At the beginning of August, we visited Bretagne in the north-west of France. There was no particular plan. We were going there for a friend’s anniversary party, but decided to turn it into a ten-day trip around this beautiful part of the country. We had no real expectations. Just the family and some of the best France has to offer.

It turned out to be one of the best holidays we’ve had in years.

We started the whole adventure by flying into Rennes and renting a car there, which might just be the best way to get around Bretagne. From there, we made our way straight north to a place I had wanted to see for a very long time: Mont Saint-Michel, which technically speaking is in Normandy.

I’d wanted to go there for a few years, and I have to be honest about it: social media was to blame. However, I’m happy to report that the place did not disappoint. Mont Saint-Michel and its surrounding area are truly beautiful.

We were staying in an Airbnb in a nearby village, a tiny place with maybe ten houses. The weather was beautiful and sunny, so as soon as we arrived, I got my camera out and went for a quick stroll.

In fact, I was so excited that as soon as our little one went to bed, I packed my things and went straight to Mont Saint-Michel for a late blue hour. It was gorgeous.

On my way there, I saw this beautiful windmill.

When I arrived at Mont Saint-Michel, I was practically by myself as it was quite late, and that was perfect for me. I finally got to take my tripod out, along with the Leica M7 and a cable release, and managed to take some lovely shots, including this one that I’m particularly happy with.

Mont Saint-Michel at blue hour. Taken with a Leica M7 and a Summilux 35mm FLE on Kodak Portra 400 film

The location was so perfect that, despite coming back to the airbnbn after 11pm, I made a decission to go back for sunrise. One of the best choices I’ve made…

The location was so perfect that, despite getting back to the Airbnb after 11pm, I decided to go back for sunrise.

One of the best choices I’ve made.

I got there very early in the morning, well before sunrise, and started a quick recce after already exploring Google Maps the day before. I found a few nice locations, including one particularly iconic spot, but nothing could prepare me for what was coming.

After taking a few images like this one:

I turned around and suddenly noticed that the field had become completely overrun by sheep.

I’m not joking. There were tens, maybe hundreds of them.

It was such a joyous moment. Obviously, I took numerous photos, but I also know that I missed quite a few simply because I wanted to stop and enjoy the show.

After that, I walked all the way to the abbey and back, just enjoying this beautiful morning.

After this beautiful adventure, I got to return to Mont Saint-Michel with the family, and we enjoyed the little streets, restaurants and abbey of this gorgeous place as well, which I highly recommend.

And look, I know it’s a touristy place and packed with people during the day, but I still believe it’s worth the trip.

From Mont Saint-Michel, we made our way towards Saint-Malo via Cancale, where we had some delicious oysters.

We spent a few days in Saint-Malo, and it was really worth it. Delicious food, a gorgeous beach and, of course, the famous sea-water swimming pool were exactly the things we needed.

We also visited a town called Dinard, which had a gorgeous beach, but sadly the weather wasn’t playing ball, so we only walked around and had lunch there. Despite that, the place was really beautiful, especially the coastal walk.

From Saint-Malo, we drove to Lorient, where we dropped off our car and took a ferry to our final destination: the island of Groix.

We spent almost a week in Groix, and the weather was gorgeous. So was the island itself. The whole experience was incredibly relaxing, and the island is also incredibly picturesque.

If I had to suggest a few places to visit on Groix, the lighthouse at Pointe des Chats would definitely be one of them.

Another would be beautiful Port Lay.

However, the reality is that the whole island is full of tiny little spots and places that are perfect for photography, no matter what type of photography interests you.