Gastronomic Camping in Brittany

Culinary Camping

Situated in the north western coastal region of France, the area of Brittany is a prime spot for camping. And it's the local cuisine that might just be the highlight of a Brittany camping trip, where fantastic food and drink await you.

The region boasts beautiful scenery, and most Brittany campsites offer swimming pools, sports grounds and a range of activities to keep you entertained. But it's Brittany's culture of delicious, traditional food and drink that will make your trip all the more worthwhile. From crêpes to crayfish, the local flavours are sure to tickle your taste buds.

The Crêpe Tradition

It was in this very region of France that the tradition of crêpes originated. A crêpe is, if you don't already know, a thin, broad pancake. Its tradition revolves around Candlemas, a day celebrating the Virgin Mary's blessing. On this day, if you catch a tossed crêpe in a frying pan with your left hand while holding a gold coin in the other, wealth will come your way that year.

Perhaps this practice would be a little difficult to adhere to whilst camping in Brittany, but simply eating this local Breton dish would be tradition enough. Some campsites in Brittany even have their very own crêperies, where you can enjoy these delights for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Bowls of Cider

Brittany is the second largest cider-producing region in France. Traditionally drunk from a bowl, this drink is best enjoyed with a crêpe in hand.

Brittany's cider-making procedures involve aging the cider in oak casks for anything between 4 and 12 years, and a bowl of cider in the evenings is a sure way to warm up on a chilly evening whilst camping in Brittany.

A local favourite is Pommeau of Brittany, a blend of brandy, apple juice and Breton cider. This has only been aged for 4 years, and is mellow and colourful. For something stronger, there are ciders which have a 40% alcohol volume (perhaps drinking a whole bowl would not be wise!). As with the Pommeau, Lambic-Breton brandy cider has been aged for 4 years, but its alcohol volume is high. If you want something that has been aged for longer, La Fine Betagne brandy cider is popular cider which has been aged for 12 years.

Whatever your aging or alcohol volume preference, sipping cider in Brittany while camping is an experience not to be missed.

Guaranteed Fresh Seafood

A camping holiday in Brittany would not be complete without a seafood dinner or two. Being a coastal region, fresh seafood is plentiful. Shellfish and crustaceans are the seafood of choice for Bretons, with mussels, oysters, crayfish, shrimps and more being sold in markets and served in restaurants. Bretons are particularly proud of their fine seafood platters, and restaurants have gone so far as to sign a promise of freshness. The charter states that only fresh, local fish may be used, and every platter must contain at least 6 different shellfish. Look out for this charter's logo on restaurant doors, as it guarantees the standard of the food you will receive.

If you prefer to prepare your own food when camping, Brittany campsites often have places where you can fish. Barbecue your catch of the day with a bowl of cider in hand, as you make the most of the local culinary traditions.