Brittany is a region located in the northwest of France, renowned for its distinct cultural identity, rugged coastline, Celtic heritage, and historical sites. If you want to explore Brittany by train, you will find most important information in this article.
TGV trains in Brittany run on the following routes:
Paris – Quimper
Paris – Rennes
Paris – Brest
Rennes – Lyon
Rennes – Marseille
Rennes – Lille
Rennes – Montpellier
Rennes – Lannion
The best starting point to explore Brittany by train are Rennes and Quimper. Not all main tourist attractions are reached by train.
Regional network passes TER BreizhGo are available. TER BreizhGo tickets are offered in two variants: Pass 2 jours – valid two consecutive days in regional trains in Brittany operated by TER Bretagne and Pass 7 jours – valid seven consecutive days in regional trains in Brittany operated by TER Bretagne. Valid for 1 to 5 people – price is the same The price is the same whether one person, two people or five people are traveling by train in Brittany.
TER Bretagne – official website
Train travel in France – a comprehensive guide
Brittany by train – what to see
Brittany has many interesting places, seaside towns and medieval cities. There is a list of most important places reached by train.
Vitré – a small town near Rennes with a charm atmosphere located on the slopes of the Vilaine river. The town is famous for a beautiful well-preserved with its houses with porch or timber-framed medieval defensive walls, and the main attraction, Château de Vitré – a stunning castle dating back to the 11th century. Its high walls, deep moat, and conical towers create a fairy-tale-like appearance. The castle now houses a museum. There are many churches in the town. One of the notable religious landmarks is the Church of Notre-Dame, a Gothic-style church that was built between the 15th and 16th centuries.
Fougères – a small old town located near Rennes divided into two main areas: the upper town, where the castle is situated, and the lower town, which stretches along the Nançon River. The most interesting landmark of the town is a Château de Fougères – a prime example of medieval defensive architecture located in the upper part of the town, built atop a granite ledge. Part of the town walls survived – the walls stretching from the château in the lower town. Very popular is Église Saint-Sulpice, a beautiful Gothic-style church dating back to the 14th century. The church is noted for its stunning stained glass windows and intricately carved wooden choir stalls.
Saint-Malo is famous mainly for its Old Town (heavily damaged during World War II and meticulously rebuild after WWII) surrounded by magnificent defensive walls. The heart of Saint-Malo is the Intra-Muros district, a maze of cobblestone streets, charming squares, and historic buildings. Within the walls, you can explore the Saint-Malo Cathedral, a stunning example of Gothic architecture that dates back to the 12th century. Most visited attraction in the town is Château de Saint-Malo, a medieval fortress that now houses the Musée d’Histoire de Saint-Malo.
Dinan – one of the well-preserved and charming medieval towns in the region, located on a hill and descending along the river’s estuary to the port area. The city is surrounded by massive defensive walls. The well preserved old town is characterized by cobblestone streets, timber-framed buildings, and quaint squares. Rue du Jerzual is one of the most famous streets, a steep and winding road lined with artisans’ shops, galleries, and cafés. The Château de Dinan built in the 14th century, also known as the Duchess Anne’s Tower, is a prominent feature of the town’s skyline. Another architecture gem of Dinan is the Basilique Saint-Sauveur.
Quimper is a charming town with a lovely old town and a magnificient Gothic cathedral. The oldest part of Quimper features cobbled streets with half-timbered houses and the Gothic Saint Corentin Cathedral. The twin spires of the catherdral, added in the 19th century, dominate the city skyline. Interior of the cathedral features magnificent stained-glass windows, a baroque pulpit, frescoes and medieval tombs). It’s also worth visiting the local Museum of Fine Arts located close to the cathedral with an extensive collection of paintings ranging from the 14th century to contemporary pieces and Musée de la Faïence (Museum of Faience) in the old ceramic workshops dedicated to the pottery.
Vannes is popular city with a rich history renowned for its rich medieval architecture, and stunning natural surroundings. It is as a gateway to exploring the picturesque Gulf of Morbihan. The Old Town is characterized by narrow cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses, and lively squares. The town also features the interesting Saint Peter’s Cathedral, dating back to the 13th century. Vannes is one of the few cities in Brittany with well-preserved ramparts, offering a glimpse into its medieval past. The city walls encircle the old town and provide a scenic walkway with panoramic views. The Château de l’Hermine was originally a residence of the Dukes of Brittany. It has been transformed into a cultural center and hosts various exhibitions and events throughout the year. The Musée de la Cohue, housed in a former marketplace dating back to the 13th century, displays a collection of fine arts.
Concarneau is a coastal town known for its picturesque old town, and stunning seaside views. This charming town, with its blend of historical architecture and vibrant fishing industry, offers a unique glimpse into Brittany’s past and present. At the heart of Concarneau lies the Ville Close, a fortified island town encircled by granite ramparts dating back to the 14th century. This medieval stronghold, accessible via a drawbridge, is a maze of narrow streets lined with quaint shops, cafes, and art galleries. The Old Town features well-preserved buildings. You can also visit the the Musée de la Pêche (Fishing Museum), which highlights Concarneau’s significant fishing heritage.
Roscoff is a small town renowned for its picturesque architecture. One of most visited tourist attractions in Roscoff is the Jardin Exotique et Botanique de Roscoff. This exotic garden, situated on a rocky outcrop overlooking the sea, boasts a remarkable collection of over 3,500 plant species from the Southern Hemisphere. Tourists also visit Old Town with granite buildings and narrow cobbled streets. The most important landmark in the town’ city centre is the Église Notre-Dame de Croaz Batz, a stunning Gothic church built in the 16th century. You can also visit The Maison des Johnnies et de l’Oignon de Roscoff – an unique museum dedicated to the famous “Johnnies,” onion sellers who traveled to England in the 19th century or take a ferry to the idyllic Île de Batz, a small island known for its unspoiled natural beauty and tranquil ambiance. The island is perfect for a day trip, offering scenic walking and cycling paths, pristine beaches, and charming villages.
Paimpol – a popular tourist destination, especially during the summer months when people are attracted by its port and beaches. The town centre leads from the port down to the coast, through cobbled streets lined with restaurants, cafés and bars. Most important ladnmark is Beauport Abbey dating back to 1202.
Rennes – a medium-sized city located centrally in Brittany. The best starting point for exploring Brittany by train. Rennes itself boasts a picturesque old town (Vieux Rennes) with half-timbered houses dating back to the 15th century located on the former plan of the ramparts. Most important landmark is Cathedral Saint-Pierre built between the 11th and 18th centuries. A beautiful park in the city center, Parc du Thabor is known for its French formal gardens, botanical collections, and rose gardens. Another important buildings in Rennes are The Parlament de Bretagne, Opera of Rennes Saint Georges Palace and City Hall
Auray Saint-Goustan Port – three kilometers from the Auray train station lies Port de Saint-Goustan, a small port built in the 17th century with gorgeous buildings, restaurants and art shops. Take a stroll a along the promenade to watch the fishermen.
A nice Rochefort-en-Terre, one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France with the medieval chateau is located 5 kilometers from train station in Malansac.
Morlaix viaduct
Most important railway attraction in Brittany is Morlaix viaduct – one of the highest railway viaducts in France. The viaduct was built from 1861 to 1863 and commissioned in 1865 over the Morlaix river on Paris – Brest railway line. The viaduct was damaged during air raid on January, 29, 1943 but was quickly repaired. The lenght of the viaduct is 292 m and rises to 62 m high. It has two levels with nine arches on the lower level and 14 arches at the top level.
The viaduct is protected as historical monument.
