Day 1: Arriving in Brest
I left Paris by train with my head full of dreams, heading for a week in Brittany this June and hoping the rain would hold off. Upon arrival, I discovered Brest under grey clouds, but the city has a simple, authentic vibe. I arrived in the early afternoon and planned to stay for one night before heading out the next day. After dropping off my bags, I set out to explore. I checked out all the city’s highlights: the Capucins, the Château de Brest and its maritime museum, and took a stroll around the port and through the city center, including the beautiful Rue Saint-Malo. After a long day, I grabbed a bite at a local spot before heading to my hotel for the night.
Day 2: Heading to Crozon
After a good hour on the bus, I checked into the Crozon area for two nights at the Appart'City hotel, which was very comfortable and reasonably priced. I’d heard so many great things that I couldn't wait to see it for myself. And what a surprise! The small town has a unique charm with its port and colorful houses; the sky cleared up, and the light hitting Crozon made the view even more stunning. Once I’d settled in, I took a quick walk around town before heading out on a coastal hike toward the Pointe de Pen-Hir. The scenery was breathtaking, with massive cliffs, the sound of waves crashing against them, and the sun shining down the whole way.
After reaching my goal, I decided to head back via an inland path, making a quick stop in Camaret-sur-Mer. It’s a beautiful little town with an artist’s quarter and a working fishing port. The next day, I set off for the Cap de la Chèvre at the southern tip of the peninsula. The trail took me through all kinds of gorgeous landscapes: seaside paths, gorse forests, and open plains. After walking for several kilometers, I finally reached my destination, and what a beauty! I laid my towel out on the beach in the Bay of Douarnenez and enjoyed having the place to myself for a bit of rest in this stunning spot.
Day 4: Concarneau, here I come
Concarneau, this walled city, is incredibly charming with its narrow alleys and lovely viewpoints. This time, no hotel, I wanted to recharge in nature, so I opted for a campsite I found last-minute via Ze-camping. Once I was set up, I went for a walk in the area. I visited the Fishing Museum, which gives you a great look at the daily lives of fishermen and even lets you tour an old trawler. I took advantage of the nice weather to continue my walk, which led me to the Château de Keriolet. This superb castle with its eccentric architecture and lush gardens is a must-see. Then, I headed to the Cornouaille beach, which has plenty of space to spread out at low tide. In the late afternoon, you can catch a magnificent sunset over the sea.
Day 6: The final days in Quiberon
After Concarneau, I headed to the Quiberon Peninsula for two days to enjoy its fine sands and wild coastlines. Upon arriving, I was immediately surprised by how few tourists were around; the terraces weren't packed, the beaches were quiet, and the atmosphere was calm and soothing. I wandered through town, checking out the villas with their unique styles and the striking Château de Turpault, which sits all alone on its rock.
Since the town doesn't take long to see, I decided to buy a round-trip ticket to visit Belle-Ile, with stops in Palais and Sauzon on the agenda. These two small towns are incredibly charming; Sauzon was my personal favorite of the trip. With its port, white houses, and marina, everything in this village is so peaceful and relaxing. After that visit, I headed toward Auray to catch my train back to Paris, my head full of memories.
I highly recommend that anyone reading this try their own adventure in Brittany. It’s a great way to discover an exceptional heritage and see some truly beautiful places without necessarily spending a fortune or traveling too far.
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