Roadtrip Brittany: Best 2 week itinerary for the wild Atlantic coast

This road trip always takes you along the coast, but you will also make a few detours inland and discover all 4 regions of Brittany:

1. Ille-et-Villaine
2. Côtes-d’Armor
3. Finistère
4. Morbihan

My Brittany route offers many very varied landscapes and places, both on the coast and inland.

• The route starts at the border with Normandy, at Mont Saint Michel,
• and then takes you along the Emerald Coast, where you will discover oyster farms and former corsair nests.
• Continue to the Côtes-d’Armor past the picturesque pink granite coast.
• In the Finistère region, you can visit the truly spectacular Crozon peninsula, as well as many lighthouses and other places that will leave you speechless.
• Finally, this Brittany route takes you through Morbihan, where the famous megaliths of Carnac and the natural paradise of the Gulf of Morbihan await you.

The deeper you get into Brittany on this trip, the more connected you will feel to the wild coast, the rough wind and the beautiful nature. At least that’s how I felt on my own 2-week road trip along this fantastic part of France. That’s why this Brittany route takes you to nature spots and smaller towns for the most part. I left out big cities like Rennes, Nantes, Brest, Morlaix and Quimper. That doesn’t mean that they aren’t worth a visit. But the side of Brittany that I liked best was the wild side, without cities.

By the way: the road signs in Brittany are bilingual. This is because Breton is spoken here as well as French.

How long to travel in Brittany?

What look like short distances on the map often turn out to be windy coastal roads in Brittany that take longer than you originally thought.

In 2 weeks (14 days) you can discover the most important Brittany sights on the coast. You will also have to cover one or two longer distances, but always with great stops along the way.

Of course, 2 weeks is not enough to explore individual areas in depth. You either have to skip certain places or simply travel for 3 weeks. In 3 weeks you would also have a little more time for places further inland, such as the forest of Brocéliande or cities like Rennes, Quimper or Brest. If you’re more of a coastal fan like me and only have 2 weeks, I would skip these spots.

If you only have a week, I would focus on just one part of Brittany if I were you: The north or the south.

Best time to visit Brittany?

I myself was traveling out of season, in May. The advantage: there are fewer tourists and you shouldn’t have any problems finding accommodation at short notice outside the public holidays in May.

The downside is that not all campsites are open in May and the weather is a little more unpredictable. But all in all, May is a very good time to travel to Brittany.

What is the best start and end point for a Brittany road trip?

I myself was traveling in my own van during my visit to Brittany, entering Brittany from Normandy in the north and leaving it in a southerly direction.

You can also explore Brittany in a hire car. However, if you don’t want to make the long journey yourself and a hired car is also an option for you, then the two cities of Rennes or Nantes are the perfect starting and finishing points:

• There is an airport in both
• There are many car rental companies on site.
• It’s not far from Rennes to Mont Saint Michel.

If you prefer to do the road trip the other way round, that shouldn’t be a problem either. It is also possible, for example, to use Nantes as your start and end point. Then you just have to plan a slightly longer route to the first stop on the first day of the road trip (it’s about a 2-hour drive from Nantes to Mont Saint-Michel).

To get a rental car, all you need to do is specify the start and end points and then search for a rental car of your choice on a comparison portal such as billigermietwagen or check24. You can try this directly in the following calculator:

Camping Brittany?

Basically, Brittany is a fantastic spot for a camping vacation. There are pitches everywhere in all price categories. The prices per night are between €15 and €30.

I personally found the campsites with the name Camping Muncipal to be the best. These are communal campsites that are run and maintained by the respective municipality. They offer good value for money and are often beautifully situated in the middle of nature. However, you often have less luxury and comfort.

If camping is not an option for you, I always give you tips for hotels on the road where an overnight stay is a highlight in itself.

1. Mont Saint-Michel

• Day 1 to day 3: 2 overnight stays
• Accommodation tip: Hotel La Mère Poulard
• Campsite tip: Les Pommiers du Mont Saint Michel

Mont Saint-Michel doesn’t actually belong to Brittany but to Normandy. But it would be negligent to skip a visit on your Brittany road trip because of this. After all, it is not one of the most beautiful sights in the whole of France for nothing.

Mont Saint-Michel is one of those attractions that are so overrun with tourists that you’d rather avoid it. But on the other hand, this place is so magical and breathtakingly beautiful that it will still cast a spell over you.

from my travel notes

This highlight is a rocky island with a medieval abbey and a fortified village in the bay of the English Channel. Entry to Mont Saint-Michel itself is free of charge. You can only enter the abbey with a ticket.

In my opinion, a visit to the abbey is a must. It’s best to get a ticket online in advance. This costs €13 per adult and there are options with tours (also in English) and for self-guided tours. For both, you have to book a time slot at which you will be let in.

• I recommend you choose the earliest possible time slot, because then you have the chance to see the most beautiful rooms without any other people.
• In the high season, the earliest time is 9:00 am.
• I found the inner courtyard with its ornate round arches and the refectory right next to it the most beautiful. As I walked very quickly from the entrance to these rooms without taking many photos beforehand like most visitors, I was the first and was able to take pictures in peace without the crowds.
• You can also pick up an extra audio guide on site for €3.

You can order your tickets online here:

You also have the opportunity to hike in the quicksand around Mont Saint-Michel. But this is best done with a local guide who knows the tides and the paths:

• Hike around the bay of Mont Saint-Michel through the quicksand (3.5 hours)

You should take a whole day to explore Mont Saint-Michel and the surrounding area. It’s best to book accommodation nearby so that you don’t have to worry about the parking situation on site.

You can even spend the night in the village of Mont Saint-Michel on the island itself. That alone is a highlight and it’s also quite easy to see the place before all the other tourists flood in. The Hotel La Mère Poulard consists of 3 different houses and also offers family rooms.

But there are also apartments where you have an entire apartment in a historic setting all to yourself, such as the Appart Standing – La Coque d’Or or La Vieille Auberge.

There are also 2 campsites nearby. Camping du Mont Saint-Michel is the closest to Mont Saint-Michel. But you also only need about 15 minutes by bike from Camping Marvilla Parks – Les Pommiers du Mont Saint Michel. You should book both online in advance, as they are often fully booked quickly.

2. Mont Saint Michel to the Emerald Coast

• Day 3: 1 overnight stay
• Accommodation tip: Hotel Nautilus in Saint-Malo
• Campsite tip: Camping Municipal Pointe du Grouin

Day 3 of your Brittany trip takes you to the Côte d’Émeraude (Emerald Coast). You will visit the capital of oysters and explore the famous city walls of Saint-Malo.

Cancale

Before I traveled to Cancale, I had never eaten oysters in my life. But since Cancale is considered the center of oysters and one of the most important oyster farming regions in France , I simply had to try them here for the first time.

Oysters are an absolute delicacy in France. Someone advertising oyster food would write the following:

Oysters taste like a breath of the sea – salty, creamy and with a fine mineral elegance. The finish leaves a fresh, cool aftertaste that makes you long for the next bite. A real feast for gourmets!

Someone like me, who is not a big fan of seafood and is not a foodie, but has tried it anyway, would rather write the following:

Oysters taste like mud and sand.

Matthias

You will probably have to try out for yourself which of the two descriptions applies more to you.

Tips: in the restaurants at the harbor of Cancale you can get the oysters already opened in various quantities. They usually come with bread, lemon and a kind of vinnegraite. And I honestly couldn’t have washed it down without that. When slurping, you have to be careful not to cut your lips. That’s why you should cut the oysters loosely with a knife beforehand and then simply let the meat fall into your mouth at a 45 degree angle.

At La Petit Café, I got a plate of 6 oysters for €8.90. It came with bread and water. There is also an oyster market at the harbor where you can buy freshly caught oysters in large quantities.

A few of the oyster farms are located directly in front of the harbor and you can even see them at low tide. There are also guided tours through the oyster parks, where an expert guide will explain everything about oyster farming and the history of the oysters.

Pointe du Grouin

The Pointe du Grouin is a rocky headland known for its rugged nature. The region reminded me a lot of northern New Zealand.

I myself spent a night here at the Camping Municipal Pointe du Grouin. But even if you don’t, it’s worth a stopover. There is a great hiking trail around the campsite that takes you from the Plage de Port Mer beach along the coast to the viewpoint at the Belvédère de la Pointe du Grouin.

The Sculptured Rocks

Just north of Saint-Malo, it is worth stopping off at les Rochers Sculptés. Here, the deaf and mute priest Abbé Fouré carved around 300 sculptures into the stones between 1893 and 1909.

The entrance fee of €5 is a bit steep. But the surrounding coastline in the area is also beautiful and costs nothing.

Saint Malo

In Saint-Malo, you follow in the footsteps of pirates, or more precisely, corsairs. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the city was a stronghold of the corsairs, state-legitimized privateers who captured enemy merchant ships, mainly British and Dutch, on behalf of the French king and thus brought great wealth to the city.

To be precise: There were never any real pirates here, but the place still has a bit of a pirate’s nest atmosphere. And that’s exactly how it feels as I walk along the well-preserved city walls. All that’s missing is grog and a heated sword fight in the shade of the palm trees.

from my travel notes

The highlight of Saint-Malo is actually a walk along the historic city walls. You will discover most of the town’s sights and also find out where Robert Surcouf, one of the most famous representatives of the corsairs, lived.

A particular highlight is exploring Saint-Malo by boat and observing the many fortresses and ramparts from the water.

Saint-Malo is also an excellent city for an overnight stay. One of the best hotels is the Hotel Nautilus, which is located in a completely renovated 17th century building in the heart of the old town.

3. Emerald Coast to Plage du Corpse de Garde

• Day 4: 1 overnight stay
• Accommodation tip: Hôtel Le Benhuyc in Binic-Étables-sur-Mer
• Camping tip: Camping Municipal des Fauvettes

Day 4 of your Brittany road trip takes you to a ship graveyard, past medieval Dinan, to the impressive Cap Fréhel and on to one of the wildest beaches in the region.

Ship graveyard

A few kilometers south of Saint-Malo is a special lost place: the Cimetière à Bateaux (ship cemetery). A number of old boats float in the water here, although the word “float” is certainly a slight exaggeration.

There are QR codes on many of the boats, which you can use to find out more about the history of the respective ship. A visit is worthwhile at high and low tide. At low tide, however, you can get closer to the boats. At high tide, it is more difficult to get to some of the QR codes.

Dinan

We continue on to the medieval half-timbered paradise of Dinan, which is surrounded by an old city wall. It’s worth strolling through the picturesque streets and admiring the works of local artisans and historic buildings. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time, as many of the buildings are still very well preserved.

The best place to start is at Rue du Jerzual and then continue through the Porte du Jerzual past the Maison du Gouverneur to the bridge at Le Vieux Pont harbor, which crosses the river La Rance.

Then it’s back to the Saint-Sauveur basilica and the St. Catherine tower, from where you have a wonderful view of the valley. You can also visit the Château de Dinan afterwards.

Dinan also has many good crêperies. If you’re hungry, treat yourself to a crêpe or galette there.

If you have enough time and are more interested in the history of the city and the special features of individual places, then a guided tour of Dinan with a local guide is also worthwhile.

Cap Fréhel

The route to Cap Fréhel is a detour that you should only take if you have enough time. It takes about 50 minutes to get there from Dinan.

An impressive lighthouse awaits you there, which you can climb for a few euros, and a fantastic cliff face, which is also often a meeting point for ornithologists.

Plage du Corps de Garde

Another hour’s drive from Cap Fréhel is the beautiful Plage du Corps de Garde. This beach near Binic-Étables-sur-Mer is considered one of the wildest and most natural beaches in the region.

There is a great coastal hiking trail from the parking lot to the rock with the cross (Croix de la pointe du Corps de garde).

Not far away is the Camping Municipal des Fauvettes campsite, where you can spend the night with a sea view. If you need a little more comfort, the Hôtel Le Benhuyc right by the harbor is a very good option.

4. Plage du Corps de Garde to the Côte de Granit Rose

• Day 5: 1 overnight stay
• Accommodation tip: Castel Beau Site
• Campsite tip: Camping Sandaya Le Ranolien

The next section of your Brittany route takes you to the picturesque Côte de Granite Rose coast – the pink granite coast. But there are also some great places to stop off at along the way.

Pontrieux

The idyllic village of Pontrieux received its first bridge over the River Trieux in the 19th century, which brought a certain prosperity to its inhabitants. Hence the name: Ponte (= bridge in French) + Trieux (name of the river) = Pontrieux.

Château de la Roche-Jagu

This castle is another magical stopover. The view from the manor over theTrieux river valleyis simply breathtaking and the whole complex with its beautiful gardens is worth a visit in itself. There is also a beer garden in the courtyard where you can linger.

Tréguir

Continue to Tréguir with its truly magnificent cathedral, which is considered one of the most beautiful in Brittany. It is best to park in the parking lot on Rue Ernest Renan and walk through the two entrance towers, past some half-timbered houses and into the center of the town.

Ploumanac’h

Ploumanac’h was originally a fishing village and is now the tourist center of the pink granite coast (Côte de Granit Rose).

You should definitely find out for yourself why it got its name. The best way to do this is to hike along the famous Zöllnerpfad trail along the coast at dusk. This is when the rocks, which are round and sometimes very bizarrely shaped due to erosion and weathering, turn a soft pink.

Part of the customs officers’ path leads along the beautiful coast of the Côte de Granit Rose, which takes you 8 km past various rock formations and the photogenic Phare de Mean Ruz to Saint Guiarec beach. There are also several restaurants, stores and an ice cream parlor. From the sun deck of the Castel Beau Site, you can enjoy the view of the beach and the setting sun.

The 4-star Hotel Castel Beau Site is also an excellent choice for an overnight stay. If you prefer camping, then I recommend Camping Sandaya Le Ranolien. This is a somewhat more expensive luxury campsite (around €30 for a pitch per night), which also offers a swimming pool for families with children and vacation apartments, but the hiking trail starts right outside the campsite entrance.

5. Côte de Granite Rose to Côte des Légendes

• Day 6: 1 overnight stay
• Accommodation tip: Hôtel de la Mer & Spa
• Camping tip: Camping – Côte des Legends

From the pink granite coast, you continue to the deepest part of Brittany on the Côte des Légendes. You will visit a famous botanical garden and a historically significant fishing village.

Plage de Saint Michel-en-Grève

A first stopover is worthwhile at the very long Plage de Saint Michel-en-Grève beach. At low tide, the sea recedes here for up to 3 kilometers, revealing a huge expanse of sand that is perfect for long walks.

Roscoff botanical garden

In Roscoff’s botanical garden, you will embark on a tour of scents and colors. Due to the mild climate, plants from all over the world grow here. There are over 3,500 different species on 16,000 m² and new ones are added every year. You should plan about 1 to 1.5 hours for your visit here. The entrance fee is €7.

In the garden you will find many plants from South Africa, Oceania, South America, the Canary Islands, Madeira and Central America. These are arranged in such a way that they form a “natural” landscape.

Traon Erc’h beach

And once you’re in the area, you can take a dip in the crystal-clear water at the beautiful sandy beach Plage du Traon Erc’h, right next to the botanical garden.

Meneham

Meneham is a historically important fishing village in the municipality of Kerlouan. In the traditionally thatched houses that have been restored there, you can find out how people once lived here. Admission to the village and the museum is free.

You can also photograph the “Corps de Garde” (guardhouse) from 1756 here. It is one of the most photographed buildings in Brittany. The entire coastline with its granite rocks jutting out of the turquoise water is also well worth seeing. The Phare De Pontusval lighthouse is particularly beautiful.

The Hôtel de la Mer & Spa, one of the best hotels in the region, is located directly on Brignogan beach, near the lighthouse. It offers a restaurant, a tea lounge bar with a fireplace, a terrace with sea views and a modern wellness area.

6. Côte des Légendes to Portez

• Day 7: 1 overnight stay
• Accommodation tip: Hostellerie de la Pointe Saint-Mathieu – SPA & Restaurant
• Campsite tip: Municipal de Portez

The next section takes you past the Abers, river-like inlets with a Caribbean flair, and lots of lighthouses. You will also discover the westernmost point of mainland France. In this region, you should always keep a close eye on the sea, as groups of dolphins are often spotted here.

Abers

Abers are special coastal waters that you will find mainly in Brittany in the Finistère department.

On your way south you will pass 3 of them:

• But Wrac’h
• But Benoît
• But Ildut

You should at least stop at one Aber, because the beaches here look like the Caribbean. I found the Aber Benoît in Saint Pabu particularly beautiful. At the point de vue sur l’Aber Benoît, you have a perfect picnic spot with a view of the Plage de Béniguet. From there, a small path leads to another viewpoint at Plage Ganaoc.

The most westerly point in mainland France

Anyone who reads here from time to time knows that I am a fan of superlatives. I have already been to the westernmost point of mainland Europe (Cabo da Roca) and also to the westernmost point of Europe in general (on the island of Flores). And now I’ve also been to the most westerly point on the French mainland. This is at La Pointe de Corsen.

From here you have a wonderful view of the islands off the coast and the beaches. If you’re very lucky, you might even spot dolphins here.

Phare de Kermorvan

The Phare de Kermorvan is the westernmost lighthouse in France. From the parking lot, there is a beautiful hiking trail along the coast that takes you to the lighthouse in 15 minutes.

The neighboring Plage des Blancs Sablons beach, surrounded by cliffs, is also worth a visit.

Phare Saint-Mathieu

This red and white striped lighthouse is one of the most beautiful on the entire coast. What makes it special: It stands right next to the old monastery of Saint Mathieu, which makes for some spectacular views. You can learn about the history of the abbey in the monastery museum. You can climb the lighthouse itself for €5.

Phare du Petit Minou

The Phare du Petit Minou on the coast of Plouzané is a particularly photogenic lighthouse due to its long stone bridge. An old fort still stands next to it.

When I was visiting here, several groups of dolphins passed right by the lighthouse. So you should keep your eyes open. Maybe you’ll get lucky.

7. Portez to Crozon

• Day 8 to day 10: 2 overnight stays
• Accommodation tip: Hôtel Morgat Le Grand Hôtel De La Mer
• Campsite tip: Camping Trez Rouz

Your Brittany road trip continues: you drive past the city of Brest, directly to the beautiful Crozon peninsula with its rugged coastline and really great sandy beaches. There are some great spots to discover there, for which you should take at least a whole day. But you’ll probably need a little longer than that.

If I travel to Brittany again, I will definitely end up on this peninsula again.

Matthia

Crozon

Crozon is not only the name of the peninsula, but also the central town. Here you can replenish your supplies and refuel before discovering the breathtaking coasts and capes of the peninsula.

You should definitely take a look at the following:

• Morgat: Small seaside resort on the south coast of the Crozon peninsula, known for its beautiful beaches and fascinating sea caves.
• Plage de l’île Vierge: Spectacular small, somewhat remote beach on a peninsula that is not so easy to reach.
• Cape de la Chevre: The southernmost point of the Crozon peninsula. It is known for its high, imposing cliffs with breathtaking viewpoints.
• Pointe de Dinan: Dramatic stretch of coast with spectacular rock formations. Here you can marvel at jagged rocks, natural rock gates and caves right by the sea.
• Point de Pen Hir: Impressive viewpoint on the west side of the peninsula. The cliff rises about 70 meters above the sea. A beautiful hiking trail leads around the point, offering breathtaking views along the rugged coastline.
• The stone rows of Lagatar and the ruins of Saint-Pol Roux Manor
• Carmet sur le mer: Historic coastal town with a maritime atmosphere and many fish restaurants.
• Vauban Tower: An important fortification that is even a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Boat trips also depart from Carmet sur le mer in the direction of the Molène archipelago to observe seals and dolphins:

• Excursion to the heart of the Molène UNESCO biosphere reserve with a 2-hour stopover on the island of Molène

There are several campsites from which you can explore the highlights of the peninsula:

• Le Grand Large Lambézen
• Camping Trez Rouz
• Camping Municipal du Lannic
• Camping Municipal de Kervian
• Camping Plage De Goulien
• Camping Gwel Kaër
• Camping de la Presqu’île – Crozon
• Camping les Pins
• Camping Les Bruyères
• Camping Les Pieds dans l’Eau

For more comfort, you can stay in a hotel or vacation apartment. Hôtel Morgat Le Grand Hôtel De La Mer is one of the better-known hotels on the peninsula. It has 4 stars, is located just 30 meters from the beach of Morgat and also offers family rooms.

8. Crozon to Penmarch

• Day 10: 1 overnight stay
• Accommodation tip: Strandhotel Le Sterenn
• Campsite tip: Camping Municipal Toul Ar Ster near the Phare D’Eckmühl

The next section of this Brittany itinerary takes you to some very characteristic representatives of Breton culture, famous surf spots and an impressive lighthouse.

Locronan

Locronan is known for its well-preserved medieval village with granite houses and the Saint-Ronan church from the 15th century. It is also considered one of the most beautiful villages in France. Many tourists visit this place every day, which is also home to many artists. You can enter their studios and galleries to view and buy their art.

I also found the Celtic library pretty cool, which not only has lots of books for sale over two floors, but also has a pretty exciting interior. The small chapel Notre-Dame de Bonne Nouvelle is also worth a visit.

Cars are not allowed in the village (only residents), but there are paid parking spaces on the outskirts. You have to get a day ticket here for €5.

Pont-Croix

A stopover in Pont-Croix is particularly worthwhile because of the Catholic church Ancienne collégiale Notre-Dame de Roscudon, which was built in the Gothic style. The village has a very rural atmosphere and, unlike Locronan, is very quiet.

Surf spot: La Torche

Pointe de la Torche is home to the most famous surf spot in Brittany. The fine sandy beach has a long surfing tradition and has often been the scene of competitions. There are several stores and you can also take surfing lessons here:

• Surf lessons at the legendary spot La Torche

Phare D’Eckmühl

The striking Phare D’Eckmühl is well worth a visit. At 64.8 meters, it is one of the highest lighthouses in Europe. Not only do you have a great view from the top (ticket: €4), but you can also eat out in the village and enjoy a fantastic sunset in the evening.

9. Penmarch to Carnac

• Day 11: 1 overnight stay
• Accommodation tip: Le Celtique & Spa
• Camping tip: Camping de la Plage

This section of the route is one of the longer stretches of this Bretagen road trip, taking around 2.5 hours by car, but at least with 2 fantastic stopovers.

Pont-Aven

Pont-Aven is an absolute must-do for you if you are an art lover. But even if you’re not, Pont-Aven with its picturesque bridges, old mills and charming stone houses, combined with the idyllic natural surroundings, is a great place in Brittany for a stopover.

A stroll through the center of Pont-Aven is like visiting a large gallery. As early as the 19th century, Pont-Aven attracted artists from all over the world. Paul Gaugin is probably the most famous representative. This tradition has been preserved. Even today, many artists exhibit their works in countless galleries and offer them for sale.

I would also recommend a visit to the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Pont-Aven. There you can learn all about the famous Pont-Aven school and its outstanding artists such as Paul Gauguin, Paul Sérusier, Maurice Denis and many more.

Quiberon

Quiberon is a 17 km long peninsula that offers family-friendly sandy beaches in the east and a somewhat wilder coastline in the west. I personally found the west of the peninsula more exciting, e.g. around the rock arch “Arche De Port Blanc Roche Percée”. This is also a great place to hike along the varied coastline.

If you have enough time, you can also explore the peninsula and its bay by water:

• Day cruise on a maxi catamaran in the Bay of Quiberon

Carnac

Carnac is the place with the largest and most famous alignments (rows of stones) in the world. More than 4,000 of these menhirs were erected here as early as around 4,000 BC. This knowledge about the age of these stones made the spot much more interesting. The stones themselves are simply lined up next to each other in the landscape. But the fact that people did this around 6,000 years ago, and in such large numbers, is quite impressive.

If you want to find out more, the Maison des Mégalithes is the best place to start. You can also get a parking space in front of this information center and they will help you with recommendations on where to walk and a map of the area.

Admission to the information center and the areas with the menhirs is free. However, there are also guided tours by train, bus and even Segway, where you will receive lots of information from a guide:

• Megalithic wonders and La Trinite Sur Mer with the funicular (55 minutes)
• 40-minute audio bus tour with guide
• Guided tour with Segway (1.5 hours)

You can stay at Camping de la Plage, a great campsite with a swimming pool and beach access. The site is located in the neighboring village of La Trinité-sur-Mer, but Carnac is not far away. Alternatively, there are also many hotels and vacation accommodations.

10. Carnac to Gulf of Morbihan

• Day 12: 1 overnight stay
• Accommodation tip: Miramar La Cigale Hotel Thalasso & Spa
• Campsite tip: Camping La Ferme de Lann Hoëdic

On this day, we will visit more famous stones and a unique, very island-rich inland sea, which is one of the most beautiful bays in the world. The center of this sea is the town of Vannes, which I skipped. However, many boat tours also start from here. However, only 2 of the 42 islands are accessible to tourists. The rest are privately owned.

If you have enough time on the Gulf of Morbihan, then a boat tour is definitely worthwhile. Because the highlight of this region is the water and the islands:

• Walk on the sea Gulf of Morbihan Arzon
• Exploring the Gulf of Morbihan by catamaran
• Excursion to the Gulf of Morbihan with a stopover on Île-aux-Moines

Locmariaquer

In addition to the dolmens and stone rows of Carnac, there are many other sites of such prehistoric monuments throughout Brittany and also in the region around Carnac. Near the village of Locmariaquer, you will find Le Grand Menhir Brisé. At 21 meters tall, it is the largest monolith ever erected by humans in Europe and dates back to the Neolithic period, around 4700 B.C. To visit it, you have to pay an entrance fee of €7.

Presqu’île de la Villeneuve

I found the somewhat lesser-known picnic spot away from the tourist crowds on the small Presqu’île de la Villeneuve peninsula very beautiful. Here you will find beautiful hiking trails through the forest and along the water with small beaches that are also suitable for swimming.

Suscinio

Suscinio Castle is one of the best-preserved medieval moated castles in Brittany. As you walk through the imposing castle complex, with its drawbridges, defensive towers and moats, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time to the days of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.

There are also exhibitions on Breton history, architecture and courtly life. However, most of these were only available in French. Nevertheless, I found that the €12 entrance fee was worth it during my visit.

The Miramar La Cigale Hotel Thalasso & Spa is one of the best-known wellness hotels in the region. It is located directly on the water near the village of Arzon and gives the impression of a luxury cruise ship.

11. Gulf of Morbihan to Guérande

• Day 13: 1 overnight stay
• Accommodation tip: Les copains d’amour in the heart of the old town of Guérande
• Campsite tip: Vilaine Camping Les Rives

Your journey is coming to an end. Before you start your last section of the route, you will once again visit a very special region full of salt fields where salt has been mined for centuries. This area is no longer in Brittany, but in Loire-Atlantique.

If you like the Gulf of Morbihan better, you can of course spend an extra day there.

Guérande

Guérande is a great little town with a historic center. Its old town is completely surrounded by a medieval city walland the streets are often colorfully decorated. There are many festivals and markets here, as well as numerous craft stores and cafés.

The weekly markets take place in the center, especially on Wednesdays and Saturdays in the morning, with all kinds of products from the region.

The most famous festival is the Guérande Medieval Festival in May. The old town is transformed into a medieval setting with costume parades, jousting tournaments, craft markets, music and theater. In August, the Celtic festival Les Celtiques de Guérande takes place, with traditional Breton music and dance.

Marais salants de Guérande

To the south of Guérande lies an incredibly vast area of salt marshes. The salt marshes consist of small pools in which the salt crystallizes through evaporation from seawater. Photographed from the air, the region reminded me of a seemingly endless, colorful mosaic. But even if you just drive along the roads that run through the middle of the fields, you can still sense the special nature of this man-made landscape.

Of course, fleur de sel is also sold everywhere here and you can stock up on souvenirs or salt for your own use in various stores or directly at the salt works.

12. Departure from Nantes or Rennes

• Day 14: Departure

You need the last day to organize your departure and generally as buffer time.

Either you drive further south if you are traveling by camper. Or you can go to the airport in Nantes or Rennes.

Brittany is a great area for a road trip, even if 2 weeks is quite short to really see everything. Which of the Brittany regions did you like best? Which highlight of Brittany is still missing from this article? Let us know in the comments!