Festival fever in Brittany

Brittany provides a wide variety of holiday options from city breaks to coastal spa retreats and offers many festivals and fetes across the region; here is a selection of the annual summer highlights.

Rennes: 1- 6 July - “Tombées de la nuit” Experience Rennes at night

Every year the streets of Rennes come to life through this delightful festival of music, folklore, poetry and dance. Completely free of charge the festival is an interesting mix of traditional Breton culture and modern contemporary France. Visitors can take in performances at their leisure while strolling down the many bustling thoroughfare.

For further information see lestombeesdelanuit.com.

Brest 08: 11 - 17 July - International Maritime Festival

Every four years Brest plays host to a truly international celebration of the nautical heritage of this key port. Thousands of boats from over 30 countries ranging from tall ships (of which there are around 60) to fishing boats will be on show and taking part in the various regattas and events over the six days. Throughout the duration there are evening festivities as well as free entry to the National Navy Museum.

For further information please see brest2008.fr/en/

Quimper: 19 - 28 July - “Festival de Cornouaille” A celebration of Brittany’s Celtic heritage

The region’s largest folk festival is a showcase of Celtic culture, which remains at the heart of Brittany today. Folk artists, dancers and singers from across Europe descend on the rustic capital of “La Cornouaille” for nine days of revelry.

For further information please see festival-cornouaille.com.

Dinan: 19 - 20 July - “Fête des ramparts” Medieval Festival

The medieval coastal town of Dinan holds a massive celebration of the region’s medieval heritage including jousting, drama, ancient crafts, dance and music. With nightly processions, horseback displays, a medieval market and concerts hosted in the cathedral, this walled town truly embodies the spirit of medieval Brittany.

Concarneau: 16 - 17 August - “Fetes des filets bleus” Traditional fishing and culture at the ‘festival of blue fishing nets’

An abundance of fresh seafood and local cider is available at this celebration of Breton culture. Experience the fishing displays, Celtic music, costumes and fishing displays over the two day event, all set on the stunning Finistère coastline.

For further information visit Finisteretourisme.com.

For further information on Brittany, visit Brittanytourism.com.