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4-day itinerary

Brittany Highlights Tour

4-day tour of Brittany's coast and medieval towns

Length
4 days · 12 sights
Pace
Moderate
Estimated cost
€241 per person
Based in
Brittany

Day by day

  1. Day 1: Rennes to Vannes: Medieval Heart of Brittany

    Start in the capital, Rennes, exploring its historic center before driving south to Vannes to walk the ramparts and visit the medieval castle.

    • 09:00

      Cathédrale Saint-Pierre de Rennes

      Visit Brittany's only Roman-plan cathedral, admiring its Gothic architecture and stained glass.

      About 2 hours

    • 11:00

      Place du Martray

      Stroll through this historic square near Vannes ramparts, enjoying the timber-framed houses.

      About 60 min

    • 12:30

      Lunch in Vannes

      Enjoy traditional Breton crêpes or galettes at a local bistro near the old town.

      About 1.5 hours

    • 14:30

      Château de Suscinio

      Explore this 800-year-old medieval castle in Sarzeau, just south of Vannes, with its impressive keep and gardens.

      About 2 hours

    • 16:30

      Vannes Ramparts Walk

      Walk along the 14th-century ramparts enclosing the old town for panoramic views.

      About 1.5 hours

    Meals:
    Lunch at Vannes Old Town; Dinner at Vannes
    Where to stay:
    Stay in Vannes or Sarzeau for easy access to the coast and medieval sites.
    Getting around:
    Drive from Rennes to Vannes (approx. 1h 15m). Parking is available near the ramparts.

  2. Day 2: The Emerald Coast: Dinard and St. Malo

    Head north to the Côte d'Émeraude. Explore the Belle Époque elegance of Dinard and the historic fortifications of St. Malo.

    • 09:00

      Drive to Dinard

      Travel from Vannes to Dinard along the scenic coastal route.

      About 60 min

    • 10:30

      Belle Époque Villas Tour

      Walk through the upscale neighborhoods to admire the preserved Belle Époque villas.

      About 2 hours

    • 12:30

      Lunch in Dinard

      Seafood lunch at a restaurant overlooking the bay.

      About 1.5 hours

    • 14:30

      Place du Maréchal Foch & Parc de la Touche

      Visit the central square and the adjacent park with rare plant collections.

      About 2 hours

    • 16:00

      Coastal Walk to St. Malo

      Walk or drive to St. Malo to see the iconic ramparts and tidal island.

      About 2 hours

    Meals:
    Lunch at Dinard; Dinner at St. Malo
    Where to stay:
    Stay in St. Malo or Dinard for a seaside experience.
    Getting around:
    Drive from Vannes to Dinard (approx. 1h 30m). Limited parking in St. Malo; use park-and-ride.

  3. Day 3: Brittany's Artistic Soul: Quimper and Pont-Aven

    Journey inland to the west to explore the ceramic capital of Quimper and the artistic village of Pont-Aven.

    • 09:00

      Drive to Quimper

      Travel from the coast to Quimper, the capital of Cornouaille.

      About 1.5 hours

    • 11:00

      Musée de la Faïence

      Discover the 300-year Breton ceramic tradition in this charming museum housed in a former manor.

      About 2 hours

    • 13:00

      Lunch in Quimper

      Traditional lunch in the half-timbered old town.

      About 1.5 hours

    • 15:00

      Musée des Beaux-Arts de Pont-Aven

      Visit the museum dedicated to the Pont-Aven School of Post-Impressionism.

      About 1.5 hours

    • 16:30

      Collegiate Church of Saint-Ronan

      Visit the stunning Flamboyant Gothic church in the nearby village of Locronan.

      About 60 min

    Meals:
    Lunch at Quimper; Dinner at Quimper
    Where to stay:
    Stay in Quimper for a mix of city amenities and Breton charm.
    Getting around:
    Drive from St. Malo to Quimper (approx. 2h). Drive from Quimper to Pont-Aven/Locronan is short (30 mins).

  4. Day 4: Concarneau and Brest: Fortresses and Fjords

    Explore the walled town of Concarneau and the maritime history of Brest, ending with views of the rugged coast.

    • 09:00

      Drive to Concarneau

      Travel from Quimper to Concarneau.

      About 60 min

    • 10:00

      Les Sables Blancs Beach

      Relax on the 500m of fine white sand overlooking the bay.

      About 2 hours

    • 12:30

      Lunch in Concarneau

      Fresh seafood lunch in the Ville Close (Walled Town).

      About 1.5 hours

    • 14:30

      Place de la Liberté & Ville Close

      Explore the central square and the historic walled fishing town.

      About 2 hours

    • 16:30

      Citadelle de Brest

      Visit the 17th-century Vauban fortress and the Port de Commerce in reconstructed Brest.

      About 2 hours

    Meals:
    Lunch at Concarneau; Dinner at Brest
    Where to stay:
    Stay in Brest or Concarneau depending on departure route.
    Getting around:
    Drive from Quimper to Concarneau (30 mins). Drive from Concarneau to Brest (1h 15m).

Practical information

The optimal time to visit Brittany for a four-day highlights tour is late spring (May to June) or early autumn (September to October). During these months, temperatures are mild, ranging from 15°C to 20°C, and daylight hours are sufficient for extensive sightseeing. Summer months attract large crowds, particularly to Mont Saint-Michel, leading to congested roads and higher accommodation prices. Winter visits offer dramatic, moody landscapes but come with shorter days and potential rain, requiring flexible scheduling. Weather in Brittany is unpredictable; even in summer, sudden showers are common, making layering essential. Getting around Brittany by car is highly recommended due to the dispersed nature of its attractions. Public transport exists but is often slow and limited in rural areas. For a four-day itinerary, renting a compact car provides the necessary flexibility to navigate narrow coastal roads and access remote viewpoints. If arriving from Paris, take the TGV train to Rennes or Brest, then rent a car at the station. Parking at major sites like Mont Saint-Michel can be challenging; utilize the designated park-and-ride facilities to avoid traffic restrictions and secure a spot. For accommodation, consider splitting your stay between two locations to minimize daily driving. Staying in Rennes offers a central hub with excellent dining and transport links, while a base near the coast, such as in Dinard or Quimper, provides easier access to dramatic cliffs and beaches. Booking well in advance is crucial, especially during peak season. Budget considerations should include fuel, tolls, and parking fees, which are not always included in rental quotes. Meals range from affordable creperies to high-end bistros; budgeting for two sit-down dinners and casual lunches helps manage costs. Pack sturdy walking shoes for uneven cobblestone streets and coastal trails, as well as waterproof jackets and layers. A power bank and offline maps are practical additions, as signal can be spotty in remote areas. Important tips include checking tide times meticulously for bay walks at Mont Saint-Michel, as missing the window can strand visitors or limit access. Always carry cash for small markets and rural establishments that may not accept cards. Finally, respect local customs by greeting shopkeepers with "Bonjour" upon entry, a small courtesy that significantly enhances interactions.

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