Are you keen to discover the West of France? Brittany and its 4 départements offer a multitude of escapades and visits to do with the whole family. From the Pink Granite Coast to the Gulf of Morbihan, let yourself be tempted by its beaches, islands and villages, as well as the legends lurking in the heart of the Brocéliande or Huelgoat forests.
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Discover the Côtes d’Armor (22) with your family
The Pink Granite Coast
This Breton coast is particularly magical: the pink-tinged granite rocks rise majestically along the Pink Granite Coast, offering a spectacular landscape to admire with the whole family. Take a stroll from rock to rock along the Sentier des douaniers. It’s fun to imagine animals or objects for each rock, and give them nicknames!
Does your child like watching animals? Plan a boat cruise to discover the 7 Islands bird sanctuary. Don’t forget your binoculars!
Located in Pleumeur-Bodou, the Parc du Radôme is also well worth a visit, with three attractions: a Planetarium, the ‘Village Gaulois’ and the Cité des Télécoms.
The Château de la Roche-Jagu
Nestling in the heart of verdant parkland in Ploëzal, this 15th-century medieval castle offers a glimpse into the history of Brittany. The view over the Treux valley is splendid! Children can have fun exploring the towers and ramparts while learning about the region’s fascinating past.
Good to know: it is open from May to the end of August.
Access to the park is free all year round. For a fun way to discover the park, try the booklet-game sold for 6 euros in the shop.
Bréhat Island
Accessible in 10 minutes by boat from the pointe de l’Arcouest to the north of Paimpol, this island paradise can be explored by bike or on foot. It’s just 3.5km long and 1.5km wide! Take time to visit the Bréhat glassworks, nestling in the remains of a citadel.
Fort La Latte
Proudly overlooking the sea, this 14th-century fortified castle offers a breathtaking view of the coast and is an ideal place for a family visit. If you go there in August, you’ll have the chance to take part in medieval events, which are particularly popular with children. Visits can be self-guided or guided. For a fun visit, don’t forget to download the little children’s booklet on the fort’s website.
Fort La Latte (also known as Château de la Roche Goyon) can be visited from 1 April to mid-November.
Good to know: because of the steps and the earthen floor, it’s better to use a baby carrier than a pushchair (even if the latter is permitted on the site).
Other family activities in the Côtés d’Armor region
- Admire the sea view from the Ploumanac’h lighthouse.
- Hike to Milliau Island (2 hours), accessible on foot at low tide.
- Discover the paths of the Vallée des Traouïero and meet (or not) the korrigans. A must? Take part in the guided tour organised at dusk by the Perros-Guirec Tourist Office.
- Visit Dinan Castle with the booklet available at reception.
- Sea kayaking in the Bay of Saint-Brieuc.
- Walk around Lac de Guerlédan (40 km in total!).
- Visit Trégomeur Zoo.
Discover Finistère (29) with your family
The Pointe du Raz
This rocky promontory offers one of the most spectacular panoramas in Brittany, with its sheer cliffs battered by the waves of the Atlantic Ocean. You can enjoy walks along the coastal paths and admire the breathtaking scenery.
The Glénan archipelago
For a complete change of scene and an incredible change of scenery, set sail for a day in paradise in the Glénan archipelago. Fine white sand, unspoilt wilderness, clear water…
Good to know: you can try scuba diving from the age of 12, supervised by the Glénan International Diving Centre on the island of Saint Nicolas.
>> Lire aussi : les Glénans en famille
Océanopolis in Brest
After touring the Abers and the lighthouse route, head to Brest for a visit to Océanopolis. In its various pavilions, you can observe sharks, jellyfish, tropical fish and more. Educational activities and workshops are available for children all year round. Highlight: become a caretaker for half a day!
>> Book your ticket here
The Monts d’Arrée
This mountain range offers wild, unspoilt landscapes, perfect for family walks. Children can explore the moors and peat bogs, observe the local flora and fauna, and perhaps even catch a glimpse of the legendary korrigans that inhabit the region 😉
Does your child like treasure hunts? Download the booklets provided by the Bay of Morlaix Tourist Office to discover the Monts d’Arrée: the first treasure hunt takes you to Le Relec abbey, and the second is a discovery tour by bike.
Other family activities in Finistère
- Take a stroll through the narrow streets of Locronan.
- Learn to surf on La Torche beach near Penmarc’h.
- Meet sheep on the island of Ouessant.
- Visit the Trévarez estate (in July, a hydrangea garden not to be missed!).
- Take part in the Festival de Cornouaille in Quimper in July, and get your fill of Breton traditions. Don’t forget: Kernekiz is a day dedicated to children.
Discover Ille-et-Vilaine (35) with your family
Saint Malo, home of the Corsairs
So that the ramparts and the town of Saint Malo no longer hold any secrets for you, take a fun discovery tour with your child: 3 circuits with a booklet-game have been devised by the Tourist Office. With teenagers, you can opt for a ride on a gyropod with a guide. It’s a great way to take in the sights in an unusual and effortless way! Relaxing on the beach, fishing on foot during spring tides, visiting the aquarium (10,000 fish await you)… there’s no shortage of family activities in St Malo and the surrounding area.
Good to know: the ‘club des P’tits sauveteurs’ offers courses every summer for children aged 5 to 15.
The Château de Fougères
Located in Fougères, this medieval castle is one of the largest in France. Families can visit it on a guided tour or on a self-guided tour with an audioguide. The latter includes a version suitable for children aged 6 and over.
Good to know: in summer, evening visits are organised to discover the castle by torchlight. It’s original!
The Forest of Brocéliande
This legendary forest is associated with Arthurian tales and the legends of Brittany. Families can wander along the paths to discover mythical sites such as the Val sans Retour, the Barenton Fountain and Merlin’s tomb.
At Comper Castle, you can take part in guided tours to learn more about its history and the legends surrounding King Arthur (be warned, these legends are pretty scary!).
The city of Rennes
The capital of the Brittany region, Rennes is a dynamic and cultural city. Families can explore the historic centre with its cobbled streets and half-timbered houses, visit Saint-Pierre cathedral, stroll through the parks and gardens, and discover the local heritage at the Musée de Bretagne. On the Rennes Tourist Office website, you’ll find plenty of inspiration: go for a bike ride, try your hand at geocaching, try your hand at canoeing at the Cesson Sports Nature centre, take part in a guided tour of street art in Rennes, etc.
Other family activities in Ille-et-Villaine
- Hire an electric boat to cruise the Canal d’Ille-et-Rance between Rennes and Saint-Malo.
- Meet the 400 animals at the Château de La Bourbansais zoo.
- Visit Vitré Castle.
Discover Morbihan (56) with your family
The Carnac alignments
These megalithic alignments are one of the most impressive groups of menhirs in the world. Families can take a guided tour of the alignments in summer. Start your visit at the Maison des megalithes for an introduction to the history of the site and images of the archaeological digs.
Good to know: you can buy a booklet (€2) at the Carnac Tourist Office to discover the megaliths in a different way. You can walk around them from the outside, using the footpaths (the fences are small and low, so you can see well!), with (easy) riddles to solve.
You can also take a tuk-tuk or gyro-pod ride around Carnac. For the little ones, why not take the little tourist train, which will give you a panoramic view of the beautiful corners of Carnac as far as La Trinité-sur-Mer. And for teenagers, treat them to a diving experience in Carnac.
The Gulf of Morbihan
This magnificent inland gulf is dotted with islands, coves and villages with old stone houses. Families can explore its shores by paddle or kayak, go hiking along the coastal paths, take a cruise or sailboat trip… and why not stay on Ile d’Arz or Ile aux Moines.
The Quiberon peninsula
This narrow strip of land juts out into the Atlantic Ocean and offers spectacular scenery. Here you can enjoy water sports such as sailing and surfing, and walk along the coastal paths: the Côte Sauvage and the Pointe du Conguel are sublime!
Good to know: some beaches are closed to swimming due to waves.
The town of Lorient
In Lorient, there are two great places to visit: the Cité de la Voile Eric Tabarly on the one hand, and the Flore submarine and its museum on the other. It’s a different way of looking at seaside activities!
Other family activities in Morbihan
- Visit Vannes and dine al fresco in one of the town’s many crêperies.
- Discover the village of Rochefort-en-Terre.
- Visit the Parc de Branféré.
- Taste oysters in an oyster bar by the sea (in Arradon, for example).
- Admire the summer Son et Lumières show at the Château de Suscinio.
- Travel back in time at the Village de Poul-Fetan in Quistinic.
- Sleep at Calamity Jane’s Ranch in Languidic.
- Visit the Compagnie des Indes museum at the Citadelle in Port-Louis.
- Go on a treasure hunt at L’Enclos du Port in Lorient.
What other activities can you do in Brittany with a child?
- Eat all-you-can-eat galette saucisse and crêpes.
- Try your hand at fishing on foot.
- Enjoy water sports (sailing clubs are great for this from an early age).
- Take a sailing trip or cruise.
- Stroll along coastal and inland footpaths.
- Take part in guided tours.
- Try geocaches and escape games in the great outdoors.
- Visit farms and meet local craftspeople.
- … and of course take advantage of the many beaches and coves!
Where to stay in Brittany with your family?
Here are a few tried and tested addresses in Brittany:
