Famed for its oyster industry, Cancale is a picturesque fishing port overlooking the Baie du Mont-Saint-Michel on the coast of Brittany. It’s clustered with restaurants specialising in seafood and home to a lively oyster market, on the doorstep of beautiful beaches and the headland trails of Pointe du Grouin.

Things to do

Spend an afternoon wandering through the Old Town of Cancale, which centres around the 19th-century Église Saint-Méen. It’s home to the Musée des Arts et Traditions Populaires where you can learn about Cancale’s past while browsing the traditional costumes, antique furniture and old fishing equipment on display. From the top of the church's tower are superb views across Cancale and the Baie du Mont-Saint-Michel.

No trip to Cancale is complete without tasting its oysters, with several farms where you can watch them being harvested and purchase oyster-inspired products. Clustered around the port area are several restaurants specialising in seafood and you can purchase trays of oysters “au naturale” to take away and enjoy on the beach.

Want to stretch your legs? There are numerous coastal trails to explore in the surrounding area, including part of the long-distance Customs Officers’ Path. Hike through the wild landscapes of the Pointe du Grouin or enjoy a stroll along the Baie du Mont-Saint-Michel. Sandy beaches hug the bay where you can swim in the warmer months, including the Plage de Cancale and the Plage du Chateau.

Getting around

Cancale is a 25-minute drive from Saint-Malo, which has ferry connections to the Channel Islands and Portsmouth. Dinard-Pleurtuit-St-Malo Airport is 30 minutes away. Buses connect Cancale to towns and villages throughout Brittany while the city centre is compact enough to explore on foot.