The title showed promise, but the writer failed. We recently spent two weeks in the area, and it’s far more interesting than what can be conveyed in another “36 hours in” puff piece.
31
Yes. I was in the area for five days, visiting St. Malo, Rennes, and Mont-St.-Michel. Such a lovely area. Lots to see and ample opportunity to relax.
8
Enough with the international flying boosterism. It's a climate change DISASTER.
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/27/climate/airplane-pollution-global-warming.html
That article is from 2017. And states it mildly. But it's right here, in the Times, which apparently can not sort out it priorities at all. The planet be damned.
Things are past critical. People actually need to stop using fossil fuels. NOW.
It is highly irresponsible to fly at this point.
23
@Matthewhahahahahahahahahahhaaha
Hilarious. If you actually read the science and the conclusions from it instead of listening to screeching politicians and activists, you would know the facts. Which are as follows: climate change is a global problem that we should attempt global solutions to, and failing that take steps on our own. But is categorically, not, objectively not, an EMERGENCY that spells imminent disaster. Period. Read the UN report, the latest one. Which states if we collectively take NO action whatsoever, that global GDP will be reduced by 5% come 2100. Lots of money, but like half a percent less each decade. In other words, as an objective fact, a concern but not an emergency by any stretch of the word.
5
Laugh all you want, Mr. Denier. Doesn’t make any difference to me or the data.
13
We spent two weeks in Brittany two years ago. We encountered few Americans, and many delightful French citizens. The crepe and the galette were both created there.
We found food and accommodations very reasonably priced.
It is off the beaten path, but worth the diversion.
18
We did this trip a few years back, but came down from Normandy, a wonderful place to stay in the countryside is La Beauconniere, check it out, great hosts and a wonderful dinner with them as well.
6
Instant jealousy upon reading this writer went to Mont-St.- Michel, which happens to be Number #1 on my bucket list.
But a surge of delight when reading about St.-Malo, which is also the magical place in the book I'm currently reading: "All The Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr.
I recommend it highly and if you're immediately unable to go in person, it doesn't require a plane ticket.
38
Spend your time in marvelous Dinan and on the gorgeous north coast, not Rennes. Mont St. Michel is indeed magical -- it's also mobbed, so time it carefully.
14
I was in Dinan and Rennes. Both are wonderful, so why choose? Go to both!
2
Beautiful, and just as I pictured it when reading All the Light You Cannot See. I've been wanting to visit St Malo ever since finishing the book
11
nice to read about these marvelous towns and despite yellow vests, globalization, unassimilated immigrants, sprawl and other desecrations of the automobile culture, that France is still France, full of history, art, great architecture, scenery,and still has cafes, good food, trains, and, lots to drink!
15
Every time I hear a write up about a lovely area in Europe, I cringe. The entire overpopulated world is now traveling to Europe by the Busload and Boatload descending on these small towns in mass. As well cities like Venice Italy, Barcelona, Spain, Lucerne, Switzerland, you can't see or feel the city, the people, or the culture for the large tourists' groups that overwhelm the areas. I hope soon more concern will be over the integrity of the towns and cities than money and there will be stronger regulations on buses and cruise ships, set by their elected officials.
26
St. Malo is a charming place and a good point for departure to, and return from, the British Channel Islands. On every visit to St. Malo I go down to the beach between it and the next town of Dinard, in vain search of the wild dogs that roamed the beach in the 19th century, according to a description by Victor Hugo.
3
Thank you for this beautiful reminder of a trip I took to Brittany with my family in 2001. We did nearly everything outlined in your piece.
For visitors who really want to go local, get to a Fest Noz dance. All ages and abilities are welcome and the dances are very simple to learn (youtube can help you!). The Bretons are rightfully very proud of their music and dance tradition and, in my experience, very willing to share.
5
Don't forget to eat the delicious kouign-amann, a buttery pastry sold everywhere.
And read "All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Duerr.
23
As sublime, as mystical as Mont St Michel is when seen from afar, the same can be said for Rennes. If you go to the latter by car, take the route which will enable you to get your first glimpse of Rennes from across the water. It appears as a city built on the sea, literally floating on the waves.
5
Rennes is indeed a lovely city, and Brittany is magical. I think this piece could have said a little more about the variety of hard cider available in northwestern France generally.
https://imbibe.com/news/comparing-apples-french-vs-english-cider/
7
Thank you. An area I intend to visit. But, to quibble, don’t dietary restrictions exclude rather than include?
4
For literature fans, consider reading All the Light We Cannot See, by Anthony Doerr (Pulitzer Prize winning fictional book).
It is set partially in St Malo, and adds a wonderful mystique and curiosity when visiting.
11
Rennes is a pretty city to visit! One area not mentioned is the Parc du Thabor which has beautiful grounds including a rose garden.
If you happen to miss the market day in Rennes then the Halles Centrales is worth a visit with the typical vendors of a French covered market in a quaint building
11