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12 January 2024
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When we were creating our brand-new Road Trip France Travel Guide, we knew Brittany had to be included. It has easily accessible drives and tonnes of must-see places. The distances aren’t huge, with most days covering only two to three hours on the road. Therefore, you’ve got plenty of time to slow down, get out of the car and really enjoy soaking up the sights.
We spent time following this exact route to see what makes Brittany so special. It began in the cobbled streets of Vannes before leading us to the dramatic headland at Pointe du Raz. From there we crossed the wild Crozon Peninsula, travelled along the striking pink granite coast and ended in the historic port city of Saint-Malo.
This blog features our very own 7-day itinerary. It includes the key must-see spots, overnight campsites and aires. It’s a great starting point if you’re planning your own road trip around France, and if you want to go deeper, our latest guidebook is packed with extra tips and places to explore.
You might also want to consider extending your road trip to explore more of Normandy or the Pays de la Loire. Both regions are close by and have several highlights, making them a natural continuation of a trip through Brittany.
Highlights: Vannes Old Town, Carnac Stones, Côte Sauvage, Quiberon Beaches
Stay: Camping Les Sables Blancs
The starting point for this road trip is Vannes, the capital of Brittany’s Morbihan region. Full of history, culture and great food, the medieval centre is mostly pedestrian, so it’s best to park on the outskirts and explore on foot. Highlights include the Jardin des Ramparts, the cobbled streets of the 16th-century Old Town and the mix of urban art from sculptures to murals. Fresh oysters and traditional Breton buckwheat galettes are a must-try.
Next, visit Carnac, home to the oldest megalithic site in the world. The standing stones at Ménec and Kermario are over 7,000 years old and their purpose remains a mystery. Admission is free from October to May, with guided tours in summer.Â
From Carnac, drive to the Quiberon Peninsula with its wild Atlantic scenery and sandy beaches. The Côte Sauvage offers dramatic views at Pointe du Conguel, while Port Blanc and the Grande Plage are perfect for walks or surfing. The dunes here cover more than 2,500 hectares and are best explored on foot or by bike.
The day ends in Pont-Aven, a riverside town that became an artists’ colony in the 19th century. Its galleries, colourful houses and quaint streets are best explored on foot, with parking on the outskirts.
Highlights: Plage de Tahiti, Concarneau, Quimper, Plage de Tronoën, Pointe du Raz
Stay: Camping de la Baie
Start the day at Plage de Tahiti, a hidden paradise with golden sands and vibrant turquoise waters. It’s perfect for a morning stroll or a quick dip before heading out.
Next, visit Concarneau and explore the walled Ville Close, perched on an island in the harbour. Wander the cobbled streets, admire the historic fortifications, and soak up the charm of this timeless town.
Continue to Quimper, Brittany’s cultural capital. Three rivers meet here and the skyline is dominated by the Gothic cathedral. Explore the half-timbered streets, artisan workshops in Locmaria, galleries, and flea markets. There are car parks nearby, including one by the cathedral. Don’t miss a thin lace crepe at the indoor market in the old Saint François convent.
After a morning of culture, relax at Plage de Tronoën, framed by dunes, or detour to Audierne for the family friendly Aquashow aquarium.
Finish at Pointe du Raz, Brittany’s westernmost tip, where cliffs plunge into the Atlantic. Often compared to Land’s End, the dramatic coastline offers views of La Vieille Lighthouse and nearby islets. Part of a protected nature reserve, there is a visitor centre and car park. Hike along the trails or simply take in the wild beauty.
Highlights: Locronan, Crozon Peninsula, Cap de la Chèvre, Pointe de Pen-Hir
Stay: Camping Pen Bellec
Begin the day in Locronan, one of France’s most beautiful villages and a perfectly preserved medieval town often used as a film set. Wander the cobbled streets of this village of character and take in the incredible architecture, charming squares, and the stunning skyline. Locronan remains an active pilgrimage site on the Grande Tromenie route, so step inside the Gothic Saint Ronan Church and Penity Chapel to soak up the atmosphere. The town centre is full of historic boutiques, many still featuring their original signs, and patisseries where you can try a flaky kouign-amann, one of Brittany’s most beloved treats. Driving in Locronan can be tricky due to its historic streets, but there is parking for larger vehicles just a short three-minute walk from the centre.
Next, unwind at Plage de Lestrevet, a long, sandy beach popular with surfers and perfect for a morning stroll or a dip in the Atlantic.
Then head to the Crozon Peninsula, a wild and dramatic headland that feels like the edge of the world. Accessible by car via a suspension bridge, the peninsula is packed with scenic spots for walking, photography, and soaking in the rugged coastline. Cap de la Chèvre offers cliffside views over the ocean, while at Pointe de Pen-Hir, jagged rock stacks rise sharply from the sea, creating one of Brittany’s most iconic landscapes. Lush green hills, hidden coves, and rocky outcrops tell tales of pirates and smugglers, and the hiking trails here are perfect for taking in the full majesty of the coastline.
Finish the day at Plage de Pen Hat, a soft, sandy beach. Perfect for relaxing and watching the sun dip toward the Atlantic before camping overnight at Camping Pen Bellec.
Highlights: Brest, Le Conquet, Plage des Blancs Sablons, Côte des Légendes
Stay: Camping РC̫te des Legends
Begin the day heading north towards Brest, a lively port city with a rich maritime heritage. The city’s two districts, Recouvrance and Siam, are connected by a bridge and the pedestrianised city centre makes exploring on foot easy. Take a stroll along the harbour, admire the naval architecture, or soak up the atmosphere of a city that has been shaped by the sea for centuries.
From Brest, continue to Le Conquet, a Petite Cité de Caractère tucked at Brittany’s tip. This charming fishing village is perfect for wandering through historic cottages, enjoying scenic cliffside walks, and taking in breathtaking sea views. With green spaces and a quiet, authentic feel, Le Conquet is a hidden gem that rewards those who explore beyond the main tourist trail.
Next, stop at Plage des Blancs Sablons, a windswept 2.5-kilometre beach surrounded by dramatic cliffs. Part of the Conservatoire du Littoral, it’s a protected area with wild, unspoiled beauty. The beach is popular with surfers, but also perfect for a peaceful walk along the soft sands, breathing in the fresh Atlantic air.
Finish the day at Ménez Ham and the Côte des Légendes, a rugged stretch of coastline steeped in myths and legends. Dramatic rock formations rise from the waves and the abandoned village of Meneham is a fascinating sight, offering a glimpse into Brittany’s past. This area is a favourite with hikers and birdwatchers, who come to explore the cliff paths and enjoy the spectacular ocean views. Stay overnight at Camping Côte des Légendes, surrounded by the natural beauty of this magical part of Brittany.
Highlights: Roscoff, Morlaix, Côte de Granit Rose, Ploumanac’h
Stay: Camping Sandaya Le Ranolien
Begin the day along Brittany’s Pink Granite Coast, where striking rock formations and coastal charm create some of the region’s most memorable scenery. Start at Plage des Amiets, a peaceful sandy beach perfect for a morning walk along the shore.
Next, head to Roscoff, a former fishing village turned charming seaside resort. Famous for its pink onions and as the home of France’s first thalassotherapy centre, Roscoff is also a great place to explore the Jardin Exotique on the Île de Batz, with its 3,000 species of sub-tropical plants and panoramic sea views. While in town, don’t miss the ‘station biologique’, one of Europe’s largest seaweed harvesting areas. There are plenty of parking options here, including spaces for larger vehicles near the Perharidy campsite.
Continue to Morlaix, where the town’s iconic viaduct is a highlight. From there, drive along the Côte de Granit Rose, where the shoreline is sculpted into surreal shapes with weathered pink rocks, giving this stretch of Brittany a truly ethereal appearance. The coastal roads can be narrow and winding, but the scenery makes every turn worth it.
End the day in Ploumanac’h, a picturesque fishing village often named one of France’s prettiest. Take in the sunset at the Phare de Men Ruz lighthouse, which perfectly frames the pink-hued rocks along the coast.
Highlights: : Perros-Guirec, Paimpol, Saint-Quay-Portrieux, Pléneuf-Val-André
Stay: Camping Sandaya Val André
Spend the day exploring Perros-Guirec, a charming, rustic town packed with Breton character. A popular seaside resort since the 19th century, it’s ideal for idyllic beaches, surfing, and sunshine. Wander the vibrant town centre, enjoy the eclectic selection of cafes and shops, or simply relax by the sea. Parking is plentiful, including options for larger vehicles during peak season.
From Perros-Guirec, take a boat trip along the coastline. The pink granite rocks look even more spectacular from the water, and you may spot puffins and other seabirds that make the coast their home.
Next, head to Paimpol, a seafood lover’s paradise famous for oysters and Bouchet mussels. Explore the historic Abbaye de Beauport and stroll around Loguivy de la Mer, home of the local blue lobster.
Continue to the Île de la Comtesse, accessible on foot at low tide, and enjoy the beaches of this charming seaside town known for its scallops, or ‘coquille Saint-Jacques’.
Finish the day in Pleneuf-Val André, a town with dramatic cliffside landscapes and a 2.5 km long sandy beach. The area is made up of three regions: the quaint village of Pleneuf, the bustling Val André seaside resort, and the picturesque Dahouet marina.
Highlights: Cap Fréhel, Fort La Latte, Dinard, Saint-Malo
Stay: Camping de la Cité d’Alet
Start the day at Sables-d’Or-les-Pins, a charming seaside resort town, before heading to Cap Fréhel. Rising 70 meters above the sea, this dramatic headland offers some of Brittany’s most stunning coastal views. Visit in summer or autumn to see the moorlands in full colour, explore the lighthouses, and take in the wild beauty of the coastline.
Next, visit Fort La Latte, also known as Château de La Roche Goyon. Perched on pink sandstone cliffs, this fully restored fortress is Brittany’s most visited and offers a fascinating glimpse into medieval history, with towers, battlements, and sweeping sea views.
Continue to the Château du Guildo, an 11th-century castle overlooking Arguenon Bay. Set within a 5.36-hectare nature reserve, it’s free to explore, and wandering its courtyards and towers is a treat for both history lovers and photographers.
Stop in Saint-Briac-sur-Mer, a charming seaside resort on the Emerald Coast, known for its quaint beaches, lively town centre, and being home to France’s oldest golf course. Then head to Dinard, a chic Belle Époque town with a mild climate and relaxed vibe. Enjoy spas, art galleries, and the town’s autumn Festival of British Cinema if your visit coincides.
Finish your Brittany adventure in Saint-Malo, a historic port town famous for its pirates, incredible crepes, and medieval charm. Walk along the city walls, visit the Cathédrale de Saint-Malo, and explore Le Grande Bé and Le Petit Bé at low tide. Don’t miss sampling local oysters and traditional Breton galettes before concluding your trip.
If you’re after more advice and first-hand experience, check out Robbie Roams’ YouTube channel. You can watch the 4-part France road trip series to see the places featured in the guide come to life. Also get honest insights and pick up extra tips before you start your journey. It’s a great way to visualise your route and feel even more prepared for the adventure ahead.
