The small town of Saint-Brieuc is capital of the departement of Cotes d'Armor on the northern coast of Brittany. A popular holiday resort for many years, Saint-Brieuc is about much more than just the beach however and the medieval town has plenty of historical and cultural attractions. The surrounding area is perfect for exploring in the pleasant Brittany weather, either on foot or on bicycle, or you can choose a more unusual method of transportation. Of course, the town's proximity to the sea means that the best of Saint-Brieuc's restaurants, and even snack bars, serve fantastic seafood. You can even go cockling yourself, though make sure you check out the local rules and regulations – and the tides – before you set out with your bucket!
One of the most visited monuments in Saint-Brieuc is the town's cemetery in the Saint-Michel quarter. Known as the Breton version of the famous Pere Lachaise cemetery in Paris, the graveyard is the final resting place of many famous Bretons, including artists, politicians, soldiers and religious figures. Many of the most important graves are marked with fine sculptures by local artist Elie Le Goff, whose two sons are also buried here.
The town's free museum is a must-see, and a welcome sight on a wet afternoon. Featuring interactive exhibits and historical artefacts, the museum tells the story of Saint-Brieuc and Brittany as a whole, through its social, rural and religious traditions. Another smaller museum features hundreds of old wooden toys that have been collected from all over France.
Saint-Brieuc itself is a charming medieval town, full of intriguing architectural treasures, ancient churches and pleasant parks and gardens. The Maison de Ribeault, the oldest house in the town, was built at the end of the 15th century. The half-timbered house, decorated with religious statues, in located near the covered market hall. The Villa Rohannec'h, just outside Saint-Brieuc, is an opulent country home, with its own extensive grounds, which are open to the public every day during the summer. The lawns are a great place for a picnic, and a much quieter place to enjoy the sun than the beach.
However, the beach and the sea dominate life, and tourism, in Saint-Brieuc. Should you get tired of swimming in the sea, you can always learn more about it, at the Maison de la Baie, where exhibits show you what species you have just been swimming with, as well as detailing how Bretons have made their living from the sea for centuries. Take a trip on the traditional sailing ship Le Grand Lejon to get a better idea of Breton fishing, although you may be expected to actually help sail the vessel, and not just sit back enjoying the view!
Looking for self catering holiday accommodation in Saint Brieuc? Then below is a selection of gites in Saint Brieuc and villas in Saint Brieuc that can be rented direct from their owners. You can either click on each listing for further details or you can use our search engine on the left if you are looking for something in particular.
