4 unusual and little-known places to discover in Brittany.
You already know the most beautiful corners of Brittany. They're in all the tourist guides. So why not explore the hidden treasures, the less-frequented but just as fascinating places?
As well as the traditional tourist sites, Brittany encourages the discovery of lesser-known places. From Morbihan to Côtes-d'Armor, Finistère to Ille-et-Vilaine, here's a selection of unusual places in Brittany that rival the most famous sites.
Also read: 9 must-see places in Côtes-d'Armor.
1. Pointe de Pen-Hir: breathtaking scenery
Less well-known than the Pointe du Raz, the Pointe de Pen-Hir (Finistère) is just as spectacular. Head for Camaret-sur-Mer, on the Crozon peninsula, where the land ends. With its 70-metre-high cliffs, this jewel of Brittany offers a breathtaking panorama of the Iroise Sea. At the end of the peninsula, six rocks extend the tip of Pen Hir. They are nicknamed ‘les Tas de pois'.
The pointe de Pen Hir is also worth a visit for its varied and little-known built heritage. The concrete remains of the Atlantic Wall are everywhere along the coastline and the anchors of the battleships are on display in front of the Battle of the Atlantic memorial.
Free access all year round. From the port of Camaret, a coastal path (GR34) passes by the Pointe de Pen Hir. Return facing the panorama of Brest harbour. Don't forget to bring good shoes to reach this wild and very exotic place.
2. La Roche aux Fées: the largest dolmen in France
The megalithic site of La Roche-aux-Fées is less well known than the menhirs of Carnac, yet it is the largest dolmen in France and one of the best preserved in Europe. A magical place, populated by centuries-old oak trees, that takes us back 5,000 years.
Located in Essé (Ille-et-Vilaine), around 30 kilometres south-east of Rennes, this giant of the Neolithic period is impressive for its sheer size: 40 blocks of schist, each weighing several tonnes, form a covered walkway 20 metres long. Legend has it that this dolmen was built by the fairy Viviane, who was able to move these huge stones with a simple wave of her hand.
Visits are free of charge. Free parking is available near the Maison d'accueil de la Roche-aux-Fées. A signposted path through the forest leads to the monument.
3. Bécherel, the City of Books
If you like to unearth nuggets, Bécherel is the place for you! In a corner of Brittany still untouched by major tourist flows, this pretty Breton village is nicknamed the ‘City of Books'.
Situated between Rennes and Saint-Malo, this Petite Cité de Caractère® in Brittany is home to around twenty unusual bookshops: cafés-librairies, bookshop-brocantes, literary tearooms, as well as art galleries and calligraphy and bookbinding workshops. There's something for every comic book lover.
Strolling through the medieval streets of Bécherel is like stepping back in time. The ramparts, vaulted passageways, granite and timber-framed houses, wash-house and other architectural features bear witness to the Breton town's rich past. Take the opportunity to make a short diversions to the Château de Caradeuc. Its grounds, listed as a remarkable garden and the largest in Brittany, have earned it the nickname of the ‘Breton Versailles'.
Bécherel lies between the Côtes-d'Armor and Ille-et-Vilaine departments, on the Rennes-Saint Malo road (D 137). Car park at the entrance to the village. Motorhome parking: 1 chemin de la Ferronnière.
4. The village of An Mil: a Breton village from the Middle Ages
In Melrand, in the Blavet valley (Morbihan), immerse yourself in the atmosphere of medieval Brittany thanks to a faithful reconstruction of a village from the Middle Ages. Around fifteen families are thought to have lived there for almost 600 years, from the 8th to the 14th century.
40 km north of Lorient, this archaeological and tourist site was discovered in 1902. It has been open to the public since 1985 and now covers almost two hectares. The Breton peasant dwellings have been reconstructed as they were in the Middle Ages, with their thatched-roof houses, granary on stilts, plant garden and hardy animals. It's a 2-hour walk back in time!
Village de l'an mil : Lann Gouh - 56310 Melrand. Tel. 02 97 39 57 89.
Visits are subject to a fee and fun archaeology workshops are offered in season. Website: www.villagedelanmil-melrand.fr.
To make the most of your stay in Brittany, camping Les Hauts de Port Blanc is an ideal destination. Situated in the Côtes-d'Armor, between Perros-Guirec and Paimpol, our 3-star campsite near the seaside offers accommodation in mobile homes, spacious camping pitches planted with trees, and an indoor swimming pool.