Last Updated on 26/11/2023 by secretmoona
I recently visited two of Brittany’s four “departments”: the Cotes d’Armor (22) in the north and Ille et Vilaine (35) in the east, bordering on Normandy. I wanted to share with you some of the most beautiful towns in Brittany that I have visited or plan to visit. So, here are my top picks for the prettiest and most charming medieval towns in Brittany. Each of these towns represents one of the heritage characteristics of Brittany, including urban, maritime, castles, rural, and religious.
Brittany’s prettiest and charming towns
Brittany is a region with diverse architecture and geography. Bretons have a strong cultural identity, which has led them to preserve their heritage. From walled cities, fishing ports, and rustic buildings to medieval castles, Brittany has become a popular tourist destination, with culture and the sea at the top of the agenda.
Auray, Morbihan
Auray is a quaint town that will capture your heart at first glance. With its historic half-timbered and stone houses, cobbled streets, and picturesque port of Saint-Goustan, Auray has all the elements of a charming town. Once an important harbour, this port town has transformed into a delightful destination with a variety of restaurants, bars, and artistic boutiques. It is definitely worth a visit.
Bécherel, Ille-et-Vilaine
Bécherel is a charming little town located between Rennes and Saint-Malo in France. It is famous for being the country’s first book town and the third in Europe after Hay-on-Wye (Wales) and Redu (Belgium). The town boasts over 15 bookshops, a monthly open-air book market and annually hosts a popular Fête du Livre, making it the perfect destination for book lovers of all ages and genders. In addition to being a hub for literature and culture, the village is also breathtakingly picturesque.
Dinan, Côtes d’Armor
Dinan is the epitome of a quaint, beautiful Breton town. This charming little town is steeped in medieval history, boasting a well-preserved 13th-century castle and ramparts that are like jewels. As you walk through the narrow, cobbled streets, you can see how much the locals care about and cherish their town. In my opinion, Dinan is the most picturesque town in Brittany and is definitely worth a visit.
Fougères, Ille-et-Vilaine
Fougères is a charming town located at the border of Normandy, boasting a lovely medieval quarter and a fairytale-like château that is a must-see attraction. As a Ville d’Art et d’Histoire (town of Art and History), it offers plenty of things to see and discover, making it an ideal destination for lovers of art, history, and architecture.
Saint-Malo, Ille-et-Vilaine
Saint-Malo is an enchanting walled seaside town located in the northwest of France’s Brittany region. It boasts a rich history and culture, evidenced in its well-preserved town centre, the Fort National, and the castle. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the town’s ramparts, which offer breathtaking views of the sea and the surrounding landscape. Those looking to indulge in fresh seafood will find plenty of options in Saint-Malo’s restaurants and markets. The town is also famous for its galettes, a traditional Breton pancake made from buckwheat flour. With its beautiful beaches and charming atmosphere, Saint-Malo has something for everyone and is a must-visit destination for anyone travelling to Brittany.
Vannes, Morbihan
Vannes is a beautiful city situated in Morbihan, on the southern coast of Brittany. It has managed to preserve its medieval charm with stunning wood-beamed houses and the magnificent Cathédrale de St Pierre. The town was formerly built on a fortified Roman site. The quaint streets of Vannes are bustling with shops, boutiques, and restaurants where you can taste the delicious local specialities such as crepes, cheeses, and oysters.
Locronan, Finistère
Locronan is one of the most beautiful villages in Brittany, and for good reason: its beauty is simply breathtaking. The photo of this picturesque village speaks for itself – with its granite Renaissance homes, old church and well, all located in the pedestrian historic centre. The architecture has been impressively preserved, testifying to the rich history of the town, which reached its apogee thanks to its admirably well-preserved heritage.
Vitré, Ille-et-Vilaine
Vitré is a charming town with many attractions, including grand, high-rise, half-timbered houses, stone cottages, quaint streets, and a fairytale-like castle. In addition to its architectural marvels, the town also offers an opportunity to enjoy nature. Several lakes provide great walking spots, as well as places for swimming and water sports. Furthermore, with Mme de Sévigné, the town’s most famous former resident, you can also enjoy a bit of literature.
Moncontour, Côtes d’Armor
Moncontour is a charming village that is surrounded by imposing ramparts. The village is perfect for a leisurely stroll, with its narrow streets, impressive mansions, and buildings. It was once known for its production and trading of fabric, but now it has become a popular tourist destination, especially during the summer months. Every other year, the village hosts a medieval festival with street entertainment, which is definitely worth experiencing.
Have you visited any of these beautiful and charming villages and towns? Which one is your favourite? I am curious to know. Have you visited any of these charming villages and towns in Brittany? Which is your favourite?
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Awesome! My family is originally from Brittany. I love this region. I was always going on holidays near St Malo (Cancale, famous for the oysters) and near Vannes (Arradon, on the coast, with many islands nearby). I loved reading your article about some of our lovely villages – and I also particularly loved the photos 🙂
Merci Eloïse! I fell in love with Brittany. I’m off to Vannes and St Gildas in December. Maybe I will have time to check out Arradon?
One of those places i think is on most people’s places to visit list as every photo you see is just so inviting for that next holiday break and so easy to get to. 4holidays has a great selection of accommodation for all budgets and you can check reviews before booking. Travel insurance also available on-line for all UK and EU residents.
All look so cute!
Beautiful architecture and photography. Love your blog. Keep it up! :1
Thank you
it is really charming 🙂 looking from the photos, it seems so unique and romantic…
This looks like a fairytale town… Sometimes I think after travelling so much I have seen a lot of places and then blogs like this reminds me there’s still a huge world waiting our there
Wow France certainly does have some really pretty towns, would love to explore this area! Your photos are amazing too 🙂
These are all so picturesque! I need to get out to the Brittany. I’ve only visited Paris.
Thanks for reading. There are so much places to see in France, Brittany is one of them. The thing I like the most about it is the difference between the north and south.
Brittany looks like such a beautiful area, with so many charming houses and alleyways. I loved your photos – they definitely made me want to go check it out!
Thank you!
Is there a town in France that isn’t pegectly quaint and charming? It’s all out of a fairytale!
Fougères has to be my favourite I think.. it’s just so adorable!
It is, specifically the castle!
These are beautiful! I would love to go back to Brittany. I’ve been a couple of times but just for short periods on family vacations in certain places. I’ll definitely be returning and going here! Dinan looks gorgeous.
They are so pretty, it makes me wanna go and visit!
Brittany is so beautiful! We’re headed to France in a few weeks and Brittany was on our list of places to visit. Saint-Malo is definitely at the top of our list!
All of these towns look so pretty! I’m taking a trip to France next year so I’ll have to see if I can visit Brittany while I’m there!
They definitely are 🙂 Hope you visit Brittany and enjoy your trip in France!
These towns looks so sweet. I’d definitely love to visit them. Pinning for later.
Thanks. I hope you can incorporate some of them into your France itinerary one day!
Those towns are very charming, I especially like the one with first book shop, cause I’m a book nerd. I’m definitely adding Brittany to the places that I have to visit in France
Thanks. Bécherel is a lovely town. They have all sorts of books: classics to foreign books. You will like it.
After reading your post I’m definitely adding this to my bucket list!
Brittany is such a beautiful region of France! I travelled there with my parents as a teenager twice but would love to visit again! I remember that I loved Vannes!
Beautiful! I spent a few summers living in Brittany (near Lorient) and have managed to visit most of these places – so beautiful! I especially fell in love with Auray when I was there, so pretty.
I absolutely love Brittany! I have been a few time but always up for another trip back.
Wow these places are just so beautiful and quaint! Like stepping back in time. Love it! 🙂
Goodness what a ridiculously pretty (and quaint) area. I love the look of all of these villages, especially Vannes – it’s really cool the way the pain the wood on those tudor-esque buildings. I have never seen that before, but I love the look of it. Back in the UK, those wooden beams are always just black.
As always, your posts give me wanderlust.
Oh my goodness, this is is just the cutest area. All of the little towns are so quaint. I’d love to vacation in Brittany. Thank you so much for sharing!
Auray looks incredible! I would love to visit one day, thanks for the amazing tips
I visited St Malo and wished I had more time to visit more of these towns. Great post and thanks for sharing.