August is often the warmest month in the northern hemisphere and Brittany is no exception. In this region, during the height of summer, temperatures reach their highest point of 22°C on average. Low temperatures experienced early in the morning or late at night drop to around 14°C. This gives you an overall daily average of 18°C, which is nothing to be sniffed at. Even though this is the same daily average as in July, you can see that the highs and lows cover a higher range, so you will find sunnier weather in general. This is likely caused by the lack of bad weather, as we will see in a moment.
Despite the pleasant temperatures, this month can still experience an average of 11 days of rain. France is never really dry, but this is the driest part of the year for certain, so you should be able to take advantage of the weather to top up your tan and enjoy the sunshine. The only month where you will find a little less rain is in September, but even then there is only 24mm of rain to this month's 26mm. The sea water temperature is also at its highest at 19°C, which makes it perfect for a refreshing dip. Summer storms can be fierce when they do hit, so watch out for warning flags on the beaches just in case.
You should be able to enjoy the 8 hours of sunshine every day without any problems, but do remember to check on the weather forecast. This will keep you forewarned about when the rain is about to come down, so you can plan an indoor activity during that time and come back out ready for more sun. otherwise, remember to slap on as much sun cream as possible, as the weather can be deceptive spend the whole day outside and you are likely to burn!
If you feel like staying in a historic region for August sight-seeing, Fougeres has nine hotels in the area such as Les Fougeres. This hotel offers an outdoor swimming pool, red tiled roofs and a charming olde worlde feel. Don't expect many modern amenities, but it is more than comfortable enough for a short stay.
Campanile Fougeres is for the budget conscious with its wooden two-storey structure. It is more like a bed and breakfast than a hotel, though you will also find a restaurant where you can eat in the evenings if you wish to. This is a great base for those who intend to travel the region as it is by a main road, and will allow you to access lots of nearby monuments.
Families and couples may opt for Chateau du Bois-Guy, which is an old castle. It has an air of romance as well as being exciting for children. There is a restaurant here too, and you can even get married on the grounds! Over 300 hotels and bed & breakfasts can be found on the coast.
Quiberon is a lively coastal resort with a beautiful white sand beach. With a sea water temperature of 19°C, now is the time to take advantage of that! It can be very busy here, but there is also a lot to do: you can windsurf, kitesurf, dive, or take a boat trip to one of the nearby islands. There are also plenty of restaurants nearby.
L'Aber-Wrac'h is another option. The "aber" is something a bit like a fjord, which caused many shipwrecks in the past but now creates wonderful sheltered beaches. There is not much around here, so you will find it much more secluded. Bring a picnic and enjoy the sands and the waters.
For traditional French food, head for Le Ty Retro. Here you will find crepes galore, served either as a savoury main course or a sweet dessert. The presentation is half of the joy. This is very highly rated with locals and tourists alike.
Les Galets du Port also serves French cuisine, largely focused on seafood. This Quiberon restaurant also serves meats, salads, and pizzas, so you will have plenty to choose from on their wide menu. You can also get a pizza to take away if you wish!
If you can't decide whether to eat a crepe or some seafood, go to Nitra Hemb Poen, where you will get both. Their savoury crepes line up alongside huge seafood platters. The owners often circulate the tables to check their guests are enjoying themselves.
Festivals come into their own during the month of August in Brittany, with over ten festivals and events on offer. Earmark the Les Filets Bleus in Concarneau and the Festival Interceltique de Lorient. Both of these festivals are cultural in nature, plus other music festivals and maritime events are taking place in the region this month. It's a perfect time to head outdoors and enjoy these cultural festivals, with the summer sunshine making them cheerful events. They can also be very insightful in terms of helping you to understand history and seeing what the French people like to celebrate.
For a spot of sight-seeing, head to Fougeres in eastern Brittany. It may take you away from the Emerald Coast and the beaches, but you will find an old walled town complete with ramparts, castle, and a historic centre. This is great for a day spent exploring in the sun, soaking up all of the history that this region has to offer.
