Great Brittany - culture and food
GREAT BRITTANY - A CULTURAL, FOODIE DESTINATION
Brittany is filled with foodie delights, from the fresh oysters found in Cancale to the emerging microbrewery scene in the region, the gastronomical treats in Brittany will enhance your holiday. For you culture vultures, the Opera festival in Belle-Île and the Vannes Historical Festival are just some of the events which celebrate this culturally rich region.
Our 4 hours Newhaven-Dieppe crossing is ideal route to reach northern France from UK.
Hero image credit: L Prod/Brittany Tourist Board
Festivals
Brittany has an abundance of festivals, including music, food, film and cultural festivals. Head to Belle-Île, in Southern Brittany in August for the Festival Lyrique en Mer festival featuring some of the world's best emerging Opera singers.
In Rennes, Le Grand Soufflet Festival celebrates the accordion and in Vannes, there is Jazz Festival. La Gacilly Photo Festival exhibits a selection of photos which reflect the fragility of the planet. Vannes Historical Festival focuses on the traditions of the region and Lorient holds an Inter Celtique Festival which celebrates Celtic culture.
Image credit: Ronan Gladu/Brittany Tourist Board
Fishing
Brittany's position by the sea means it enjoys a successful fishing heritage. Sampling the Cancale and Bélon oysters is a must when in the region and you can even explore an oyster farm for yourself on the UNESCO World Heritage Gulf of Morbihan, before sampling the oysters you've caught onboard. Cancale is known as the 'oyster capital' and you can enjoy freshly caught oysters washed down with a glass of dry white wine at many restaurants in this area. For those of you with sea legs, you can step onboard the Ausquémé, a traditional sailing boat for a four hours gourmet trip in the Bay of Cancale, learning the best ways to prepare and cook seafood. Lobster is also popular in Brittany and if you visit Lorient, you can enjoy fresh lobster straight from the sea at Restaurant Louise.
Image credit: Nicolas Job/Brittany Tourist Board
Foodies
Sample a delicious French crepe or try making your own in a Crêpe Workshop in Saint-Malo. Or try the sweet pastries known as lichouseries, which include the classic Gâteau Breton and Breton Biscuits.
The use of spices in Breton cuisine is popular thanks to the history of the spice trade in Port Louis and Lorient. Épices Roellinger have a range of over 80 spice blends available at their stores in Cancale and Saint-Malo and run the Corsary Kitchen School where you can learn how to complement sensational seafood with spices.
We all know a visit to France wouldn't be complete without sampling some French wine. But did you know Brittany is also producer of beer, with over 100 microbreweries? Cider is also popular and tourists can follow The Cornouaille Cider Route.
Image credit: Teddy Verneuil/Brittany Tourist Board
Findings
Exploring the region of Brittany is a true delight. The book town of Bécherel has an annual literary events calendar and a selection of book shops. Rochefort-en-Terre is one of France's most beautiful villages and has a range of artisan boutiques. Visit Fougères to see the 12th century castle and half-timbered houses. Visit the picturesque port in Dinan with cobbled streets which house artists, engravers and more independent businesses. The 158 steps to the top of the Tour de l'Horloge offers fabulous views and the ramparts around the city are well worth walking around. City also holds a medieval festival in July.
