Brittany

Regional capital: Rennes

Departments: Côtes-D’armor, Finistère, Ille-Et-Vilaine, Morbihan

Main Cities: Rennes, Brest, Saint-Malo

Bretagne, aka Brittany, is a land of ancient mystery and proud Celtic tradition, from the charms of Saint-Malo, Dinard and Dinan, the wonder of the ancient megaliths at Carnac to the rugged coastline of Finistère. 

Its unique identity extends to culinary offerings, with crêperies across the region offering delicious sweet and savory filled pancakes. 

Property prices have jumped in recent years, thanks in part to its popularity among UK-based househunters tempted by the weather, scenery and ease of access via ferry ports to England. 

The opening of the Bretagne TGV service in summer 2017 puts Rennes 1hr25 from Paris and makes property even more attractive. 

Property prices

Median prices per m2 for non-newbuild apartments in the third quarter of 2025: Rennes €3,640 -1.6%, Brest n/a 

Median prices per m2 for non-newbuild houses in the third quarter of 2025: Rennes n/a, Brest €240,000 0%

(figures taken from the most recently available French property report (Jan 26) from the Notaires de France, % year-on-year change: July 1, 2025 to September 30, 2025 / July 1, 2024 to September 30, 2024)

Character of the region

Brittany is known for its rugged coastline, historic towns, and Celtic heritage – it is considered to be the largest stronghold of Celtic heritage in all of Europe. 

As a peninsula, it is home to numerous medieval towns and cities, each with its unique character and history, such as St Malo, Rennes, and Vannes, as well as its prehistoric megalithic monuments including the impressive Carnac stones. 

Population/density

3.4 million people across 27,209 sq km (Insee figures 2022 [latest available]) = 5% of the population

Fact: approximately 200,000 people in Brittany speak Breton, in addition to French

Weather

A temperate oceanic climate with relatively warm winters (January average 6C) and cool summers (July average 19C).

Local industries

Agriculture, telecommunications, shipbuilding, tourism, marine science (renewable energy, biotechnology, and eco-industry).

Cities and towns

The capital Rennes is also home to a large university, while the major port city and naval base Brest has a strong maritime history. Quimper is known as the cultural capital and is famous for its pottery, while the walled town of Saint-Malo was renowned for its history of piracy.

Food and drink

Seafood, galettes (savoury pancakes made with buckwheat flour), crêpes, salted butter, salted caramel, cider, palets Bretons shortbread, Kouign-Amann caramelized butter cake

Cultural points of interest

Every August, the Festival Interceltique de Lorient takes place in Brittany, welcoming Celtic peoples from all over the world, while in July the Festival de Cornouaille in Quimper celebrates Breton heritage. Traditional fest noz festivals take place throughout the year, also with music, dancing and feasting.

Major transport points

Airports: Rennes Bretagne (RNS), Brest Bretagne (BES)

Trains: Rennes, Brest, Quimper, Lorient, Saint-Malo

Motorways: Brittany is the only motorway-free region of France – there are motorway routes that head towards the region, where road transport is made up of a network of toll-free dual carriageways.

Ferries: Roscoff, Saint-Malo