Brittany (Bretagne in French, Breizh in Breton) is a region in Northern France, directly west of Normandy, along the English Channel and Atlantic Ocean.
We were first attracted to this French region because of the GR 34, aka Customs’ Officers Path, which follows almost the entire Breton Coast. But the more we learned about Brittany, the more obsessed we became with this region’s ancient history, celtic-rooted culture, food, and music.
This is the land of extreme tides, neolithic megaliths, heady golden cider, buttery Kouign-amann pastries, smuggling ports, mariner shirts, gothic churches, and colorful half-timbered houses.
Our Brittany road trip itinerary highlights scenic stretches of the GR 34 (day hikes only) alongside picturesque coastal towns and gourmet restaurants. It’s a pleasure-filled itinerary that prioritizes epicurean experiences as much as coastal walking.
Over the course of 10 days, you will walk along the Emerald Coast, Pink Granite Coast, Crozon Peninsula, and Wild Coast of Quiberon and Belle Ile Island. You will visit the towns of Paimpol, Roscoff, Locronan, Quimper, and Vannes. And, you will eat unbelievably well. If you’re not a francophile yet (or perhaps a Breton-phile), you soon will be.
Everything in this Brittany itinerary guide is a personal recommendation written by Sabrina and Kati, founders of Moon & Honey Travel, your favorite outdoor travel blog. We’re so happy to share this route with you. And we wish you a mighty jolly trip to Bretagne.
- Days 1 – 2: Emerald Coast, Cap Frehel, Fort la Latte
- Day 3: Paimpol, Tréguier, Maison du Gouffre de Plougrescant, Perros-Guirec
- Day 4: Pink Granite Coast Hike
- Day 5: Morlaix Bay and Roscoff
- Days 6 -7: Crozon Peninsula
- Day 8: Locronan, Quimper, Pont-Aven, Quiberon Peninsula
- Day 9: Belle Ile Island
- Day 10: Vannes
- 2 Nights in Sables-d’Or-les-Pins
- 2 Nights in Perros-Guirec
- 1-2 Nights in Roscoff
- 2 Nights in Morgat, Crozon Peninsula
- 2 Nights in Quiberon
Get the Guidebook: DK Eyewitness Brittany
Brittany Road Trip Map
DESTINATIONS
Where to Stay
Tréguier / Plougrescant
Locronan / Quimper
Quiberon Peninsula
Vannes
How to Book this Brittany / Bretagne, Northern France Road Trip
Accommodation
Book 2 Nights in Sables-d’Or-les-Pins | Hôtel de Diane
Book 2 Nights in Perros-Guirec | Kanoperoz-Plage de Trestraou (budget), Hôtel Les Costans (midrange), Villa les Hydrangeas (midrange), Spa L’Agapa by CODAGE (luxury), or Grand Hôtel Perros-Guirec (luxury)
Book 1-2 Nights in Roscoff | Chez Janie (budget), La Brise (midrange), Hôtel La Résidence des Artistes (budget-midrange), Hôtel Mercure (luxury), or Hôtel Le Temps de Vivre Roscoff (luxury)
Book 2 Nights in Morgat in Crozon Peninsula | L’Escale Marine, The Originals Relais (midrange), Appartements Fontaine (budget), L améthystes (budget), TY SEA (budget), Maison à l’orée du bois du Kador (3-bedroom house).
Book 2 Nights in Quiberon Peninsula | Hôtel La Petite Sirène (budget-midrange), Hôtel Ker Noyal (midrange), or Domaine de la pointe Quiberon (4-bedroom house)
Car Rental
We recommend using the Discovercars.com car rental reservation platform to search for and book car rentals in France.
This intuitive booking platform compares car rental deals from numerous trusted suppliers, so that you can choose the best option for your trip.
Restaurant Reservations
Reservations are necessary when dining out in Brittany, because of limited operating hours and space.
Very few restaurants have online reservation systems. It’s best to call, email, or sometimes send an Instagram message (if they don’t have a website). We used google translate to communicate.
Our Brittany itinerary is stuffed with tips on where to dine.
Days 1 – 2: Emerald Coast
Arrive in Brittany
There are three airports in (historic) Brittany: Nantes, Rennes, and Brest.
From Vienna, we flew directly to Nantes Atlantique Airport and then drove directly to the Emerald Coast.
If you fly to the Rennes–Saint-Jacques Airport, you can follow our Brittany route as is. If you fly to the Brest Bretagne Airport, we recommend starting your road trip in Morgat, Crozon Peninsula.
UK and Irish travelers can also travel to Brittany by ferry.
Brittany Ferries operates a car ferry line between Plymouth and Roscoff all-year-long and between Cork and Roscoff during the main holiday season. If you arrive in Roscoff, you can start your trip directly in Roscoff.
Explore the Emerald Coast
Spanning the departments of Ille-et-Vilaine and Côtes-d’Armor, the 60-kilometer-long Emerald Coast boasts the region’s most esteemed seaside resorts, including Dinard, Saint-Malo, and Saint-Briac-sur-Mer.
If you have time to extend your holiday, you may want to commence your trip in the fortified port town of Saint-Malo, or Dinard. If you can splurge, stay in Castelbrac Hôtel & Spa in Dinard.
Our trip begins west of Saint-Malo in the small resort town of Sables d’Or Les Pins, between Cap Frehel and Cap d’Erquy.
This low-key seaside resort offers access to long sandy dune beaches, clifftop trails, and seaside castles.
Start your trip with a visit to the 14-the century Fort La Latte, a medieval castle perched dramatically on a wave-battered headland jutting into the sea. This coastal fortress ignites the imagination with its formidable curtain walls, defensive towers, and drawbridge.
After visiting the castle, follow the cliffside trail to Cap Frehel, distinguished by its towering lighthouse, 70-meter high cliffs, and bird reserve.
Read our Cap Frehel – Fort la Latte hiking guide to perfectly plan your visit.
Stay 2 Nights in Sables-dʼOr-les-Pins
Hôtel de Diane enjoys a prime location near the Les Sables d’Or Les Pins dune beach, nestled between Cap Frehel and Cap d’Erquy.
This historic half-timbered hotel charms guests with its impeccable service, elegant and cozy lounges, gourmet restaurant, exceptional breakfast offerings, and pristine, contemporary bedrooms.
We were especially delighted by the hotel’s restaurant, Le 1925 (open Tuesday through Saturday), situated in a radiant dining hall adorned with high ceilings, potted plants, and an elegant array of pendant lights.
Guests can indulge in either the Chef’s three-act menu or the seasonal menu, which is refreshed every two months. The cuisine is sublime, and the dining experience is gracefully well-paced. Make dinner reservations in advance.
Breakfast is a delightful spread of local, organic, and homemade delicacies, offering a high-quality and delicious start to the day.
Look for accommodation in Sables-d’Or-les-Pins.
Look for accommodation in Erquy.
Day 3: Paimpol, Tréguier, and Maison du Gouffre de Plougrescant
Paimpol
Start day 3 of your Brittany road trip by driving west to Paimpol, a port town with a strong maritime heritage, located along the Goëlo coast in Côtes-d’Armor.
Keen walkers may want to detour to Pointe de Bilfot (google maps) to hike a scenic stretch of the Route des Falaises coastal trail. The complete route runs between Saint-Quay Portrieux and Paimpol. For a shorter amble, we specifically recommend hiking the stretch between Pointe de Bilfot to Pointe de Minard (6.2 km out-and-back / 2 hours).
After the coastal walk, eat lunch at Crêperie L’Ost-Pic in Plouézec, or at Ostium inside Les Hauts de Kerano. Reservations recommended.
If you love romantic gothic ruins and gardens, swing by Beaufort Abbey on your way to Paimpol.
The old town of Paimpol is gathered around the boat-filled harbor. For coffee and cake, visit Pâtisserie Couzigou at Place du Martray.
If you extend your visit to Paimpol, stay in Les Hauts de Kerano (3-star hotel with gourmet restaurant), Maison d’hôtes de Kergiquel (outstanding B&B), or Chambres et tables d’hôtes Cornec (B&B).
Learn more: Paimpol Travel Guide
Tréguier
Your road trip continues west to Tréguier, an attractive port town set between the Jaudy and Guindy rivers, which flow together into the sea.
The center of town wraps around the gothic Cathedral St. Tugdual, the resting place of St. Yves (Ivo of Kermartin), who died in 1303.
Narrow cobbled streets, lined with half-timbered houses (57 in total), slope down to the port, guarded by two shipowners’ towers.
Tréguier is a worthy stop, before continuing north to the Plougrescant coast.
Maison du Gouffre de Plougrescant
Le Gouffre de Plougrescant (The Plougrescant Chasm) is a large fault between two rocks.
Most travelers venture here to see the famous photo-worthy stone house, embedded between two boulders, bounded by a salt pont and the sea.
This house has a few names: Maison du Gouffre de Plougrescant, Maison Entre Les Rochers (house between the rocks), and Castel Meur.
Though the house and its immediate surroundings are private property, the nearby trail affords enjoyable views of Brittany’s famous motif.
Cute house aside, this stretch of coast is particularly stunning. Follow the GR 34 to Point du Chateau (Castle Point) and if time allows onwards to Plage de Porz Hir.
Stay in Perros-Guirec
Top Choice – Midange | Hôtel Les Costans enjoys a tranquil location overlooking the sea between Trestraou and Trestrignel beaches in Perros-Guirec.
This 3-star hotel is ideal for those who cherish serenity, quality breakfasts accompanied by sweeping sea views. Rooms are airy and reflect contemporary minimalist tastes.
Guests can admire the glistening waters of the English Channel from the garden or the stylish breakfast room, which transforms into a tapas lounge-bar in the evening.
Budget | Kanoperoz-Plage de Trestraou is a one-bedroom apartment with a washing machine and free on-site parking, just steps away from Trestraou beach.
Midrange | Villa les Hydrangeas – Hôtel restaurant vue mer is a quiet 3-star hotel and restaurant with sea view rooms in Perros-Guirec, near Trestrignel beach.
5-star Luxury | Spa L’Agapa by CODAGE sets the bar high with its elegant black-and-white rooms, enticing spa facilities, and gourmet restaurant. Its hilltop perch affords sweeping views of Trestraou Beach and the nearby Sept-Iles archipelago.
4-star Luxury | The seafront Grand Hôtel Perros-Guirec at Trestraou beach evokes a bygone era with its casino, cocktail bar, and turn-of-the-century lobby illuminated by chandeliers. The most appealing facilities of the hotel are new, including the rooftop panoramic terrace (where breakfast is served), the elegant sea-view rooms, the spa, and the gourmet Le Jo’Ker restaurant.
More Perros-Guirec Accommodations | Chez Malo (budget-friendly apartment), Ma Ripoz B&B (B&B), and Roz Marine Thalasso (4-star luxury).
Look for accommodation in Perros-Guirec.
Day 4: Pink Granite Coast
The Pink Granite Coast is a gorgeous expanse of Breton shoreline, studded with copper-pink granite formations that have been powerfully shaped by the elements over countless millennia.
Three hundred million years ago this area lay beneath a volcanic mountain chain. Magma rose and formed a chamber 5 km below the Hercynian peaks. Gradual cooling and pressure transformed the magma into granite.
Erosion wore down the mountain range, revealing the granite massif underneath. And then the granite itself eroded as rain, frost, wind, and salt infiltrated the natural cracks of the rock, resulting in the uniquely-sculpted formations seen today along the Pink Granite Coast.
We recommend dedicating a whole day to explore the Côte de Granit Rose of Brittany. Our Pink Granite Coast hiking guide details our recommended point-to-point walking route along the Pink Granite Coast.
For the greatest ease, ask your hotel to arrange a taxi transfer (before arrival).
Stay a Second Night in Perros-Guirec
Budget | Kanoperoz-Plage de Trestraou
Top Choice – Midange | Hôtel Les Costans
Midrange | Villa les Hydrangeas – Hôtel restaurant vue mer
5-star Luxury | Spa L’Agapa by CODAGE
4-star Luxury | Grand Hôtel Perros-Guirec
Look for accommodation in Perros-Guirec.
Day 5: Bay of Morlaix and Roscoff
After a leisurely breakfast, continue your drive west for 1:15 hours to Térénez in Plougasnou.
As you journey around Morlaix Bay, you can visit a number of attractions like the Cairn of Barnenez and the historic center of Morlaix. Read our Roscoff travel guide for an overview of the area.
Térénez – Saint-Samson Coastal Hike in Plougasnou
This short hike along the GR 34 is a hidden gem. Don’t miss it.
Starting at the small car park at Port de Térénez (google maps), follow the coastal trail north along the Bay of Morlaix. When the GR 34 deviates from the coast, ignore it and stay on the coastal path.
This quiet trail passes by unique rock formations and rugged beaches. When you reach Plage de Guerzit, turn right and follow inland roads to Restaurant La Maison de Kerdiès (reservation needed).
After lunch, continue following this route (upper half) back to Port de Térénez.
Visit Morlaix
In the Middle Ages, Morlaix was a thriving port.
Today, Morlaix is an eclectic town adorned with street art, half-timbered houses, and dominated by a grand railway viaduct constructed in the 1860s.
Begin your exploration in the historic medieval center, where you can marvel at the unique three-story overhanging houses.
These distinctive half-timbered structures, featuring manorial halls and spiral wooden staircases, were erected by affluent linen merchants in the 16th century.
Unique shops, pubs, and restaurants abound.
Eat Dinner at Chez Janie in Roscoff
Chez Janie is a seafood restaurant and hotel overlooking the old port of Roscoff. We ordered their fish of the day and a few appetizers, including Roscoffs’ very own seaweed tartare.
Shellfish lovers will not be disappointed by their oyster and seafood platters overflowing with spider crabs, brown crabs, prawns, periwinkles, whelks, langoustines, and cockles.
Stay 1-2 Nights in Roscoff
Roscoff is an exceedingly attractive port town with direct ferry connections to Plymouth and Cork. We stayed 1 night in Roscoff, but 2 nights would have been better, especially if you want to walk around Île de Batz and further explore Morlaix Bay.
Top Choice – B&B | La Brise is an exquisite bed and breakfast set in a quiet area of Roscoff, walking distance to the old port. This B&B offers four beautiful guestrooms, each equipped with a coffee maker and tea kettle with loose leaf teas. On-site parking is available with reservation (fees apply).
Budget | Hotel du Centre – Chez Janie is located along the old fishing port in the historic center of Roscoff. Stay here for the central location, excellent on-site seafood restaurant, and friendly staff. No elevator.
Budget-Midrange | Hôtel La Résidence des Artistes offers clean and comfortable rooms in Roscoff.
Luxury | The seafront Hôtel Mercure Roscoff Bord de Mer is situated behind the Notre-Dame de Croas-Batz Church. Book a seaview room, or enjoy the panoramic sea views from the hotel’s lounge.
Luxury | Housed in an elegant, historic building, the seafront Hôtel Le Temps de Vivre Roscoff offers spacious contemporary rooms and an excellent breakfast. Limited private parking available with reservation (fees apply).
Days 6-7: Crozon Peninsula
Slow Morning in Roscoff
Start your day with an unhurried stroll through Roscoff’s historic town bursting with irresistible bakeries and patisseries. Read our Roscoff Travel Guide for insights on how to locate a smuggler’s beach.
If the weather aligns, ride the pedestrian ferry to Île de Batz for a coastal walk, or hop on a Vagabonds de la Baie boat to tour Château du Taureau, the island fortress that was built to protect Morlaix from the English.
Explore Crozon Peninsula
Drive 1:30 hours southwest to Crozon Peninsula.
Crozon Peninsula (Presqu’île de Crozon in French, Gourenez Kraozon in Breton) is located in the Finistère department of Brittany, between Brest and Quimper.
Here, the windswept coastline unfurls in a dramatic procession of cliffs, rugged headlands, offshore rock stacks, secluded bays, and crescent-shaped sandy beaches.
Crozon harbors some of the most dramatic seascapes in Brittany and is a highly coveted destination for coastal walking.
On your arrival day, we recommend hiking around the Pointe de Dinan headland, before settling into your accommodation in Morgat.
Use your full day in Crozon to hike the Pointe de Pen Hir circuit trail, starting in Camaret-sur-Mer. Along the way, eat lunch at Chez Germaine, an excellent beachside creperie (no reservation needed).
Everything is explained in detail in our travel guide to Crozon Peninsula.
For dinner, we recommend Baradoz (creperie) and Bistrot le 34 in L’Escale Marine, both located in Morgat.
Stay 2 Nights in Morgat in Crozon Peninsula
Top Choice – Midrange | L’Escale Marine, The Originals Relais is a 3-star hotel with private parking, an excellent restaurant (Bistrot le 34) and bar, and air-conditioned and soundproof rooms. Expect a warm welcome and a delicious breakfast.
Adults-Only Apartments | Top-rated Appartements Fontaine – A Vous Morgat offers spotless modern apartments with free parking just steps away from the Morgat beach.
Beachfront Apartment | L améthystes is a seaview apartment with a double bed and 1 sofa bed in Morgat with a fully-equipped kitchen, free parking, and a washing machine.
Apartment | TY SEA is a budget-friendly, one-bedroom apartment in the heart of Morgat with parking.
Vacation Home | The 3-bedroom Maison à l’orée du bois du Kador, situated 1-km away from Plage de Morgat, is a great option for families. The rental home features minimalist nordic furnishings, a well-kept garden and terrace, and BBQ facilities.
Look for accommodation in Morgat.
Day 8: Locronan, Quimper, Quiberon Peninsula Côte Sauvage
Drive from Crozon Peninsula to Quiberon
Today, you will drive from Crozon Peninsula to Quiberon Peninsula in the department of Morbihan.
After days centered around the Breton coast, we thoroughly enjoyed hopping between historic towns with no agenda other than to eat well.
There are so many worthy stops along the route including: Locronan, Douarnenez, Quimper, Pont-Aven, Quimperlé, Doëlan, Saint-Goustan, and even the Carnac Alignments (Kermario alignements).
Locronan, Quimper, and Pont-Aven
We started the day in Locronan, a remarkably well-preserved medieval town in Finistère. Declared one of the most beautiful villages in France (Les plus beaux villages de France), this hilltop town is an elegant cluster of granite houses, churches, and fountains. Paid Parking: Exact Location.
After visiting Locronan, our road trip led us to Quimper. Coincidentally, it was market day, and the historic center buzzed with activity. With its vibrant half-timbered houses and cobbled streets, Quimper’s charming center looks like pages from a storybook.
We ate a delicious lunch at Folks (google maps), a welcoming coffee shop with daily lunch specials and an extensive tea menu.
Next, we stopped in Pont-Aven, a picturesque town straddling the Aven estuary. Pont-Aven’s everlasting fame is tied to Paul Gauguin and a troop of post-impressionist painters who established the Pont-Aven School in 1886.
It’s touristy, but not in a bad way. There are lots of galleries and shops, selling Traou Mad buttery galettes (cookies) and all things Breton.
Dinner at Bar Restaurant Guinguette Canailles
Canailles, a hidden gem in Saint-Pierre-Quiberon, is a tapas restaurant offering a delectable array of shareable plates. Their menu spans culinary influences from Peru to Japan, providing a diverse and flavorful dining experience.
The dining area spills out into an atmospheric garden, where families and friends gather to enjoy a memorable evening together.
We absolutely loved this spot! The atmosphere, food, and service are all outstanding!
Address | 2 Rue du Manoir, 56510 Saint-Pierre-Quiberon, France | Google Maps
Sunset Walk along Côte Sauvage
After dinner, we drove to the west-facing wild coast (Côte Sauvage) of Quiberon Peninsula for sunset. A coastal trail traces the entire coast, so you can dedicate as much time as you want to walking along this splendidly rugged peninsula.
There are car parks up and down the D186a road, which runs parallel to Côte Sauvage. Park near Port Goulom (aka Port Pigeon), either here, or here, and walk from there.
Stay in Quiberon
Unfortunately, there are no standout hotels in Quiberon.
But, it’s the best place to stay for day trips to Belle Ile Island. If you’re not amused by the accommodation offering, you could potentially stay around Carnac in Le Celtique Hôtel & Wellness or Le Lodge Kerisper and then drive early in the morning to the Quiberon ferry (research parking options in advance).
Budget-Midrange | Hôtel La Petite Sirène offers sea-view rooms and apartments in Quiberon. It’s a pleasant 20-minute walk from the hotel to the ferry terminal along the coastal path and promenade. Free on-site parking available.
Midrange | Hôtel Ker Noyal is a clean and comfortable 3-star hotel, centrally-located in Quiberon near La Grande Plage and a 14-minute walk to the Quiberon ferry terminal.
4-Bedroom House | Domaine de la pointe Quiberon is a spacious and modern house with a perfectly-equipped kitchen, washing machine, garden, and on-site parking. This is a perfect option for families.
Look for accommodation in Quiberon.
Day 9: Belle Ile Island Day Trip
On your penultimate day in Brittany, take the ferry from Quiberon to Belle Ile (Belle-île-en-Mer), the largest Breton Island.
We recommend traveling as a pedestrian, because there are buses and a suite of car and bicycle outfitters on the island.
Read our Belle Ile Island travel guide to plan the perfect day trip to this slice of paradise.
Dinner at Tempête in Quiberon
Tempête, conveniently located just across from the ferry terminal in Quiberon, is an outstanding gourmet restaurant centered around quality seafood.
Chef Lucas Iung personally buys and prepares all the seafood to ensure freshness and outstanding quality. He presents his 4-course menu to one round of dinner guests, passionately detailing the process, ingredients, and decisions behind each course. He very graciously articulated an abridged version for us in English.
Address | 1 Rue de Kervozes, 56170 Quiberon, France | Google Maps
Reservation | Call +33 7 69 90 61 10, or email tempete.quiberon@gmail.com. We made a reservation via Instagram.
Stay a Second Night in Quiberon
Budget-Midrange | Hôtel La Petite Sirène
Midrange | Hôtel Ker Noyal
4-Bedroom House | Domaine de la pointe Quiberon
Look for accommodation in Quiberon.
Day 10: Vannes
We visited Vannes on our way to Nantes Airport on our last day in Brittany.
Vannes is a vibrant walled city with a cathedral, marina, medieval gates, and a historic center filled with dreamy squares, enclosed by colorful half-timbered houses.
Start your tour of the city by walking across the Jardin des Remparts (garden outside the city walls) to Lavoirs de la Garenne (riverside wash house). Enter the city by way of Postern Gate and head to Place des Lices.
Locate La Huche à Pain (google maps), a family-run bakery that sells delicious Breton pastries and take-away sandwiches. Their Kouign-Amman pastries are unbelievably good. If you need to pack a snack for the airport/flight home, buy a few of their baguette sandwiches.
Wind through the city via Place Valencia and Place Henri-IV to Port Prison.
If you decide to extend your stay, check out Appart Hôtel & Spa La Villa du Port Vannes, or the nearby La Bellevue on the Golfe du Morbihan.
France Travel Guides
Brittany:
- Pink Granite Coast Hike
- Crozon Peninsula Travel Guide
- Belle-Ile Island Travel Guide
- Cap Frehel and Fort la Latte Hike, Emerald Coast
- Paimpol Travel Guide
- Roscoff Travel Guide
Marseille:
Calanques National Park:
- How to Visit Calanques National Park
- Hiking in Calanques National Park
- Cassis – Calanque d’En Vau Hike
- Devenson Cliffs Hike
- Calanque de Sugition – Calanque de Morgiou Hike
- Calanque de Sormiou – Les Goudes Hike
Pin this Image for Future Trip Planning!
Stay Connected:
Connect with us on Pinterest.
Follow us on Instagram.
Like us on Facebook.
Support Us:
If you love reading our content, you can tip us via Ko-Fi.
