Best villages in Brittany, France

Dinan

Small cobblestone streets lined with half-timber homes inside a walled fortress, that is Dinan. Its the birthplace of Bertrand de Guesclin, France's most notorious knight and the place simply exhudes 'medieval times' at every turn. You feel taken to that era to the point that you could come acroos Bertrand on horseback with his shield and armor, meandering the streets and think it is perfectly 'normal'.

Saint-Malo

It is hard to believe that this place was practically destroyed during WWII. It is no surpise though that it has been decreeted has one of the best reconstructed cities. In re-using the original stones in the re-construction process, one doesn't notice all the hardships this city has seen. Its is a large port town and the main attraction is the walled city located on a 'presqu'île', almost island. The tides around the city are impressive, the ramparts are fun to walk along and be careful walking the small cobblestione streets as you can easily get turned around. St-Malo has a very rich history linked with pirates and privateers. Its a must see when in the area.

Quimper

This place is unfortunately often overlooked by tourists. Probably because it is so out of the way, located at the Far North West tip of France. If you have the time though, it is well-worth the trip. One of the few villages where the traditions and language of the 'Bretons' (a Celtic based language) is still alive and well. If you came to practice your French, you are in the wrong part of the country! The very obvious pride locals have to their roots is what makes Quimper a must see village in Brittany. You'll see the women wear their traditional long black dresses with large white 'coiffe' (head-dress), signs that make no sens, heck, just smothered into Celtic culture.

Rennes

Rennes is the capital of Brittany and has a large student population. Maybe it is part of the reason that makes this village such a hit, its not touristy, its real. Rennes itself is fairly large but if you stay in the center, everything is accessible by foot. Huge parks that often hold activities, walk along the canal, or hang out in 'Old Rennes' where everyone is hanging outside for cafés, drinks and food.

22700 Perros-Guirec

This place makes the 'top' list not necessarily because of the village itself but because of its surrounding area. Located at one end of the 'Pink granite Coast', its the perfect location to walk along this beautiful, unique stretch of coastline.

22500 Paimpol

This is just one of these small villages that has been well-kept and seem to represent so well this region of France. Large stone homes, colorful doors and shutters, potted plants on the window-sill. Located at the mouth of river and sea, just a great setting and some very interesting buildings to be seen that have used the unique mix of rocks in the region.