Brittany’s best places to get away from it all

This massif divides Finistère into two regions, creating an unusual landscape of moors and rocky ridges covered in heather and gorse. A poetic place where time stands still.

Naturally, this relatively flat region makes the ideal walking terrain. The ADDES association aims to spread environmental awareness during early-morning hikes, musical storytelling walks and 2.5-km itineraries that take children in search of elves and dwarves. 

You can speed up the pace by taking to the mountain bike trails. The Abicyclette agency organises physically challenging excursions between the moors and ridges, across woodlands and along narrow paths. Invigorating! 

For a taste of the wilderness, all you have to do is make yourself comfortable in a sled on wheels towed by huskies from the Domaine de Shiva. Hike! Hike! As the musher cries! 

To really get back to basics, head for the riverbank withPhilippe (not Brad Pritt, sorry!) to go fly fishing for rainbow trout, in no-kill mode (releasing the fish back into the river). 

Who has never heard of the legend of King Arthur? Its very mention conjures enchanting images of the Lady of the Lake, Merlin the wizard and the mysterious forest of Brocéliande. 

Get the full experience of the Arthurian legend in the company of a guide dressed in period costume. To the melodic sound of a Celtic harp, you’ll discover mythical places like the Vale of No Return or the Barenton fountain and its magic bubbles.

You can also follow the 11-km ‘Les Landes de Gurwan’ hiking trail to see some key sites from the legend of King Arthur.  

Why not soak up the magical atmosphere on an E-bike tour with Guillaume, a guide with a passion for this region? With him you can expect to enjoy the ultimate cycling experience! 

Unveil the mysterious secrets of  Paimpont where you can join an organic cookery workshop on the theme of wild plants or herbs from the garden.  

Plunging into the sea at the westernmost tip of Finistère, the cross-shaped peninsula of Crozon invites you to explore Brittany at its wildest and most authentic. 

So grab your trainers and prepare to enjoy a proper breath of fresh air! If you dare, take to the GR34 and GR37 trails, hugging the coast as they wind their way through the contrasting landscape of rugged headlands and heavenly coves. 

Alternatively, if you fancy  exploring the coast from the sea, you have the option of boarding an old sailing ship, a catamaran or a dugout canoe, accompanied by a geologist. 

There’s no such thing as traffic jams in Brittany... unless you’re heading for a surfing spot! Rent a board from one of the clubs on the peninsula and have a go at this local sport. 

Or try climbing the Pen-Hir cliffs with the help of an experienced instructor from Roc’Ha Blok. If you’re not a seasoned athlete, there’s always the Via Corda trail, for a dizzying but risk-free experience between peaks and ledges. 

Something more gentle? You can ride a horse or donkey across the heath or explore the foreshore with a qualified Nature Guide.  

Extending for some forty square kilometres between ocean, salt marshes and countryside, the Gulf of Morbihan is a truly unique place where dozens of little islands lie scattered like confetti. 

Here, the GR34 hiking trail that stretches along the coast between Auray and Vannes is dotted with beautiful viewpoints, as is the Culs Salés path which covers a varied terrain between shores and wooded countryside. 

There are also cycle paths that take you exploring the Rhuys peninsula, a long strip of land between the gulf and the ocean, featuring salt marshes, forests and beaches of golden sand. The Suscinio Castle is the icing on the cake! 

But there are also options for those who prefer to take to the sea, such as a guided kayaking trip, a ride in alobster boat built in 1931, or in an electric boat accompanied by an oyster farmer with a passion. 

Introduction to beach foraging with Gwen who will reveal her favourite spots for gathering cockles, clams and other gems from the sea. 

Or why not play at Robinson Crusoe on Île aux Moines, an island that stands out from the crowd with its beautiful woodland, mild climate, green attitude and casual chic style. The perfect backdrop to your walk or bike ride.

Visit Vannes to stock up on local products, such as organic shortbread biscuits from the Biscuiterie des Vénètes, traditional smoked salmon from Arzon, salt from Saint-Armel, tome cheese from Rhuys and cider from the Distillerie du Gorvello.

Brittany has nearly 800 islands and islets, ideal for a taste of the slow tourism experience. Each has its appeal, but since we have to choose among these lovely islands, let’s set a course for Groix. After all, as the saying goes, “Qui voit Groix voit sa joie”! (To see Groix is to see joy)

The most enchanting way of reaching the island is aboard the Key Largo, a vessel that looks like a lobster boat from Maine. You’ll appreciate the peacefulness thanks to the boat’s quiet hybrid motor.

The isle of Groix is only 8 km long and 3 km wide. This means you can easily explore it on foot, following itineraries created by the Tourist Office, such as the Pen Men loop revealing cliffs, coves and byways, or the Pointe des Chats loop, which leads to the best local beaches. 

To whiz round the island with the wind in your hair, rent a bicycle, mountain bike or E-bike from ‘Au Vélo Vert’. 

Or you can admire the island from the sea, aboard the Bro Varok, an old sailing ship that used to fish for lobster. But they won’t be serving up this delicious crustacean for lunch, just a pleasant picnic to enjoy on the deck. 

If you’re tempted by scallop rillettes, lobster oil, seaweed pesto, marinaded abalones and other seafood specialities, visit the Conserverie Groix & Nature to test a few delights. You’ll find their shop near the jetty. Yummy!