Six reasons to visit Brittany when you can travel again

Anyone for a trip to Brittany? Here are six reasons you should visit when it's safe to do so.  It's a new year, my friends. I don't know about you, but I'm taking 2021 as an opportunity to look ahead to better times. Because they are coming, folks. If you're like me, the main thing on your mind is the idea of travelling again. Where will I go once we're able to move around again? There are so many possibilities, and my pent-up wanderlust is ready for fresh and exciting cultural experiences and adventures. With that in mind, we have teamed up with Brittany Tourism to discover what this beautiful region of northwest France has to offer. Endless Coastal Stretches Grand stretch, but make it international. Over 1,700 miles of seafront is dotted with quaint coastal villages and islands you can skip over to for a day trip. In fact, Brittany has the highest concentration of lighthouses in the world. Meander along the coast and through secret streets, stay in quirky eco-friendly accommodation and experience all of the adventures both the land and sea have to offer. Stunning coastal trails in the region include Ploumanach’ lighthouse, the Quiberon wild coast and Portuais Beach, to name just a few. [caption id="attachment_88849" align="alignnone" width="1000"] View of an ocean lagoon at Pointe de Toulinguet in Brittany, France[/caption] Self-drive Holiday We love a holiday with the car. Simply pack the car or the van and sail with Brittany Ferries from Cork to Roscoff in Northern Brittany. But, you will get your own cabin and there are plenty of open spaces both inside and on the deck. Incredible Outdoor Adventures This is the part that really gets me excited. Brittany is known for its wonderful experiences for adventure lovers and thrill-seekers, from kite-surfing to stand-up paddleboarding, and we can't wait to try it all. In fact, Brittany is home to some class eco-friendly surf camps, each offering a truly unique accommodation experience. Head here to check them out. To check out some class Stand-Up Paddleboarding experiences, head here. And for unreal surfing experiences, head here. [caption id="attachment_89648" align="alignnone" width="2048"] Surfers in Quiberon peninsula’s wild coast, Brittany, France. Photo credits: Loic Kersuzan-Morbihan Tourisme[/caption] The Food Arguably the best part of any holiday? I think so. Brittany has no shortage of culinary experiences for us foodies. While you're in Brittany, there is an abundance of authentic specialities for lovers of things both sweet and savoury. Some might call Brittany the land of the crepe, as well as its savoury sister dish, the buckwheat galette. Plus, the ocean provides a glorious array of oysters, lobster and scallops. Restaurants such as La Perle de Quéhan offer terrace dining with fab sea views, while spots such as Maison Legris gives you the chance to dine alongside a magical sunset over the Abers. And you simply have to try kouign-amann, which has been described by The New York Times as "the fattiest pastry in all of Europe. Sign me up! There are so many gourmet experiences that you'll simply never forget. [caption id="attachment_89981" align="alignnone" width="2048"] Galette complète – Brittany’s traditional savoury buckwheat crêpe. Photo credits : Gaelle Le Boulicaut -Morbihan-Tourisme[/caption]   The Islands Honestly, there are so many to choose from for an adventure-filled day out. Groix is Brittany’s second-largest island after Belle-Île and lies 8.7 miles (14 km) off the coast of Lorient. There, you'll find unusual yet stunning beaches and great cycling routes. Meanwhile, The Îles de Glénan are an archipelago of islands about 10 miles (16km) off the south coast of Finistère, accessible to tourists in the summer and best known for their sailing and diving schools and their stunning tropical appearance. And the largest island, Belle-Île, sits 9 miles (15km) off the coast of the Gulf of Morbihan. The ‘beautiful isle’ is an absolute magnet for tourists with its breath-taking coastline, 60 gorgeous beaches, renowned opera festival and art de vivre. Check out some more of the islands here. [caption id="attachment_89649" align="alignnone" width="2048"] Les Glénan islands in Brittany, France. Photo credits: crtb-Thibault Poriel[/caption]   The Culture and History Say hello to your Celtic cousins in Brittany! Even though the area united with the Kingdom of France in 1532, Brittany still holds strong as a culturally and historically unique corner of the world. Every town features beautiful architecture and historical attractions such as the incredible castles. There are actually over 200 castles in the region. Cities and smaller town like Dinan, Rennes and Quimper have excellently maintained their medieval look which you take in as you stroll down the cobblestone streets. Since 4000 BC, Megaliths have stood on Brittany and invite visitors to ponder the mystery of how they got there. [caption id="attachment_88846" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Carnac standing stones in Brittany, France[/caption]   Between the fascinating history, adrenaline-inducing outdoor activities, unreal foodie experiences and quirky accommodation option, a trip to Brittany is sure to be like no other. Once it's safe to do so, we are ticking this off our travel bucket list. Head here to find out more information and to get more inspiration for your Brittany holiday.