Visit the Bretagne region by train

Less than two hours from Paris by train, escape to the pretty city of Rennes. The capital of Bretagne, the city's pretty half-timbered houses and cobbled streets lined with cafés will transport you back to medieval France. But Rennes is far from frozen in time, as evidenced by its contemporary art museums, rich cultural program and vibrant student life. If you're a lover of greenery, head for the Parc du Thabor or the legendary Brocéliande forest.

Looking for the open sea? Vannes is the ideal base for a maritime excursion to the Gulf of Morbihan and its islands of the Petite Mer. The former city of the Dukes of Bretagne, this fortified town will charm you with its medieval streets lined with superb half-timbered houses, its flower-filled ramparts, its marina and its many terraces where you can linger... Before you leave, don't forget to visit Saint-Pierre Cathedral, dating from the ^15th century, which combines Romanesque and Gothic styles.

Follow in the footsteps of the great privateer captains and let yourself be tempted by an escapade in Saint-Malo. This magnificent port, located on the Rance estuary, is surrounded by long, sandy beaches where you can soak up the sun. There's plenty to do in town: a stroll through the streets will take you from the fortified Grande Porte to the Château de Saint-Malo, via the Aquarium and Saint-Vincent Cathedral. Outside the city, head for the fortified islands of Grand-Bé and Petit-Bé, where François-René de Chateaubriand is buried.

Looking for a destination off the beaten track? Head for Quimper, the ancient but lively capital of Cornouaille, which boasts the superb Cathedral Saint-Corentin, whose stained glass windows and organ have been perfectly restored. In the shadow of its Gothic spires, stroll through the narrow alleyways lined with half-timbered houses and take time to visit the pedestrian district, where specialized stores are dedicated to the art of white earthenware, a traditional skill that has been the pride of the locals for over 300 years. Don't leave without your first-name bowl!

Enjoy the cultural dynamism of this Morbihan city, whose heritage has been revitalized in recent years. Visit its former submarine base, which has been converted into a sailing and nautical center, culminating in the Cité de la Voile Eric Tabarly, a vast 2,000 m2 exhibition space. If you're more of a land-lubber, the nearby Scorff and Blavet valleys offer plenty of opportunities for walks and visits focusing on nature, animals and heritage. And if you like music and conviviality, every August Lorient becomes the center of the Celtic world thanks to its Interceltic music festival, whose reputation now extends far beyond the borders of Brittany.

Do you enjoy cultural escapades? Then head for Pont-Aven, a small town that owes its fame to the school of painters that once had Gauguin as its master, and which today abounds in art galleries, perpetuating its bohemian spirit. Nestled in the verdant Aven estuary, it's a calm and peaceful place to stroll, imagining artists fascinated by the poetry of the landscape and the luminosity of the little port. Between two strolls along the flower-filled banks, don't hesitate to try the delicious butter cakes, the sweetness of which is unequalled!

Looking for beauty and a change of scenery? Head for Ploumanac'h, voted "France's favorite village" in 2015. Now part of the commune of Perros-Guirrec, this former fishing hamlet will enchant you with its immense pink granite rocks, imposing heaps of stone sculpted by sea and wind over hundreds of millions of years. For the more adventurous, treat yourself to a lovely hike along the coast on the "Sentier des douaniers" (customs path) (GR 34). After a pleasant day's walking or water sports, take in the exceptional splendor of this natural site and admire the incredible sunset colors of the seaside resort.