Want to see the best things to do in Brittany? Brittany is bursting with cultural attractions, many of which are indoors, so there’s plenty of options if you get a rainy day. You can indeed explore medieval cities like Sant-Malo and ancient Quimper’s amazing cathedral and modern art gallery. Or, let the kids live out their fantasies at a grand castle, playing Kings and Queens. And learning all about Brittany’s chequered history, in stunning surroundings of course. Brittany’s coastline attracts thousands of British tourists each year, and many even decide to set up home here, so enamoured are they with its stunning landscape. Firstly there are the beaches, which are wild, unspoiled and stretch for miles. Likewise the countryside stretches languidly, encompassing orchards, dairy farms and acres of forest.
So let’s explore a selection of the best things to do in Brittany:
Family Friendly Hotels & Holiday Homes in Brittany
Family Friendly Restaurants & Cafes in Brittany
1. Visit a Château
A highlight of the whole family’s trip is sure to be a visit to a palatial Château. There are numerous of them in Brittany to explore. Château de Fougères is just an hour’s drive from popular St Malo. This large European fortress boasts centuries of history and amazing views across the Breton countryside.
There are also loads of activities and events held here throughout the year, and especially children’s activities in the school holidays.
Opening Hours: open daily 10am – 7pm
2. Océanopolis Aquarium, Brest
This huge aquarium tops the lists of many families visiting Brittany. And is a fantastic place to visit on a rainy day. It is split into three sections – tropical, polar and temperate.
Each home to a huge array of marine life from clownfish and seals to sharks, penguins. The tropical greenhouse is a particular highlight, with huge amounts of foliage recreating a typical Caribbean rainforest.
Opening Hours: Open daily 9:30am – 7pm
3. La Porte des Secrets, Brocéliande Forest
First, set inside the historical buildings of the Paimpont Abbey, the walk-through experience of La Porte des Secrets (The Gate of Secrets) is a physical and a great immersion into the world of the famous Brocéliande Forest.
4. Enigmaparc
Kids can unleash their inner Indiana Jones at this indoor adventure park. For example, they’ll have to solve puzzles and complete challenges to make their way around different themed rooms. At the start of your visit, you’ll be briefed on your mission.
Next, you’ll have to travel through different scenarios like Egyptian tombs and Celtic villages, solving riddles and games along the way. In addition, each new room offers new challenges, such as rope bridges, mazes and structures to build.
A great activity to bond and work together as a family team!
5. Planétarium de Bretagne
Finally, one of the largest planetariums in Europe, the Planétarium de Bretagne takes you on a voyage into the mysteries of the stars. Watch the universe pass before your eyes in high definition as you look up at the domed screen. And learn about space travel, star gazing and the formation of the planets.
There are also special shows for children, with English commentaries on selected days.
Address: Route du Radome, 22560 Pleumeur-Bodou, France
Opening Hours: Mon to Fri 10:30am – 6pm. Sat & Sun 2:30pm – 6pm
More Things to Do in Brittany? Read on…
6. Beaches
A beach day has to top the list of kids activities in Brittany. Similar to Cornwall, with its wild, unspoiled beaches, Brittany’s Atlantic coast makes for some epic scenery. Moreover, there are plenty of opportunities for watersports like surfing and sailing. So whether you choose the northern “pink granite coast”, the wild western Crozon Peninsula or the sheltered southern beaches near Carnac, you’re sure to find a beach to suit your brood.
7. Alignements de Carnac
Archaeologists consider Carnac to be the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in Europe, and the long, mysterious rows of standing stones (menhirs) are a symbolic representation of these centuries of history. They were erected in parallel lines long before the pyramids of Egypt – an amazing place for keen photographers and historians. Visitors can also marvel at the ancient burial mounds hidden in the nearby woods, as well as some stunning beaches where the kids can cool off afterwards.
Address: Lieu-dit le Ménec, 56340 Carnac, France
Opening Hours: Open daily 10am- 1pm and 2pm – 5pm
8. Island Hopping
Brittany has some beautiful offshore islands to explore, two of our favourites are below.
Belle-Île – The largest of the Breton islands, Belle-Île is easily reached by ferry from south coast towns like Quiberon. Here you’ll find luxury hotels, a magnificent coastline of unspoiled beaches and an imposing fortress guarding the main town La Palais.
Ile de Batz – This pretty little island is a quick 15 minute ferry ride from Roscoff and makes for a wonderful daytrip. Just two miles long and less than a mile across, it’s easy to explore the whole island in a day, especially if you hire a bike. There’s also a wonderful exotic garden to explore with over 5,000 species of plants from five continents.
Visit Ile de Batz Website or Belle Ile’s Website
9. Adrenaline Forest – Carnac, Rennes & St Malo
Test your nerves and get the kids outside, enjoying nature on one of Adrenaline Forest’s treetop obstacle courses. They have three sites: Carnac, Rennes and St Malo. So there’s sure to be one within easy reach of you. Children as young as two years old can enjoy treasure hunts, zip lines, netted bridges and high ropes. Therefore this is a great activity for the whole family.
Visit Website
10. Gulf of Morbihan
One of the most beautiful areas of Brittanny, the protected Gulf of Morbihan has hundreds of tiny islets to explore. The best way to see them is from the water. The whole area is a magnet for outdoor activities, from kayaking and sailing to swimming and canoeing. On the other hand, there are around 100 km of signposted footpaths and cycle tracks, if you prefer to stay on dry land.
Visit Website
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