Brittany?
 

Hello! i am thinking about flying into Paris and driving westward - perhaps visiting Brittany region - in mid-August. should i be concerned about it being too hot or crowded this time of year? does anyone have accomodations or other touring advice (e.g., places that are off the beaten path)?

thanks!!!

p.s. about my interests: I love provence - gorges, uzes, arles, avignon, bonnieux, etc. - and paris, but was not that into Nice. i also enjoyed grenoble. Not sure if that helps, in terms of my "interests"? I would say that I especially enjoy small/walkable, historic villages w/lots of charm, little shops, galleries, excellent food, friendly people, scenic vistas, etc.

First, Brittany is never hot. Temperatures never rise higher than 80° F, but often are low as 60. Be prepared for heavy - I say: HEAVY - rains.
Second, Brittany is never crowded. Mid-August will be peak season, and hotels may be booked, at least, hotels which are at the shores. So, reservations might be wise.
Third, Brittany is almost completely of the beaten path. Explore the inland villages where times seems to stand still. Here some nice places in Brittany (I start in the northeast and go counter-clockwise):
- Mont St. Michel is well on the beaten path, always crowded an full of souvenir shops.
- Cote d'Èmeraude is a section with beautiful costline. Highlights are Cap Fréhel and Fort la Latte. West of Cap Frehel are beautiful beaches.
- Near Morlaix, there are several sights. Barnenez has huge and most impressive prehistoric graves. Roscoff is a nice old town, however, somewhat frequented by English tourists, because the ferry arrives there and there are the liquor stores where the English buy their supplies. West of Morlaix, you find the enclosed churchyards with beautifully carved stones. See St. Thegonnic and Guimiliau. Kerjean is a typical Brittany castle (with a guillotine on display).
- At the nortwestern coast, you will find the abers, narrow bays.
- Brest is the biggest city, completely destroyed in World War II, but with a castle at the harbour which is worth to visit, and an outstanding aquarium.
- South of Brest, there are many rocky peninsulas which are worth of sightseeing.
- Concarneau is an old seamen's town as well as Pont-Aven (which was a stronghold of impressionist painters, too).
- In the south, the peninsula of Quiberon has beautiful sandy beaches. The main attraction in the area are the prehistoric megaliths of Carnac.
- If you drive inland, in an northeastern direction, you will find Josselin, with a splendid castle (however, Kerjean is more typical for Brittany).

Many villages on the sea will celebrate a "Fête de la Mer" (or something like that) in mid-August. Do not miss! The whole village will feast of mussels, pommes frites and wine, and there will be line-dancing with live bands performing traditional music. Mix with the locals!

BTW, the Atlantic ocean in Brittany is chilly (around 65° F) but has very clean and clear water. The water contains fantastically shaped and colored algae. Of course, you will get the freshest seafood on the table.
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I'm afraid my experiences of Brittany in August differ somewhat from traveller1959's...

It is a lovely place to visit but it *does* get terribly crowded in August as it's one of the main holiday destinations for the French, especially Parisians, and August is when most of them go on holiday.

I lived in Quimper for a while and also worked for a season near Pont-Aven, and summer was definitely busy.

Brittany is also an extremely popular destination for tourists from the UK and Ireland, due to its close proximity and easy access by ferry.

That doesn't mean you shouldn't visit, but book accommodations ASAP and expect tourist attractions and seaside areas to be busy.

I was just in Brittany and loved it - very beautiful region with lots to see and do.

My favorites were: Fougeres (fortress, great town), Vitre, Dinan, St. Malo and a visit to the Cromburg castle was nice too. I also hit Quimper but didn't particularly love it - would go to Dinard in the future instead.

I also thought Rennes was a great city - wonderful old town, lots to do, beautiful gardens, hugh student population gives it a lively feel. I used it as my base because it has excellent train service - others here will prefer a quieter base such as Dinan - just depends on what you like.

Have a great trip,

Murphy

Okay, hanl, the southern beaches are busier, but certainly not the northern areas in Finistère. I have vacationed in Brittany for about 10 times in July and August and never experienced crowds (besides Mont St. Michel).

We vacationed in Brittany in early April. It was so beautiful. Sights are spread far apart though. We based ourselfs in Dinan, staying at Chambres d’Hotes Le Logis du Jerzual www.logis-du-jerzual.com/ 2nd floor rooms are €65 for 2 people includes breakfast. First floor rooms are €75 for same. Ask for Rm La Halte (€75). This is a separate self contained apartment. The room is beautiful. It includes a canopied bed, table and chairs, a large fireplace with wood provided at no extra cost, with a couple of chairs. Ample storage and small kitchen area with everything you would need to take your meals in. Bathroom is small with a shower. Spotless. Breakfast is taken in the main house and is included. Downhill from town, not uphill.

We loved our stay here and Dinan is a great small town to base yourself in.

Everyone --- thank you so much for your advice and tips. when i'm further along in the planning process, i may post another question or 2. thanks again!!!