Brittany Road Trip: A Flexible 7-Day Itinerary

If you’re planning a Brittany vacation that combines dramatic coastal landscapes, medieval towns, and authentic Breton cuisine, here’s a Brittany itinerary to inspire you! 

We’ve suggested a day-by-day plan that you can adjust to your pace and preferences. Along the way, you’ll discover that touring Brittany by car is both easy and rewarding, and you’ll be able to enjoy off-the-beaten-path experiences at your leisure.

To take the stress out of the research and trip-planning process, you can have us plan your trip for you! Scroll down to the trip-planning form below and tell us your wishes for your vacation, and we’ll plan the ideal tour of France - just for you!

Browse our self drive tours in Brittany

Day 1: Mont Saint-Michel

Mont Saint-Michel is one of France’s most iconic landmarks, perched on a tidal island. With over a thousand years of history, this UNESCO World Heritage Site attracts over three million visitors each year with its Gothic and Romanesque architecture and picturesque bay views

Highlights: Guided bay walk, islet exploration

• Arrive early at Mont Saint-Michel to beat the busiest tourist hours. A local guide can lead you on a walk across the bay at low tide. You’ll learn more about the history and geography of the area and enjoy some beautiful views of the islet.
• Venture into the narrow lanes of the islet. If you travel with France Just For You, we’ll arrange for a knowledgeable local guide to take you away from the most crowded areas and share fascinating stories from the islet’s long history. They might also share some myths and legends with you!

Tips: 

• Parking is available on the mainland, with a free shuttle (or a pleasant walk) leading up to Mont Saint-Michel.
• We recommend avoiding any debates with locals about whether Mont Saint-Michel is in Normandy or Brittany! Many agree the bay spans both regions.

Day 2: Saint-Malo

Saint-Malo is a walled coastal city with a fascinating corsair past and striking fortifications. Once a base for privateers, it now draws visitors eager to explore the old city’s stone ramparts, learn more about the city's maritime heritage, and sample the region’s fresh seafood.

Highlights: Walled city of Saint-Malo, fresh oysters in Cancale

• Whole Day in Saint-Malo: Spend the day strolling along the ramparts of this legendary port city, admiring panoramic views of the Emerald Coast, and learning about the town’s fascinating history. Explore the cobbled streets of the old town, enjoy some seafood, and learn about Saint-Malo’s World War II history.
• Optional stop in Cancale: Only a 20-minute drive from Saint-Malo, Cancale is famous for its oyster beds and picturesque harbor. If you like seafood and have time, we warmly recommend a stop in Cancale for a quick taste of the region’s famously fresh oysters straight from the stalls on the waterfront.

Day 3: Plougrescant & the Pink Granite Coast

Plougrescant and the Pink Granite Coast highlight Brittany’s distinctive pink-hued boulders and an authentic coastal lifestyle. Stroll along the rocky shoreline and admire the curious rock formations that have captivated visitors and locals for generations.

Highlights: Scenic drive, rocky coastal landscapes, Maison du Gouffre

• Drive to Plougrescant: Set out toward Plougrescant (about a 1.5 to 2-hour drive from Saint-Malo, depending on your route). This is a great spot for hiking and gorgeous views of craggy coastal rock formations. Don’t miss the iconic Maison entre deux Rochers (or Maison du Gouffre), a little house nestled between two massive boulders.
• Continue to the Pink Granite Coast: Head west to reach one of Brittany’s most beloved regions. You’ll find charming seaside towns such as Perros-Guirec and Ploumanac’h, known for their rose-colored rock formations. If you arrive in the evening and the weather’s nice, take a sunset stroll.

Day 4: Sentier des Douaniers & Trébeurden

Highlights: 5-mile coastal hike, beach swim at Saint-Guirec, Breton market shopping

• Sentier des Douaniers (GR34): Put on your hiking shoes for a 5-mile hike along this famous coastal trail along the Pink Granite Coast. You’ll pass dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and beaches strewn with huge pink boulders. If the weather’s warm, treat yourself to a swim at Saint-Guirec beach.
• Trébeurden: Spend the afternoon in the old town of Trébeurden (or if you’re in the region on a Tuesday, visit in the morning when the weekly farmer’s market is open). Explore handicraft shops and refuel with a hearty meal at one of the gourmet restaurants. You may like to try a traditional breton buckwheat pancake (galette) at a local crêperie. Seafood lovers will have many excellent seafood restaurants to choose from in town. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, you may even like to book a table at the Michelin-starred Manoir de Lan-Kerellec.

Day 5: Presqu’île de Crozon

Highlights: Breathtaking peninsula views

• Morning Drive: Take the scenic, roughly two-hour drive south to the Presqu’île de Crozon (Crozon Peninsula). The landscapes here are postcard-worthy, with rugged cliffs, turquoise waters, and peaceful beaches.
• Afternoon Exploration: You could visit the ruins of Landevennec Abbey or hike along one of the marked coastal paths. If you’re there in the evening, you may enjoy watching the sunset from a clifftop vantage point—you’ll see why the Crozon Peninsula is a gem of any Brittany road trip.

Day 6: Pont-Aven & Vannes

Highlights: Pont-Aven’s artistic heritage, prehistoric Carnac stones, walled town of Vannes

• Pont-Aven (1-hour drive from Crozon): Pont-Aven in Finistère is a small, charming town renowned for its connection to the famous Paul Gauguin painting school. Nestled in a lush green valley, it’s an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll along narrow lanes and across old stone bridges, where you’ll pass centuries-old granite houses, windmills with restored mill wheels, and a mix of 17th- and 18th-century architecture typical of Breton’s authentic charm. It’s also known for its buttery biscuits (galettes de Pont-Aven). Take a stroll along the river, or visit the town’s museum to see some fine art and learn a bit about the history of the town.
• Optional stop in Carnac (another 1-hour drive): If you’re interested in prehistoric sites, break up your journey on the way to Vannes with a visit to see the Neolithic standing stones at Carnac.
• Vannes (approx. 30 minutes from Carnac): Vannes is a medieval, walled town with half-timbered buildings, a bustling harbor, and a lively old quarter. It’s the capital of Brittany’s Morbihan department. Spend what remains of the day exploring the town.

Day 7: Île-aux-Moines

Highlights: Short ferry ride from Vannes or Port Blanc, peaceful island exploration

• Île-aux-Moines: This island is one of the jewels of the Gulf of Morbihan, and it’s perfect for a leisurely day trip. Take the ferry for the short crossing and once on the island, you can explore on foot or by bike, discovering quiet coves, traditional Breton houses, and panoramic coastal views.
• Tip: Check the ferry schedules in advance, especially in the off-season. We recommend bringing a picnic, or you may sample local dishes at a small café on the island.

Other Places to Explore in Brittany

When we plan each driving tour of France for our travelers, we make sure they have flexibility and choice about what to do each day. You may not be able to do everything, but if you want, you have the option of adding one of these stops into your itinerary:

• Dinan: Near Saint-Malo, this is a pleasant stop between Saint-Malo and Plougrescant. Stroll its medieval streets, explore the castle, city walls and Saint-Sauveur Basiliica, and enjoy lovely views over the Rance river.
• Rochefort-en-Terre: Around a 30-minute drive from Vannes, this flowery “Petite Cité de Caractère” (‘Small Town of Character’) is often named one of France’s most beautiful villages.
• Locronan: A beautiful little Renaissance town, convenient to visit on the journey between the Crozon Peninsula and Pont-Aven.
• Rennes: If you have extra time and want a taste of city life, add an extra day or two at the end of your trip to explore Brittany’s capital city, including its historic center, Art Deco architecture, and lively café terraces.

Read more about these places in our blog post on the Best Places to Visit in Brittany

Practical Tips for Your Brittany Road Trip

• Driving in Brittany: Roads are well-maintained and tend to be less congested than those in major cities. That said, summer months can be busier along the coast.
• Car Rental: If you’re used to driving an automatic car, let your rental agency know in advance—manual vehicles are more common in France. If you travel with France Just For You, we will arrange car rental for you, so all you have to do is pick it up when you arrive.
• Packing: No matter what time of year, bring a windbreaker or light rain jacket. Brittany’s weather can change quickly along the coast, even in summer.
• Timing: Aim to set off early for major attractions (like Mont Saint-Michel) to beat the crowds.

Ready to Visit Brittany?

Whether you have a week or more, touring Brittany by car at your own pace is a wonderful way to experience its rich culture and breathtaking scenery. By planning each day around your interests—be it beaches, medieval architecture, or local gastronomy—you’ll experience the best of Brittany’s hidden gems.

If you’d like a fully customized Brittany vacation, we'd love to craft a Brittany itinerary just for you. From personally tested premium French B&B accommodations to insider tips on the best restaurants, markets, and places of interest, our self-drive tours of Brittany come with everything you need for an unforgettable adventure.