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Steep cliffsides, picturesque ports, and typical festivities. A unique seaside sensation!

COTES BRETONNES - EN

Lorient is a former German submarine base that has become a not-to-be-missed spot for tourists and locals alike. In addition to the ruins of bunkers, the town is home to the Eric Tabarly Cité de la voile, a bar-restaurant, a creperie, and the giant zip line “Ty Roll,” stretching along 125 feet! The adventure begins when you climb 92 feet – the equivalent of 12 stories – up a metal staircase. At the top of the Les Vents Tower, you’ll enjoy a breathtaking view over the offshore racing center, Larmor-Plage, the island of Groix, and even Belle-Île-en-Mer. Brace yourself for a thrilling 37 mph trip over the water... Absolutely exhilarating!
©Y. Zedda/La Cité de la Voile

Fly over the water at 37 mph!

If you’d like to take in a “postcard-perfect” sight, head for Belz, on the banks of the Ria d'Ethel. That’s where you’ll find Saint Cado, a mysterious islet connected to the mainland by a small stone bridge. Legend has it that it was built following a deal with the devil: Satan agreed to build the bridge in exchange of the soul of the first one to cross it. Unfortunately for him, that turned out to be a cat! Crossing the bridge, you’ll see a tiny rocky islet called Nichtarguér. The “oyster house” built there is no longer inhabited, but it was once the dwelling of the oyster farm keeper.
©Istock by Gettyimages

The house with blue shutters on the islet

The magic of the ocean resides in its ebb and flow. At low tide, the foreshore is denuded, and the full extent of the coastal ecosystem is uncovered... But there are a few exceptions! In Cancale, just across from Les Rimains Island, the Abri des Flots Beach is home to the most overlooked natural pool in Brittany. Less crowded than the shores of St Malo (Bon Secours Beach) and Dinard (l'Ecluse and Baie du Prieuré beaches), this coastline naturally retains a saltwater pool at low tide, to the delight of visitors. Don’t miss this irresistible, well-kept-secret spot, whether to fish for crabs or simply enjoy a splash on this eminently Breton beach.
©X.Javier/Wikemedia Commons

A most private natural pool

Head for Le Râdome in Pleumeur-Bodou – a huge white dome housing a gigantic horn antenna listed as a historical monument – to find the Crec'h Bec inn, which is more than just a restaurant. It does serve up tasty dishes made with fresh, seasonal, local ingredients. But the main attraction at this charming red-shingled Breton house is its exceptional setting:  a wild garden of nearly five acres. A large red-and-white tent lends a circus-like atmosphere. Concerts are held here every two weeks in the summer. The season’s program also includes yoga and reflexology.
©Unsplash by Gettyimages

An inn nestled within a wild garden

If you’re interested in cosmetics products that capture the freshness of the sea spray, head for Route Mandarine in Lanildut, at the farthest tip of Finistère! This Breton-based company hand-crafts “cold process” soaps using organic vegetable oils (argan, avocado, cacao butter, mango butter, etc.) to moisturize and soften the skin. The Route Mandarine workshops also produce gentle shampoos, scrubs, serums, dry oils, barber care products, and more. The cherry on top?  The spot regularly holds hour-long tours to showcase its techniques and share its savoir-faire.
©Istock by Gettyimages

Hand-crafted “cold process” soaps

“Rehoboth.” That’s the name of this authentic Dutch barge, or rather what remains of it! Built in 1930, the boat was brought from Amsterdam to the shipyards of Lorient for an overhaul (only the 151-ft riveted steel hull remains of the original craft). After two years of work, the shipshape vessel headed for its new home port of Vannes. Now known as Le Piano barge, this atypical spot is a convivial hangout where you can enjoy lunch, dinner, a glass of wine, and even a concert in a subdued atmosphere.
©Renand Baur/Piano Barge

COTES BRETONNES - EN

A most private natural pool

Fly over the water at 37 mph!

A repurposed barge moored in Vannes

The house with blue shutters on the islet

Hand-crafted “cold process” soaps

An inn nestled within a wild garden