©Along Dusty Roads
Brought to you by Tourisme Bretagne (Brittany Tourism).
The food scene here is truly a treat for the taste buds
Brittany is known for gorgeous coastal sights and sublime seaside views, with its landscape alone being reason enough to book a break in the region. But you might not be aware that it's also a dream destination for foodies, with so much local produce to discover and indulge in.
With that in mind, we've put together the ultimate itinerary for foodies visiting Brittany, focusing in on all the tasty experiences on offer in the
Gulf of Morbihan area. From locally brewed beers and ciders to famous French cheeses, a tour of culinary delights awaits, with bonus points for sustainability as most of these bites are locally produced too.
But first, here's everything you need to know about planning a trip to Brittany:
Things to see and do
©Along Dusty Roads ©GlobusLiebe
Day 1: Food tour with Breizhtronomie in Vannes
From locally brewed beers to meat and dessert, this tour's biggest selling point is variety. This walking tour brings you off the beaten track, all around the charming and cheerful city of Vannes, to meet local producers and taste test some of the region's specialities. As you stroll around Vannes, be sure to take in its history between tastings – from the cobbled streets to the half-timbered houses and quaint shops that line them.
Stop off at Vannes Farmers' Market to stroll around and discover some more local cuisine including meat, seafood, Breton biscuits and some delicious desserts. Then, as hunger sets in, you can grab a bite to eat in a local restaurant,
L’Empreinte, which prides itself on creating 100% local cuisine, with a minimalist menu that changes every week.
Along the way, you'll stop off at
Awen Brewery to sample some local craft brews. In their pub, a window opens out onto the brewing unit, meaning you'll get to see how exactly your beer has been made.
©Alexandre Lamoureux
Day 2: Oyster farming in Baden
The region's top specialities are seafood- specifically oysters- with
the Gulf of Morbihan acting as the main production area in Southern Brittany. So naturally no trip to the area would be complete without getting a half a dozen oysters in!
Oyster farmer Ivan Selo’s oyster beds are at the end of the Pointe de Toulvern, a coastal paradise that's worth seeing in its own right. Aside from the tasty produce on offer, you can embark on a boat trip with Ivan Selo around his place of work, during which you'll learn more about the skill of oyster farming and how it has become one of the flagship activities of this coastline.
Following that, you can pay a visit to La Toulverne oyster hut, where you'll get the opportunity to sample some local oysters while taking in the breathtaking views of the Gulf of Morbihan.
©Alexandre Lamoureux
Day 3: Hikes and bikes on Arz Island
Arz has long been a popular spot for tourists in Brittany due to its distinctive nature and sunny climate. It's home to wild beaches and stunning coastal trails with enviable views that attract beach-goers and hikers alike.
©Carolina Ferrer ©Along Dusty Roads
But if you're planning a visit here, there are plenty of popular foodie spots to scope out on the way.
If you have a sweet tooth, a visit to Biscuiterie des Vénètes is a must. They are masters in creating one of Brittany's specialities, Les P’tits Vénètes, a shortbread biscuit made with buckwheat flour and Saint-Armel salt flower. These tasty treats come in chocolate and caramel flavours, as well as some savoury variations if you can be tempted.
This area is home to two family-owned local cider companies, with
Cidrerie De Rhuys NICOL in Surzur, being our personal favourite. If you're looking to stop off for a drink here, their signature cider is
craft, fruity and slightly sour, a true sundowner drink. These brewers also make their own crémant called Royal Guillevic, which goes by the nickname Breton Champagne due to its bubbly crystalline consistency.
© Alexandre Lamoureux © Alexandre Lamoureux
Day 4: Visit a Suscinio cheese farm at Rhuys Peninsula
No trip here is complete without a visit to the Suscinio Cheese Farm, home to one of Brittany's most popular cheeses. One of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to get here is by bike, giving you a chance to soak up the farm's surrounding scenery on your travels.
At the farm, you'll witness the production of Tome de Rhuys, one of their most popular cheesy creations that have become something of a culinary tradition among locals. From watching the farm's cows getting milked to the making of the cheese, visitors get an immersive insight into the production process. Most importantly, you'll get to try their popular products for yourself, through a variety of cheese boards, rarebits and main dishes all made on-site.
But the big appeal of this location is you also get a helping of sightseeing along with a tasty foodie experience. After filling up on delicious locally-made cheese, visit the Château de Suscinio, a 13th-century monument steeped in history and surrounded by marshes, woods and stunning seaside views.
How to get there
By plane: Fly with either Ryanair or Aer Lingus from Dublin to Nantes Airport, or with Are Lingus from Dublin to Brest Bretagne Airport, with the option of travelling by rail or car to the Gulf of Morbihan.
By ferry: Brittany Ferries runs a ferry from Cork to Roscoff twice a week and the trip takes approximately 13 hours. Passengers can travel by car, van or motorhome, bike or by foot and pets are even allowed on board.
©Le Parc Fétan
Where to stay
If you're travelling in search of stunning architecture and historical sights, it's only right that your accommodation matches up too. If you're looking for something a bit more eclectic than your average Air B&B, here are our top picks:
Chambres d'hôtes La Villa Garenne
A simple but charming B&B located in the historic city centre of Vannes, the main appeal of a stay at
La Villa Garenne is its convenient location, paired with an affordable price tag. Each space here has been decorated to a different theme, ensuring a unique and luxurious base during your stay.
Le Parc Fétan – Larmor-Baden
Offering accommodation in the form of hotel rooms, studios or guest houses,
Le Parc Fétan gets bonus points for the on-site pool and spa facilities. It's also within walking, cycling or indeed kayaking distance of loads of top tourist spots, including the islands of Berder, Arz and Les Moines and the coastal paths.
Dream big, live slow in Brittany. Start planning your visit to Brittany today here.
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