Frequently asked questions
Quick answers to what travellers ask us most.
Do I need a visa for Brittany?
Brittany is part of France and the Schengen area. EU and EEA citizens need only an ID card or passport. Many other nationalities, including UK, US, Canadian and Australian citizens, can visit visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180, subject to the EU Entry/Exit System and, once it applies, ETIAS. Check your government's latest advice.
Is Brittany part of France?
Yes. Brittany (Bretagne) is one of France's 13 mainland regions, made up of Ille-et-Vilaine, Côtes-d'Armor, Finistère and Morbihan. Historic Brittany also included Loire-Atlantique around Nantes.
What language is spoken in Brittany?
French. Breton, a Celtic language, and Gallo are regional languages you'll see on bilingual signs. English is spoken in many hotels and tourist businesses.
How do I get to Brittany?
By TGV from Paris-Montparnasse (Rennes in about 1 h 30), by ferry from Portsmouth, Plymouth or Cork to Saint-Malo and Roscoff, or by air to Rennes, Brest, Nantes or Dinard.
Is Mont-Saint-Michel in Brittany?
No, it's just inside Normandy, on the border with Brittany. It's about an hour from Saint-Malo, so most visitors to north Brittany include it.
When is the best time to visit?
May to September. June and September are the sweet spots, with long days, mild weather and fewer crowds than July and August. Winter is quiet, green and stormy.
Do I need a car in Brittany?
It's strongly recommended for the coast and countryside. Trains and buses link the main towns, and island ferries run from the mainland ports.
Are Brittany's roads toll-free?
Yes, Brittany's dual carriageways are free. Tolls apply on motorways outside the region, for example from Paris.
Is the sea warm enough to swim?
The Atlantic and Channel are cool: around 17–19°C in late summer, a little warmer in the south. Many people swim in July, August and September.
How big are the tides?
Among the largest in Europe. In the bay of Saint-Malo and Mont-Saint-Michel, the range can exceed 12 metres at spring tides.
What food should I try?
Buckwheat galettes, crêpes, oysters, kouign-amann, far breton, salted-butter caramel and cider. See our food guide.
What plugs are used?
Type C/E European plugs, 230 volts.
What time zone is Brittany in?
Central European Time (UTC+1), UTC+2 in summer, the same as Paris.
How many days do I need?
A week covers the highlights of the north coast, Finistère and the south by car. Ten days to two weeks lets you add islands like Belle-Île and a few slow days on the coast.
Can I combine Brittany with Normandy or the Loire?
Easily. Mont-Saint-Michel is an hour from Saint-Malo, the D-Day beaches about 2 h 30, and the Loire châteaux about 3 hours from Rennes or Nantes. See Beyond Brittany.