Best places to retire in Brittany

If you’ve reached an age when you’re ready to give up work and spend your days enjoying the delights of a new country, then France is a great choice.

Whether you’re looking for new adventures, to meet new people, or to slow down and savour every moment, here’s why you won’t regret retiring in Brittany:

1. Although Brittany is close to the UK, it’s far enough away to still feel like a completely new chapter in your life. With regular ferry services to and from the UK, you can be in France in as little as five hours. Flight times are less than two hours, and the region is easily accessible by car.
2. France has an excellent healthcare system which ranks highly throughout the world. Whilst you need healthcare insurance this is much more affordable than private healthcare in the UK and other parts of the world.
3. Brittany is more affordable than many other parts of France popular with expats. Paris is 37.5% more expensive than Rennes, one of Brittany’s main cities, whilst Montpellier is around 17.5% more expensive. This part of France is also less expensive than many parts of the UK.
4. As a popular destination for expats, you’ll find a community of people who have made the same move and are more than happy to help you settle in.
5. If you enjoy beautiful scenery and pleasant weather, then Brittany ticks all the right boxes. In the summer months, temperatures reach around 25°C (on average) and during the winter drop to around 10°C.

Brittany (or Breton) has a culture and identity distinct from the rest of France and has held on tightly to its Celtic roots.

With a population of around 3.3 million, Brittany is a popular region for foreigners migrating to France and French nationals moving from other parts of the country. In 2019, approximately 10,000 foreigners settled in the region, 500 of whom were British. This number has increased in recent years.

It is considered an attractive region for people aged 60-64, with more retirees moving there than any other age group. Whether you enjoy hiking, exploring local history and culture or you’re a foodie looking to try new things and sample delicious wines – there is something for everyone in this part of France.

Located in the northwest, Brittany is an ideal location if you want to get away from the crowds and chaos of city life. Characterised by small villages, traditional buildings and a rugged coastline, it’s perfect for a change of pace as you wind down in your later years.

Brittany is divided into four main departments: Côtes-d’Armor, Finistère, Ille-et-Vilaine and Morbihan, which we will explore in the next section.

If you’re hoping to invest in a retirement property in Brittany, it’s good to know that average property prices are lower than most other regions in France. Properties are also a lot more spacious when compared to the UK, perhaps due to the rural nature of many of the villages and towns.

Below, we’ve detailed the average prices of apartments and houses in the main departments of Brittany:

In this section, we explore some popular towns, villages and cities that could make the perfect destination for your retirement. Of course, if you would like to find out more, our iad Overseas property consultants will be more than willing to help. You can contact them here.

Finistère has more than 1000km of coastline and is renowned for its beaches. The western part of this department is rugged and wild, whereas the northern part offers pretty towns and villages rich in Breton history and traditions.

Quimper, the charming capital of Finistère, is a medieval town with lots to discover along its cobbled streets. It is located at the junction of three rivers, so you can expect plenty of pretty bridges and river walks throughout. Quimper is a friendly and relaxed town which is home to many Brits and has a strong sense of community. It’s also a great place to sample Brittany’s famous crepes and delicious cider.

Property styles vary from half-timber houses, stone cottages, and traditional Longere houses (with thatched roofs or slated roofs). The average house price in Quimper is €2,348 (or £1,989.23) per m2.

Finistère is also home to one of ‘the most beautiful villages in France’, Locronan. Like a snapshot from a fairy tale, you can find cobbled streets, ornate chapels and traditional stone houses in this sweet rural setting.

If you prefer a beach location, then Benodet is the perfect seaside town with lots to do along the seafront and plenty of seafood restaurants. The average property price here is €3,939 (or £3,337.12) per m2.

This historic department is home to Rennes, the capital city of Brittany and a hotbed of history and art, authentic Breton culture and a vibrant social scene. Popular with students, you’ll find plenty of different nationalities living happily here and the public transport system will keep you well connected. The average property price of a house is €4,522 (or £3,831.04) per m2.

For something completely unique, the rustic setting of Fougeres could be a perfect rural retirement destination – with forests and medieval castles right on your doorstep. House prices here are just €2,036 (or £1,724.90) per m2 due to the remoteness of location.

Along the Emerald Coast you can find traditional fishing villages as well as a large ferry port in the town of Saint Malo. With beaches aplenty, this once walled city is now known for its sumptuous restaurant scene, busy seafront and historic surroundings. Its boom in popularity makes it one of the more expensive areas to buy property in Brittany, with average house prices around €4,916 (or £4,164.83) per m2.

With a dramatic coastline that faces the English Channel, magical natural scenery including pink granite rock formations and plenty of secluded beaches, Côtes-d’Armor is another prime location for your retirement.

Travel further inland and you’ll enjoy a taste of authentic Breton culture with plenty of welcoming villages offering spacious farmhouses and traditional cottages.

Its proximity to the Channel makes this department a popular place for UK investors, many of whom own holiday homes or have taken residency.

Quaint towns such as Dinan and Lannion wouldn’t look out of place in a Disney film, with unique architecture and cobbled paving stones making each street feel special. Lannion is one of the more affordable areas in Brittany with house prices averaging €2,641 (or £2,237.45) per m2.

Morbihan is probably the most popular department of Brittany with tourists and expats. From prehistoric stone structures, lots of sandy beaches, busy ports and historical architecture – it’s a great place to explore and spend your golden years.

The Gulf of Morbihan is famous for its natural beauty and loved by sailing enthusiasts. The inland villages are just perfect for that peace and tranquillity you deserve as you get older.

Vannes is a much-loved location for British expats setting up home in France. With spectacular beaches and an inland river, if you love seafood, this is the right location. Despite the historical buildings and natural scenes, you’ll find it busy with students and modern amenities, so you’ll never feel disconnected. The average house price is €4,100 (or 3,473.52) per m2.

If you’re seeking something less crowded, then the small town of Questembert offers rich Breton history without the throng of city life. However, if you prefer life by the sea, then Carnac is also a beautiful and fashionable town in which to spend your golden years. Property prices here are on the higher side with houses costing an average of €6,003 (or £5,085.74) per m2.

If you’ve been charmed by the idea of Breton life, then it’s good to know that our team of iad Overseas property consultants are here to help.

Fluent in French and English, they can help you find your perfect Brittany retirement property, whether you’re looking for a permanent residence or a second home.

Life in Brittany is just a few hours away from the UK, and retiring here could be the best decision you’ve ever made.

Contact our iad Overseas property consultants to find out more.