The Surprising French Travel Destination Everyone Should Visit at Least Once, According to Getaway Guru Darley Newman ...Saudi Arabia

Many people visit Paris to see the Eiffel Tower or visit The Louvre, but there's so much more to France than just those iconic destinations. In fact, France is divided into 18 different regions that you can visit on your next trip abroad.According to Campus France, France experienced a record number of visitors in 2024 with over 100 million international visitors. That goes to show how so many people are eager to visit this European country, and it's not projected to slow down this year. Looking for a new place to explore? We spoke with Darley Newman, travel guru and host of Travels with Darley on PBS, about one French destination she says should definitely be on your radar.Related: The Surprising Tropical Travel Destination Everyone Should Visit at Least Once, According to Getaway Guru Darley Newman

Newman recommends people plan a trip to Brittany if they are looking for a whimsy, countryside destination to visit in France. "Brittany combines French and Celtic vibes with castles, countryside, coast and culture," she tells Parade. "While many travelers know and visit Normandy, Brittany is a neighboring hidden gem, located just beside on a long peninsula reaching 186 miles into the Atlantic."This diverse part of France offers a mix of coast and city activities that will delight those seeking culture, cuisine, great architecture and seaside fun.Related: The Caribbean Travel Destination Everyone Should Visit at Least Once, According to Getaway Guru Samantha Brown

Newman's 3 Best-Kept Secrets About This French Destination

Newman recommends walking the medieval streets of Saint-Malo, a historic coastal walled city along Brittany's Emerald Coast which was made famous in the award-winning book All the Light We Cannot See."Once home to French privateers and pirates, Saint-Malo boasts the largest tides in Europe," she adds. "Foodies will want to try kouign-amann, known as Europe’s fattiest pastry, and explore Beurre Bordier, where you’ll find some of the best butter I’ve ever tasted."

2. Visit Cancale

For a more unique experience, Newman suggests heading to France’s oyster capital, Cancale, to see how oysters are farmed. "Then try them at the local market or in one of the quaint coastal cafes," she adds.

Aside from walking around Brittany, Newman says there are other ways to experience the region in a more active capacity. "Go kayaking or stand up paddleboarding along Brittany’s stunning Pink Granite Coast with a European Champion with Ponant Surf School," she tells Parade. If you're looking to get into nature outside of the water, Brittany is home to many coastal hikes and trails to explore.

Trying food is one the easiest ways to really get a taste of a place both literally and figuratively. There's no shortage of restaurants in Brittany and Newman has some recommendations.

La Table de Mon Père

Located inside Castel Beau Site in Perros, Guirec, this restaurant has views of the ocean and large granite rocks along the famous Pink Granite Coast. "Go at sunset and combine vibrant skies with delectable seafood, oysters from Trégor and local farm cheeses," she says. "You won’t run out of choices for wines, as this restaurant boasts the largest collection along the Pink Granite Coast."

If you're looking for something more casual, Newman says Breizh Café in Saint-Malo offers a dissing array of ciders and galettes, a special savory crepe made with buckwheat flour, salt and water.

Le Bénétin

Also located in Saint-Malo, Newman recommends splurging at Le Bénétin if you have the budget. Le Bénétin, which is located by the cliffs of Rotheneuf, has a carefully curated menu of French delicacies and seafood.

Newman's Top 3 Travel Tips for This French Travel Destination

Brittany, France presents easy ways to get active for those who want to be challenged, but not overwhelmed by adventure travel. "There are a variety of clubs and companies that will lead you out hiking, sailing, kayaking or stand up paddleboarding with no previous experience, like the Nautical Club of Lancieux," she tells Parade. "The hiking trails by Erquy are suitable for beginners along Brittany’s coast."

2. Stay at a boutique hotel

There are many boutique hotels in Brittany that will elevate your experience with their hospitality and history. "Mix history, wellness and modern flair at Hotel De Diane, located near Cap Fréhel and Cap d'Erquy on the famous Sables d’Or beach, one of Brittany’s prettiest beaches," she says. "Channel the roaring twenties and stay in a unique half-timbered building with just 45 rooms and suites and modern spa facilities."Another hotel Newman recommends is CastelBrac which is a posh 1930s villa that looks like a Scottish castle overlooking Prieuré Bay. "With only 23 rooms and Art Deco decor, you’ll feel like you’ve landed in a chic friend’s home," she adds.

3. Visit Brittany's capital

Brittany is only an hour and a half by train to Rennes, Brittany’s capital city. "There are many low cost flights direct to Brittany from the UK and Ireland for those seeking to combine Brittany with other European adventures," she tells Parade.

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