Brittany

Dive into the heart of Brittany, a land of legends and wild landscapes, where majestic cliffs and infinite horizons are full of stories to tell.

Looking to get away from it all?

Sail through the Breton landscape, exploring its many bays and picturesque harbors. Discover unique islands such as Belle-Île-en-mer and Les Glénan, and let the Breton winds guide you. Wild coves, secret beaches and breathtaking coastal landscapes. Whether you're a hiker or a water sports enthusiast, Brittany offers a multitude of experiences. Your catamaran cruise will be an unforgettable adventure.

Beach Ile De Groix, Brittany, Atlantic, Aurélie MEYRIEUX

Information before you leave

When to go?

Prepare your cruise

At sea

The climate

Brittany enjoys an oceanic climate, ideal for sailing. The constant, moderate winds make the region perfect for catamaran cruising. However, the weather can be changeable, so it's advisable to check the marine weather forecast before each departure.

The southern coast of Morbihan, with its sunny microclimate, is one of the warmest parts of Brittany.

The best time to sail in Brittany and enjoy the ideal climate is from May to September. Weather conditions are more stable during this period, reducing the risk of unpredictable winds or heavy rain.

Swimming

Swimming in Brittany can be a fantastic experience, but it depends on the time of year, the beaches you choose and the weather conditions. July to September is best, when water temperatures are highest.

Les Glénan, the "Breton Caribbean", is a small archipelago off the coast of Finistère, renowned for its turquoise waters and white sand. It's a magical place for a swim break, while keeping an eye on the tides and any local conditions.

The average water temperature in Brittany in August is around 17-18°C. Breton waters offer a refreshing swim.

Geography

Brittany is a region with a strong identity, where sea and land meet. Although its average altitude is modest, its exceptional coastline stretches over 2,700 km, offering an incomparable diversity of wild coasts, fine sandy beaches and majestic cliffs.

Its many nature parks, such as the Parc Naturel Régional d'Armorique and the Sept-Îles nature reserve, protect remarkable biodiversity. This natural heritage covers vast protected areas, as well as legendary hiking trails such as the GR34. This coastal trail runs from Mont Saint-Michel to Saint-Nazaire, and includes unspoilt islands such as Bréhat and Ouessant, as well as natural pools nestling in secret coves.

Prevailing winds

In Brittany, prevailing winds generally blow from west to southwest. These winds offer excellent conditions for catamaran sailing. However, sailors need to be alert to the specific characteristics of Brittany's waters: high tides, strong currents and sudden changes in wind direction can rapidly transform sailing conditions. Good preparation, combined with careful consultation of weather forecasts and tide tables, is essential for safe sailing in this region.

The formalities

For French nationals, no special documents are required to travel to Brittany. It is advisable, however, to carry proof of identity, such as a national identity card or passport. For foreign nationals, we recommend that you contact the relevant authorities to find out what steps, if any, need to be taken.

The currency used in Brittany is the Euro. As in the rest of France, bankcards are widely accepted, and most shops have payment terminals.

Administrative formalities France Côte d'Azur

How do I get there?

Airport
Brittany has 4 main airports: Rennes, Brest, Lorient and Quimper, offering national and international flights.

Train
The TGV connects Paris with Rennes (1h25), Brest, Quimper and Saint-Malo. Local TER lines facilitate regional travel.

Car
Brittany is easily accessible thanks to a free motorway network. A car is ideal for exploring the region and its remote sites.

Boat
Reach the Breton islands (Belle-Île, Ouessant, Bréhat, etc.) by ferry from Vannes, Lorient, Quiberon or Roscoff.

What license do I need to sail?

You don't need a specific license to sail a catamaran. However, a Nautical CV may be required by the rental company to attest to your sailing experience and skills, especially if you opt for a rental without a skipper.

If the catamaran's tender is equipped with a motor of more than 6 hp, a motorboat license (coastal or offshore) will be required.

How do I fit out?

The climate in Brittany is cool and variable, with mild summers and temperatures generally around 20 to 25°C.

It's always important to protect yourself from wind and UV rays. Be prepared with: a cap, polarized sunglasses, sunscreen and a light top to protect your skin. It's also advisable to pack a waterproof top and bottom to cope with any showers or changes in the weather. The important thing is to be able to adjust quickly to the frequent climatic changes in Brittany.

Ports and marinas

Often located in picturesque settings, Brittany's harbors are ideal starting points for exploring the region and its magnificent coastline. Brittany has numerous ports and moorings dotted along its coastline, with ports such as Brest, Lorient, Saint-Malo and Vannes offering a large number of berths for yachtsmen. Some ports may limit the length of your stay during the high season, while others do not take reservations by telephone. So it's important to plan ahead, as berths can fill up quickly. In the event of severe weather conditions, such as high winds, access to some marinas may be restricted. We recommend that you check the weather forecast regularly, so you can plan ahead and take shelter if necessary.

Navigation

Sailing in Brittany is ideal from May to September, with windy conditions perfect for sailing enthusiasts. However, it's important to keep an eye on exposed areas such as Cap Fréhel or the Bay of Saint-Malo, where winds can be strong and change rapidly. The south coast of Brittany, between Vannes and the Golfe du Morbihan, is particularly pleasant to discover, with its islands and protected anchorages. You can also explore the islands of Belle-Île, Bréhat or Ouessant. On the other hand, the north coast is more exposed, which can make sailing more difficult in high winds. It's advisable to allow a fortnight or so for leisurely sailing, and build in a safety margin to avoid being stranded in capricious weather conditions.

Good to know

Tides: tides play an important role in everyday life in Brittany. Be sure to check the tide times to plan your outings, especially if you're heading to places like Mont Saint-Michel.

Changeable weather: Known for its unpredictable climate, it can be sunny in the morning and rainy in the afternoon, even in summer. So it's essential to pack appropriate clothing, including windbreakers and waterproofs.

4G/5G networks and internet: Mobile coverage is good in tourist areas, but can be poor on islands or in isolated corners. If you need a connection, check access first.

Brittany in pictures

Crique île De Groix, Brittany, Atlantic, Aurélie Meyrieux

Beach Ploumanach, Brittany, Atlantic, Aurélie MEYRIEUX

The itineraries and anchorages we suggest are given for information only.

They can be adapted to suit your desires, weather and anchorage conditions (crowds, accessibility) and your departure base.

In the case of a skippered charter, the skipper, who is responsible for the smooth running of your cruise, will decide on the best navigation options in exchange with you.