5 Scenic Drives in Brittany That Will Make Your French Friends Jealous

Want the perfect weekend escape closer to the Alps and cheaper than Paris? Brittany’s winding coastal roads are calling. With its dramatic coastlines, enchanting villages, and rolling countryside, it offers endless opportunities for exploration. If you’re planning a weekend getaway, these five scenic drives in Brittany will show you its beauty. 

1. The Emerald Coast Drive (Saint-Malo to Cap Fréhel)

This dramatic coastal route serves up more eye candy than a French patisserie window. The rugged cliffs plunge straight into turquoise waters while medieval fortresses guard over hidden coves that pirates once called home. The sunrise here paints the granite cliffs in shades of gold that would make even Turner reach for his brushes.

Local fishermen still dock their boats in the tiny port of Saint-Cast-le-Guildo, where you can grab the freshest seafood this side of the Channel. The morning market here is a sensory overload of briny oysters, crusty baguettes, and local cheeses, making your typical supermarket selection look boring. 

The locals swear by Café du Port for their morning coffee – grab a window seat and watch the fishing boats bob in the harbor. The lighthouse at Cap Fréhel isn’t just another photo stop – it’s a 72-meter-high marvel that has kept ships safe since Louis XIV was in knickers. 

Park up at the designated viewpoint just before sunset and watch the sky explode in colors while seabirds dive-bomb the waves below. The surrounding heathland turns purple with heather in late summer, creating a carpet of color that stretches to the horizon.

2. The Pink Granite Coast (Perros-Guirec to Ploumanac’h)

Mother Nature must have been feeling particularly creative when she shaped this coastline. Massive rose-tinted boulders balance impossibly on each other like giant marbles, creating shapes that look more like modern art than rocks. 

The local legends say these are petrified soldiers from an ancient curse—after a few glasses of Breton cider, you might start believing them. The tiny fishing village of Ploumanac’h feels frozen in time since the days when smugglers ruled these shores. 

Its narrow streets wind between stone cottages with blue shutters, while the smell of butter cookies wafts from the local biscuiterie. The harbor here is so picturesque that artists have been setting up their easels on these quays for centuries.

At low tide, follow the coastal path between the rocks to discover hidden beaches that never make it onto postcards. The locals know exactly which granite formations make the best natural sun loungers, and if you’re lucky, they might share their secret spots. Just remember to check the tide times – the water here rises faster.

3. The Oyster Route (Cancale to Mont Saint-Michel)

This drive might be the only one in France where you’re encouraged to stop every few kilometers for a snack. Cancale’s oyster beds stretch out into the bay like a giant’s checkerboard, and the salty air here is better than any appetite stimulant. 

The roadside stands sell fresh oysters by the dozen, complete with a squeeze of lemon and an immaculate view that’ll make you forget about your Instagram filters. The winding road hugs the coastline closely; you’ll feel like you’re sailing rather than driving. 

Ancient salt meadows stretch inland, dotted with grazing sheep whose meat is considered a local delicacy thanks to their seasoned diet. The light here changes by the minute, creating a natural light show that photographers dream about.

Mont Saint-Michel appears on the horizon like a mirage, growing more impressive with each bend in the road. Stop at any small farms along the way selling local butter – it’s so good that Parisian chefs have it delivered to their restaurants. The secret’s in the salt marsh grass that the cows graze on.

4. The Cider Route (Quimper to Locronan)

This inland route proves that Brittany’s beauty isn’t all about the coast. Ancient apple orchards line the roads, their branches heavy with fruit in autumn. The local farmers here have been making cider for generations, and many still use horse-drawn plows between the trees—not for show but because they are gentler on the ancient root.

Medieval Locronan looks like it’s stepped out of a historical drama, complete with granite mansions built by wealthy linen merchants. The cobblestone streets have barely changed since the 18th century, and the local crêperies serve gallettes so good they should probably be illegal. 

Each house here tells a story, from the carved merchants’ signs to the weather-worn stone steps. The drive winds through forests where Druids once worshipped, past stone crosses marking ancient pilgrim routes. 

Stop at any of the small producers along the way for a cider tasting – they’ll tell you stories about their orchards that go back generations. Just remember to designate a driver, as the local cider packs more punch than you might expect.

5. The Artists’ Route (Pont-Aven to Concarneau)

Paul Gauguin wasn’t the only artist to fall in love with this stretch of Brittany. The light here does something magical to the landscape, turning ordinary fishing boats into masterpieces and everyday scenes into paintings waiting to happen. 

Small art galleries line the streets of Pont-Aven, housed in buildings that haven’t changed since Gauguin’s time. Concarneau’s walled city rises from the harbor like a medieval floating fortress, with ramparts offering views across the bay. 

The morning fish auction at the port is street theater at its finest – arrive early to watch restaurateurs battle it out for the best catches. The local fishermen still paint their boats in bright colors that pop against the gray granite walls.

Follow the coastal path between the two towns to discover hidden coves artists have painted for centuries. The cliffs here are dotted with tiny chapels, each with a story of shipwrecks and sailor’s prayers. Time your drive for late afternoon when the sun turns the ocean into liquid gold.

Tips for a Successful Weekend Drive

• Plan Your Stops: Research key highlights and allocate enough time to fully enjoy each location. Spontaneous detours often lead to hidden gems.
• Pack Essentials: Bring layers for Brittany’s unpredictable weather, a camera for capturing stunning views, and snacks for the road.
• Stay Overnight: Many of these routes have charming accommodations, from boutique hotels to cozy guesthouses. Book early if traveling during peak season.
• Embrace Local Flavors: Stop at markets and bistros to sample Breton specialties like crêpes, cider, and fresh seafood.

Your Breton Adventure Awaits

Pack your camera, bring your appetite, and don’t forget to leave room in the boot for bottles of cider and boxes of salted butter cookies – your friends back home won’t forgive you if you return empty-handed.