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Planning a Brittany Road Trip? Want to enjoy France away from the busy Paris streets? A trip through Brittany takes you along beautiful coasts, through old towns full of history, and past some of the best food spots in France.
You’ll find everything from local seafood markets to lovely forest walks, and from hidden beaches to rugged cliffs dropping into bright blue seas. Pack your bags and let’s get started.
Best Time to Visit Brittany
Summer brings perfect beach weather to Brittany, with temperatures around 75°F (24°C) and minimal rain. But this also means bigger crowds and higher prices.
Spring and fall comes with mild weather and fewer tourists.
The colors are beautiful in September and October when the leaves change.
Winter gets cold and rainy, but you’ll have most places to yourself.
Must-Have Items for Your Road Trip
Before hitting the road, pack these essentials:
- A good rain jacket because Brittany’s weather changes fast
- Comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone streets
- Swimming gear for beach stops
- Cash for small towns and markets
- A French phrasebook for local interactions
- Your driver’s license and insurance documents
- A camera for those postcard-perfect views
Where to Start Your Journey
Most travelers begin in Rennes, Brittany’s capital, and for good reason. The city has great transport links and plenty of car rental options, so you won’t have to waste time sorting out logistics.
Once you’re settled, you’ll want to head straight to the medieval old town that sets the perfect tone for your trip with its half-timbered houses and morning markets.
What’s really special about Rennes is how the historic center transforms as day turns to evening.
The streets fill with the happy chatter of locals and visitors heading to traditional restaurants, creating that perfect French atmosphere you’ve been dreaming about.
Your first night here should definitely include trying local cider and galettes in one of the cozy spots in the narrow streets.
Trust me, there’s nothing quite like biting into a perfectly made galette while sipping crisp Breton cider after a day of wandering.
The best part? The city’s central location means you can easily plan your route in any direction, depending on what interests you most.
Must-See Stops Along the Way
These stops form the backbone of any great Brittany road trip and you’ll find something that’s worth your time.
1. Saint-Malo: The Pirate City
This walled city rising from the sea looks straight out of a storybook. Walk the ramparts at sunset for amazing views.
The streets inside the walls hide great seafood restaurants and interesting shops. Try the local oysters here; they’re some of the best in France.
2. Dinan: Medieval Magic
Dinan feels frozen in time. The town sits high above the River Rance, with steep cobblestone streets leading down to the old port.
The half-timbered houses lean over the narrow lanes. Local artists sell their work in tiny workshops. You can also save time by walking along the river and stopping at the cafes.
3. Carnac: Stone Mystery
The standing stones of Carnac will make you wonder how ancient people moved such massive rocks.
Over 3,000 prehistoric stones stand in perfect rows across the fields. Nobody knows exactly why they’re here. You should go early in the morning when the light is soft and the crowds are thin.
4. Quimper: Cultural Heart
The twin spires of Quimper’s cathedral watch over a town famous for its pottery and festivals.
The Old Quarter has excellent museums showing Breton culture and art. Look for pottery workshops where you can watch artists paint the famous Quimper faience.
5. The Pink Granite Coast
This stretch of coastline near Perros-Guirec looks unreal. Huge pink rocks shaped by wind and waves create a landscape unlike anywhere else in France.
Take the coastal path between Perros-Guirec and Ploumanac’h for the best views. Sunset makes the rocks glow.
Hidden Gems Worth Finding
While the main tourist spots are amazing, some of Brittany’s best experiences are in less popular corners. Here are some places that many visitors miss.
1. Locronan
This small granite village looks almost too perfect. No power lines or modern buildings spoil the views, that’s why many movies are filmed here.
The church holds beautiful old wood carvings and local weavers still work in traditional ways.
2. Ile de Bréhat
This is a small island off the coast with no cars allowed. You can rent a bike to see hidden beaches and the wild coastline.
The microclimate here lets palm trees grow alongside typical Breton flowers. Take the last boat back to see the sunset over the mainland.
3. Abbey of Beauport
Most tourists skip this peaceful abbey near Paimpol. The ruins sit right by the sea, with gardens full of herbs and flowers. Time your visit for low tide when you can walk out to small islands nearby.
Food Stops You Cannot Miss
No trip to Brittany is complete without tasting your way through its incredible food scene. Here are some food stops you can’t miss.
1. Markets
Food markets in Brittany are also social events where locals catch up and visitors get a real taste of Breton life. Plus, every town has a weekly market.
The one in Rennes happens every Saturday morning and fills the old town with local products. Look for:
- Fresh seafood straight from the boats
- Local cheeses and butter
- Brittany strawberries in season
- Hot galettes that are made while you wait
2. Local Specialties
Brittany’s food scene stands out for good reason. The local butter, salted to perfection, makes everything taste better.
Even simple ingredients turn into something special in Breton kitchens. Try these Breton foods along your route:
- Kouign-amann: The butteriest pastry you’ll ever eat
- Far Breton: A dense custard cake with prunes
- Galettes: Savory buckwheat crepes
- Fresh oysters from Cancale
- Salted butter caramels from any good shop
Practical Tips for Your Trip
Here’s what you need to know to make your Brittany road trip run smoothly.
Tip 1: Get an early start each day. The light is beautiful and you’ll beat the tour buses.
Tip 2: Book hotels ahead in summer, especially in popular towns like Saint-Malo.
Tip 3: Keep some time free for unexpected finds. The best stops often happen by chance.
Tip 4: Learn a few French phrases. Locals appreciate the effort.
Tip 5: Check tide times when visiting coastal areas.
Tip 6: Keep cash on hand. Some small shops and markets don’t take cards.
Tip 7: Download offline maps. Cell service can be spotty in rural areas.
Making the Most of Brittany
Your Brittany road trip will show you a side of France many visitors never see. So, pack your sense of wonder, leave room for surprises, and get ready for an unforgettable journey through one of France’s most beautiful regions. Small roads often lead to the best discoveries, so don’t be afraid to wander.
I’ve always been captivated by Brittany’s unique charm, and I started this site to share my favourite spots and tips with fellow travellers. From exploring hidden beaches to experiencing local culture, I aim to provide practical advice and fresh perspectives on everything this destination has to offer.
