Saint-Malo
The jewel of Brittany (External link) ’s Emerald Coast on the northern tip of Ille-et-Vilaine, Saint-Malo (External link) is an enthralling port town with an ever-changing landscape and one of the world’s greatest tidal ranges. It’s a place of history and legend with well-preserved ramparts, cobbled streets and old stone buildings – as well as the birthplace of several illustrious historical characters – and offers visitors an authentic glimpse into the region’s important seafaring past. It’s also the gateway to the Channel Islands. Don’t miss…
- A tour of the ramparts
- Saint-Vincent cathedral
- The Grand Aquarium, home to 600 species of fish from cold and hot waters across the globe
- Musée de la Ville
- Le Manoir de Limoëlou, housing a museum to Breton explorer Jacques Cartier, who discovered Canada
- The tidal islands of Grand Bé and Petit Bé
Dinan
Set high above the Rance river, Dinan (External link) and its 14th-century castle are enclosed by 3km of stone walls. Start at the marina and enjoy a walk along the estuary, before ascending to see the town’s crooked timber-framed houses with pointed gables which are straight out of the Middle Ages. Don’t miss...
- The old rampart walkway
- Dinan’s castle, with 14th-century dungeon built into its ramparts and classified as a historical monument
- The Saint-Malo church (15th-19th centuries), Saint-Sauveur basilica (12th-19th centuries) and Convent des Cordeliers (15th century), all gems of religious art
- The governor's house (15th century), Hotel de Beaumanoir (16th century) and Mère Pourcel’s house (15th century)
- Rue du Jerzual, the town’s main street and arguably its most beautiful, awash with artisans
Vannes
Beautiful Vannes (External link) overlooks the Golfe du Morbihan, a network of winding alleys and pretty squares with splendid fortifications and a picture-perfect marina. There’s a plethora of great bars and restaurants here and it’s an excellent base from which to explore Morbihan’s islands too. Don’t miss…
- A tour of the ramparts
- La Cohue (Musée des Beaux Arts)
- Musée d’Histoire et d’Archéologie
- Cathédrale St-Pierre
- Bilboquet, an old-fashioned toy shop