Brittany’s great outdoors entices group visitors: the rolling hills and shimmering blue seas promise luxury and relaxation as well as adventure. On the coast, cruises, sailing and fishing supplement the regular seaside fun, while inland offers spas, exotic gardens and gorgeous landscapes that can be crossed on foot, by bike or even by donkey. Choose a secluded chateau deep in the heart of the Breton countryside and join the in-the-know Parisians who have been hiding away in this beguiling part of France for years.
It’s not all about nature in Brittany, however, and the towns and cities here are equally appealing. Roam the streets of Rennes and Carnac on two wheels – bike or Segway – and tour the abundance of historical sights. The museums and heritage attractions are great to explore on foot; follow a guide for the day or simply strike out by yourself on a walking tour of whichever medieval village or walled city you end up in.
We’ve come to believe that group holidays work best when you mix up lazy days with the odd activity, so pick your favourites from our list below and get planning.
Adrenaline-Fuelled Activities in Brittany
- Some of the best experiences you can have with your group of friends in Brittany will be water-based. With so much wonderful coastline there’s a ton of activities to explore, but one of the most exciting is scuba diving!
- Saint-Malo Plongée Émeraude organises dives around Saint Malo, which offers two shipwrecks to explore as well as appreciating all the mesmerising marine wildlife.
- A boat trip is also a great way to see the Breton sights in a whole new way, and the islands that are found off the coast make a great destination for an unforgettable picnic with some local wine and treats.
- Voiles et Traditions are the ideal people to talk to about a boat trip, as their wooden boats provide a charming way to experience the coast of Brittany. You can even get involved and hoist a few sails if you’re feeling energetic.
- Does island-hopping sound more your cup of tea? Croisières Izenah can sort you out with an excursion around the Gulf of Morhiban to visit beautiful, ancient-looking fishing villages.
You can scroll through more group activities in Brittany.
More Laid Back Activities in Brittany
- There are plenty of delightful and charming villages throughout Brittany, and there’s nothing more relaxing (and enlightening!) than taking a tour around them.
- Saint Malo is the jewel in the crown of Brittany’s coastal towns, and Saint-Malo Guide really gets to the heart of the town’s history and wonderful architecture. Well worth a trip!
- Biking is a great way to experience the culture and landscapes of Brittany, and the whole region is criss-crossed with trails and paths to follow. Whether you’re looking for a gentle jaunt between villages or something a little more challenging, you’re bound to find the right ride to suit.
- If you’re looking to hire a bike for you and your friends, check out Abicyclette. They can even help you plan a route!
- The landscapes and gardens of Brittany are as stunning as they are verdant. If you’ve got green fingers (or just enjoy a good view) then head out to the grounds of a local chateaux or manor house – or just up a nearby hill if you’re feeling lazy!
Brittany is the home of the crêpe and there are an incredible number of quality pancake-producing points in the region offering more kinds of fillings than you could possibly imagine. If you only try one, make it the classic complete – a combination of ham, egg and cheese on a galette (a buckwheat crêpe). We know, Breton crêpes are seriously good, but if you can resist the temptation to spend your entire holiday in Brittany gorging on them, you’ll be delighted with what you will discover.
Brittany’s food scene is vast and varied and includes everything from seafood-oriented haute-cuisine to hearty staples such as canned fish. And there’s a wide selection of alcohol on offer too, from dry whites likes Muscadet and Gros-Plant to locally produced beer. The region’s most famous and most commonly consumed alcoholic drink, cider, is the perfect accompaniment to any meal here, and has the power to convert even the most hardened sceptics. Don’t leave Brittany without trying out some of these fantastic dining experiences.
The Best Restaurants in Brittany
- Bistro Autour du Buerre, which is found in Noyal-sur-Vilaine, is a celebration of all things dairy. One particular product is put front and centre in many of the restaurant’s dishes – butter. Dig in, and try not to think too much about the calories!
- For a true taste of luxury, Plomodiern’s L’Auberge des Glazicks has been awarded and impressive two Michelin stars thanks to its inventive use of under-appreciated ingredients like pig’s feet, and there’s even a tasting menu if you can’t decide which dish you want.
- With so much beautiful coastline, it’s hardly surprising that Brittany’s seafood is well worth searching out. Restaurant le Coquillage in Cancale is an intimate restaurant that makes the most of the freshest fish and shellfish available. There’s even a cookery school on-site if you want to learn a thing or two as well!
Check out our full range of foodie experiences in Brittany.
Dishes to Try in Brittany
- Whether you prefer them sweet or savoury, Brittany’s buckwheat pancakes make a tasty snack if you need something quick to eat, and they can be found pretty much everywhere.
- As well as a tempting range of other seafoods, Brittany’s oysters are prized by gourmands from around the globe.
- The salt marshes you’ll find in coastal areas through Brittany are great grazing ground for sheep – meaning Brittany’s lamb is a dish well worth ordering if you see it on a restaurant menu.
- Brittany also grows wonderful artichokes – they make a great starter, often served with melted butter or mayonnaise.
The Best Foodie Experiences in Brittany
- Au Rythme des Marées in Baden is a treat for any seafood fan – it’s an oyster farm that tells you everything you need to know about these tasty crustaceans, from how they’re farmed to how they’re eaten.
- Surprisingly, the drink of choice in Brittany isn’t wine, but cider. Domaine du Kinkiz in the delightfully named town of Quimper is a great way to get into this Breton tradition, and after you’ve finished exploring it’d be rude not to indulge in a drop.
- As well as cider, you can try another unusual French tipple if you’re heading through Plomelin – the Distillerie des Menhirs produces whiskey from buckwheat (the same thing Brittany’s famous crepes are made from) and offers free tours during the summer.
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