As the dark nights draw in, and the weather gets colder and damper, you can be forgiven for feeling a little sorry for yourself! This time of year can be tough, but one thing that rightly cheers us up on a dark winter evening is planning next year’s holiday! Cozying up with a warm cup of tea, browsing for bargains and deals, imagining ourselves catching some rays, and sipping on cocktails… bliss!

There’s nothing like a well-deserved week or two away from reality to reboot the energy levels. Whether that’s some sun in the Algarve, some family fun exploring Ireland’s Lakelands, or spending some magical time together in Disney, the most important thing is to relax and enjoy yourselves. One place that we would love to explore, is Brittany.

A region of France that is easy to travel to, great for summer holidays, great for parents and children alike, Brittany is a place you need to add to your travel bucket list!

Thanks to Brittany Tourism, here are the 5 best places to visit in Brittany with your children:

1. Saint-Malo

If your children are mad about Captain Hook and Jack Sparrow, then let them loose in the land of legendary French privateer Robert Surcouf as you walk through the cobbled streets of St-Malo’s old town. This popular tourist destination offers visitors an authentic glimpse into Brittany’s important seafaring past. Read more

2. Brocéliande Forest

The forest of Brocéliande is the mythic name for Paimpont forest. It’s a beautiful forest, soaked in folkloric legends, some even relating to Merlin and Morgan of the King Arthur legends.Children will be delighted to explore this magical place through enchanting storytelling walks, shows, and an interactive museum. Read more.

3. Fougères castle

The fabulous Castle of Fougeres has been staged so as to tell a story and reveal both its own history and that of the Marches of Brittany. Enter the castle enclosure and let yourself be caught up in a land of chivalry, princesses, troubadours and minstrels. Read more.

4. Perros Guirec and the Pink Granite Coast

The Pink Granite Coast, so-called because of the colour of its rocks, is one of the most beautiful stretches of Brittany’s coastline. There stands the resort of Perros-Guirec, very popular with families, with its sandy beaches, kids clubs and watersports, and the many great family attractions nearby: Trégastel’s aquarium and water park, Pleumeur-Bodou’s planetarium, Cité Telecom communication museum, an 18-hole golf course and a reconstructed village from ancient Gaul. Read more

5. Oceanopolis – Ocean Discovery Park

At Océanopolis, see the sea through the eyes of a scientist, a world of priceless flora and fauna that needs our protection. The three themed exhibition buildings are each devoted each to a different ecosystem: polar, tropical or temperate. Read more.

How to get to Brittany?

It is easy to get to Brittany – fly direct from Dublin and Cork to Rennes. And if you can’t bear the thought of taking the buggy, or baby, on the plane? Just load up the car and take the ferry from Cork to Roscoff.

Amazing Competition Alert:

For your chance to win a week-long holiday to Brittany for your family, click here!

This article has been sponsored by Brittany Tourism. For easy peasy family breaks, think Brittany! Visit www.brittanytourism.com for more great ideas.