Regional Natural Parks in Brittany

There are five of them, as there are fingers on one hand. Armorica, Iroise, Gulf of Morbihan, Brière and, recently added, Rance-Emeraude: 5 natural areas whose communities are committed to protecting their heritage, biodiversity and stunning scenery. Take your time exploring them, as here, nature caters for every taste: turquoise waters, cliffs, endless stretches of wooded grassland. What with seals, dolphins and migratory birds, you’re all too likely to come across one of the many species that thrive in them!

In the blink of an eye

1. The Rance Valley – Emerald Coast Regional Nature Park

Off to Rance and the Emerald Coast to explore the newbie! From the corsair city of Saint-Malo to the seaside resort of Dinard and 20 km south of the medieval town of Dinan: a park boasting truly outstanding landscapes. Sea and land interweave to the rhythm of the tides as never before. Between cliffs, forests and traditional fisheries, little ports – including Saint-Suliac, one of France’s most beautiful villages – and the Château de Péhou in Plouër-sur-Rance add extra soul to this unspoilt area. At the crossroads of history and nature, a haven of peace.

Rance-Emeraude Regional Nature Park

©Presqu'île de Crozon - Les grottes de Morgat en kayak|L'oeil de Paco

Ouessant_Phare de Kereon – 536952848 — ©Ouessant_Phare de Kereon|BOËLLE Yvon

©Dauphins - Archipel de Molène|Emmanuel Berthier

2. The Maritime Natural Park of Iroise

The first French maritime park has got everything to seduce you thanks to a heady mix of exceptional maritime heritage and enchanting landscapes comprising dunes, cliffs, archipelagos, heathland and rocky bottoms. It offers visitors an active discovery space of 3,500 m². As a family or with friends, let yourself be tempted by nautical outings by surf, kayak or windsurf among the Iroise islands. You might, by chance, come across a grey seal or a colony of dolphins! Those sea mammals, like a lot of other species, seek refuge in this park.

Parc Naturel Marin d’Iroise

3. The Regional Natural Park of Armorique

The Armorique area is an ideal playground which can be discovered by boat, on a bike, by foot or on the back of a horse or a donkey. The 500km-long circuit leads you, according to your whims and your level of fitness, for leisurely walks around the park through vast stretches of moorland, forests, sunken lanes and coastal footpaths. Discover the Monts d’Arrée – one of the highest summits in Brittany – where the stone peaks are set amongst heathland and gorse; the îles d’Iroise, Ouessant, Sein et Molène with the most authentic island atmosphere as well as the Crozon peninsular whose contrasting landscape of pine forests, colourful flora and charming little creaks invites you to experience travel and total escapism. Discover the vallée de l’Aulne and the rade de Brest which hosts a range of abers (Fraou, Camfrout, anse de Kerouillé) which are typical of Brittany. Throughout your stroll, admire the exceptional viewpoints over the Cap de la Chèvre, the Menez Hom, the Bélvédère de Landevennec or even over the Pointe du Bendy.

Parc Naturel Régional d’Armorique

©This beautiful lighthouse is located northwest of the port of Le Conquet in Finistère in Brittany. The lighthouse was built in 1849 on a rock at the tip of the Kermorvan peninsula. It is connected to the mainland by a granite bridge. The Kermorvan lighthouse is the most western lighthouse in the land of France.|Massimo Santi

©Couple enjoying beautiful views on the ocean, standing together near the car on the rocky coast, showing with hands heart shape. Carefree lifestyle, love and travel concept

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. The Regional Natural Park of the Golfe du Morbihan

Set amongst little stony creaks on the Golfe side, sandy beaches on the Atlantic side and woodlands inland, the “Mor Bihan” – “small sea” in the Breton language – is full of surprises. Take the time to wander inland and discover the built heritage of the region as well as the heart of its countryside. Want an original way to discover the Golfe du Morbihan and its inlets? Why not hire a kayak or try out the stand up paddle! During your stay in the natural reserve, make sure you visit the Cairn de Gavrinis. A true journey back in time through to the Neolithic period, the site houses a dolmen whose galleries are adorned with superb engravings.

Parc Naturel Régional du Golfe du Morbihan

5. The Regional Natural Park of Brière

Ramblers, cyclists and riders, come and discover the salt marshes of Brière! At the heart of the Guérande peninsula, reed beds and water reservoirs meet rural woodland spaces. 700 km of developed and purpose-built itineraries and 19 different circuits enable you to get close to the natural diversity of the park. Want an outing with a bit more originality? Why not set off on a barge? This black boat, navigated with a pole, will lead you through a vast stretch of canals and wetlands to your greatest delight! If you plan to visit the park between June and September, you might want to find out, in advance, from the Maison du Parc de Brière what the water levels of the salt marshes are.

Regional natural park of Brière

What is a Regional Natural Park?

A Parc Naturel Régional (PNR) is an area of exceptional natural beauty with a fragile ecosystem which the Government has decided to classify and protect; both to promote it but also to address fundamental sustainability concerns regarding it. PNRs commit, together with the parishes they encompass, to take part in environmentally-friendly projects, to promote know-how and anchor them into the local area as well as to contribute to the economic and societal development of the surrounding community.

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