Is Brittany Worth Visiting? My Honest Experience + Best Places

In all my posts, I preach about destinations that suit certain personalities and types of souls. I don’t believe all destinations are perfect for everyone. And articles like “Here are the top 10 beaches in the world” are not truthful, because we don’t all love the same things and would clearly not enjoy the same type of destination. 

I made this intro because Brittany (or Bretagne) is that kind of destination. 

I explored northern France (especially Normandy and Brittany) during my 4-month European summer road trip. It was one of the best Europe trips to date as I focused on selected areas with fewer crowds, which are gorgeous and allow you to truly have a sensational summer in Europe. 

You might find it boring or unattractive (which you will if the current social media travel posts earn your likes). But I (and so many others) find Brittany one of the few hidden gems of Europe, a place that offers the freedom and peace only a coastal setting gives me, while discovering culture and historical sites. 

TL;DR I loved Brittany much more than I anticipated. It became one of my favourite destinations in Europe (after seeing all European countries). 

If you’re wondering whether Brittany is worth visiting, the answer is yes. But only if you like a certain type of travel.

This is not the South of France. And if you expect that, you might actually hate it.

Is Brittany Worth Visiting?

Yes, Brittany is so worth visiting, and I am glad I chose this place for my summer holiday. 

If you’re planning a trip to Brittany, France, most people look for either a Brittany itinerary or the best places to visit. This guide covers both what it’s actually like and whether it’s the right destination for you.

Honestly, when I was planning this trip to Brittany, I saved on my map interesting nature spots, but I had no idea how to get to them or how long I would spend in each one. 

I didn’t find enough guides online to help me shape my trip to northern France (like I normally do with all my trips). But I figured I would find a way to see it all since I was driving there and had the luxury of having a car to explore every place I had saved on the map. 

By the way, if you decide to rent a car or drive around France, please check my guide on driving in France. There are things you need to know. 

In my head, Brittany was a somewhat forgotten place, and the coastline was endless white sand dunes and beaches, with medium temperatures and some wind. 

Turns out, I wasn’t far off. I wanted to go to Brittany in summer because I love beaches and the sea, but I really dislike the Europe summer vibes around the southern part of the continent, where everyone sits in the sun and waits for an inevitable sunburn. Also, I didn’t want to deal with any crowds. 

And Brittany truly exceeded my expectations and made me fall in love with it. During my trip, I realised that many people from all over the world, but especially Brits, love this part of France so much that some choose to buy a house and retire here. 

Sure, some later decide they want to sell the house and move back to their home country, but I’m sure that has nothing to do with Brittany itself. 

If you’re planning a bigger trip, you can combine Brittany with a wider Europe itinerary depending on how much time you have.

Ok, let’s talk about specifics and how Brittany might not be for everyone. 

Brittany Itinerary Map

What Brittany Is Actually Like (Not What You Expect)

I imagined one thing, but then the reality surprised me. But it was a pleasant surprise. 

I wasn’t really aware of the coastal weather, which tends to be quite different from the more inland places. 

I focused on the northern coastal part of Brittany (I also visited Normandy during this trip), and the weather was much cooler and overall temperate compared to Europe’s summer temperatures. 

This is important because Europe has been suffering from droughts and even fires during the last summers, as temperatures often reach 40°C (104°F) in central and southern Europe during summer months (July and August are the worst). 

But not in Brittany. While the TV showed reports of tourists suffering from heat strokes on the streets of Paris, I had a blast in Brittany’s coastal area, where the high temperatures were about 25°C (but sometimes the wind was making it seem even cooler). 

The first time I saw the beaches of the Pink Granite Coast (Côte de Granit Rose, part of the coastline in the Côtes d’Armor), I fell completely in love with the place and instantly said I could move there. 

And no, I’m not like those people on TikTok who say this everywhere I go. I love a lot of places, but I wouldn’t move to most of them. But I would move to the Côte de Granit Rose in Brittany. 

But if you look at these beaches, you’ll notice that this is a totally different vibe than the southern Mediterranean beach vibe. The coastal area in Brittany is more rugged and generally less polished than the south of France. 

I mention this because most people don’t realise that there are other really good coastal beaches in France, which are not the French Riviera. And if you dislike that, then you might want to take a trip to Brittany, because it’s more raw, less about your status and more about how it makes you feel. 

And I love destinations that have a distinct personality, such as Brittany. 

I made a video addressing the specific question people have before visiting Brittany. You can watch the video on my YouTube channel:

What I Loved About Brittany

Brittany has an authentic vibe, which is hard to find these days in Europe, where everything is so commercial and prone to consumerism. 

But Brittany seems to have none of that and lives in a different universe where American influences have not yet reached. 

The coastline, as I mentioned already, is one of my favourites. 

But the entire northern French coastline is sublime, and each part of it is different. Brittany has that laid-back vibe, where beautiful cottages stand on the beaches and make it look like the perfect scenery where you can write your next novel or paint nature. 

The crowds are much smaller than in any other coastal part of Europe. And that’s because you won’t find any big chain hotels around. Most of these spots have old-school cottages (Fr: gites) which can be rented out wholly or just a room, and some rent out their apartment. 

If you’re planning a trip, I’ve created a full North Brittany road trip itinerary (7 days) with exact stops and tips.

Since accommodation spots are limited, not a lot of people can come and stay all at once. Most people travel around in their campervan and stay in campsites (which get full during summer and require booking your spot). 

Some of my favourite spots in Brittany are Site de Meneham, Saint-Malo, Pink Granite Coast and Cap Fréhel. 

I ate the most delicious farm-made ice cream in the parking lot at Cap Fréhel, where a family-owned farm sent their daughter to sell ice cream and jams (all were artisanal made). 

They even served me ice cream using a metal container and a spoon so that I wouldn’t create any waste. And this kind of mentality is applied to a lot of things in Brittany. 

What Might Disappoint You

I have to be completely honest and say that some people might find this place underwhelming, especially if you travel to Brittany expecting something different from what it is. 

For instance, if you’re looking for a perfect beach weather holiday, with warm water or crazy nightlife, then most of these spots will disappoint you. 

Some places can be warm one day and chilly the next with some rain. 

Not all spots are close to each other, so you might have to drive a lot, because most roads are regional and you have to go slower, through villages, and you can’t fit too much into a day. 

Some people might also not like it too much because the restaurants you’ll find have shorter schedules and also don’t serve a huge variety of foods, as in other touristy places. You’ll find plenty of fish based dished and a lot of creperies (they serve both sweet crepes and savoury galettes). 

I honestly love all of these, as I seek quiet and tranquillity wherever I go, but others might get bored. You know those people who say that once you’ve seen a sandy beach, you’ve seen them all? I’m not one of them. 

Who Brittany Is Perfect For

I am a road trip lover, will always choose nature spots over big cities and have started to enjoy slow travel in recent years. And I love Brittany. 

If this sounds like you, then you have to put Brittany on your travel budget list of destinations in Europe. 

If any of these sounds not so much like you, then honestly, it would be better for you to simply go somewhere else in France. 

I think anyone who seeks crowds or endless agitations will not have a good time in Brittany. 

But a lot of people will love it. The people who dream and imagine a life where you’re in the present, who love to observe and explore on foot. 

And the best part about Brittany is that it is a perfect spot to embrace slow travel (which tends to become a thing in Europe). 

Who Should Probably Skip Brittany

People who seek that crowded beach lifestyle, nightlife or non-stop scorching sun will not have a good time in Brittany. Because Brittany is none of that. 

If lazy is your definition of a holiday, just sitting on a beach and sipping a cocktail, then definitely, this is not that kind of coastal holiday. 

Brittany is all about exploring, taking coastal walks, admiring birds and sunsets, trying local foods, and even learning a bit of French. You’ll have to drive between attractions; most beaches are empty, so if you want to have a picnic, you’ll need to bring everything you need. 

It’s a place where people come to embrace the wild coastal views and sit there while the wind blows. It’s a vibe, and it’s much slower than other places, such as in Spain or Italy. 

Best Places to Visit in Brittany

Saint-Malo

A walled coastal city that feels alive at sunset — busy during the day, but much calmer in the evening. Walk the ramparts, eat moules-frites, and don’t miss the views towards Grand Bé at low tide.

Pink Granite Coast (Côte de Granit Rose)

One of the most unique coastlines in Europe — pink rocks, wild beaches, and zero “perfect Instagram” vibes. It’s raw, quiet, and honestly one of the few places I’d actually consider living in.

Cap Fréhel

This is where Brittany starts to feel wild. Dramatic cliffs, strong winds, and views that make you want to just stop and stare instead of rushing to the next spot.

Île-de-Bréhat

A car-free island that feels completely disconnected from the rest of the world. You walk, you stop every five minutes for photos, and suddenly, a full day doesn’t feel like enough.

Site de Meneham

A small stone house squeezed between massive rocks, right on the coast — simple, strange, and very Breton. It’s one of those places that doesn’t look like much at first, but somehow stays with you.

See my full 7-day North Brittany itinerary here. 

I also filmed this entire route, so you can see what Brittany actually looks like beyond photos.

I have a full France travel playlist on my YouTube channel, with videos from Saint-Malo, Cap Fréhel, Île-de-Bréhat, the Pink Granite Coast, and more.

If you’re the kind of traveller who wants to feel a place before going, not just read about it, this will help you a lot.

My Recommended Route (If You Decide to Go)

I’d recommend building your route like this:

Day 1: Mont Saint-Michel (technically Normandy, but often included)
Day 2: Saint-Malo
Day 3: Fort la Latte & Cap Fréhel
Day 4: Saint-Brieuc & Pointe du Roselier
Day 5: Île-de-Bréhat
Day 6: Pink Granite Coast (Ploumanac’h, Perros-Guirec)
Day 7: Site de Meneham & Baie de Kernic

I have videos from all these locations on my YouTube channel (here’s a link to my France travel playlist) if you want to check them out. 

If you do decide to visit, I’ve already mapped out a full route here in my North Brittany itinerary post. 

Final Verdict: Is Brittany worth visiting?

Yes, but it’s not for everyone. 

I love slow travel, wild coastal views and dislike scorching sun. And I love Brittany because it ticks all these boxes for me. 

But the coast is rugged, the accommodation options are limited, and the food is mostly local. If you want to party, there isn’t much choice, as this will seem to you like a collection of villages full of retirees.

If you have different expectations and want to escape the summer madness that you see in Spain, Italy, or Greece during summer, then Brittany is exactly the kind of place you’ll love.