South Brittany
Discover the treasures of South Brittany
A bespoke South Brittany trip will offer you unforgettable experiences!
Savour fresh seafood at Concarneau’s market and dive into the history of Vannes, one of the royal cities of the short-lived Kingdom of Brittany. Rest and relax on the beaches of Quiberon and take in the breathtaking views from the cliffs overlooking the ocean. Explore the Gulf of Morbihan, often considered one of the world’s most beautiful bays and a paradise for sailing and kayaking enthusiasts.
Our local travel agency is ready to create a bespoke holiday for you in South Brittany. Treat yourself to an unforgettable adventure and discover Brittany like never before!
Cultural heritage and history of southern Brittany
Immerse yourself in the exceptional cultural and historical heritage of South Brittany. Discover the Château de Keriolet in Concarneau, an architectural jewel in the neo-Gothic style. A visit will take you back in time. Visit the Domaine de la Garenne Lemot. Here, the spirit of Tuscany is reflected in the gardens and Renaissance-inspired sculptures.
The town of Guérande is famous for its salt marshes. It is surrounded by imposing medieval walls. They are located around the well-preserved historic town. The Château d’Oudon overlooks the Loire. Here you can relive the history of the Dukes of Brittany while enjoying a panoramic view of the valley.
Don’t miss the Cité de la Voile Éric Tabarly in Lorient. This interactive museum is dedicated to maritime adventure and the history of ocean racing. Stroll through the village of Rochefort-en-Terre. It is one of the most beautiful villages in France. Or immerse yourself in history at the megalithic site of Carnac. Discover fascinating traces of prehistoric civilisations.
Gastronomy and specialities of south Brittany
Are you looking for a customised stay in southern Brittany full of culinary delights? Start with a tasting of Nantes’ famous desserts. These include berlingots and rigolettes. Are you a fan of charcuterie? Then you should try the internationally renowned Chateaubriand. Langouille, a speciality made from pork tongues, is also worth a try. Take advantage of the proximity to the sea to savour the pink prawns known as ‘Bouquet du Croisic’. Sardines and anchovies from La Turballe are a speciality. Not to mention the famous sardines from Quiberon. Cheese lovers will get their money’s worth with Curé nantais. Those with a sweet tooth will be tempted by Bottereaux and Gâteau nantais. Are you looking for a particularly authentic Breton flavour? Then you should try the kouign-amann from Douarnenez or the galettes from Pont-Aven.
Be sure to also indulge in the seafood of Morbihan, like Belon oysters or cotriade, a delightful fish stew. Pair it all with a glass of AOC Muscadet, enjoyed in moderation. This is the legendary white wine from Nantes. The crowning glory of your Breton culinary experience.
Where to go in South Brittany?
South Brittany covers the area from Quimper to Nantes in the Loire-Atlantique region. It runs via Vannes and Lorient in the department of Morbihan. Loire-Atlantique is not officially part of Brittany. However, it is historically and culturally linked to the Breton region. The Nantes area, for example, is one of Brittany’s nine historic provinces.
The must-sees on your South Brittany trip
Be enchanted by Quimper on a holiday in southern Brittany. The cultural capital of Brittany is known for its connection to art and history. Take the time to stroll along the harbour of Lorient and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the famous fortified town of Vannes. The impressive walls from the thirteenth century are typical of this city. South Brittany is rich in activities and places to visit. They reflect the unique character of this region, both historically and culturally. The forest of Brocéliande (also known as the forest of Paimpont) is also a first-class destination. It is famous for its mystical aura and its role in the legend of King Arthur.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re travelling as a couple, with family or with friends. You will find the perfect itinerary thanks to the diversity of this region. In Finistère, a renowned department of this region, you can visit Concarneau. Its famous walled town located on the port is one of the most visited sites in Brittany. South Brittany is also popular thanks to the Gulf of Morbihan, one of the most beautiful bays in France, and the world. You can enjoy fresh seafood and water activities, such as windsurfing, typical of this area.
The best destinations for a week’s stay
Whether you’re going for a weekend or a week in South Brittany, you’ll find the perfect itinerary. Seven to eight days is an ideal duration to visit the region, allowing you to take your time. The destinations we will mention are close to each other, allowing you to see as many sites as possible in one week. At the mouth of the Loire, you’ll discover the Brière Natural Park, known for its wild landscapes, the gateway to Guérande and its salt marshes. Want to experience a change of scenery? Discover the Guérande salt marshes in the small harbour town of Le Croisic. We also recommend you visit the thatched villages of Kerbourg and Kerhinet.
Don’t forget to visit Nantes, with its Machines of the Isle, the Heron Tree, and other must-sees such as the Lu Tower. When planning a bespoke holiday in South Brittany, you’ll have a wide range of activities to choose from. Nantes, nicknamed the “little fiancée of France” has long been one of the country’s favourite cities. Food lovers will appreciate the Nantes vineyards along the Loire, where you can enjoy some oysters with a glass of Muscadet. Discover the town of Pornichet near La Baule with its magnificent seafront promenade and old villas. You can also discover the wild coast on the Pouliguen coastal path. The coastline offers its share of coastal towns, from the authentic La Turballe to the more chic Baule-Escoublac.
South Brittany in numbers ...
films shot in the beautiful Breton locations, including Armageddon!
(This refers to the town of Dinan).
The number of tonnes of oysters! Brittany is the leading oyster-producing region in France.
On average, a Breton eats about 2 kg of oysters per year!
centimetres! That’s the size of the world’s largest crêpe since 2015!
Every summer in Gourin, in the heart of Brittany, the world’s largest crêpe competition is held!
When to visit South Brittany ?
The best time to do a South Brittany trip is from May to September. This is when the weather is at its most pleasant, with mild temperatures between 15 and 25 °C. May, June, and September offer particularly pleasant weather. The days are usually sunny, and the temperatures are ideal. Perfect for exploring the region without the summer crowds. In July and August, the heat is more intense and the beaches are at their best despite the higher tourist numbers. Are you looking for the perfect balance between favourable weather and a quieter atmosphere? Then these are the best months to visit South Brittany.
Discover South Brittany with a bespoke trip
For a holiday in South Brittany, create your bespoke journey according to your desires, the must-see stops, and your preferred pace… The choice is yours! Your personalised holiday in South Brittany will be exactly what you’ve dreamed of. Whether it’s a weekend break or a week-long holiday, our travel ideas in South Brittany will inspire you.
A bespoke trip will satisfy the desires of everyone, from 7 to 77 years old, while discovering the treasures that the Breton region has to offer. Bretagne Autrement invites you to discover both the well-known and the hidden, unique places and activities. Do you want to understand and experience this surprising region better? Then choose a customised South Brittany trip. Enjoy a holiday rich in natural, local and cultural discoveries!
Plan your next seminar in South Brittany
Organise your seminar in South Brittany with the local agency Bretagne Autrement. We offer your company an unforgettable experience in one of the most beautiful regions of France.
Bring your teams together in an exceptional setting between land and sea. Create unforgettable moments that encourage collaboration.
Brittany Autrement has in-depth knowledge of the region. We develop customised seminars that combine work and discovery. Your colleagues will not only come together for productive work sessions. Unique team-building activities are also on the programme. Some examples could be:
- a sailing trip
- a hike along the coastal paths
- a tasting of local products
Let yourself be enchanted by the authenticity of Brittany. Benefit from the personalised attention of our team. Your seminar in South Brittany will be much more than just a professional meeting. It will be an enriching human experience that will strengthen the bonds within your team.
The islands of Southern Brittany
Would you like to relax in a quiet, secluded environment? Or would you prefer to catch a few waves surfing off the south coast of Brittany? The islands in this region are diverse and leave nothing to be desired. For surfing enthusiasts, the Glénan archipelago is the ideal destination. If you are looking for peace, you can go for a walk by the sea and admire the unique flora.
Not far away, Houat Island, accessible from Vannes and situated off the coast of the Bay of Quiberon, is another gem of Southern Brittany. You can explore the island on foot or by bicycle along its coastal paths, or visit the Eclosarium museum to learn more about marine life.
Also in the same area, as you head towards Vannes, you can stay on Arz Island or Île aux Moines, both located in the Gulf of Morbihan. These islands are known for their rich flora and coastal walks. To the west of Île aux Moines lies Berder Island in Larmor-Baden. The access is limited and visitors can only explore the outskirts. For these reasons, the boat cemetery and the chapel have retained their old charm.
Finally, Belle-Île-en-Mer, off the coast of Vannes, is the largest island in Southern Brittany. It’s a paradise for nature lovers and sports enthusiasts, thanks to its marine and terrestrial natural heritage. You can stroll along its beaches or embark on various hikes at your leisure. The island also offers a range of cultural activities:
- artistic workshops
- visits to historic lighthouses
- celebrations related to music and theatre.
The islands of Southern Brittany are perfect for those seeking either relaxation or thrills. They offer something for everyone, allowing you to plan a tailor-made holiday for all ages and preferences.
Discover our holidays and trips in Brittany
Explore our travel ideas in Brittany and get inspired to plan your next South Brittany trip. A stay in Nantes, a getaway in La Baule, or a weekend in Guérande. Browse our suggestions and then get in touch to tell us about yourself—who you are, what you love, and what you’re looking for. Together, we will create a tailor-made South Brittany trip. Perfectly tailored to your desires and personality. You will enjoy an unforgettable experience that truly reflects you.
Discover our other destinations
Looking for a change of scenery? Discover our tailor-made holidays. Enjoy authentic, local experiences in North Brittany and Normandy. Dive into the heart of these regions to discover unsuspected wonders and unforgettable moments.