Brittany &
the French Atlantic Coast
Medieval towns, coastal traditions, and discovering a quieter side of France.
A Journey Beyond Paris
Day One | Discovering the French Countryside
My introduction to Brittany began with a train ride from Paris to Nantes, followed by something I had never attempted before: renting a car and driving through the French countryside.
I was visiting the region in preparation for a destination wedding taking place the following spring at Domaine de la Bretesche. As the travel advisor assisting guests with their arrangements before and after the celebration, I wanted to experience the region firsthand. Having never explored this part of France myself, I was curious about what guests might discover if they decided to extend their stay.
And, of course, I had the perfect excuse to do a little exploring of my own.
After arriving in Nantes, I picked up my rental car and set off toward my first overnight destination, Coin de Paix at Château de Launay, near Saint-Vincent-sur-Oust in Brittany's Morbihan region.
Now, I should mention that this was my very first time driving in Europe, and I was incredibly nervous! The thought of navigating unfamiliar roads, endless roundabouts, and a country where I wasn't entirely sure what to expect was more than a little intimidating.
But something wonderful happened once I got behind the wheel.
Within that first hour, my anxiety began to fade. I settled into the rhythm of the roads, started noticing the countryside around me, and found myself genuinely enjoying the drive.
The scenery was beautiful in an understated way. Rolling fields, quiet country roads, and small villages offered glimpses of a side of France that felt worlds away from the energy of Paris. There was no particular rush, and I loved the freedom of being able to explore at my own pace.
By the time I reached Château de Launay, what had started as the most intimidating part of my journey had become one of its unexpected pleasures. And I was already beginning to fall in love with this quieter corner of France.
Day Two | Medieval Villages, Salt Marshes & the Atlantic Coast
The following day, I continued exploring, making my way toward the Atlantic coast.
Along the way, I passed through centuries-old villages, encountered medieval stone walls and historic buildings, and discovered little streets that seemed to invite a closer look. History is woven into the landscape here, but what I particularly loved was that these weren't places preserved solely for visitors. They were living communities, with neighborhood cafés, local shops, and traditions that remain part of everyday life.
As I approached the coast, the scenery began to change. The countryside gave way to expansive salt marshes and tidal waterways, eventually opening onto the Atlantic, where the horizon seemed to stretch endlessly.
And then there was the food.
One of the pleasures of exploring a region like this is discovering its culinary traditions along the way. Brittany and the surrounding Atlantic coast are known for their seafood, crêpes and galettes, salted butter, and regional specialties. Food here is closely connected to the landscape, from the salt harvested in the coastal marshes to the ingredients that have shaped local cooking for generations.
For me, food is always part of understanding a destination. It's not necessarily about elaborate meals or Michelin stars, although I certainly appreciate those too. Sometimes it's the pleasure of discovering a local specialty, enjoying a neighborhood café, or taking the time to appreciate the flavors that make a place distinctive.
Another thing I noticed was how different the experience felt from Paris. While the capital welcomes visitors from around the world, much of the countryside I explored felt relatively undiscovered by American travelers. That, to me, was part of its charm.
English wasn't as widely spoken in some of the smaller towns, which gave me a wonderful opportunity to practice my French. And while my French is far from perfect, I found the people I encountered patient, friendly, and genuinely welcoming. There was something especially rewarding about those small exchanges, even when finding the right words took a little extra effort.
Beyond the Familiar
Paris will always have a special place in my heart, but this journey reminded me how much more there is to discover beyond France's extraordinary capital.
I also came away with a new appreciation for exploring by car. Having the freedom to stop when something caught my eye, take a different road, or linger a little longer in a village made the experience feel more personal.
What began as the part of the trip I was most anxious about became one of the things I enjoyed most.
And perhaps that was my favorite discovery of all: sometimes the experiences that take us a little outside our comfort zones are the ones we remember most.
Hôtel Barrière L’Hermitage | La Baule, France