Saint-Brieuc, its historic centre and cathedral

The town of Saint-Brieuc hides a number of unsuspected treasures at its heart.

Take the time to discover the heart of the Côtes-d'Armor prefecture.

As you wander through its narrow streets, you'll be able to admire almost forty half-timbered houses, some of them very colourful.

The centre of the department's largest town also boasts a number of shops and restaurants, as well as pedestrianised areas that make for a very pleasant visit.

The final highlight is the remarkable cathédrale Saint-Étienne, a veritable city fortress!

Beautiful half-timbered houses in Saint-Brieuc's historic center

- © BearFotos / Shutterstock

Saint-Brieuc: a surprising historic centre

The medieval quarter of Saint-Brieuc is easy to explore on foot.

The best-preserved narrow streets are located just north of Saint-Étienne cathedral.

They are home to old half-timbered houses that have been remarkably restored.

Some of these fine buildings date back to the 15th and 16th centuries.

Several pedestrianised streets lead through the town centre to the Place de la Résistance.

As a bonus, don't miss the market held every Wednesday and Saturday in the historic centre, on the Place de la Résistance.

The area also comes alive every Friday evening in July and August. This is when the festival Les Nocturnes takes place in the historic centre.

The music goes hand in hand with the old stones!

Finally, as you stroll around Saint-Brieuc, you'll notice that the old meets the new.

A number of street art creations brighten up the facades of the streets in the town centre.

There's even a tour organised by the tourist office, and the Just Do Paint festival, dedicated to the world of graffiti, is held every year in July!

Aerial view of downtown Saint-Brieuc

- © BearFotos / Shutterstock

Saint-Étienne Cathedral, the fortress of Saint-Brieuc

Like a stone lighthouse, Saint-Etienne's cathedral towers almost 30 metres above Saint-Brieuc town centre!

Built in the 12th century, the cathedral has a massive appearance.

Indeed, the two towers that frame its façade give the religious edifice the appearance of a fortress.

Altered several times, Saint-Etienne's cathedral boasts a remarkable interior: admire the nave, the altarpiece and the altar.

After exploring this remarkable site, how about a good crêpe?

There's plenty to choose from, and we recommend the Crêperie des Promenades, just to the east of the cathedral. It's well worth the diversions!

On the menu: a festival of galettes and crêpes, each more tempting than the last! What's more, there's plenty of originality (try the seaweed galettes).

The imposing façade of Saint-Étienne Cathedral in Saint-Brieuc

- © RYSAN / Shutterstock

Where to stay in the historic centre of Saint-Brieuc?

Hotel Ker Izel is one of the oldest hotels in Saint-Brieuc. It is located in the city centre, on rue Gouët, which leads to the beautiful cathedral of Saint-Étienne.

Ker Izel is a 2-star hotel, set in a house full of character. It has around twenty rooms, most of which are attic rooms.

The accommodation is on the upper floors and can only be accessed by stairs.

Families can request two interconnecting rooms.

Buffet breakfast is served every morning.

A pleasant garden surrounds the hotel, and there's even a swimming pool open in fine weather.

Hôtel Ker Izel Saint-Brieuc
Booking.com

Hôtel Ker Izel

Cit'Hotel Ker Izel is located in Saint-Brieuc's historic city centre, just a 10-minute walk from the SNCF train station.
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£71 / night
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Practical information

When should you visit the narrow streets of old Saint-Brieuc?

Saint-Brieuc attracts tourists mainly from April to October.

However, you can visit at any time of year, as the atmosphere is very different.

The most pleasant time of year is summer, with its sunny days and bustling streets.

Autumn and winter attract visitors mainly for trade fairs, exhibitions and conferences. But Saint-Brieuc's cultural life goes on all year round!

How do I get to Saint-Brieuc?

Saint-Brieuc SNCF station is located south of the town centre. There are several TGV trains from Paris every day of the year.

The town and conurbation of Saint-Brieuc have an airport reserved for business flights.

Saint-Brieuc is very easy to get to by car, with several roads serving the capital of the Côtes-d'Armor region. Paris is 450 kilometres away (a journey time of around 4 hours 45 minutes).

What's more, the motorways are free in Brittany.

Saint-Brieuc and its narrow streets of half-timbered houses

- © BearFotos / Shutterstock

Where can I park near the Saint-Brieuc nature reserve?

Most car parks and parking spaces in the centre of Saint-Brieuc are chargeable.

However, you can park for free (thirty minutes) every day, and some spaces are also free on Sundays.

Note that as you move further away from the town centre, the spaces also become free.

Finally, there is a blue zone system with compulsory discs in certain streets in the centre of the city.

by Jude JONES
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