If you’re heading to Brittany and you’re even slightly into food, honestly… get ready. This region doesn’t just feed you, it spoils you. The first time I arrived in Saint-Malo, I swear the smell of butter and buckwheat followed me all the way from the station to the old ramparts. So let’s dive in : what should you absolutely try, and where do you find the really good stuff ?
Before we get into the plates, here’s a practical shortcut I often share with travellers : the official regional website https://www.tourisme-bretagne.eu is great for tracking local markets and food festivals. Saved me more than once when I tried to chase down seasonal products at the last minute.
1. Crêpes & galettes : the absolute must-try
Yes, it’s obvious. But Brittany’s crêpes aren’t just “pancakes.” A good galette de sarrasin (buckwheat) should be crispy on the edges, soft in the middle, and slightly nutty. My personal benchmark ? A galette complète that actually tastes of buckwheat, not cardboard.
Where to try them :
In Rennes, the Rue de la Soif is famous for bars, but walk two streets away and you’ll hit tiny crêperies where the billig (the big hot plate) is basically the star of the show. In Quimper, check out family-run spots near the cathedral-prices are reasonable, around €8–€12 for a galette, and portions are generous.
2. Kouign-amann : the caramelized “butter cake” that isn’t kidding
If you’ve never tried kouign-amann, imagine a croissant that decided to go rogue and double down on butter and sugar. That’s basically it. The caramelized crust is the best part.
Where to find the good ones :
Douarnenez is the birthplace, and you feel it-bakeries there sell kouign-amann that’s warm enough to melt in your hands. Expect €3–€4 for a slice. Don’t bother buying it in a random supermarket ; trust me, it’s not the same thing, not even close.
3. Fresh seafood & oysters : the salty soul of Brittany
If you love seafood, Brittany is one of those places where even the roadside markets serve oysters that taste like they were in the water 15 minutes earlier. I remember eating six No.3 oysters in Cancale at 10 a.m.-not planned at all-and thinking, “OK, this is unfair for the rest of Europe.”
Where to try them :
Cancale is the classic, but the oyster stalls right on the seafront are surprisingly affordable : around €7 for a dozen. Just grab a spot on the seawall and enjoy the bay view. In Vannes, the markets on Wednesdays and Saturdays have great fishmongers too.
4. Cider & chouchen : what you should drink with all that food
Cider is basically the unofficial drink of Brittany. Dry, brut, rosé-there’s one for every plate. I’m personally into the very dry ones ; they cut through the richness of galettes perfectly.
Where to taste :
Local cider farms often welcome visitors, and tastings are usually €3–€5. Around Dol-de-Bretagne or the Morlaix area, you’ll find small producers who still work with old apple varieties. Don’t be shy-many of them love chatting about their craft.
If you want something stronger, try chouchen, a honey-based alcohol. Sip it slowly, or it’ll surprise you (I learned that a bit too quickly).
5. Salted butter caramel : simple but wildly addictive
This is the one thing people end up bringing home by the kilo. The mix of sea salt and slow-cooked caramel feels almost too obvious, yet Brittany nails it. Spread it on bread, drizzle it on crêpes, eat it with a spoon-no judgment here.
Where to buy it :
In Saint-Malo, small shops around the old town sell jars from local producers. Look for labels mentioning “beurre demi-sel” and avoid anything too cheap ; the quality difference is real. Around €5–€8 a jar.
6. Buckwheat in all forms : pasta, biscuits, even beer
Buckwheat is everywhere in Brittany. I used to think it was just for galettes-nope. Try the blé noir pasta or the small buckwheat biscuits you’ll find in local markets. Some breweries even make buckwheat beer, which has this slightly roasted edge that works surprisingly well.
7. Where to find genuine local markets
If you want the full experience, go early-like 9 a.m. early. Breton markets are best before the crowds.
My favorites :
– **Rennes – Marché des Lices (Saturday)**: huge, lively, lots of producers from all over Brittany.
– **Concarneau market (Monday & Friday)**: perfect for seafood lovers.
– **Morlaix market (Saturday)**: great mix of produce, crêpes stands, and artisanal goods.
So… what should you try first ?
Honestly ? Start with a galette, grab a kouign-amann for dessert, and see where your appetite takes you. Brittany is one of those regions where food becomes part of the trip-something you plan your days around.
And you, which Breton specialty are you most curious about ? The buttery stuff, the seafood, or the buckwheat everything ?