As an area of France steeped in history and culture, it's no surprise that there are some unreal foodie experiences on the menu when visiting Brittany.
With the return of international travel on the horizon, there is one thing we cannot wait to do: eat our way around the world. But, where to first? We have been giving this a lot of thought, and there are so many.
We have teamed up with Brittany Tourism to highlight everything this wonderful corner of the world has to offer. From insane outdoor adventures, eye-opening cultural experiences and, of course, mouth-watering eating opportunities, there's no reason we shouldn't have this destination on our travel bucket list.
With that in mind, here are nine delicious foodie experiences Brittany has to offer.
Behind the scenes tours
Get to know the love and care that goes into the delicious delicacies that you'll taste when in Brittany with a behind-the-scenes tour.
See the production of tasty morsels at the Saint-Brieuc Biscuiterie, offered by the Tourism Office of the Baie of Saint-Brieuc. This is a Breton tradition of biscuit-making that's steeped in history and local values, and a visit here opens your eyes to the process and gives you the opportunity to taste this authentic local treat.
Meanwhile, you can also visit the salt flats of
Guérande. Not only is this stunning to look at, but you'll get a look into this transition dating back generations through a guided tour.
To discover more 'behind-the-scenes- tours available in Brittany, head
here.
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The salt marshes in Guérande, southern Brittany, France. Photo credits: Alexandre Lamoureux – Office de tourisme La Baule[/caption]
Gourmet walks
A nice, relaxing stroll featuring gourmet cuisine? Sign me up!
A “sweet/malted/sea scented” escapade on the Pink Granite Coast brings you to an oyster farm in Trébeurden, one of the oldest distilleries in France in Lannion and on on the coastal path, between Perros-Guirec and Ploumanac’h, allowing you to try everything from whisky to “palmier” cookies.
Or, give your tastebuds the marine treatment with oysters from Paimpol Bay and freshly unloaded fish and shellfish in Saint-Quay-Portrieux.
Find out more about gourmet food walks in Brittany
here.
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Along the pink granite coast in Brittany, France. Photo credits: crtb-Alexandre Lamoureux[/caption]
The best oysters around
If you haven't gathered already, Brittany serves up some of the freshest and tastiest oysters in the world. Both Northern and Southern Brittany have excellent reputations in oyster production.
Fun fact: Cancale oysters are on the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. This gorgeous village has actually cultivated oysters for hundreds of years. Cancale Oyster Market, perched on the seafront overlooking the sea beds, is probably one of the best places to enjoy a dozen of fresh local oysters with a dash of Muscadet wine in France. Enjoying oysters is one of the greatest pleasures Brittany has to offer, and enjoying them at the producer's site overlooking the sea is certainly the best way to do that.
To find more restaurants serving up amazing oysters, head
here.
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Cancale oysters are on the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Photo credits: crtb-Tommaso Cantelli-Unsplash[/caption]
Buckwheat and crepe workshop in St-Malo
Buckwheat is Brittany's emblematic crop, and a trip to Brittany offers you the chance to visit one of the region's many mills. Spots such as the Moulin de Bertaud in Bain-de-Bretagne or the Moulin de La Falaise in Batz-sur-Mer have guided tours, which give you a glimpse into the rich history of harvesting in the area. Buckwheat is most often turned into a flour used to make buckwheat pancakes (or ‘galettes’), which you simply have to try.
Want to try your hand at making a traditional Breton galette yourself, using traditional crêpe-making tools on the griddle (or ‘bilig’) and age-old techniques? In this unique workshop by Bertrand Larcher, you learn all there is to know about making this wonderful local delicacy. There are individual lessons for the public as well as professional ones.
Find out more
here.
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Savoury buckwheat galette at Breizh Café in Brittany, France. Photo credits: crtb-Teddy Verneuil[/caption]
Cornouaille Cider route
Did you know there are over 600 varieties of apple to be found in Brittany? Naturally, many of these are used to make delicious cider. Some amazing ciders produced in the area include Cidre de Cornouaille AOP, Royal Guillevic (France’s only Red Label Cider) and Cuvée Prestige Carpe Diem: a cider for the Elysée Palace.
A visit to one of these orchards in Brittany gives you the chance to see the process from start to finish and you'll be able to try the finished product having seen the work that goes into making it.
Find out more about some class cider experiences in Brittany
here.
Kouign‑Amann
No trip to Brittany is complete without indulging in this incredible local dessert. Kouign-amann is made of butter and sugar, comprising of a crispy surface and a soft centre.
Where do you go to try it? Well, there are so many choices, but some of the top spots include Boulangerie des Plomarc’h in Douarnenez, Zeste de Gourmandise in Iffendic, Pâtisserie Laurent Le Daniel in Rennes, La Maison du Kouign-amann in Concarneau and Boulangerie Pascal Jain in Douarnenez-Tréboul. To discover more, head
here.
Seaweed cooking class in the Rance Valley
A multitude of organic algae is cultivated in the Rance Estuary by aquacultures. Learn about the true adaptability and diversity for seafood as well as exceptional nutritional and organoleptic quality of this product with
one of these authentic cooking classes.
As you may know, seaweed is considered a superfood in that it's packed full of good-for-you bits. And Brittany is considered to be the largest seaweed field in Europe thanks to its remarkable water quality. While chefs take inspiration from this wonderful ingredient, active principles contained in seaweed have also inspired Breton-based cosmetics.
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The exceptional nutritive qualities of seaweed have inspired young Breton talented chefs. Photo credit: crtb-Nicolas Job[/caption]
The food markets
And finally, we have the gorgeous (and ultra-tasty) food markets. We couldn't leave this out!
Brittany is home to an array of these markets that allow our tastebuds to experience the truly authentic taste of the region. The Merville market halls in Lorient showcases the best of the local catch as a premier Brittany fishing port. Meanwhile, the Saint-Renan market in Finistere comes to life on Saturday mornings, offering up gourmet specialities such as traditional crêpes and galettes, cheese, sausages and seaweed.
There's also Questembert Market, a superb 16th-century market hall in Questembert that's actually listed as a historical sight.
Find out more
here.
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Cheese stall at Les Halles de Questembert food market in Brittany, France. Photo credits: crtb-Maxence Gross[/caption]
Hit up a classic bistro in Renne
Renne is home to the fine art of bistronomy, offering visitors and locals top-class food and drink while gazing onto an open kitchen. Renowned bistros in the area include renowned bistros like l’Arsouille, Bercail, le Globe, les Darons, le Café du Port and le Tire-Bouchon.
Whichever one you choose to dine in, you'll be sure to find the most carefully selected wine and food pairings, fresh and seasonal produce and super classy dining all-round.
And of course, you have to head to the stunning Hôtel-Dieu de Rennes. Step through the gates of this former hospital for a truly unique bistro experience and enjoy great local and seasonal produce in this historical site. You can also try bouldering, yoga or slacklining here in between some fab gourmet dining.
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Place Saint-Anne in Rennes, Brittany, France. Photo credits: Julien Mignot-Destination Rennes[/caption]
Brittany is home to a multitude of amazing foodie experiences, guaranteed to make your taste buds go wild.
Not only that, but this unique region of France offers up some unforgettably thrilling adventures and enriching cultural experiences. Simply pack the car or the van and sail with
Brittany Ferries from Cork to Roscoff in Northern Brittany.
One thing is for sure, Brittany is a place like no other, with adventures and foodie experiences galore.
Head here to find out more information and to get more inspiration for your Brittany holiday.
