A DIFFERENT KIND OF SUMMER: FIVE REASONS TO CHOOSE BRITTANY

 

Paris is heating up, the southern coasts are overflowing… but Brittany breathes. Shifting skies, pine-scented air, the salty breeze of the sea—here, summer takes on a different rhythm. Far from the crowds, the region reveals itself as a living, refined, and truly calming refuge. Light, slowness, and the beauty of nature are savored here. What if, this year, you chose to experience summer differently? Here are five compelling reasons to set down your bags in Brittany—and make Domaine de la Bretesche your secret retreat of the season.

 

 

 

 

EXPLORE LIVING NATURE

Here, nature is never still—it whispers, vibrates, breathes. Just a few kilometers from Domaine de la Bretesche lies the Brière Regional Natural Park, a lush maze of waterways and reeds. Flat-bottomed boats, known as chalands, invite peaceful rides through the marsh. At sunrise, the wetlands come to life: grey herons, graceful storks, wild ducks—and occasionally even elusive otters. The silence is broken only by the lapping of water and the rustling of reeds.

A little farther, the ocean takes over. Pen Bron beach, the hidden coves of La Turballe, the rugged coastline of Le Croisic, and the cliffs of the Quiberon Peninsula all offer breathtaking views. The famous GR34 coastal trail leads you past secret inlets, golden dunes, and dramatic viewpoints. In the late afternoon, low-angle sunlight turns the landscape into an impressionist painting.

For forest lovers, the Gâvre Forest—one of Brittany’s largest—offers quiet trails winding between ancient beeches and oaks. And right at Domaine de la Bretesche itself, nestled among ponds, woods, and blooming pathways, guests are invited to stroll, novel in hand or picnic basket on arm.

STROLL THROUGH THE REGION'S MOST BEAUTIFUL VILLAGES

Nothing beats the slow pace of a walk through a Breton village that feels like a living etching. Just minutes away, Guérande reveals its medieval walls, half-timbered houses, and cobbled streets steeped in salt-trade history. Here you’ll also find authentic local crafts: pottery, woven fabrics, farmhouse butter cookies, homemade jams.

In Rochefort-en-Terre, everything oozes charm—flower-filled windows, timeworn façades, discreet art galleries, and stylish antique dealers. A stroll feels like stepping onto a movie set, surrounded by fountains and the scent of warm bread. Listed among the most beautiful villages in France, it’s a must for lovers of poetic architecture.

La Roche-Bernard looks out over the river: wisteria-covered alleys lead to the harbor, antique shops, and artist studios tucked into old shipowners’ homes. In the evening, enjoy a cider on a terrace, eyes resting on the gentle curves of the Vilaine River.

Other gems await: Le Croisic with its timber-framed homes, Piriac-sur-Mer with its authentic seafront, or Saint-Joachim, a “village island” nestled in the heart of the Brière marshes.

TASTE BRITTANY'S FLAVORS - WITH A TWIST

The Breton art of living is also found on the plate. A land of fine ingredients, the region offers a blend of rustic elegance, simplicity, and excellence.

Each market is a feast of aromas: fragrant Plougastel strawberries, heirloom vegetables from the Pays de Retz, freshly caught shellfish, melt-in-your-mouth caramels. Salted butter reigns supreme here—often churned by hand by small producers. Still-warm buckwheat crêpes sit alongside goat cheeses, heather honey, and artisanal ciders.

Neighboring Pays Nantais is home to a discreet but delightful wine route. Muscadet sur Lie, Gros-Plant, Folle Blanche—lesser-known grape varieties full of freshness, perfect for pairing with seafood. Intimate wineries welcome visitors for personalized tastings in a warm, passionate atmosphere.

At the heart of this culinary richness is Le Montaigu, the fine-dining restaurant at Domaine de la Bretesche. Chef Philippe Silvestre crafts inspired cuisine that showcases garden vegetables, freshly picked herbs, and locally sourced fish. The menu is both precise and creative, elevating local terroir with elegance. Whether on the terrace or in the hushed dining room overlooking the park, each meal feels like a special occasion. The six-course “Bretesche” tasting menu is perfect for a romantic summer evening.

EMBRACE THE DISCREET LUXURY OF A FIVE-STAR ESTATE

Tucked between a château, an ancient forest, and a tranquil lake, Domaine de la Bretesche offers a uniquely serene charm—intimate, refined, and deeply soothing. On the edge of the Brière Natural Park, this five-star Relais & Châteaux property wins over guests with its quiet elegance and wide range of thoughtful offerings for all ages.

Accommodations—whether rooms, suites, or private cottages—combine authentic charm with modern comfort, with special care given to materials, natural light, and serenity. The Cinq Mondes & Omnisens Spa offers a hammam, heated pool, holistic treatments, and outdoor rituals during the warmer months.

As for activities, the estate has plenty to offer: a top-rated 18-hole golf course, tennis, yoga, biking trails around the lake, forest paths, and tours of the permaculture kitchen garden. Children enjoy the outdoor pool before gathering with their families for a relaxed lunch at Brasserie Le Club.

EXPERIENCE A DIFFERENT KIND OF SUMMER - FAR FROM THE BEACH CROWDS

Choosing Brittany means choosing a different kind of escape. A more subtle, inward-looking, and deeply inspiring summer. Every day becomes its own meaningful moment.

Sail from the small port of Le Croisic aboard a traditional boat, explore the standing stones of Carnac at sunrise, or quietly observe marshland birds—each experience speaks to the soul.

Nearby islands are within easy reach: Batz with its exotic gardens, Île-aux-Moines with its timeless charm, or Belle-Île—wild, majestic, and unforgettable. Whether by paddleboard, bike, or on foot, every route feels like a gentle adventure. Day cruises are available from Quiberon or Vannes, with lunch onboard or stops at secluded coves.

Culturally, Brittany pulses with life. Festivals bring music and art to abbeys, manors, and chapels. From baroque concerts and jazz to open-air readings and contemporary exhibitions, the Breton summer is vibrant and rich. In Vannes, the Jazz en Ville festival draws music lovers; in La Gacilly, large-format photography transforms the village streets into an open-air gallery.

To make it all seamless, Domaine de la Bretesche offers custom excursions on request—so you can simply enjoy every moment of your summer.

 

Far from the noise and the crowds, Brittany reveals itself as a luxurious blend of simplicity, beauty, and meaning. It’s a region that soothes, awakens gently, and invites you to walk, observe, and reflect. Domaine de la Bretesche fits right in—an oasis of calm, a home base for those who wish to experience summer differently.

What if, this year, the true journey… was learning to slow down?