Brittany
With the longest coastline in France, this peninsula is famous for the variety of its landscapes, from sheer granite cliffs where lighthouses are pummeled by surf, to sunny islands dotted with fishing villages. Dinard, a relaxed but upscale seaside resort on the Emerald Coast, strikes a mellow contrast to the majestic walled city of St-Malo just across the bay, while windswept Cap Fréhel provides unforgettable vistas. There’s also the regional culture to explore: Brittany was a Celtic duchy for more than a thousand years before being annexed by France, and this melding of cultures is evident in the traditional Breton language, music and costumes. On religious holidays, women can still be seen wearing tall, elaborate headpieces made of lace.
topDinard
Built by the British aristocracy during the second half of the 19th century, this fashionable resort town is crowned with elaborate villas. Walkable streets, sandy beaches and great shopping make it a very pleasant place to spend the day.
topHotel
The Grand Hôtel Barriére of Dinard
46 Avenue George V
35800 Dinard
Tel: +33 (2) 99 88 26 05
Fax: +33 (2) 99 88 26 27
This 150-year-old grand dame has been newly renovated. Located right on the beach, it offers indoor and outdoor pools, Turkish baths, and water sports as well as a casino.
topRestaurants
Blue B
Grand Hotel Barriére
46, Avenue George V
35800 Dinard, France
Traditional cooking focusing on seafood, served in a cozy room facing the bay.
Hotel Restaurant Didier Méril
1 Place du General de Gaulle
35800 Dinard
Tel: +33 (2) 99 46 95 74
Fax: +33 (2) 99 16 07 75
Gastronomic cuisine in a contemporary setting.
topDinan
With a well-preserved fort and atmospheric streets filled with half-timbered houses, this medieval walled town on the Rance River is worth a visit.
topSt-Malo
Once the home of fearsome pirates, known as corsairs, this historic walled city is one of the most-visited places in Brittany. It was heavily damaged in WWII, but has been painstakingly reconstructed. The main activity here is walking on the ramparts and taking in the spectacular views of the harbor and coast — but the cobbled streets of the old town center (La Ville Intra-Muros) are also well worth a stroll.
topSights
Musée du Château
Tue-Sun 10am-12pm, 2pm-6pm
Located within the 15th-century Château de St-Malo, this museum covers the history of the city and region, including the cod-fishing industry and the WWII devastation.
Île du Grand Bé
35400 Saint-Malo, France
The famous 18th century writer Chateaubriand is buried on this rocky islet, accessible only at low tide. (Be sure to check tide times with the tourism office.)
Musee Jacques Cartier Limoëlou
rue David MacDonald-Stewart
+33 (2) 99 40 97 73
Open Jun – Sept 10-11:30am and 2:30-6pm. Closed Sundays in Jun and Sep.
This manor recalls the life and travels of famed explorer Jacques Cartier, discoverer of Canada.
topCancale
This beachfront fishing village is known as the oyster capital of Brittany. Its crashing waves, lighthouses and bustling seafood vendors have inspired painters and photographers for decades.
topRestaurants
Le Cancalais
12 quai Gambetta
35260 Cancale
+33 (2) 99 89 61 93
Waterfront restaurant serving grilled lobster and other seafood specialties.
Le Coquillage
Le Château Richeux
D155 route du Mont St Michele
35350 St-Mélior-des-Ondes
+33 (2) 99 89 25 25
Info: bricourt@relaischateau.com
One of Les Maisons de Bricourt, four exceptional restaurants under the management of Jane and Olivier Roellinger. This “marine bistro” specializes in authentic rotisserie cooking over a wood fire, using local ingredients. Indoor or outdoor dining, reservations required.