This is the inland part of Brittany — castles, forests and market towns rather than beaches and ports. The coast (Brittany Coasts) is a separate stretch of the region entirely.
Discover Authentic Brittany Countryside: A Local Travel Guide by Mercure
At Mercure, we believe you shouldn't need a guidebook to feel like you belong somewhere. That's the idea behind Discover Local: since 1973, every Mercure hotel has been built around its neighbourhood, not just dropped into it — from the décor on the walls to the flavours on the menu. Step into any Mercure and our teams are on hand with the kind of tips you won't find in a guidebook: the market stall locals queue for, the bar where nobody speaks English, the walk that skips the crowds. They live here. They know. Discover Local isn't a generic city guide — it's a short, honest list of the restaurants, markets and neighbourhoods our own hotel teams actually recommend to guests, updated as the city changes around us. Below, you'll find our picks for Brittany Countryside, an interactive map to help you find your way, and answers to the questions travellers ask us most. So — where will Discover Local take you?
Our map pins local favourites such as the Huelgoat forest, the Vallée des Saints and the Sainte-Barbe chapel in Le Faouët.
Top 5 Things to Do in Brittany Countryside
Rennes
Brittany's capital, where half-timbered houses in Vieux Rennes stand a few streets from the grand stone Parlement de Bretagne. Come for a market day and you'll see the city at its most local.
Josselin
The Rohan family's castle — flamboyant Gothic towers rising straight out of the River Oust — has stood here since the 11th century, and the same family still lives in it. Walk the riverbank opposite for the classic view.
Forêt de Brocéliande
Brittany's largest forest, and the one Arthurian legend claims as Merlin's. Base yourself in the village of Paimpont and follow trails to the Val sans Retour and Merlin's tomb — as much myth as geography, which is the point.
Vitré
A fairytale silhouette of a castle above a town of stone cottages and cobbled streets. Small enough to see in an afternoon, atmospheric enough to want longer.
Fougères
One of the largest fortified medieval castles in Europe, ringed by thirteen towers and still moated. The old town climbs the hill above it, half-timbered and quiet.
Explore Brittany Countryside's Best Local Spots with Our Interactive Map
What's on the map in Brittany countryside
We've mapped local spots in the heart of Brittany.
Legends & nature
Huelgoat Forest
In the Armorique Regional Natural Park, a forest of Celtic legends and giant rounded boulders – including the Trembling Rock, weighing more than 100 tonnes. Give it a push.
Huelgoat · Forest · Perfect for walks and legends
Vallée des Saints
Since 2009, giant granite statues of Brittany's founding saints, 4 to 7 metres tall, have been rising on a hill in Carnoët. Around 200 so far, carved by artists from around the world. Free entry, all year.
Carnoët, near Carhaix · Open-air sculpture site · Made for an unusual visit
Sainte-Barbe Chapel, Le Faouët
Built around the 16th century into the rock above the Ellé valley, reached by a monumental stone staircase. Ring the bell at the oratory on your way down.
Le Faouët · Chapel · Great for heritage and views
Heritage & local life
Doll and Toy Museum, Josselin
At the Château de Josselin, the Rohan family's antique dolls and toys, some from the 17th century – one of the largest private collections in France. Open April to October.
Josselin · Museum and château · Perfect for families
En Avant Guingamp club shop
Founded in 1912 and twice French Cup winners, En Avant Guingamp is this small Breton town's pride. Pick up the colours at the shop, open Tuesday to Saturday.
Guingamp · Football club shop · Made for sports fans
Medieval festival of Grand-Fougeray
Each August, more than 200 artists, 400 volunteers and 50 craftspeople bring the Middle Ages to life around the Du Guesclin tower: jousting, aerial shows and night-time illuminations.
Grand-Fougeray · Festival, August · Great for families
Fonds Hélène & Édouard Leclerc
An art foundation in Landerneau staging major shows of modern and contemporary artists such as Picasso, Chagall and Giacometti.
Landerneau · Art centre · Made for art lovers
Les Tombées de la Nuit
A free festival of street performance that takes over central Rennes for five days and nights.
Rennes · Festival · Perfect for summer
Fête du Bruit
A mid-sized rock and rap festival in Saint-Nolff with an easy-going vibe.
Saint-Nolff · Festival · Great for music lovers
Galettes du Monde
World music meets crêpes from around the globe in Sainte-Anne-d'Auray. Hungry ears welcome.
Sainte-Anne-d'Auray · Festival · Ideal for food and music
Food & drink
Crêperie La Saint-Georges
Crêpes and galettes named after famous Georges, from Brassens to Harrison, in a contemporary setting. Which one's yours?
Rennes · Crêperie · Perfect for galettes
La Closerie
Bistronomic cooking with local produce in a 16th-century mansion on Place des Lices.
Rennes · Restaurant · Ideal for a special lunch
Le Piccadilly
An emblematic brasserie, bar and terrace in downtown Rennes. Grab a seat and watch the city go by.
Rennes · Brasserie · Made for people-watching
Loco Loca
A colourful, joyful place to eat to the rhythm of salsa.
Restaurant · Great for a lively evening
Le Vasselot
A friendly bistro serving generous, 100% local cooking.
Rennes · Bistro · Perfect for local food
FAQ
Rennes, thanks to its train connections, though staying closer to Josselin or Vitré suits those who want to be nearer the smaller towns and forest trails.
Yes — the trails around Paimpont are gentle and well marked, and the Arthurian legend angle tends to go down well with kids.
An open-air site in Carnoët where around 200 giant granite statues of Breton saints have been carved since 2009. Entry is free all year.
Yes. Its giant boulders, including the 100-tonne Trembling Rock, and its Celtic legends make it one of Brittany's most magical forests.
From April to October, together with the château gardens.
Where to Sleep in Brittany Countryside
See our Mercure hotels across Brittany Countryside, ideally placed to explore these picks.