7 things to see and do in Brittany

1

Ushant (Ouessant)

Hire bikes on the quayside then pedal over a heatherstrewn moorland to the main village and on to the Pointe de Pern to hear the sea crash against the steely black rocks.

2 Molène

It’s possible to walk around this small island in 45 minutes. Take a moment to watch the currents and tides, as well as the birdlife from its pebbly shores. In the village with its semaphore buckwheat flour which is glutenfree. Most crêperies offer a dozen or more fillings.

Otherwise, the local seafood, including fat crabs and langoustines, is excellent. Moules-frites, or mussels with chips, is a staple, with several sauces such as cider, cream or the traditional moules marinière broth with white wine. Another speciality is seaweed with a number of edible species on the coastline. station, find out more about the history of seaweed farming, then try the local delicacy – seaweed-smoked sausages.

3

Pointe Saintmathieu

The red-topped Saint-mathieu lighthouse shines its beacon over the Iroise Sea, protecting ships from the many islands and rocks that dot the shipping lane. Next to the lighthouse, explore the atmospheric ruins of the 11thcentury Abbaye Saint-mathieu.

Further information 4

Le Conquet

Wander the lanes of this seaside town to admire Brittany’s typical stone cottages adorned with colourful shutters, lobster pots and hydrangeas. It’s also the perfect place to potter in galleries and shops.

5

Côte des Sables

Head to the north-west coastline for wide sweeping stretches of fine white sand, intriguingly shaped boulders and grassy headlands.

Brittanytourism.com is the official tourist board website, with Finisterebrittany.com/discover

also being useful.

Eusa by Yann Tiersen; the composer is best known for his film soundtracks, but born in Brest and with a home on Ushant, tracks on this 2016 album are in the Breton language and named after different parts of the island.

6 Roscoff

Home of the ‘Onion Johnny’, the beret-clad onion sellers, don’t miss the museum dedicated to their story. Also eat seafood on the harbourside and get lost in the botanic garden.

7 Batz

Just a 15-minute ferry ride from Roscoff, this enchanting island has empty white-sand beaches, rolling farmers’ fields full of fennel, a lighthouse and its own botanic garden.

TOP TIP Creperies offer a good budget lunch option, with most menus offering a ‘Complète’ for around €7/£6.