Brittany is one of France’s star destinations, with its long, sandy beaches on the English Channel and the Atlantic, its small stone villages, its beautiful restaurants facing the horizon and its invigorating way of life.
A flea market where you can bargain in Brittany: Maja in Brest
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A sort of ali baba cave in Brest, Maja gathers a bit of everything: Osvaldo Borsani tables, Senneh Kurdish carpets from Iran, old tableware… tables, Senneh Kurdish rugs from Iran, old crockery… The team that runs it The tandem that runs it scours all the attics in Brittany in search of nuggets. Another good point is that the place
also includes a coffee shop that excels in homemade waffles.
An izakaya in Brittany: Otonali in Saint-Malo
To reserve
Bertrand Larcher, the buckwheat monomaniac who runs the famous Breizh Cafés, has just opened a new Japanese restaurant in Saint-Malo. Set up opposite the port, the place is inspired by the cuisine of izakayas (these Japanese bistros that are experts in small plates to be shared) with the menu featuring sashimi according to the catch of the day, tempura from the market or dorayaki with yuzu and whipped cream, all prepared by the chef Yasu Hayashi.
A British-style fish & chips: Pesket in Douarnenez
In the Port-Rhu of Douarnenez, a former fisherman and a fish lover opened the discreet Pesket last summer. A street counter where you can treat yourself to a fish & chip to make the Brits green with envy, made with haddock and accompanied by chips and home-made coleslaw.
A new spa with futuristic architecture in Brittany: L’EssenCiel
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A giant belvedere that imitates the shape of trees, this new hotel and spa is scheduled to open its doors this spring. In the heart of the Domaine du Château des Pères, south of Rennes, the design is by Anthony Rio (Unité architecture agency), the 42 rooms are perched 28 metres high and the spa rivals in innovation.
Handcrafted surfboards from Brittany: Gawood in Tréméoc
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Graduated from the Boulle school in woodcarving and passionate about surfing, Gaël Le Thellec founded Gawood in Tréméoc, south of Quimper. A craft workshop that offers custom-made boards in paulownia.
Decorative objects made from Brittany’s signature shells: Malàkio
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Led by two childhood friends, this eco-responsible start-up produces decorative objects in Irvillac in the heart of Finistère. Made from oyster, abalone and scallop shells collected on the foreshore, they offer delicate candleholders and large pucks.
A lighthouse keeper’s house to rent in Brittany: Louët Island
To rent here
Within fathom of the Pen al Lan headland, this lighthouse keeper’s house on Louët Island is one of the most peaceful spots in the Carantec region. And although it has basic comforts, it can be rented from the Tourist Office from April to October, turning its tenants into so many Breton Robinsons. There’s no need to get worked up, as all the rooms have a view of the sea and the Château du Taureau floating in the distance.
