With direct flights from Manchester airport to Rennes and Nantes, it’s now easy to hop to Brittany for a greatvalue summer holiday without the crowds. Discover a beautiful and laid-back region of France, with over 2,700km of coastline – that’s four times more than Cornwall! Expect unspoilt beaches, stunning coastal hikes, and lots of fun activities for children of all ages.
Brittany is a much-loved destination for a seaside holiday for many reasons but the main factor has to be its beaches. Hidden coves, secluded bays, rock pools or mile upon mile of endless golden sand… the region’s seaside does deliver! Take full advantage of the 3km long Plage du Sillon in Saint-Malo – in France’s top three most beautiful beaches (2016 TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Awards) – whilst taking over sandcastle contests, shell collecting, sunbathing, and swimming. Set sail to the Plage de l’Ile Vierge, a true hidden gem in western Brittany, for a gourmet catamaran ride into the sunset! Clear water, steep cliff dotted with pine trees and carved with a discrete arc… It’s like being in one of southern France’s creeks, without the crowds.
And the gourmet break is a fabulous opportunity to sample the best of local produces: oysters, smoked trout, fish rillettes, organic gingerbread… All dashed with traditional Breton cider. Or live a Robinson Crusoe’s adventure at Milliau island. In Northern Brittany, you can walk to Milliau island on foot at low tide. When the evening tide comes in at Millau island, day visitors return to the mainland, leaving you alone on the island, with a fantastic feeling of freedom and isolation. With the island to yourself, you have the whole night ahead to explore every corner of this exceptional array of wildlife and nature.
For those who love to keep active while on holiday, the GR34 trail – which runs for more than 1,800km constantly round Brittany’s coastline – offers both long distance and great family days-out. Also known as the “Customs Trail”, this footpath established in 1791 to allow guards to roam the coast to prevent smuggling, is certainly one the most iconic trails in France. At every turn it’s a new postcard!
Where to stay?
As a family: check out Les Castels network of luxury outdoor accommodation for the best campsites in Brittany: www.camping-castels.co.uk. Self-cathering cottage from £232 /week With your other half: for a romantic stay in Brittany, choose from the 40 hotels packed with charm and character on HCCB website: www.hotelscharmebretagne.com/en. Double room from £50 /night.
How to get there? With return flights every Saturday from late May to the end of September 2016, the Manchester – Rennes route is perfect for a summer holiday in Brittany. And with up to 7 flights a week each way in peak times, the route to Nantes offers plenty of short break options! Rennes: 28 May to 30 September 2016, with Flybe (from £40.99 per flight per person) Nantes: open until 31 December 2016, with Flybe
See www.flybe.com/timetable for detailed timetable.
