6 ideas to discover the natural sites of Brittany in a responsible way

Moors, beaches and marshes. Canals, forests… We love the natural landscapes of Brittany. Magical places teeming with life – so beautiful, yet so fragile. So, to ensure that we can enjoy these treasures for as long as possible, we need to take great care to preserve them. How? By minimising our impact as we travel through them. The good news is, it’s easy! Here are 6 ways to minimise your impact on these beautiful natural spaces.

In the blink of an eye

1. Know before you go

Whether you’re visiting a nature park, a “Grand Site de France”, a reserve or a Natura 2000 site, there are rules and regulations that apply to everyone. Before setting off to these protected areas, it is important to be well informed. Their websites are a treasure trove of information, especially on what you’re not allowed to do. The better informed you are, the more you’ll enjoy your visit. For example, wild camping in the Monts d’Arrée is a big no-no. Just think, you could have dragged all your camping equipment there for nothing!

2. Avoid the crowds

A must-see… is a must-see. And you won’t want to miss it. But maybe you can discover it in a different way – with colours, tranquillity and breathtaking views all to yourself… What a treat! A well-kept secret: a walk along the Pointe du Raz or the wild coast of Quiberon after September is like being at one with nature, lost in time. Off-season or mid-season, if you can, make your discovery a quiet one – it will be all the more enjoyable.

3. Leave your car at home

A car? What for? It’ll be perfectly fine in your garage: public transport (train, bus, boat, car-sharing, etc.) is the way to go. Check out the BreizhGo network app to find out how to get to the most remarkable natural sites in Brittany. A very smart move, especially since the car parks are often full… and unauthorised parking can be harmful to the environment or a nuisance to the locals. For a change of scenery, why not get your blood flowing on the hiking trails, cycle paths and footpaths that criss-cross the region. There’s no better way to soak up the beauty of these wide-open spaces!

Ideas

The inratables of the summer, the place to be to treat yourself to a seafood platter, the best views on the GR®34, the best spots to start surfing… in short, all the good...

4. Go incognito

As the saying goes, the only thing you should leave behind are your footprints. So go into Apache mode and remember to leave nothing else behind… and don’t pick anything up either. Sand, pebbles and driftwood are perfectly fine and very useful where they are. Biodiversity will thank you! Avoid picking plants, keep your dog on a lead, stay on marked footpaths and keep away from breeding and nesting areas: these are all simple, responsible ways to enjoy nature without disturbing it. The word “respect” comes from the Latin verb “respicio”, which means “to look back at, to consider”… so keep your eyes open!

5. Preservation is key

Marvel as the seabirds glide through the air. Breathe in the coconut-scented gorse, and stroll along the brightly-coloured moorlands… We love it just as much as you do. That’s why we let this little world live its own quiet life. No camping, no campfires, no discarded cigarette butts – a fire can break out so easily. As for drones, they’re best left on the ground (in the cupboard in fact). Chewing gum, waste, graffiti: in these natural and historical sites, which have survived for thousands of years, any form of damage is a criminal offence.

6. Pack it up

The best waste? It’s the kind we don’t produce – but we all produce a little, of course. So remember to collect everything, even leftover food (not necessarily adapted to the diet of the local wildlife), and dispose of it in a suitable bin on site – or once you’ve returned to your accommodation. Keep packaging to a minimum – think reusable water bottles and airtight containers for a “zero waste” picnic, to ensure nothing gets swept up by the wind. That’s what being in tune with nature is all about!