Northwest France

Breton pancakes

In every region of France, you can find attractions that will delight visitors. It is no different in Brittany, where you get the impression that nobody is in a hurry and life goes slower. This is a region in northwestern France, famous for its cider, or alcohol made from apples, as well as for its beautiful sandy beaches, bluffs and rocky cliffs. It is clearly visible what traces the Celtic past left here and how Anglo-Saxon and Roman cultures blend. This can be seen, for example, in the names of places - they are given both in French and Celtic (Breton).

The region's specialty is also "crepes", large and thin pancakes. While in Brittany, don't miss the opportunity to eat them in creperie. They are served with meat, cheese or vegetables, as well as sweet - with fruit, caramel or chocolate. Drink with cider with blackcurrant juice (kir breton, Breton's favorite drink), they are a delicious, filling dish.

Attractions of the region

There would not be enough time to list all the attractive places in the region, but there are a few that you absolutely cannot miss. One of them is lying on the English Channel. Saint-Malo, a charming city with very original buildings. The old part of the resort is protected against waves and flooding by a high wall, along which hundreds of protective logs have been driven into the sand. Today Saint-Malo is a resort that attracts with its long beaches and sailing competitions, while in the dark past its main source of income was piracy. When visiting the city, it is worth paying attention to the 17th-century fortress Petit Be standing on the rocks, built to protect against attacks by the English and the Dutch.

Tourists who visit Saint-Malo, most often also go to the Mont Saint-Michel abbey, located approx. 50 km away. Fits on rocky island in Mont Saint-Michel's Bay, in Normandy. They are connected to the mainland by a dyke that is less than two kilometers long. The impressive complex is really worth seeing - its majesty is breathtaking. At the top of the hill is the sanctuary of the Archangel Michael, and below are the remaining historic buildings, which now house luxury hotels, restaurants and shops. In 1962, the architectural ensemble was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is one of the most visited places in Normandy - more than 3 million come here each year. tourists. At low tide, crowds walk on the sand, not even deterred by the fact that the tides are able to flood, if not all, then a significant part of the parking lots.

The capital of Brittany - Rennes

Speaking of Brittany, it is impossible not to devote a few words to the capital of the region, Rennes. The city has been classified as a historical building in its entirety. One of its biggest attractions is the Parlement de Bretagne, set in the 17th-century building. The palace can be visited upon prior reservation at the tourist information office. Its richly decorated interiors delight viewers, as well as the collection of paintings (including the 17th-century "Triumph of Justice" on the ceiling in the Hall of the Court of Appeal), gilded decorations in the Waiting Room, as well as numerous exhibits, e.g. clock from the 18th century, or "Christ on the Cross" by Jean Jouvenet. Another noteworthy monument is the Minor Basilica Saint-Sauveur, located in the very center of the old town, a place of Marian devotion due to the four miracles recorded here.

The Basilica of Notre-Dame-en-Saint-Melaine is also attractive to tourists. The eyes of the viewers are riveted by the slender, beautiful belfry, as well as the majestic arcades from the 14th century. After visiting the monuments, you can feast your eyes on the colors of the vegetation in the botanical garden located in Parc Thabor. It also includes a rose garden, an aviary, a French garden and an orangery. The last stop on your Rennes tour might be a visit to La rue Saint-Michel with its many pubs.

Menhirs straight from the fairy tale about Asterix and Obelix

I don't think there will be anyone unfamiliar with the fairy tale of the brave Gauls who resisted the Roman army. We remember the nice Obelix who still carried huge boulders somewhere. The largest group of such stones (menhirs) can be found in Carnac. The square on which they stand is called Alignrments du Menec and has 1,100 stone blocks, most of which do not exceed a meter in height. A few kilometers further there is another cluster - 1029 menhirs stand in 10 rows. Apparently, the stones gather unique energy.

But Carnac is famous not only for the fields dotted with stone boulders. It is a health and leisure resort, boasting a wide beach with golden, fine sand. On the rocks protruding from the sea live crabs massively collected by the inhabitants. The great attraction of the city is the Tumulus Saint Michel. Its top is crowned with a 16th-century cross, there is also a chapel of St. Michael. However, the origins of the mound are estimated at 4500 BC

Breton camping sites

When visiting the region, we will find many nice campsites. If you want to stay near the famous megaliths, Camp Les Menhirs (allée Saint-Michel / BP 167, 56343 Carnac-Plage Cedex) is on offer. It is open from April to September, you can go horse riding, play mini-golf and tennis, and the price of accommodation, depending on the month, is 52-56 euro / day. After all, it is a 4-star camping.

A cheaper, but not worse option is an overnight stay at Le St. Laurent (Kergonvo, D186, 56400 Ploëmel). Here, two adults will pay from 21.40 to 26.40 euro per night. The campsite is adapted to the needs of disabled guests, there is a laundry room, a drying room and a heated indoor pool with a sliding roof.

These are just a fraction of the places you can stay and a fraction of the attractions you can see on your Brittany tour. A beautiful region, nice people and delicious food - you can really lose track of time here.