Cottages in Bretagne

Best areas to find your perfect holiday rental

Whether you're after sea views, accommodation near historic sites, or a rustic cottage in the countryside, Bretagne has something for everyone. There are various cottages with sea views in Bretagne along its 1,700 mile (2,800km) coastline, particularly in the historic walled town of Saint-Malo, as well as the cute fishing villages of Cancale, Roscoff, Concarneau, and Douarnenez. If you're looking to stay close to nature then there are also many cosy cottages in the countryside in Bretagne. Brocéliande Forest is a popular countryside retreat that features lush woodlands with many exciting walking trails. The area of Finistère is also known for its peaceful countryside sprinkled with charming towns, making it an ideal location to stay if you're interested in hiking or cycling.

What are the cottages like in Bretagne?

Many of the cottages in Bretagne are quite cosy, featuring traditional Breton architecture such as slate roofs, prominent wooden beams, and stone walls. These types of cottages can be found mostly in the Quibreon Peninsula and Finistère and come in small to medium sizes, perfect for families or couples to experience homey and authentic Breton accommodation. Breton cottages typically come with gardens or terraces, fireplaces, self-catering kitchens, and Wi-Fi. However, if you're looking for something more luxurious, the island of Belle-Île-en-Mer as well as the Pink Granite Coast (Côte de Granit Rose) have a lot of lavish cottage options. The lavish cottages in these regions tend to be larger and equipped with private pools, spacious balconies or terraces, and modern amenities such as fully-equipped kitchens with many appliances. Whether you're after a cosy or luxurious stay, out of all the holiday rental options in Bretagne, booking a beautiful cottage in Bretagne will ensure that your time there is especially comfortable and peaceful.

The cottages in Bretagne don't only look great, but they also come with a variety of amenities to make your stay as pleasant as possible:

• Balcony/Terrace
• Pool
• Parking
• Garden
• Hot Tub

Bretagne for families

Bretagne is a perfect destination for families because it offers a variety of attractions for all ages. If you'd like to enjoy the great outdoors together, head to the Nantes-Brest Canal for a picturesque family cycling trip, or take an exciting boat tour in the Gulf of Morbihan, where some tours offer engaging commentary on the local wildlife and landscapes. To delve into the history of Bretagne, visit the Château de Fougères, a large medieval fortress with ancient ramparts and towers that kids would love to climb and explore. Consider also taking a family day trip by ferry to Bréhat island (Île de Bréhat), where you can discover the quaint villages and alluring landscapes at your leisure either by walking or cycling. Once you're done exploring for the day, you can relax with your family in a cosy cottage in front of the fireplace, or enjoy a barbecue together. However, if you'd prefer a more luxurious family experience, you can even rent out a gorgeous villa in Bretagne.

Bretagne for nature lovers

Bretagne is a haven for nature lovers due to its diverse terrain and natural features. Not only does Bretagne have beautiful beaches like Plage du Sillon and dramatic coastlines such as the Pink Granite Coast, but it also has lush forests with abundant wildlife. Both are perfect for hiking, with Brocéliande Forest offering various walking trails through its woodlands, and the Pink Granite Coast and Quiberon Peninsula offering stunning coastal hikes. Naturally kayaking and canoeing are available along the coastlines and rivers of Bretagne, giving you the chance to immerse yourself in Bretagne's natural beauty. Go kayaking in the Gulf of Morbihan (Golfe du Morbihan) to explore its numerous islands, or, if you're a beginner, up the calm waters of the River Blavet for a more gentle experience. For wildlife enthusiasts, there are birdwatching options at both the Gulf of Morbihan as well as the Island of Ushant (Île d'Ouessant), located in the Armorique Natural Regional Park. There are many reasons to rent a private cottage in Bretagne for outdoor enthusiasts!

1. Visit the Carnac stones
2. Explore the walled City of Saint-Malo
3. Take a day trip to Mont-Saint-Michel
4. Wander around Bretagne's enchanting medieval towns
5. Discover local celtic culture at the Festival Interceltique de Lorient
6. Venture along the stunning Pink Granite Coast (Côte de Granit Rose)
7. Experience the serenity of Brocéliande Forest

1. Visit the Carnac stones

One of the most well-known sites in Bretagne are the Carnac stones, a collection of over 3,000 prehistoric standing stones dating around 3300 BC. Although the exact use of the stones is unknown, many historians believe that they were used for either burial, worship, or astronomy purposes. When visiting the site, be sure to either take a guided tour or explore at your own pace via the various walking paths, taking a trip to the Musée de Préhistoire located in Carnac as well.

2. Explore the walled City of Saint-Malo

Saint-Malo is a charming port city that boasts medieval architecture, preserved city walls, and winding cobblestone streets. Enjoy views of the harbour and nearby beaches while walking along the city walls, soak up the local history in the impressive castle Château de Saint-Malo, or relax on Plage du Sillon, the city's most popular beach. Saint-Malo is ideal for history buffs or those who want the feeling of a city-break without sacrificing access to a beach.

3. Take a day trip to Mont-Saint-Michel

Although not technically in Bretagne, Mont-Saint-Michel, one of the most iconic landmarks in France, is surprisingly close by. Mont-Saint-Michel is a fantastic day trip destination thanks to its breathtaking gothic abbey, medieval ramparts offering beautiful views of the bay, as well as the surrounding sandflats that become swept up and completely hidden by high tide. You can reach the popular landmark by joining a day tour or driving there yourself from many places in Bretagne such as Saint-Malo, Cancale, and Dinan. Only a 45 minute drive away, the holiday lettings in Saint-Malo are particularly great to book if you'd like to be close to Mont-Saint-Michel.

4. Wander around Bretagne's enchanting medieval towns

Apart from Saint-Malo, Bretagne has lots of other quaint medieval towns that you can explore. Visit Dinan with its city ramparts, 14th century castle (Château de Dinan), and ancient port to experience one of Bretagne's best-preserved medieval towns. Or wander down the enchanting streets of Vitré, admiring its colourful half-timbered houses and checking out the Château de Vitré, another impressive medieval castle. Locronan in the east of Bretagne is also known to be incredibly picturesque. Enjoy this beautiful village's traditional granite houses, intricate cobbled streets, and cosy town square - all sites that look like they're straight out of a fairytale!

5. Discover local celtic culture at the Festival Interceltique de Lorient

For those interested in the local Breton culture, attending the Festival Interceltique de Lorient is a must! The festival celebrates the Celtic roots of the region and is held every August in the city of Lorient. You can expect to find performers from various Celtic nations holding concerts, parades, and cultural workshops all showcasing traditional and contemporary Celtic music and arts. The festival is a great chance to really experience for yourself the local culture and traditions.

6. Venture along the stunning Pink Granite Coast (Côte de Granit Rose)

If you love nature and the great outdoors, then the Pink Granite Coast should be on your checklist of places to visit in Bretagne! Located on the northern coast and boasting a coastline full of colourful pink granite, the Pink Granite Coast is a wonder to behold. Apart from taking in the breathtaking scenery, you can enjoy hiking here, water sports, and even a day relaxing on some of its sandy beaches like Trestignel. The most famous hike here is the GR34 Trail (Sentier des Douaniers), a beautiful long-distance coastal trail which is highly recommended for hiking enthusiasts to experience the coast in all its glory.

7. Experience the serenity of Brocéliande Forest

Brocéliande Forest is a magical place that's famous for its natural beauty as well as its associated legends and myths. The forest is featured in various Arthurian legends and is known to be the home of the wizard Merlin. Visit Merlin's tomb or the Fountain of Barenton (said to be the place where Merlin met the Lady of the Lake) to learn more about the Arthurian legends tied to the forest. Alternatively, enjoy a hiking trail such as the Circuit du Val sans Retour, or a relaxing picnic at Lake Trémelin.