10 Must-Visit Small Towns in Brittany

Rochefort-en-Terre is a designated Petite Cité de Caractère (Small City of Character). And upon strolling these narrow cobblestoned streets, it’s not hard to see why. The charming rural town is awash with characterful half-timber houses, flower pot-lined laneways, and lush shady parklands.

The most emblematic building in town is the Château de Rochefort-en-Terre, a splendid 17th-century manor surrounded by leafy lawns. While the interior isn’t open for visitors, travellers can admire the structure from the gardens outside. Searching for souvenirs? Rochefort-en-Terre is famous for its artists’ ateliers, who craft creative works from old traditional studios.

Perros-Guirec is a serene summer seaside resort in the Côte de Granit Rose, a rugged coastal stretch famed for its pink granite boulders. The town has been a popular beach resort for Breton families since the late 19th century, and it continues to lure local sun seekers today. You’ll find a wide array of cute restaurants and cafes in the town centre, plus marvellous centuries-old churches.

The top beaches in town are Plage de Trestraou and Plage de Trestignel – hit the latter if you fancy a secluded vibe. For more spectacular coastal scenery, take the picturesque walking trail from Plage de Trestraou to Pointe de Squewel.

Roscoff is one of the Small Cities of Character (Petite Cités de Caractère) famed for its striking Gothic-style architecture. The quaint seaside village straddles a sparkling harbour, where you’ll spot fishing ships reeling in the day’s catch. Keep an eye out for the historic shipowner’s houses that line the port shores.

Green thumbs mustn’t miss The Exotic Garden of Roscoff, a sprawling hilltop park chock full of gurgling fountains and exotic flora. During the busy summer months, passenger ferries chart the short trip to Île de Batz. This small offshore island is home to pretty beaches, sprawling parklands, and scenic coastal trails.

Guérande is a magnificent medieval city famed for its nearby salt marshes. Local Breton artisans have been harvesting “white gold” here since Roman times, and the tradition continues today. Travellers can meander around the vast salt marsh and admire its endless mosaic of reflective mirror-like pools.

In town, you’ll find lively markets, insightful museums, and ancient fortifications. The original 1.4-km wall still circles the city – access is via impressive arched gateways. At every turn, corbelled houses with ornate dormer windows add character to the narrow cobblestoned streets. Visit the Tricot and Prévoté manor houses and the Saint-Aubin church for more majestic architecture.

The endearing artist’s village of Pont-Aven is the epicentre of the Ecole de Pont-Aven art movement. Kickstarted by post-Impressionist painter Paul Gauguin in the late 19th century, the style quickly became well-known worldwide. Visitors can see original examples at the Musée de Pont-Aven.

Pont-Aven isn’t just for art lovers. The gorgeous rural town features quaint age-old architecture, a tranquil tree-lined river, and an abundance of luscious greenery. Come during early August to witness the Fête des Fleurs d’Ajonc, where locals dance to bagpipe tunes in colourful traditional garb.

The splendid Celtic town of Lorient wraps around a tranquil yacht-strewn harbour. Established in the 17th century, the city saw the rise of the iconic French East India Company. Remnants of its seafaring past can still be seen in historic Port-Louis. Swing by Kéroman quayside in the morning to watch fishermen auction freshly caught seafood in France’s second-largest fish market.

Maritime enthusiasts should visit Cité de la Voile Eric Tabarly to admire intriguing nautical exhibits. Several other exciting marine-themed museums reside around town, including Base de Sous-Marins, a massive WWII German naval base.

Unhurried Saint-Goustan is a quaint river port within the pretty commune of Auray. The historic port was a significant wine and grain trading hub between the 17th and 19th centuries. Benjamin Franklin once moored here to request French support during the American War of Independence.

Nowadays, Saint-Goustan is a popular yachting harbour lined with stylish restaurants and bars. Charming half-timbre houses and labyrinth-like cobblestone streets stretch from the port to the surrounding commune. Come in September to shuck bivalve molluscs at the lively Oyster Festival.

Quiberon is a quaint little fishing village located at the southern tip of the scenic Quiberon Peninsula. The historic seaside resort set the scene for World War II’s Battle of Quiberon Bay. Visit the Cross of Lorraine to pay homage to fallen French Resistance soldiers. Other worthwhile sites include the Maison du Patrimoine, the Musée de la Mer, and the Église Notre Dame de Locmaria church.

Fish restaurants, art galleries, and designer boutiques lie peppered around town. Gorgeous golden sand beaches straddle the peninsula coastline, perfect for sun seekers eager to work on their tans. If time permits, take the ferry to the scenic Belle-Île-en-Mer island.

Must-visit Locronan is one of France’s most lovely little towns. Home to grand granite Renaissance houses and the majestic 15th-century Locronan Parish, it’s a beautiful spot to wander around. The adorable village has garnered Plus Beaux Villages de France (Most Beautiful Villages in France) and Petite Cité de Caractère status.

Locronan is also a popular pilgrimage destination. Breton devotees rock up in droves during the Grande Troménie, a 12-km-long procession taking place just once every 6 years. Smaller religious shindigs occur annually.

Trinité-sur-Mer is a small waterfront settlement situated a stone’s throw from Carnac. The laidback port town houses a string of seafood restaurants and scenic seaside quays. Favourable conditions and sweeping scenery have seen it host water sports competitions like sailing and keelboat racing.

The neighbouring village is home to the world-famous Alignements de Carnac. Historians believe these 3,000 Neolithic megaliths and tombs were erected as far back as 4,000 BC. Some of the most important standing stones fall within the boundaries of Trinité-sur-Mer.