26 Great Things to Do in Saint-Brieuc, Brittany’s Most Underrated City

Saint-Brieuc is in the Breton department of Côtes-d’Armor, which is famous for the Côte de Granit Rose (Pink Granite Coast) in Perros-Guirec and medieval town Dinan. With that as competition, it’s easy to see why Saint-Brieuc often gets passed over.

So, honestly, I was expecting to be bored out of my mind in Saint-Brieuc. But to my surprise, I loved it! I’d travelled extensively in Brittany over the past decade, but I, too, had overlooked this city.

Saint-Brieuc is a great example of a medium-sized Breton city without the tourist crowds. It has a nice historic centre with beautiful architecture and good Breton food at reasonable prices.

But honestly, what I loved the most about it is how much nature is accessible from the city. There’s a river valley in the middle of town, several nature walks offering panoramic views, and you can even walk to the beach!

Table of Contents (click to view)

• Is Saint-Brieuc worth visiting?
• Where to stay in Saint-Brieuc
• 26 things to do in Saint-Brieuc
  • 1. Cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Saint-Brieuc (Saint Brieuc Cathedral)
  • 2. Le Légué
  • 3. Réserve Naturelle de la Baie de Saint-Brieuc (Natural Reserve of the Bay of Saint-Brieuc)
  • 4. Maison Saint-Yves (Saint Yves House)
  • 5. Musée d’art et d’histoire de Saint-Brieuc (Art and History Museum of Saint-Brieuc)
  • 6. Tour de Cesson (Cesson Tower)
  • 7. Parc de Rohannec’h (Rohannec’h Park)
  • 8. Anciennes Halles de Saint-Brieuc (Old Market of Saint-Brieuc)
  • 9. Street art
  • 10. Hôtel des Ducs de Bretagne (Hotel of the Dukes of Brittany) / Maison du Chapeau Rouge (House of the Red Hat)
  • 11. Maison le Ribeault (Le Ribeault House)
  • 12. Rue Pohel (Pohel Road)
  • 13. Basilique Notre-Dame-d’Espérance de Saint-Brieuc (Basilica of Our Lady of Hope of Saint-Brieuc)
  • 14. Parc de la Vallée de Gouédic (Park of the Gouédic Valley)
  • 15. Viaduc de Douvenant (Douvenant Viaduct)
  • 16. Théâtre de la Passerelle (Theatre of the Walkway)
  • 17. Parc des Promenades (Park of the Promenades)
  • 18. Chapelle Saint-Guillaume (Saint Guillaume Chapel)
  • 19. Pavillon et Jardin de Bellscize (Bellscize Pavilion and Garden)
  • 20. Rue Saint-Gouéno (Saint Gouéno Street)
  • 21. Maison de la Barrière (House of the Barrier)
  • 22. Ancien Grand Magasin Place Duguesclin (Old Duguesclin Square Department Store)
  • 23. Église Saint-Michel (Saint Michel Church)
  • 24. Mosaic façade at 3 rue du Général Leclerc (3 General Leclerc Street)
  • 25. Cour et manoir Saint-Esprit (Saint Esprit Courtyard and Manor)
  • 26. La Maison en Écailles (The House of Scales) and La Maison Bleue (The Blue House)
• Day trips from Saint-Brieuc

Is Saint-Brieuc worth visiting?

• Typical Breton city – Saint-Brieuc is a good example of a typical Breton city that hasn’t been transformed by tourism and still maintains a rich historic and cultural heritage.
• Historic and Art Deco architecture – There is no shortage of historic Breton architecture in Saint-Brieuc, including iconic medieval half-timbered houses. Saint-Brieuc is also home to some Art Deco gems such as the Chapelle de la Maison Saint-Yves (Chapel of Saint Yves House).
• Nature is part of the city – Saint-Brieuc is near the coast, is home to a protected bay and is also spread over three valleys. That means you can stare into the deep sides of a green valley in the middle of town or hop over to the beach during your lunch break.
• Lots of free-to-visit attractions – All the attractions on this list are absolutely free to visit, including the Musée d’art et d’histoire de Saint-Brieuc (Art and History Museum of Saint-Brieuc).

26 things to do in Saint-Brieuc

Wondering what to do in Saint-Brieuc? I’ve ordered this list of things to do in Saint-Brieuc according to what I think is most interesting for first-time visitors.

If you don’t have much time, I would suggest prioritising the top 10 sights on this list. Towards the bottom of the list, I’ve mostly listed interesting architecture and buildings of historic interest.

As always, I urge you to customise your visit based on what interests you most. You don’t have to visit churches if they bore you! You do you!

1. Cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Saint-Brieuc (Saint Brieuc Cathedral)

Historically, this cathedral served not only as a place of worship but also as a fortress! The church building has two defensive towers (on the right side of the picture) built in the 14^th and 15^th centuries and equipped with gaps allowing for the use of weapons.

The current church building was constructed from 1180 to 1234, but many parts were destroyed over the centuries by fire and war. For much of its history, Saint-Brieuc was fraught with regional conflicts, including the War of the Breton Succession in the 14^th century, in which the English badly damaged the cathedral.

2. Le Légué

Although technically located in neighbouring commune Plérin (in case you couldn’t find it on Google Maps), Le Légué, also known as Le Port du Légué (Le Légué Port), is considered one of the top things to see in Saint-Brieuc.

This iconic port on the banks of the Gouët River is not only a working marina serving commercial and fishing boats but also a popular waterfront area with bars, restaurants and historic buildings to explore.

The liveliest area is Place de la Résistance, with its colourful buildings, and Rue de la Poste Le Légué, home to one of the area’s oldest houses. Also check out the pont tournant (turning bridge) located along the Gouët, which rotates in order to control traffic.

3. Réserve Naturelle de la Baie de Saint-Brieuc (Natural Reserve of the Bay of Saint-Brieuc)

If you’d like to visit Saint-Brieuc beaches, you’ll want to head to the Réserve Naturelle de la Baie de Saint-Brieuc (Natural Reserve of the Bay of Saint-Brieuc).

One of the most popular access points to the bay is Grève du Valais (Valais Pebble Beach), also known as Plage de Port Glé (Glé Port Beach). The beach is located near Le Légué and about an hour’s walk or a half-hour bus ride from the city centre.

From the beach, you’ll be able to look out over the vast bay. Climb up to the nearby cliffside path for a better view.

4. Maison Saint-Yves (Saint Yves House)

Maison Saint-Yves (Saint Yves House) is a former Catholic seminary that was built in the 1920s and is now open to the public. It is located a half-hour walk from the city centre. Check the opening hours before making the trip.

At the entrance, you’ll see an evocative wooden sculpture that symbolises an open hand. At the reception counter, you can ask for a printed guide that will take you through the main things to see.

Its star attraction is the Chapelle de la Maison Saint-Yves (Chapel of Saint Yves house), an extraordinary Art Deco wonder that features dizzying geometric patterns and intricate mosaics. You should also take the time to admire the mosaics in the cloister and visit the multimedia library.

5. Musée d’art et d’histoire de Saint-Brieuc (Art and History Museum of Saint-Brieuc)

This museum is free to visit! It is multi-faceted, so you are sure to find something that interests you, whether it’s history, maritime archaeology or traditional crafts.

One section of the museum is dedicated to the rural history of Saint-Brieuc, which recreates scenes from agricultural life in Brittany. There are also exhibits on marine navigation and fishing in Brittany, as well as traditional Breton art and culture.

6. Tour de Cesson (Cesson Tower)

The Tour de Cesson (Cesson Tower) is all that remains of a medieval fortress. Constructed on a promontory overlooking the bay at the end of the 15^th century, it occupied a strategic position that enabled it to defend Saint-Brieuc’s harbour.

The ruin can be tricky to find, but making the visit is worth it not only for the tower itself, but also for the atmospheric Domaine de la Tour de Cesson (Domaine of the Cesson Tower) in which the tower is located. It is home to a manor that, back in the day, was surely spectacular, but is today in ruins and looks like a fantastic urbex site, except that it could crumble at any moment.

There are several ways to get to the tower, but I would not recommend attempting the hike from the banks of the Gouët as it is poorly signposted and very steep. (Tried it and lived to tell the tale.) An easier way is to take the Bus E to the stop Duquesne. From there, look for the gates to the domaine at the junction of Chemin de l’Écluse and Rue de la Tour.

7. Parc de Rohannec’h (Rohannec’h Park)

Parc de Rohannec’h (Rohannec’h Park) is a lovely green space offering views over the Port du Légué (Port of Le Légué) and the sea. It is also home to the impressive 20th-century Villa Rohannec’h (Rohannec’h Villa), which presides over a grassy field that’s ideal for picnics. Don’t forget to venture behind the villa for views of the sea.

8. Anciennes Halles de Saint-Brieuc (Old Market of Saint-Brieuc)

Located at Place du Martray, right beside the cathedral, you’ll see a 19th-century metal structure. This was where Saint-Brieuc’s market was located, and where fishmongers would sell the catch of the day. In medieval times, this was also where local merchants would set up their stalls. Today, while the structure is no longer used as a market, it is often used for events in summer.

9. Street art

There are over 150 examples of street art in Saint-Brieuc. You’ll find street art on Rue de Rohan, Rue Mireille Chrysostome, Rue Saint-Guillaume, Rue Quinquaine and Rue Fardel, to name but a few, but there’s really no need to follow a set route. Just keep your eyes peeled as you explore the city centre and you are sure to see some striking public artworks.

10. Hôtel des Ducs de Bretagne (Hotel of the Dukes of Brittany) / Maison du Chapeau Rouge (House of the Red Hat)

This half-timbered house, which goes by two names, dates back to 1572 and is located at Place Louis Guilloux, which is home to a high concentration of similarly gorgeous medieval buildings. It formerly served as an inn in the Renaissance period. You can even spend the night in the building as it houses a hotel.

11. Maison le Ribeault (Le Ribeault House)

A stone’s throw from the famous Hôtel des Ducs de Bretagne (Hotel of the Dukes of Brittany) and Rue Pohel (Pohel Road), you’ll spot Maison Le Ribeault (Le Ribeault House) at 1 Place au Lin. This 15th-century building is Saint-Brieuc’s oldest house and has retained many of its medieval features, such as upper storeys which stick out over the ground floor.

12. Rue Pohel (Pohel Road)

If, like me, you’re a fan of Breton half-timbered houses, you’ll want to take a stroll down Rue Pohel (Pohel Road), which still seems to be stuck in medieval times and is one of the best places to see these colourful buildings.

13. Basilique Notre-Dame-d’Espérance de Saint-Brieuc (Basilica of Our Lady of Hope of Saint-Brieuc)

This 19th-century Neo-Gothic church sits on a hill at the intersection of two roads, a prominent location that makes it very visible on the city’s skyline. It replaced a modest chapel which previously occupied the site.

14. Parc de la Vallée de Gouédic (Park of the Gouédic Valley)

This park occupies a large green valley that runs through the city and is a huge, visually striking strip of nature in the midst of an urban area. Whether viewed from above or at ground level, the park appears vast and is marked by the Pont de Toupin (Toupin Bridge) or Viaduc de Toupin (Toupin Viaduct) towering overhead.

15. Viaduc de Douvenant (Douvenant Viaduct)

The Viaduc de Douvenant (Douvenant Viaduct) is located some distance from the city centre, but is worth a visit as it takes you into nature and offers breathtaking views over a gaping green valley with the sea in the distance. If you walk over the viaduct and continue onwards for a few minutes, you’ll find yourself at the Réserve Naturelle de la Baie de Saint-Brieuc (Natural Reserve of the Bay of Saint-Brieuc).

16. Théâtre de la Passerelle (Theatre of the Walkway)

Located at the major town square, Place de la Résistance (Square of the Resistance), Théâtre de la Passerelle (Theatre of the Walkway) is an Italian-style theatre that houses Saint-Brieuc’s Scène Nationale (National Stage) and is a major venue for performances that include plays, dance, music and more. The building was inspired by the opulent Opéra Garnier in Paris.

17. Parc des Promenades (Park of the Promenades)

This 19th-century public garden is located in the city centre, making it a popular spot for locals. Interestingly, alongside a skatepark, it is also home to the Palais de Justice (Law Courts).

18. Chapelle Saint-Guillaume (Saint Guillaume Chapel)

This 19th-century Neo-Gothic chapel is located in a busy commercial area and was recently restored and reopened to the public. Inside, check out the 19th-century paintings by local artist Joseph-René Gouézou.

19. Pavillon et Jardin de Bellscize (Bellscize Pavilion and Garden)

This lovely little garden and 18th-century pavilion offer a peaceful setting in which to catch your breath. The pavilion, built in the elegant Louis XV style, was formerly the home of the bishops of Saint-Brieuc.

20. Rue Saint-Gouéno (Saint Gouéno Street)

Rue Saint-Gouéno is a historic shopping street that was once an important commercial and trading area. Today, it is filled with independent businesses and is one of the most atmospheric streets in the city. Take note of the grand old building located at 2 rue Saint-Gouéno, Hôtel Le Mintier (Le Mintier Hotel), which dates back to the Renaissance period.

21. Maison de la Barrière (House of the Barrier)

This 16th-century, fire-engine-red half-timbered house is located at 16 rue de Gouët. It was built close to a site where tax authorities once set up a barrier and excise office so they could collect taxes on goods entering the town.

22. Ancien Grand Magasin Place Duguesclin (Old Duguesclin Square Department Store)

Place Duguesclin (Duguesclin Square), which is pretty quiet these days, was once a major entry point into the city, and many of the surrounding buildings are a testament to how sought-after Saint-Brieuc was as a tourist and shopping destination in the 20^th century. The building, which today houses a branch of the bank Crédit Mutuel de Bretagne, was a major department store until the late 1980s.

23. Église Saint-Michel (Saint Michel Church)

This 19th-century Neo-Classical church was where Ferdinand Foch married Julie Bienvenüe. Foch later became the famous Marshal Foch, the general who led the allied forces in World War I.

24. Mosaic façade at 3 rue du Général Leclerc (3 General Leclerc Street)

Located a stone’s throw from the Chapelle Saint-Guillaume (Saint Guillaume Chapel) on a busy shopping street, this shop retains an Art Deco mosaic façade from the 1930s, created by Odorico, a famous mosaic artist from Rennes.

25. Cour et manoir Saint-Esprit (Saint Esprit Courtyard and Manor)

You can only catch a glimpse of this building from the outside. Located at 9 Place du Général de Gaulle, near the cathedral’s two towers, it is known for its tower with a pointed roof. Built in the 15th century, this manor is an example of late-medieval Breton architecture.

26. La Maison en Écailles (The House of Scales) and La Maison Bleue (The Blue House)

This is a little bit off the beaten track, but if you have the patience to walk about 10 to 15 minutes out of the city centre into a residential area, you’ll be able to see two exquisite Art Deco buildings.

La Maison en Écailles (The House of Scales), located at 20 Rue de la Corderie, is covered in a mosaic that evokes fish scales, while La Maison Bleue (The Blue House) at 24 Rue de la Corderie has a ground floor façade covered in a blue mosaic.

Day trips from Saint-Brieuc

• The medieval town of Dinan is just a 50-minute train ride away, while Rennes, the biggest city in Brittany, is less than an hour away by train.
• Saint-Brieuc is a good base from which to visit Perros-Guirec, home to the Côte de Granit Rose (Pink Granite Coast). Perros-Guirec can be reached via train and bus from quaint town Lannion, also worth a visit.
• Paimpol, which is a seaside resort town and gateway to Île-de-Bréhat, can be reached in about 1 hour 15 minutes by train.