Morbihan

Nestled between the Gâvres peninsula and the mainland, the Petite Mer de Gâvres is one of Morbihan's hidden gems. Its calm waters and unspoilt beaches offer a peaceful haven for swimming, shellfish gathering and walking.

At low tide, you can walk across to the Île aux Pins — a wild islet fringed with maritime pines and white sand, one of the best-kept local secrets. The peninsula is also perfect to explore by bike for exceptional views over the ocean and the port of Lorient.

Sainte-Anne-d'Auray is Brittany's foremost pilgrimage site and one of the most important in France. Since the 17th century, tens of thousands of the faithful have converged here each year to honour Saint Anne, patron saint of the Bretons, during the grand pardon on 26 July.

The neo-Gothic basilica, the cloisters, the museum of Breton costume and the Great War memorial make Sainte-Anne-d'Auray an unmissable spiritual and cultural stop. Torchlit processions, Breton choirs and parish pardons follow one another in a uniquely devotional atmosphere.

Morbihan is a paradise for food lovers. Oysters from the Étel river or the gulf, buckwheat galettes filled with cheese and andouille, melt-in-your-mouth kouign-amann... Breton cuisine celebrates the best of land and sea with great generosity.

Wander through local markets to find farm produce, artisan cheeses and seafood specialities, then sit down in a village crêperie.