A Tested Itinerary for Two Weeks in Brittany, France

I hate telling people how much time they should spend in a place, especially when some of you are dealing with 10 days of vacation for the entire year. 

If you have the time, though, Brittany is the ideal region in France for taking it slow.

We’re lucky enough to be able to work from the road, so we set aside three weeks to explore Brittany at a more leisurely pace. While we did have a few misses as far as our accommodations, it was a fantastic trip overall. Our dog agrees.

This itinerary for two full weeks in Brittany includes travel time to and from Paris, so that you don’t have to build in extra time on either end for getting yourself there. As always, I’ll include spots you can skip along the way, too. We’re an honest bunch.

Is two weeks in Brittany too much?

Two weeks in Brittany isn’t too much, especially if you want to see it from one end to the other. You have a lot of ground to cover and so much to see.

With less time, focus on one piece of the region. We based ourselves in Saint-Malo for a full week, for example, and never felt bored. Things get wilder the farther west you go, though, and I mean that in a good way.

When to Visit Brittany

Brittany is at its best in the summer months. The weather is warmer, and you’ll even see people swimming in the sea. (The water never gets too warm, though!) 

While this is when you’re more likely to see more French tourists in Brittany, it never felt too crowded there on our trip, and we were there in July.

Our French friends like to visit in September, after the tourists have left, for better prices on accommodations. Everything remains open in the early fall, and you should still enjoy nice weather. 

I’m not opposed to winter visits, but stick to bigger towns like Rennes, Brest, and Quimper for more things to do in case services are limited and the weather is rough.

How to Spend Two Weeks in Brittany

Here’s a rundown of the perfect Brittany itinerary:

• Days 1-2: Saint-Malo
• Day 3: Cancale
• Day 4: Brocéliande Forest and Dinan
• Day 5: Dinard
• Day 6: The Pink Granite Coast
• Day 7: The Cap Sizun
• Day 8: Quimper
• Day 9: The Crozon Peninsula 
• Day 10: Pont-Aven and Auray
• Day 11: Vannes
• Day 12: The Quiberon Peninsula
• Day 13: Nantes
• Day 14: Paris

Days 1-2: Saint Malo

You’ll likely start in Paris for your trip to Brittany. While your first stop, Saint-Malo, is quicker via train, you’ll need a car for the rest of this itinerary. It’ll take you about four hours and 30 minutes to get to Saint-Malo from Paris.

Driving in France can get pretty epic, by the way, and it’s much easier than in many other countries. We collaborated on a guide for tips on driving as a tourist in France!

If you’d like to include Mont-Saint-Michel in neighboring Normandy, take the northern route. You’ll essentially pass by the historical site along the way. I have a guide to Mont-Saint-Michel to help you plan!

For those headed straight to Saint-Malo, get an early start anyway to maximize your time in the town. I have a guide to everything we loved about Saint-Malo, but here are a few things you shouldn’t miss:

• Bistro Autour du Beurre Bordier: You can get yourself some butter next door at La Maison du Beurre Bordier, or you can treat yourself to a meal at this spot. Every meal comes with a taster of their eight different butters!
• Le Grand Bé: This tidal island is accessible via a sandy causeway from Bon-Secours Beach. You can also access Petit Bé, a fortified inlet, from here. Watch us navigate Saint-Malo’s disappearing islands in this clip!
• Les Remparts de Saint-Malo: The ramparts are free to walk around for excellent views of the old city and the English Channel. If you’re here for lounging, you can access several beaches from here, too, like Plage de l’Éventail.
• Saint-Vincent Cathedral of Saint-Malo: The stained glass inside this church is really impressive. You can also pay your respects to Jacques Cartier while you’re in here. He has a small boat in front of what remains of his tomb.
• Solidor Tower: You can’t go inside this 14th-century fortress, but it’s super atmospheric even from the outside. We saw people swimming in the waters here with a view of this thing behind them. That’s pretty sweet!

We had a nice time enjoying Saint-Malo on our own, but there are some excellent tours based out of this city if you want some help, especially if you love history. Here are a few highly-rated options:

I’d recommend staying in Saint-Malo for five total nights for this itinerary. It’s easy to visit the next few stops as day trips from town, and it’s your best bet for budget-friendly accommodations in this part of Brittany. 

We were in Saint-Malo for a full week, timing our visit to coincide with the Tour de France. I’d highly recommend that experience, by the way!

I would NOT recommend the apartment we stayed at during that time. It was just way too small with a lofted bed situation, and the proprietor was pretty cranky.

Use the map below to help you find both hotels and apartment-style accommodations in Saint-Malo:

Day 3: Cancale 

Stay put where you are in Saint-Malo for the next few days. Cancale is a short 20-minute drive from Saint-Malo. 

Cancale is the region’s oyster capital. I have a guide to what we liked about Cancale, but you should know that this was one of my favorite stops in Brittany, and I don’t even like oysters!

There’s just something about the ambiance of Cancale that just got me. Watching locals toss oyster shells to waiting gulls on a pile at the Marché aux Huître is a real scene. See a short clip from our visit there!

Even if you share my distaste for them, you have to visit the market. Set right at the water’s edge, the market offers oysters fresh from nearby farms in the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel, where tides create pretty perfect conditions for oyster cultivation. 

Farmers sort and rinse their catch on-site, and you can buy a dozen for pretty cheap, tossing the shells onto the seawall as the locals do. (The seagulls love it!) Pair that with some white wine from one of the vendors nearby, and things get nearly edible.

I didn’t leave loving oysters, but I did leave a little tipsy, and pleased as punch about the vibes in this place. It’s salty and authentic, just like me!

Other stops of note include the Pointe du Grouin for a very windy walk to incredible views.

Chez Odette, a charming crêperie that serves up a tasty smoked herring galette, was our pick for lunch. We had to indulge in some dry hard cider there, too, as it’s a Breton tradition.

Return to Saint-Malo by late afternoon with an optional stop at the Sculptured Rocks. These were carved into coastal granite by Abbé Fouré in the late 19th century. Some of them are quite haunting! They’re not free, but worth a look for the views from here.

Le Bénétin is a popular fancy restaurant near the rocks, or return to Saint-Malo’s historic center for more options. Ô Tapas Breton is popular if you haven’t had your seafood fix yet. 

Day 4: Brocéliande Forest & Dinan

We wanted to get some steps today, so we went down to the forest of Brocéliande, a land of myth.

Brocéliande is the legendary name for the Paimpont Forest, a place medieval writers like Chrétien de Troyes chose for key episodes of Arthurian stories. 

We started with perhaps the most popular jaunt to see Merlin’s Tomb and the Fountain of Youth, which resembled a mud pit that we did not partake in. The highlight of the loop trail was the Etang de la Marette, a lake and hub for fishing, picnicking, and good vibes. 

Note: There are no bathrooms at the trailhead, but there is decent parking and portable bathrooms along the way, especially if you make it all the way to the lake. There was even toilet paper on our visit!

We paused here to enjoy the sandwiches we’d packed that day before heading to our next stop, the Château de Comper – Arthurian Centre. It cost us about $10/each to walk the grounds, but I’ll say it was worth it. 

Admission includes an exhibit space to learn more about Arthurian legends, access to a 500-year-old tree called Merlin’s Oak, and walking paths around the property’s ponds. The castle itself is impressive if you like the moody, medieval kind.

You can spend all day in the woods, especially if you’re into all things Arthur. If that sounds awesome, here are a few extra spots to consider:

• La Fontaine de Barenton (Barenton Fountain): This is a legendary spring in Brocéliande tied to Merlin. Medieval texts say it had magical powers and could summon storms, heal, or test purity. 
• Siège de Merlin (Merlin’s Seat): This natural stone formation is said to be where Merlin sat to meditate, weave spells, and observe the forest. It’s a symbolic landmark evoking his presence in Brocéliande.
• Abbaye de Paimpont (Paimpont Abbey): A 13th-century abbey near the forest, this was originally built over an earlier monastery. It’s the historic heart of the village of Paimpont and a gateway to Brocéliande.

If you want to carry on as we did, stop in the medieval fairytale town of Dinan before heading back to Saint-Malo. This one felt more touristy than some of the other towns we’d visit during our Brittany trip, but I still loved it. 

We had a post-hiking rest at L’Absinthe to start, but there are lots of options for similar cafes and bars for a little wine or a cocktail. I had my first St. Breton Spritz there, which was like an Aperol Spritz but with hard cider. I’d recommend it!

From there, we were rejuvenated enough to tackle Rue du Jerzual down to Rue du Petit Fort, a cobbled walking path that takes you down to the port and riverfront of the town. We got some ice cream at the bottom before making the slow climb back up.

You can certainly spend more time down below, too. The steep street down and the resulting port are the most charming bits of Dinan. If you’re hungry, Le Bistrot de Peggy is a highly-rated option on the water.

If you’re not super tired, you can walk for another half hour from the center of town to the Castle of Léhon, with an optional stop at Abbaye Saint-Magloire de Léhon. Otherwise, that was a full day! Head back to Saint-Malo to rest your weary legs. 

Day 5: Dinard 

Pack some sweet treats that you can enjoy with a view on your next day trip. We really liked Chez Mamie as our local bakery while in Saint-Malo. Their brioche is divine! 

Boulangerie Pâtisserie de la Cathédrale is the “big deal” in Saint-Malo. They sell award-winning cakes, including something that resembled a chocolate cigar that we really enjoyed. 

You don’t need to start too early today. The coastal town of Dinard is just 15 minutes from Saint-Malo. We parked the car at the first free spot we came upon along the coastal path, but there are paid lots closer to the city center if you’re tired from the day before. 

Dinard is a choose-your-own-adventure kind of place. I have a guide to why this place is nothing like Coney Island — another blogger described it that way — but here are a few spots of note:

• Le Sunset Bar: We finished up here for wine (me) and beer (Brian). They have continuous snacks, too, if you’re feeling like a nosh. You’ll get a great view of one of the town’s saltwater pools from here. 
• Promenade du Clair de Lune: This is the heart of Dinard. It’s also the perfect starting point for coastal strolls (with sweets!), offering views of the Belle Époque villas and beaches surrounding it. It gets quieter the further you get from the town.
• Statue d’Alfred Hitchcock: I bet you can decipher this one. Hitchcock loved to spend time here, and rumor has it that several of his films were inspired by Dinard. The annual Dinard Festival of British Cinema recognizes those ties.
• Wafels Dinard: OK, this is about as Coney Island as it gets in this town, as they do have hot dogs here. They also have fancied-up sweet and savory waffles, which is absolutely what you should get. 

It’s not about getting too aggressive today, as I know I worked you pretty good the day before. You’re leaving Saint-Malo in the morning, so have a nice meal and leave some time for packing up. If you have a hankering for more crêpes, Bergamote is it.

Day 6: The Pink Granite Coast

You’re traveling to your next base at this point. If you follow our lead, you’ll stay somewhere in the western part of Brittany.

Brest is very popular out this way, but if you want a little more quiet after your time in Saint-Malo, consider going small with a town like Pont l’Abbé.

Either way, your job today is just to get there. We added some time to our drive with a planned hike along the GR 34 to see the Pink Granite Coast, a stretch of Brittany known for its rose hues.  

Also known as the Sentier des Douaniers (the Customs Officers’ Path), this hiking trail is legendary in France. It stretches over 1,200 miles following Brittany’s rugged cliffs, beaches, and fishing villages.

Fun fact: The trail was once patrolled by customs officers, hence the name, to prevent smuggling and shipwreck looting along Brittany’s wild coastline. The customs officers walked the cliffs and beaches to monitor clandestine trade, enforce tariffs, and keep watch for illegal landings of goods from England and beyond.

It was pretty warm on this day, but we managed to get a few miles in from Perros-Guirec, about two hours from Saint-Malo. It’s easy enough to find an access point from here if you plug in Sent. des Douaniers into your map apps. 

You’ll pass some inviting beaches along the way, too, if you’d prefer that. We had our dog with us, and the public beaches here don’t allow dogs in the summer months. 

Note: Brittany overall is VERY dog-friendly. You just need to find the pet-friendly spots in advance if you want your pup to party! 

There are lots of cute spots for lunch if you’d like to refuel before hitting the road again. We liked the Twin food truck for quick sandwiches, but Cafe Breton is a popular sit-down spot.

Depending on where you choose to base yourself next, you’ll have another two hours or so of driving. It’s about an hour and 45 minutes to Brest and two hours and 20 minutes to Pont l’Abbé.

As we were traveling with a nervous dog, we went with the relative quiet of Pont l’Abbé, and we have no regrets about it. The apartment we stayed at was decorated in a New York City theme! Check out our tour of the place:

Unfortunately, it looks like Eric isn’t taking bookings at this time, but check back when you’re ready to book. He may be down to host again!

We were in the town during Bastille Day, which meant more festivities. Les Halles is their food market if you make it in time before it closes. 

For those who’d rather stay in Brest, use the map below to browse your options:

Day 7: The Cap Sizun

If you’re staying in Brest, use this day to explore the town! You can see the National Maritime Museum in the Château de Brest, stroll along the harbor and marina, and wander the Recouvrance district in search of seafood.

If you’re following along with us, get a little wild today on the Cap Sizun, instead. Cancale may have been one of our favorite towns, but this may have been our favorite natural attraction. 

We started at Le Phare du Milier. We thought we’d come just for the scenery and the house on the hill, but we ended up hiking to the house and then down to the beach. 

Kimmy was with us, and as we didn’t see any posted restrictions, she joined the other dogs on the beach for some playtime in the water. She had so much fun, and the water felt nice after some dusty hiking.

Despite the promises of beach time, sandals aren’t appropriate here. You’ll need to navigate some rocky spots and climb down a steep slope to reach the water. 

Expect to spend at least an hour here if you’re hiking and taking those iconic shots of the house overlooking the water. Add more time if you want to get down to the water. 

After our hike, we went for lunch at Le Flambé in Plogoff for burgers (or a tuna burger in my case) and fries. There’s a small distillery here and a cute downtown area if you’d like to linger, but we wanted more scenery. 

From here, we traveled north and parked at a spot marked “Parking Moulins de Trouguer” on map apps. The Moulins de Trouguer are two windmills looking all cute in a field. 

A 15-20 minute walk will get you to Pointe du Van, an atmospheric, windy point where we saw lots of water birds and seal activity. If you skipped the burgers, there’s a scenic snack bar here called Snack de la Pointe du Van.

Returning south, we parked briefly at Baie des Trépassés, a popular spot for surfers. The large beach was much busier than what we’d just left behind, so we spent some time admiring the surfers’ prowess in the water and continued along. 

We wanted one more round of scenic views at the Pointe du Raz before heading back to our accommodations for the night. This one felt more touristy, as the lot you park in is a paid one, and there are actual tchotchke shops inside next to the visitor’s center.

We went straight to the viewpoint. You can get there in about 15 minutes from the visitor center, following the signage. Things get a little perilous beyond the signs, so we didn’t venture much further than that to protect our baby (dog). 

You’ll pass the Notre-Dame des Naufragés on the way. This is a monument put here in 1904 to honor sailors lost at sea. 

I know this day seems like a lot, but if you have it in you, make one more stop at the Site Archéologique de Menez Dregan.

This prehistoric cave is one of the oldest known controlled hearths in Europe, dating back 465,000 years. Walking around the site is free, so why wouldn’t you make this one happen?

Excavations here have uncovered all kinds of relics, like stone tools, for rare insight into the life of prehistoric people in the region. There’s a small visitor center here that we skipped because Kimmy was with us, but she enjoyed walking about. She loves old stuff.

Return to the same accommodations you left this morning. If you’re in Pont l’Abbé, Baan Thai Pont l’Abbé was tasty as a little something different at this point.

Day 8: Quimper 

Our main motivation for visiting Quimper was the fact that they were playing the latest Superman movie in English (with French subtitles, because it’s still France). I’m so glad we gave ourselves some time to explore here, though. Quimper is cute AF!

We parked at a free lot at the top of the hill from town and enjoyed the town on foot from there. Here are some highlights to fill your day:

• Gast!: This was one of my favorite restaurants in Brittany, if only because it introduced me to a crème brûlée crêpe. It’s crème brûlée in a crêpe wrapped like a cone, and it is incredible. Their savory offerings are tasty, too.
• Jardin Exotique de la Retraite: This was originally a private garden, but it’s now a public botanical space showcasing exotic plants. It reminded us of San Diego a bit, as there were agave plants and cacti throughout. Visits are free. 
• Musée de la Faïence de Quimper: Quimper’s famous faïence pottery has been produced for over 300 years. This museum traces its history of intricate patterns and colorful ceramics. 
• Odet: Stroll along one of the prettiest rivers in France. Walking along its banks at sunset is one of the best ways to end your day, unless your husband is forcing a superhero movie upon you, of course!
• Old Town (Vieux Quimper): This is likely what you’ve seen on Instagram for Quimper. Wander narrow cobbled streets lined with half-timbered houses painted in bright colors. Boutiques, cafés, and crêperies make this quarter pretty perfect.

If you don’t mind driving a bit, Gorges de Stangala, a dramatic natural site, is a 10-minute drive from the center of town. Carved by the Odet, the gorge features steep granite cliffs, rapids, and forest trails. It’s a favorite spot for hiking, trail running, and kayaking. 

For those not going to the movies on this night, we had a delicious cider at Gast! from Cidrerie Château Lézergué, just a 15-minute drive from Quimper. 

Manoir du Kinkiz, Cidrerie Coic Paul, and Cidrerie Kerné are all within a short drive, too, if that’s where you’d like your day to take you!

Day 9: The Crozon Peninsula

If you haven’t been to Brest yet by this point, that’s an alternative here, but we’re suckers for the scenery, so we wanted to explore the Crozon Peninsula. 

It’s a little over an hour to get to Morgat, a super colorful town with nice beaches to lounge on if you don’t have a dog with you. 

We continued to the Cap de la Chèvre at the very tip of the Peninsula. More dramatic cliffs, windswept moors, and sweeping views of the Atlantic await. It’s just another example of how raw this region of France is, and why it’s so popular for adventurers.

You can park at the spot marked “Parking Cap de la Chèvre” for a loop trail of a little over three miles that winds its way along the coast. You’ll find a crêperie and a naval memorial along the way, but the real goods are the scenery.

Once you’ve gotten your steps in, you can return to Crozon, the town, for a casual lunch. We enjoyed our terrace poke bowls at Face au Bowl Restaurant. What’s not to love about that name, by the way? 

Parking here was terrible, as it’s this tiny place next to a bunch of auto body shops, so you’ll need to find something along the street before you get there.

Another 15 minutes got us to Pointe de Pen Hir, another impressive viewpoint and walk along the coast. We did the 1.5-mile loop from the parking lot at the bottom of the hill, but there’s a closer lot near the monument if you don’t want to walk that far.

The Alignements de Lagatjar are just five minutes up the road. I’ll get into the real French Stonehenge in a bit, but these stones from the Neolithic period were likely used in pagan rituals to commemorate the winter solstice. It’s a theory, at least.

The site is free, and you can walk right up to the stones. I’m not sure I’d climb all over them as we saw some kids do, though.

We finished the day off with some cider at Cidrerie de Rozavern. It was nice to sit outside and enjoy a few varieties of their ciders, plus an apple brandy that’s essentially a Breton Calvados. True Calvados is made in Normandy and only in Normandy!

If you want to linger on the peninsula, though, you have a few more options:

• Pointe du Grand Gouin: This headland offers good views of the sea and Brest harbor. Its rocky cliffs and historic fortifications make it a popular spot for photographers and history buffs.
• Chapelle de Notre-Dame de Rocamadour: See a charming chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary perched above Camaret-sur-Mer. Pilgrims visit this one for its serene atmosphere, so be respectful.
• Camaret-sur-Mer: This fishing village is known for its colorful harbor, seafood restaurants, and historic Vauban fortifications. It’s a hub for sailing and beach walks, because you can’t get too many of those in these parts.

You’re leaving for another base tomorrow, so tick off whatever is left on your list at wherever you chose to stay the last few nights. If you’re in Pont l’Abbé, enjoy a glass of wine at Vins et Vignettes before you go.

Day 10: Pont-Aven and Auray

You’ve reached the backend of your trip, but there’s still quite a bit of adventure left in this Brittany itinerary. Our next base was a small town called Muzillac, but this is the first time I’ll urge you to do better in your accommodations hunt.

We initially wanted to stay in Vannes, but the apartment we found apparently got booked by someone else at the same time as we hit “pay.” Whatever. Muzillac was a nearby alternative with cheap accommodations, but there truly wasn’t much to do there.

Vannes is a great option, as you’ll be exploring the town tomorrow anyway!

No matter where you stay, though, you’ll be driving through some more charm today. Start in Pont-Aven, just 40 minutes from Pont l’Abbé.

I have a detailed walking tour guide for you to steal to help you plan your morning there that I’d urge you to check out, or watch a short clip of our stroll.

Briefly, this is a town that I liked calling an alternative to Giverny, as it was so inspiring to another important artist, Paul Gauguin.

READ MORE: Giverny is still lovely and well worth your time! Check out my guide to visits in the spring.

We worked up an appetite here in time for lunch. While there are quite a few options in Pont-Aven, we wanted to try the highly rated La Casa di Nathano. It was just a 10-minute drive in the neighboring town of Riec-sur-Bélon.

Our insistence on pizza this day was worth it, as this was quite possibly the best pizza we’ve had in France. This wasn’t even a town that was on our radar, but we’d come back just for this Napoli-style pizza. 

I had potato on mine, which I always love, but Brian got a version with a whole burrata ball on it, drizzled in balsamic. It was SO good. They were so nice to our dog, too, and gave us limoncello at the end for our digestion.

I will never refuse hospitality, so down the hatch it went!

Feeling pretty self-satisfied, we tried our luck with another town that wasn’t on our initial list: Auray. It was another score. It wasn’t busy, had MORE half-timbered homes, and featured a port for us to stroll around as the limoncello interacted with the dairy.

We shared an ice cream cone, giving a lick here or there to Kimmy, and wandered this find feeling even more pleased with ourselves. 

This picturesque town has an interesting link to Benjamin Franklin, too. In 1776, during his diplomatic mission to secure French support for the American Revolution, Franklin visited Brittany to gain local backing for the U.S. 

Stormy weather got him as far as Auray, where he met with officials and merchants to promote the American cause. The delay gave him a unique opportunity to observe Brittany’s maritime activity more closely for a better understanding of local shipping.

Today, you’ll see plaques to that effect all over town marking the town’s small but notable role in the story of American independence.

Yay! We’re friends! Right??

If you’re staying in Vannes tonight as I suggested, you’ll have plenty of options for dinner and other treats. L’Accord Gourmet is a nice option for a classic French meal. If you’re craving a burger and an early bedtime, Chez Woody is popular.

Use the map below to help you find some quality accommodations in Vannes:

Day 11: Vannes

Vannes is a charming city in the Morbihan department of the region known for its well-preserved medieval architecture. It was probably the busiest town we’d been to in our travels, but it was also a Saturday in July.

Part of our trip to Brittany involved celebrating our wedding anniversary, and this was the day we chose to treat ourselves to a fancy meal at Restaurant La Tête en l’Air.

Michelin-starred eateries tend to eat up quite a bit of your day, but this was a special occasion for us. You have so many options for more casual spots in town, but our experience there was stellar nevertheless.

Here is how you can spend your perfect day in Vannes, even if it doesn’t go as hard as Michelin:

• François Kouign-Amann: This is one of the best places in Brittany to try kouign-amann, a regional specialty. It’s a rich, buttery pastry layered with sugar. Visit the Halles des Lices next door if it’s running for an authentic market experience.
• Jardin des Remparts: Vannes’ medieval walls are impressive all on their own, but I thought the gardens along the city walls were even more visually appealing. It’s nice for a quiet break or to get some good flower pics for the socials.
• Port of Vannes: The town’s marina is lively with boats and waterfront cafés. Nearby Quai Eric Tabarly is likely where you’ll find my yacht. If you continue south along the water, you’ll meet up with Awen Brew Pub, a fun spot for local and guest beers.
• Vannes Cathedral (Cathédrale Saint-Pierre): You’ll see peekaboo views of this church pretty much anywhere you look in the center of Vannes. This Gothic cathedral features impressive stained glass and carved woodwork.
• Vannes Old Town (Intra-Muros): Don’t leave here without seeing this town’s version of its half-timbered houses. Place Henri IV is a good place to start for admiring its colorful façades.

Since you’re staying in Vannes, hopefully, you don’t have to stop there! Visit the Château de l’Hermine, explore the Musée de la Cohue, or just explore the town’s historic center at a slower pace. 

Naturally, we were still stuffed from our multi-course lunch on this day, but you have lots of options for tasty eats in Vannes. Le Petit Fumoir came to us highly recommended.

Day 12: Quiberon and Carnac

This is where I’m going to sound pretty basic. Quiberon made it onto my priority list because of its link to a fictional Harry Potter Quidditch team, the Quiberon Quafflepunchers. 

I’ve never denied being a nerd.

It’s actually a lovely seaside town on the Quiberon Peninsula known for its sandy beaches and busy harbor. We had Kimmy with us, so we set out to find a dog-friendly spot at Beach Mane Guen. 

She enjoyed it, but there wasn’t a trash can anywhere nearby, so you can imagine the mess of dog poop bags at the entrance. I’m just glad most of the people here were combating the stereotype that the French don’t pick up after their pets!

If you’d like to start your day at the beach, head to the Grande Plage. This is the town’s main beach, with golden sand, gentle surf, and a lively boardwalk for when you’re done. Another morning option is a walk along the Côte Sauvage, or Wild Coast. 

The name suits this stretch along the west side of the peninsula, as it’s one of the wildest, most rugged coastlines in Brittany. It’ll also place you near Le Vivier, a great lunch spot with views of the crashing waves. 

For whatever reason, I thought I was ordering a lobster roll here, when in fact it was a platter of peel-and-eat langoustines. They were sweet and tasty, but as someone who doesn’t suck the brains out of their beady-eyed heads, it wasn’t a banner order for me.

From here, you can head back into Quiberon proper. Tin fish is a big deal here, as Port Maria was once France’s largest sardine port. If you’re down, Conserverie la Belle-Iloise is your best option. 

I’d avoid La Quiberonnaise, as the staff in there is pretty mid, but Maison Riguidel next door is a popular option for kouign-amann.

Finish up with some ice cream and a coffee with a view at Gulf Stream, a super pet-friendly tea shop a little ways away from the more tourist-heavy options.

You can linger in Quiberon from here and head to Pointe du Conguel at the very tip or visit Maison d’Histoire to learn about the region’s maritime past. We wanted to leave some time for Carnac, so we hit the road again by late afternoon.

The Alignments of Carnac are one of the world’s most mysterious prehistoric sites, dating back over 6,000 years. These standing stones, or menhirs, stretch across the fields near Carnac for half a mile, and their purpose remains debated.

Now THIS is the French Stonehenge, and I’d argue even more impressive due to its size alone. 

You can book a tour here if you’re not with a dog, or you can just do the circuit around the fence surrounding the site for free. That felt like enough for us, as you get really close to them, with some right on the path, on the side away from the road.

If you’re still working with some daylight at this point, you can visit the Alignements du Petit-Ménec nearby for more history or the Cidrerie de Carnac for more cider. 

You’re just half an hour from Vannes at this point, so head back to your accommodations for a rest and some takeout as your trip winds down. Pizza Deluda is super popular for fresh pies in town.

Day 13: Nantes

Nantes isn’t technically in Brittany, but it used to be. It’s a big point of contention in the town, actually. Locals still feel like they’re very much Breton, despite being forced into the Loire-Atlantique department.

Anyway, I wanted to justify my inclusion of the town here, as we did have a fun time.

It’s also just an hour and 15 minutes from Vannes. You can either plan this one as a day trip or overnight in Nantes to make your multi-hour drive back to Paris a little shorter the next morning.

An alternative option in Brittany proper here is Rennes, one of the major cities of the ancient Duchy of Brittany.

Fun fact: A duchy is a territory or region ruled by a duke or duchess. It’s essentially a domain within a larger kingdom or empire, or a “mini-kingdom.”

You’ll be even closer to Paris from Rennes, so do with that what you will! We didn’t visit that one, so I can’t provide much in the way of first-hand experience there. We DID go to Nantes, though, and started with a tasty brunch at Dînette.  

I thought the prices were a little high before we were served, but you get A LOT of food on the meal deal. We got hot and cold drinks, a side, and dessert in addition to our mains. The banoffee pie was the star.

Browse my Nantes guide for ideas on things you can do once you’re done with brunch, or hit these highlights:

• Château des Ducs de Bretagne: I told you about the city’s connection to Brittany! You can see quite a bit for free here. Walking the ramparts was our jam. Stroll all the way around, then walk around the moat at the level below.
• La Psalette: We discovered this secret garden while trying to take a good photo of Cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul de Nantes, covered in scaffolding at the time. It was a lovely spot that made for even lovelier pictures.
• Les Machines de l’Île: You’ll need to pay admission to see the exhibits inside the exposition space here, or you can just watch a giant mechanical elephant do its thing for free. Watch this clip for a better idea of what the heck I’m talking about. 
• Talensac Market: Visit this large market any day but Monday. Everything here was very affordable, especially the $3 wine, but we didn’t have any cash on us to partake in the deals. 
• Trentemoult: This former fishing village is now a fun spot to grab a drink by the water after you check out all of the colorful houses. It was like a mini Burano back there, but with hardly any tourists!

READ MORE: If you have no clue what I’m talking about above, check out my guide to Burano, a technicolor Venetian island.

Nantes is a larger city, so there is more to do to fill up more time! The île de Versailles looked lovely, but we skipped it because we got caught in some rain. The Passage Pommeraye, a covered mall, is just as impressive as anything you’d see in Paris. 

If you want another meal here, try to find something near the Place Royale to check out the city’s historic fountain. It was turned into a modern work of art during our visit by a Dutch artist, but normally, it’s an ode to the city’s economy and culture.

We returned to our base for the last couple of nights after our day in Nantes, popping by La Maison du Cidre in Le Hézo for good measure. If you want to overnight in Nantes, though, that’s not a bad proposition!

Check out the map below for some accommodation options in Nantes:

Day 14: Paris

Nantes leaves you well-situated to return to Paris from here. If you have the full day to work with, you can take your time cruising through the Loire Valley. Check out my guide to my favorite castles here. 

If you’re taking the most direct route back, you can consider stops like these:

• Angers: This town is famous for the Château d’Angers with its Apocalypse Tapestry. The old town is charming and nice for a stroll and a coffee.
• Le Mans: This one is known for its medieval old town, or Cité Plantagenêt, and, if you’re interested in motorsport, the Museum of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
• Chartres: Stop here to see the Chartres Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of France’s finest Gothic cathedrals.

Either way, don’t be too sad that your trip to Brittany is over. Now that you’ve experienced its magic, you’ll just need to come back!

With More Time in Brittany

Brittany is worth visiting again and again. In fact, I was scheming a return trip as soon as we got back! Despite quite a bit of time spent here, here’s what we left on the table for next time:

• Locronan: This small stone village is a popular filming location for period films and definitely looks like one of Brittany’s most picturesque.
• Parc Naturel Régional de Brière: This scenic wetland area was on our list because it’s home to the Michelin-starred La Mare aux Oiseaux.
• Presqu’île de la Villeneuve: This is another peaceful peninsula ideal for hikes, coastal walks, and admiring Brittany’s natural beauty.
• Rennes: Enjoy more half-timbered houses and a busy café scene in the official capital of Brittany. 
• Rochefort-en-Terre: This is another fairy-tale village with cobblestone streets, flower-filled storefronts, and artisan shops.
• Roscoff: This maritime town is known for its onion markets, historic port, and picturesque architecture.
• Saint-Suliac: This small coastal village is consistently named one of France’s prettiest towns thanks to its narrow streets and fishing cottages.

Brittany rewards slow travel.

A two-week itinerary in Brittany is an excellent way to get to know this part of France well. If you’re just not able to travel that way, though, you can still see the region well in pieces.

I can see us planning long weekends away in Saint-Malo, Brest, or Rennes, or picking a fishing village for a few days to explore more of the coast. There is so much to see in Brittany, even after weeks of exploring. I’m here for it.

Traveling elsewhere in France? Check these out:

• Versailles: Visit the Palace and Gardens
• Plan One Busy Day in Lovely Lille
• See the Best of Évian-les-Bains
• A Review of Historic Le Golf National
• Plan a Day in Monaco From Nice

More guides for travel through France:

• Top Attractions in Antibes, France
• Plan a Busy Day of Fun in Avignon
• Is It Worth Visiting Montpellier?
• Nice to Cannes: How to Plan a Trip
• How We Moved to France From the U.S.

Want to see more?