It’s only a short trip across the channel, making it a popular choice amongst British expats; however, there are some things to consider when asking Brittany is the right choice for you. If you prefer a more urban, frenetic pace, it’s worth bearing in mind that Brittany geography very much dictates that residents will need to embrace nature and a more relaxed approach to living: though for the majority of expats, this isn’t likely to be a problem!
Cost of living
The cost of living in Brittany is surprisingly affordable (though of course depends on whereabouts in the world you’re considering moving from), especially when compared to the more urban areas of France. Settling down with a sea view will inevitably cost you more, however it is possible to find a picture-perfect stone cottage with a sizeable garden further inland in the region of €100,000. €300,000 is likely to afford you a beautiful stone house. Brittany’s streets are famous for, and included with it barns and land for you to live your own version of ‘the good life’ in France!
Food and drink are generally cheaper in Brittany's comparatively rural scene than in larger cities across France. Furthermore, along the coast you will have ample opportunity to feast on beautifully fresh seafood at the height of provenance at very reasonable prices. Further inland, there are many farmers' markets with a delicious and affordable variety on offer, allowing you to sample the very best of local produce and specialities.
Geography of the region
Surrounded by the Atlantic, Brittany benefits from nearly 1,800 miles of striking coastline, which in itself gives nature lovers a perfect reason to consider living in Brittany.
This coastline is an eclectic mix of sandy white beaches, dramatic cliffs and rocky coves, enticing locals and tourists alike to return time and time again without getting bored – it is undeniably one of the main reasons visitors flock to Brittany each year. But there is so much more to discover: lush countryside, otherworldly forests full of regional legends such as ‘korrigans’ (Breton Leprechauns); as well as being the major site in Europe, if not the world, for megaliths, with around 3,000 standing stones to see across various sites, punctuating the landscape with outstanding points of historical and cultural significance. All of this and more makes Brittany a seriously enthralling place to explore.
Main attractions and destinations in Brittany
It’s impossible to discuss the best places to live in Brittany without talking about the historic centre of the region, Rennes, home to two universities and pockets of preserved history dating back 2,000 years. Active investment in arts and culture mean a vibrant and culturally dynamic city, with beautiful parks (Parc Du Thabor, known for its extensive rose garden) and colourful markets over 400 years established (France’s second-largest market, Marches Des Lices).
Further afield, visit the ramparts of Saint-Malo and the breath-taking views across the bay from the parapet walk (and while you’re there visit Breizh Café for a taste of Brittany’s famed galettes); see the colossal collection of megalithic sites dotted throughout the Gulf of Morbihan; if you like to immerse yourself in times gone by, take in the quaint and charming streets of Dinan, Britanny’s best-preserved medieval town, or simply head to the miles upon miles of beautiful, glorious coastline and countryside.
What it is like to live in & is it popular with expats
Brittany has always been popular with expats, possibly due to the proximity and ease of ferry crossings to and from the UK and - despite a persistent reputation for rain - temperate weather (particularly along the southern gulf of Morbihan).
With plenty to do, a relatively affordable cost of living, wide variety of cities and towns with distinctive characters to visit and explore – living in Brittany is a top choice to investigate when considering moving to fresh landscapes and lifestyles. Don’t move to Brittany for the nightlife, certainly, but to immerse yourself in a strong Breton culture that will reap incredible benefits the more effort you put in with both the locals, and the landscapes!
