 'the end of the Earth'!

Climate in Brittany

Brittany has a mild oceanic climate with warm winters and cool summers. Coastal temperatures seldom fall below 5°C, and frost and snow are uncommon.

The region is known for frequent, occasionally strong, westerly and south-westerly winds. Summer temperatures typically range from 19°C to 24°C, with sea breezes softening the heat. Rainfall occurs year-round, often as light drizzle, with heavier rainfall from autumn to spring.

Key Facts about Brittany

• Capital city: Rennes
• Population: 3.4 million (around 5% of France's population, which is approx. 68 million)
• Area: 27,209 square kilometres (approx 10,500 sq. miles, about 5% of France's total area
• Density: About 121 inhabitants per sq. kilometre, above France’s national average of 106

Essential Tourist Information

• Number of Tourists per Year: Approx. 13 million
• Km of Coastline: Approximately 5,596 km
• Highest Peak: The highest point is Tuchenn Gador (384 meters) in the Monts d'Arrée
• Average Sunshine Hours/Year: Around 1,800 hours
• Châteaux in the Region: Approximately 300–400 châteaux, notably Château de Josselin (Morbihan), Château de Fougères (Ille-et-Vilaine) and Château de Suscinio (Morbihan)
• Most Famous Landmark: Mont Saint-Michel (shared with Normandy)
• Golf Courses in the Region: About 40 golf courses

How to Travel to Brittany

The main cities are Rennes, Brest, Quimper, Lorient, and Saint-Malo. They can be accessed using the road network (motorways, national and departmental roads), the train network, or by air. Here's a list of the region's airports and main train stations.

Airports Serving Brittany

• Rennes–Saint-Jacques Airport
• Brest Bretagne Airport
• Lorient South Brittany Airport
• Quimper-Cornouaille Airport
• Dinard–Pleurtuit–St-Malo Airport

Main Train Stations & TGV Links

• Rennes Station
• Brest Station
• Quimper Station
• Lorient Station
• Saint-Malo Station

Weather Forecast for Rennes

Tourist Attractions in Brittany

• Mont Saint-Michel (shared with Normandy)
• Saint-Malo
• Dinard
• Cancale
• Rennes
• Brest
• Quimper
• Pont-Aven
• Carnac
• The Gulf of Morbihan

National Parks

• Parc naturel régional d'Armorique

Regional Nature Parks

• Parc naturel régional du golfe du Morbihan

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

• Paimpont Forest (part of the legendary Brocéliande Forest)

Economic Overview & Key Industries

• Economic Strength: Brittany has a diverse economy with strengths in agriculture, fishing, tourism and technology, making it a significant contributor to France's economy.
• Gross Domestic Product: Approx €115 billion (2022), which is around 3-4% of France's GDP.
• Economy: Services account for approximately 70% (tourism, healthcare, education, transport, and logistics), Industry accounts for approximately 20% (agri-food, shipbuilding and maritime industry, technology, and electronics), and agriculture and fishing account for approximately 10% (pork and poultry production, as well as significant dairy production). Brittany is a leader in the fishing industry.
• Unemployment Rate: Approximately 7.0% (France’s national rate = 7.2%)
• Universities and Grandes Écoles: Notable institutions include the University of Rennes, University of Western Brittany (Brest), University of Southern Brittany (Lorient), and the University of Bretagne-Sud (Vannes).
• Regional Specialities: Brittany is renowned for its seafood - including oysters, scallops, and mussels, as well as its crêpes, galettes, cider, and the famous Kouign-Amann pastry. The region is known for its dairy products, particularly butter and cheese.

Property Prices in Brittany in 2026

• Houses - the average price per sq. metre: €2,239 in June 2026
• Apartments - average price per sq. metre: €2,957 in June 2026
• Trends - average property price change over the last 12 months: -2.2 % (June 2025 - June 2026)

(source Fnaim)

Discover the Brittany Region

Brittany is a beautiful region full of spirit, where history, art, culture, and nature blend seamlessly with modern amenities. Shopping options are abundant and conveniently located. 

Transportation is fast and convenient, with Paris being less than two hours away by train from Rennes. Ferries run from the ports of Roscoff and Saint-Malo to the UK, and the excellent network of dual carriageways makes it easy to drive throughout this beautiful region of France.

Take a glance at our infographic to learn more facts about this magical region. Click on the links on this page to explore a specific department and browse our properties for sale in Brittany.