Spanning across the northwest of France, Brittany is a diverse region that invites millions of visitors everywhere. The area, which is divided into four departments (Finitère, Ille et Vilaine, Morbihan, and Côtes d’Armor), blends the charm of quaint villages and the allure of brisk, thriving modern cities. Brittany is particularly known to be a perfect romantic getaway for lovers and newly wedded couples. Across the region are white-sand coves with clear waters that laps at pastel-pink crags and vistas that appear to sprawl for miles.

Brittany has its own pull factor different from other parts of northern and southern France. The Breton culture is strong here, and the region’s character leaves a lasting impression on visitors. Also, the Atlantic coastline boosts its credentials as a tourist destination for vacationers.

Brittany is generally safe, and its cities are fit for visitation at any time of the year. Rennes is the area’s largest city, Brest is the largest in Finitère, Saint-Malo is a breathtaking island while Quimper, Quiberon, Saint Brieuc, Lorient, Dinard, Concarneau, Nantes, and Vannes are astonishing destinations to enjoy northern France’s magic.

Every traveler should be extra careful in Brittany. Not because it is a dangerous place to visit, but that danger can come unannounced in the safest of cities. You will have to be particularly mindful of environmental factors. So, stay in touch with the city’s Tourism Office. Watch out for undercurrents and rips when swimming. Bear in mind that the tide can be rapid, so you won’t be stranded on an island. The local tourist office tells you more about tides, and they can even give a tide table if you request.

>>Also Read: Brittany Travel Guide

Here is What you Need to Know About Safety in Brittany:

Overall Safety

This is a massive region that covers a surface area of 27,208 km2. And it only spans close to 80% of the historical Duchy of Brittany. There are many towns and villages here, and they almost have the same security set up, but we can still generalize. As such, Brittany is overall safe to travel to, with significantly low crime rates where visitors are free to check out without having to be concerned about street crime and violence. But it is advised that they remain careful all the time.

Relatively big cities like Rennes, Nantes, and the island of Saint-Malo are not too dangerous a place to visit as well despite recording more visitors than other parts of Brittany. You must follow all the featured advice when you reach the region to stay safe. Brittany’s overall risk level is moderate.

>>Also Read: What is Brittany Famous For?

Transportation Risk

Brittany s quite connected well, and all roads are free (no tolls). Transportation means are reliable and safe even though pickpockets usually operate in public transport. Given the high number of visitors that go on long journeys to see Brittany, they are advised to schedule their trip carefully and avoid unknown roads. Weather condition is another aspect of mobility that you should consider while planning.

Getting to Brittany is not difficult. While ferries, trains, cars, buses are means of reaching the destination, there is the Brest Bretagne Airport, Dinard Bretagne Airport, Lannion-Cote de Granit Airport, Lorient South Brittany Airport, Rennes-Saint-Jacques Airport, Quimper-Cornouaille Airport, and Nantes Atlantique Airport.

Though costly, taxis are the safest bet often times when it comes to mobility within the region. Taxis are usually safe and time-effective for those looking to meet deadlines. But a bottleneck is the strike and other industrial demonstrations that could lead to the closure of certain roads. Strikes could happen anytime, and they can affect most transport operations across Brittany. In a city like Rennes, this risk is moderate but low in a place like Nantes.

Pickpockets

To protect yourself from pickpockets that cram the streets of the big cities at bus stops, in front of tourist attractions. On buses, you need to keep your wallets and purses between your body and arms. All put your guard on. Then be wary of random strangers wherever you are- in your hotel lobby, market, boutique, the beach, anywhere else.

Pickpockets sometimes operate in groups. While one of them is distracting you with a chat, another is trying so hard to gain access to your pocket or luggage. This is very common in Rennes and few other places in Brittany, so be careful.

Additionally, when you visit an alfresco café, keep your items close enough to you. And immediately you see any stranger walking up to you, ensure that your prized possessions are not exposed. There have been reports of stolen items in open-air restaurants and cafes as a result of thieves who operate by distracting unsuspecting tourists.

Weather and Natural Disasters

There are many coastal destinations in Brittany, so there is a real chance that an unfortunate natural event can happen. Saint–Malo is a beach town where the ocean nonchalantly rushes. The town has Europe’s highest tides, with water rising 13 m in the space of 6 hours sometimes. When the water subsides, many kilometers of the ocean floor is revealed, but it does fast by the time it comes back. That is why you should stay abreast of the latest local weather news, especially if you are planning or planned to go to the beach. Sometimes, swimming is not an option for safety reasons. There are no significant natural disasters in the region, but floods do occasionally happen. Also, it is always smart to check an area’s high weather tendencies before visiting.

Muggings

Do not carry stacks of cash wherever you are, and always be mindful of your surroundings when you visit the ATM to withdraw. Muggers target certain visitors like those who wear expensive jewelry or those who flaunt stacks of cash. So as not to be a victim, be modest as much as you can be even though the rate of violent crime is low in the region. In addition, stay away from poorly-lit streets at certain times of the day.

In the rare case that you are being mugged, do not resist but pay close attention to the persons. This would help in the investigation when you later report to authorities. Look out for dominant features like tattoos, eye color, accent, gait, height, etc.

Terrorism

Due to the increased terror risk in France, the government has warned both locals and foreign nationals to be extra careful. Visitors are usually not a direct target of terror attacks, but places full of foreigners are known to be soft targets for terrorists. Do not stay unnecessarily long in crowded places. Report any suspicious movement in your surrounding as soon as you notice. Europe in recent years have received terror threats, and you should be vary of that when you visit.

Common Scams in Brittany

In Brittany, the risk of getting scammed is low. That is not to say you shouldn’t negotiate everything you intend to buy in advance. Then check your change twice and do not pay upfront no matter how much you are persuaded to do so. The fact that there no popular scams that specifically target tourists should make you not let down your guard.

Still, anyone can be scammed even in the least expected places. Partiers should drink within their alcohol limits. There is a high chance of being robbed or molested if you have much to drink. Keep yourself safe when you visit a bar or nightclub.

Women Traveler Safety

France is a great place for any traveler. But do not call attention to yourself with flashy possessions like jewelry and stacks of money. Be careful of strangers, and always follow your gut. Brittany is somewhat safe to visit if you are a solo traveler, too but avoid a strange company at night. When you go to a bar or clubhouse alone, ensure that you keep an eye on your drink.

How Dangerous is Brittany Overall?

Except for cases of demonstrations and strikes, Brittany is quite a friendly and safe region. But I have to admit that you should be mindful of some neighborhoods, not many of them though. Before visiting any town or village in the region, ensure that you research the safest place to visit. While danger can be random, you save yourself from a lot of stress by choosing relatively safe areas.

Is Brittany France Safe? – Summary

Terrorism is a significant concern in the country, but authorities are well on top of it. That is why military units patrol major landmarks, airports, and train stations, from time to time. It is not rare to see armed patrols in these places. This is good for visitors since their presence will keep off bag snatchers or pickpockets that might be in the area. Brittany is mostly safe, accommodating, cultured, and inviting. Plan to go there next time to see what it truly means to be Breton and French.