10 Reasons to Explore Normandy and Brittany

Anyone contemplating a holiday in Brittany or Normandy will find this northern part of France is rich in landscape, culture and gastronomy, but more than that – a warm welcome awaits.

Bretagne Autrement is a local travel agency based in Rennes, in the heart of Brittany, which specialises in tailor-made trips including authentic, local experiences so visitors can enjoy a more immersive holiday, while respecting nature and local communities. Meet with local producers, take a boat trip to one of the sublime islands, go on a bike ride or a market visit with a local… there’s so much to do and see here.

1. Gastronomy  

The northern French regions of Brittany and Normandy are renowned for their gastronomic riches. You can’t go to Brittany without trying the buckwheat crêpes and galettes and Breton cider, and then, of course, there’s the seafood – especially Cancale oysters and scallops – which testifies to the richness of the coast here. Normandy, on the other hand, is famous for its dairy products, with irresistible cheeses such as Camembert, Livarot and Pont-l’Évêque. Sweet-toothed visitors will love the salted butter caramel and apples, used in Normandy cider and the famous calvados, a regional brandy.  

Foodies can enjoy authentic culinary experiences with local people who are keen to share the bounty of their region. Stroll through the market with a local resident in Vannes, enjoy a private gourmet visit with tastings in Rouen, take a cooking class with a local chef in a beautiful mansion on the Emerald Coast. The choices are endless! 

2. Cultural riches 

Brittany and Normandy both have a folklore rich in traditions and legends, often linked to their Celtic and medieval roots. In Brittany, fest-noz are traditional festivals with Celtic dancing and music – one of the biggest and best known is the Lorient Interceltic Festival, which attracts thousands of visitors every year.

The region is also steeped in legends, especially those around the forest of Brocéliande, which is linked to King Arthur. In Normandy, medieval festivals, such as the Fête de Jeanne d’Arc in Rouen, commemorate local history and heroes, while the Fête des Normands celebrates regional identity with traditional costumes and music. While you’re here, there’s plenty to do to ensure an immersive experience: meet a local artist in Honfleur, join a storytelling walk in Brocéliande, head to a festival or learn Breton dance. 

3. Centuries of history 

Brittany and Normandy both have a rich past that have played key roles in the history of France. Brittany, with its megaliths of Carnac and medieval fortresses such as the Château de Fougères, bears witness to an ancient history and a deep-rooted Celtic identity. Normandy is particularly famous for the 1944 D-Day landings, a crucial turning point in the Second World War, with memorial sites such as the D-Day landing beaches and the American cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer. In addition, Norman medieval architecture, exemplified by Rouen Cathedral and Mont-Saint-Michel, underlines the historical importance of the region in European history. 

A private guided tour of the D-Day landing beaches is a unique opportunity to dive into this key event in our history. Or you could travel back in time even further, to prehistoric times, to the famous megalithic site of Carnac, or learn more about the Middle Ages in the pretty cities of Bayeux and Saint-Malo. 

4. Luxury accommodation 

In Brittany and Normandy, a wide range of luxury accommodation oozes charm and elegance, offering plenty of unique experiences to choose from. In Brittany, Le Castelbrac in Dinard stands out for its exceptional location overlooking the sea, while the Hotel Le Coquillage in Cancale, run by Michelin-starred chef Olivier Roellinger, combines refinement and gastronomy. In Normandy, Le Domaine de Primard, an elegant country house near Giverny, seduces with its bucolic setting, and the Hotel Barrière Le Normandy in Deauville embodies seaside chic with its iconic architecture and exceptional service. These establishments offer a luxury stay imbued with the beauty of the regions. Whichever you choose, you will enjoy an authentic and high-quality stay, with the finest modern comforts, and a warm, personalised service.  

5. Diverse landscapes 

Brittany and Normandy offer unspoilt, wild natural landscapes. Whether you are by the sea or in one of the many small country villages, you are sure to find somewhere to please. After all, at 3,600km, this is the longest coastline in France, stretching from the Alabaster Coast to the bay of La Baule, via the Côte Fleurie, the Pink Granite Coast and the Gulf of Morbihan. Then there are now fewer than eight Regional Natural Parks: observe the fauna and flora in the wild in the Cotentin and Bessin Marshes, the Armorique Regional Natural Park or the Iroise Marine Natural Park. If forests are your thing, you’ve come to the right place, as there are 850,000 hectares to explore, while in Belle-Île-en-Mer, Ouessant and Bréhat, you’ll find sublime islands with a distinct local atmosphere. Then there’s the canal from Nantes to Brest, or for another change of scenery, the wild, off-the-beaten-track landscape of the Monts d’Arrée.  

To make the most out of this exceptional part of France, take a private guided tour – on foot or by bike – with a local guide who is passionate about the area and will give you an in-depth view. And for photography enthusiasts, you’re guaranteed to see the best off-the-beaten-track sites!

6. Crafts and shopping 

Shopping in Brittany and Normandy is a joy, reflecting the rich regional know-how. In Brittany, artisan shops offer typical products such as the famous Saint-James marinière tops, ceramics from Quimper, and delicious Breton specialities such as butter biscuits and salted butter caramels. In Rennes and Saint-Malo, charming shopping streets offer a mix of local products and contemporary creations. In Normandy, the markets are full of local products, such as cider, calvados and regional cheeses. Deauville and Honfleur also attract lovers of luxury boutiques, with elegant brands and high-end fashion items. You will also find handcrafted pieces highlighting local skills, such as linen or leather work. 

7. Easy to get to and around 

Brittany and Normandy couldn’t be easier to get to, thanks to the TGV network and Nantes airport. The TGV connects Paris to the main cities of Brittany and Normandy in less than two hours while Nantes Airport  facilitates travel to these regions with domestic and international flights, making travel easier for visitors coming from abroad or major French cities. Both regions also have an excellent road network so getting from historic towns to picturesque coastlines is swift and easy, and traffic is kept to a minimum. Don’t miss out on the famously beautiful panoramic roads, too, such as on the Emerald Coast and the Alabaster Coast. 

8. Hospitable people  

The people of Brittany and Normandy are often praised for their great kindness and the warm welcome they extend to strangers. They love nothing more than to share their culture, heritage and traditions with visitors. Whether it’s Brittany with its stunning coastal scenery or Normandy with its charming villages, the locals are always ready to offer a smile, help or advice, reinforcing the reputation of these regions for their genuine hospitality and friendliness. 

9. Outdoor activities  

A multitude of outdoor activities will keep nature and adventure lovers entertained. In Brittany, jagged coastlines invite you to hike along the GR34, the famous customs officers’ trail, while beaches and islands such as Belle-Île-en-Mer are ideal for swimming, surfing and sailing. In Normandy, the varied landscapes allow for walks on the cliffs of Étretat, bike rides on bucolic paths, and explorations of gardens and parks such as those at Claude Monet’s house in Giverny. Both regions also offer opportunities for fishing, kayaking and horse riding, making every outdoor outing memorable. With no fewer than 14 major cycle routes and greenways crisscrossing the territory, cyclists will be delighted, while walkers benefit from thousands of kilometres  of well-maintained marked trails. And for thrill seekers, go to Finistère to climb the cliffs at Crozon or surf the waves at the Pointe de la Torche! 

10. Environmentally-friendly tourism 

Tourism professionals in Brittany and Normandy are increasingly sensitive to environmental protection, aware of the importance of preserving their magnificent natural landscapes. They are actively engaged in sustainable practices, such as promoting responsible tourism, reducing plastic waste, and encouraging soft travel such as cycling or walking. Many local players are also adopting ecological initiatives, such as the eco-labelling of accommodation and the promotion of local products, in order to reconcile tourism development and respect for the environment. Bretagne Autrement is committed and has obtained the Fair Tourism label.  

About Bretagne Autrement 

Bretagne Autrement, based in Rennes, Brittany, was born from the meeting of Gwénaëlle and Emilie, great travel enthusiasts and former employees of a major French luxury travel brand. Their mission is to show visitors their region as it really is. To do this, Bretagne Autrement creates tailor-made trips integrating accommodation selected for their quality and eco-responsible commitments. Guest house or luxury hotel, self-drive or private transfers, families or couples, your trip will be personalised to suit you. Bretagne Autrement uses all its know-how and creativity to offer unique, exclusive and authentic experiences.