Exploring Brittany, France: A Windy, Wholesome Escape I Didn’t Know I Needed
Brittany wasn’t the trip I expected - in the best possible way. Between the wild coastal views, charming little towns, and a few hilarious travel mishaps, this getaway turned into exactly the reset I’d been craving.
Come along for the first part of the journey.
✈️ Arriving in Brest: Cold, Windy, and Full of Surprises
After flying from Madrid to Paris and then on to Brest, the first thing that hit me was the weather. I’d left warm Madrid behind and stepped straight into 11°C, rain, and strong winds.
Welcome to Brittany.
Inside the airport, though, things were surprisingly charming - including a giant whale sculpture greeting passengers. A subtle hint of what this region is known for.
🌊 Brest: A City Built Around the Sea
Brest is a lively port city with deep maritime roots. Oceanography research, whale migration routes, naval history - it’s all woven into the identity of the place.
We wandered through the city centre, passing designer shops, the tram line, and glimpses of the sea at the bottom of the hill. The mix of modern and historic architecture reflects a city rebuilt after heavy WWII bombing.
We wanted to visit Oceanopolis, the famous aquarium, but dogs aren’t allowed - and Ellie was with us. So we admired it from the outside and carried on.
🏡 Our First Stay: A Cozy House (With a Hot Tub!)
That evening, we stayed just outside Brest. The house had a hot tub, and even though it wasn’t exactly warm outside, I was determined to get in - even if only for a few minutes. Zero shame. Worth it.
We also found a Valencian paella in a French supermarket, which felt like a personal attack… but also kind of funny.
Brittany’s charm really hits you in moments like this - quiet fields, timeless stone houses, and a sense of calm that feels worlds away from city life.
🌤️ A Fresh Morning in Léon
The next day started crisp and cool at 10°C. We explored the little town of Léon, wandering down to the harbour where boats depart later in the day. It was too early for a trip, but perfect for a peaceful walk.
Ellie, of course, barked at everything. Standard behaviour.
Parking here required a Blue Zone permit, which we eventually found at a tobacconist for €3.50. The locals were incredibly friendly - cheerful, relaxed, and genuinely lovely.
We browsed antique shops, admired the beautiful stone buildings, and enjoyed a decaf coffee in the sun. Simple moments, but memorable ones.
🐾 Dog‑Friendly Travel Tip
Since Ellie features heavily in this trip, here’s something genuinely useful:
A dog car seat belt is a lifesaver when you’re constantly hopping in and out of the car on coastal routes. It keeps your dog safe and stops them from launching themselves at every passing human, bird, or leaf.
🚗 Coastal Stops, Beaches, and… Tractors?
We continued along the coast, stopping at every beautiful spot we found - sandy bays, quiet beaches, and tiny harbours.
One thing that stood out: tractors everywhere. Turns out they’re used to pull boats out of the water. Mystery solved.
The sea was rough in the distance but calm near the ports, creating these stunning, still reflections. It’s the kind of coastline that makes you slow down without even realising it.
🥞 Lunch Break: Galletes & Crepes
We stopped for lunch and I ordered a galette - the savoury cousin of the crepe. Later I learned the difference, but at the time I just called everything a crepe.
I don’t usually go for sweet food, but I tried a proper Breton crepe too. Delicious. Holidays are for breaking habits.
🌧️ A Quick Gear Recommendation
Brittany’s weather changes every five minutes. Rain, wind, sun - repeat.
A lightweight waterproof jacket from Columbia is honestly essential here.
It packs small, keeps you dry, and doesn’t make you feel like you’re wearing a tent.
🐐 Our New Home Base: Goats Included
After hours of coastal exploring, we arrived at our next accommodation - a peaceful countryside stay complete with chickens and goats.
The owner collects eggs from the chickens (which we got to try), but the goats are just pets. No goat curry on this trip.
I made it a ritual to visit them every time we returned home. They’d trot over expecting food, stare at me, and then wander off. Adorable.
🏘️ Exploring Plouescat (Not “Plou’s Cat”)
I’d been pronouncing Plouescat completely wrong until I looked it up.
It’s actually Plou‑es‑cat - much nicer than whatever I was saying.
We visited the local church and wandered around the town. Later, we went to a restaurant where a misunderstanding led to all three of us being served the dish of the day… plus wine we didn’t want.
My dad and I don’t drink, and my mum just wanted fizzy water. The waiter reacted like we’d insulted his ancestors.
But honestly? I loved the food.
📸 Travel Filming Tip
Brittany’s coastal weather can be damp, windy, and unpredictable — not ideal for cameras.
A lens cleaning kit is a tiny, inexpensive lifesaver when you’re filming outdoors.
🌧️ A Very Quiet Sunday in Roscoff
Sundays in Spain are quiet. Sundays in Brittany are silent.
Everything was closed, the weather was rough, and we struggled to find anything open.
We eventually made it to Roscoff, where a scientific film festival was happening. Foam on the ground looked like snow, which confused Ellie but amused us.
We visited a small shop during a power outage and had to pay the old‑fashioned way - cash. The women running it were eccentric, warm, and incredibly helpful despite the language barrier.
We ended the day with car selfies and a slow, reflective evening. Not much footage, but a lot of peace.
🌿 Final Thoughts (For Now)
Brittany isn’t loud or flashy. It’s calm, rugged, and quietly beautiful.
This trip gave me space to breathe, reset, and enjoy time with family - something I didn’t realise how much I needed.
If this blog does well, I'll be happy to make a part two!
