Ille-et-Vilaine Holiday Guide
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An idyllic holiday destination
With beautiful mediaeval towns within its boundaries, a short but lovely stretch of coast and excellent access to neighbouring regions and the UK, Ille-et-Vilaine is an idyllic holiday destination. Family friendly, packed with attractions both natural and man-made, this little department offers the best of Brittany for all its visitors.
Top 5 things to see and do in Ille-et-Vilaine
1. Try Cancale oysters
It's all about oysters in the town of Cancale, where not only can you dine on the finest oysters in France, freshly brought to the table from the Port de la Houle, but you can also learn all about this famously aphrodisiac shellfish at the Oyster Museum.
2. Enjoy the beaches
The long, sandy beaches of this part of the northern Breton coast are perfect for families, safe, clean and backed by resort towns with plenty of experience of keeping children happy. Sainte Lunaire, along with St Malo and Dinard all offer ideal family friendly fun and facilities.
3. Go sailing
The coast of the Ille-et-Vilaine is studded with marinas and sailing clubs, making it a great destination for sailors. Windsurfing and other sea sports are also available, with lessons and holiday courses are on offer at most locations on the coast.
4. Discover history and heritage
The Ille-et-Vilaine is richly supplied with heritage towns and buildings, and touring these can be a most enjoyable way of spending a holiday. Take in St Malo, Dinard, Fougères and other delightful towns and villages of history and character and you will gain an unforgettable experience.
5. Pirate Maze at St Malo
Now there's an activity with a difference! Take the kids along to the Pirate Maze at St Malo, and see who is first to figure out how to get to the exit of this eleven hectare maze! There are also inflatables, giant wooden puzzle games, regular exhibitions and picnic areas - tremendous fun for all the family to enjoy together.
Top 5 towns and cities in Ille-et-Vilaine
1. Rennes
Rennes is the departmental capital city, and although has a heavily industrialised modern sector, it also has a delightful old town, classified as a town of art and history, which is well worth a visit. The town is a university town with a vibrant social life and night life scene.
2. St Malo
St Malo may well be your point of arrival in the department if you have travelled by ferry, and if this is the case, whatever you do don't dash straight off to your hotel or resort, stick around and explore! St Malo is lovely, with an old walled town, a lively port, excellent restaurants and shops and a delicious holiday atmosphere.
3. Dinard
Dinard is your most likely point of arrival in Ille-et-Vilaine if you have travelled by air. You can't help but be impressed by this city, with its seaside, its river, its bridges and hydroelectric dam. Dinard is variously compared to Cannes, for its reputation as a chic and sophisticated holiday destination for the rich and famous of the 19th century, and to Venice for its watery charms.
4. Fougères
Fougères is a town of very considerable charm, and certainly deserves a place on the "must visit list" of any holiday in the Ille-et-Vilaine. It is known particularly for its fantastic castle, its elegant architecture, squares and beautiful fountains.
5. Redon
Redon is a river port town whose traditional architecture and picturesque setting have earned it the title of a "city of character". The town has many buildings of importance, with a proliferation of beautiful old merchant's houses, and it is also a popular stopping point for those enjoying boating holidays on the Nantes Brest Canal. Although popular, Redon is refreshingly "untouristy" in nature.
Food and drink in Ille-et-Vilaine
The Ille-et-Vilaine department is noted for its Cancale oysters, its mussels and scallops, and for all fresh fish and seafood. It is also the place to find delicious crepes and galettes, all washed down with a refreshing glass of local cider or beer.
How to get to Ille-et-Vilaine
You can fly to Dinard (Aurigny, Ryanair) or Rennes (Flybe), or take the ferry to St Malo. Whichever way you decide to travel, the department is perfect for short breaks from the UK as it is so easy to access in a short travelling time.
