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The walled city of Saint-Malo in Brittany Shutterstock/travellight
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QUIZ: Which Of Brittany's Best Kept Secrets Should You Visit This Summer?
If you find airports stressful, you can get to these by overnight ferry.
IF FRANCE IS on your horizon to escape to this summer, you’re in very good company. In fact, it’s the most visited country on the entire planet, flocked to by approximately 86.9 million people each year.
While a huge portion of these (around 17.95 million) head to the busy, more expensive city of Paris, many opt for less-populated, beautiful landscapes of historic ports like Saint-Malo, culture-packed cities like Rennes and Cancale, which is known as the oyster capital of Europe – all favourites of the French themselves.
Hidden gems like Brittany are a trove of some of the world’s oldest architecture, long, sandy beaches, breathtaking châteaux, world-renowned fresh seafood and delicious Breton cider. The region provides all of the wonder of France with less of the queues and expense.
So, which of Brittany’s best kept secrets would you love to explore? Take our quiz to find out.
1. Pick a snack to enjoy from the local food market.
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Fresh oysters with a twist of lemon
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A cheese plate with crunchy walnuts
Galette saucisse (buckwheat pancake with sausage)
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Kouign-amann, a traditional Breton cake made with butter
2. Choose a destination for an afternoon dip.
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This picture-perfect bay
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This rugged lagoon
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This quiet coastline
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This historical seaside escape
3. At the end of the day, what would you order from the local bar?
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A crisp local cider
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A glass of rosé
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A couchen (honey mead)
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A noisette (French macchiato)
4. Pick an activity to enjoy on your trip.
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Discovering the landscape on bike
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Spending the day at the beach
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Going on a food and wine tour
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Spending the day at a castle
5. Choose a beautiful French castle to explore.
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This majestic drawbridge
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These beautiful city walls
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This seaside fort
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This carefully-constructed sandcastle
6. Pick a way to get around in Brittany.
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By car
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By boat
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On foot
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On bike
7. Finally, pick your bed for the evening.
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This modern city apartment
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This gorgeous glamping retreat
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This comfy bed on a boat
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This historical bedroom
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You scored out of !
You should visit... Cancale
A foodie's paradise in Brittany, Cancale is known for its oysters (Louis XIV used to ship them to Versailles). It's also got beautiful coastal walks and beaches. Why not discover more French hidden gems with Brittany Ferries?
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You scored out of !
You should visit... Île de Batz
With 20 or so beaches, this old fishing island in Brittany used to be a haven for pirates and is almost totally pedestrianised (the locals have a few tractors). Why not discover more hidden gems with Brittany Ferries?
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You scored out of !
You should visit... Vannes
Founded over 2,000 years ago, Vannes has a fascinating history of sieges and it still has its old city walls, including a large medieval tower and a former castle. Why not discover more hidden gems with Brittany Ferries?
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You scored out of !
You should visit... Dinan
Arguably one of the most beautiful spots in all of Brittany, Dinan is a well-preserved small town full of half-timbered houses, cobbled streets, art galleries and a breathtaking port. Why not discover more hidden gems with Brittany Ferries?
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You scored out of !
You should visit... Saint-Malo
A historic port known for pirates, rich shipowners' houses and being accidentally bombarded by the Allies in 1944, Saint-Malo is beautiful walled city in Brittany. Why not discover more hidden gems with Brittany Ferries?
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You scored out of !
You should visit... Rennes
A vibrant university city in Brittany filled with medieval streets, a huge market and beautiful gardens, Rennes is the host of a huge variety of festivals year-round. Why not discover more hidden gems with Brittany Ferries?
Sound like somewhere you’d like to explore in 2019? Brittany Ferries offer two return sailings a week from Cork to Roscoff and you can go by luxury cruise or economie or overnight, to make the most of your time off. Avoid the stress of the airport with a self-drive holiday to France’s best kept secret.
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