Brittany is one of the most attractive and pleasant regions of France to live in. It is divided into 4 departments: Finistère, Morbihan, Côtes d’Armor and Ille et Vilaine. Every year, it welcomes many French and international holidaymakers who come to enjoy the seaside, nature, culture, gastronomy and local way of life. Brittany is also a very pleasant region for students. Discover the many advantages of our region below!
The coastline
It’s easy to make the most of the seaside in Brittany as you are never far from a beach or a coastal path. The region has one of the most extensive coastlines in France, it can be explored all year round, with the landscape and colours changing with the seasons and the tides. There is something for everyone:
- Bathe in the sun or the sea on some of the most beautiful beaches in the region: the Sillon in Saint-Malo, la plage de la baleine in Tregunc, the beaches of Trégastel, Saint-Jacques beach,
- Leisurely or more challenging hikes on the GR 34 walking trail while enjoying breath-taking views: the Pointe du Grouin, the bay of Douarnenez, Cap d’Erquy or Cap Fréhel, the pink granite coast,
- Water sports: surfing, kitesurfing, sailing, sand yachting, paddle boarding…
Crozon – Photo credit Shutterstock
The heritage
Brittany is a region with a rich heritage. As you wander through places steeped in history, you will get a feeling for the identity and soul of Brittany.
- Walk in the footsteps of Merlin, Arthur and the knights of the round table in the forest of Brocéliande
- Learn more about the history of the region and its close bond to the sea through its lighthouses, ports and fishing villages,
- Stroll the narrow streets of the towns of character or cities of art and history such as Dinan, Locronan, Vannes, Rochefort-en-terre or the historic centre of Rennes.
The region also has many museums that are accessible to students at reduced rates:
- The Museum of Brittany and the FRAC contemporary art museum in Rennes
- The Pont-Aven museum
- The Museum of Fine Arts in Quimper
- The fishing museum in Concarneau
- The National Maritime Museum in Brest
- The Naia museum in Rochefort-en-terre
- The Manor of the Automobile in Lohéac
The gastronomy
What would Brittany be without its gastronomy, and we’re not just talking about crêpes and galettes!
From fresh seafood to traditional pastries like the Far Breton or the famous Kouign-Amann to Plougastel strawberries, salt from Guerande and Saint Malo’s Bordier butter, there’s something for every taste in Brittany. The region is full of restaurants where you can dine on some of the freshest produce around. If you’re more into cooking at home, you can make the most of the many markets, such as the Marché des Lices in Rennes, one of the largest in Europe.
Rennes city centre – Photo credit Shutterstock
Walking
The famous GR34 walking path, better known as the Sentier des Douaniers, is the perfect way to discover the region of Brittany and enjoy breathtaking views from Cap Fréhel, Pointe du Grouin, the Crozon peninsula, Quiberon Bay or Cap d’Erquy. Lovers of hiking, nature, biodiversity and photography will be in their element!
The Breton way of life
Rennes is renowned for its student life and for the number of different activities available in the city. We’re sure you’ll have the opportunity to experience the famous “Rue de la soif” (Literally, The road for thirsty people). The Breton people love to get together and celebrate throughout the year during various cultural, artistic, celebratory and musical events, some of which are world famous!
- Les Vieilles Charrues, the biggest music festival in France in the centre of Finistère in Carhaix
- Les Transmusicales, the festival dedicated to musical discovery in Rennes
- La Route du Rock in Saint-Malo, for rock lovers who want to dip their toes in the sea
- The Festival du bout du monde in Crozon
- The Interceltic Festival in Lorient
- The Mythos festival in Rennes
- I’m from Rennes, to discover the music scene in Rennes
- La Gacilly photo festival
- Etonnants voyageurs or Quai des Bulles in Saint-Malo
- The Historical Festivals in Vannes
- The Maritime Festivals in Douarnenez
- The Cornouaille Festival in Quimper
- Travelling, the festival in Rennes dedicated to international cinema
Economy and employment
Rennes and Brittany are a city and a region where people are satisfied with their standard of living, but also place with many professional opportunities. The region has a strong economic and entrepreneurial scene and one of the lowest unemployment rates in France. Digital technology, cybersecurity, the food industry, tourism, culture and the social economy are the region’s major employment sectors.
The creative soul of the Bretons has always energised the local, national and even international economy. Some of the biggest names in the economy have their origins in Brittany and employ many people: Yves Rocher, UbiSoft, Roullier, Beaumanoir, Triskalia, Triballat, Samsic, Le Duff, Ouest France to name but a few. Rennes is regularly ranked among the most dynamic and attractive cities for employment and business. It is even the leading city in France where there is no shortage of work.
Rennes is also a pool of start-ups whose success extends beyond our regional borders. Have you heard of Klaxoon, Leocare or Steeple?
La vilaine – Photo credit Shutterstock
Transport
Brittany is easily accessible by all types of transport: train, bus, plane, car. Paris is only 1h30 from Rennes by train. The region is also very well connected by TGV and TER train networks. Rennes airport provides easy access to Europe and the world.
The region also benefits from numerous cycle paths. The Bretons love cycling and it is very easy to get around and outside the town. And finally, why not take a boat to one of the many Breton or Channel Islands.
See you soon on the Rennes School of Business campus and in Brittany. We hope to see you soon, Degemer mat!
