Bretagne (or Brittany) is a beautiful region in the west of France. It has wild coastlines, old towns, and a strong local culture. I spent 7 days driving through this amazing place. I visited big cities, small villages, and saw both the sea and the countryside. Here’s what I did each day.
Day 1 – Rennes: The Capital of Brittany
I began my journey in Rennes, the capital of Brittany. It’s a city full of life, with lots of students, music, and art. At the same time, it’s very old. In the historic center, you’ll find wooden houses from the Middle Ages, leaning slightly but still standing proud. The streets are lively with cafés, crepe shops, and markets.
I visited the Parliament of Brittany, a beautiful building with gold decorations and painted ceilings. Then I walked through the big Saturday market at Place des Lices, where locals sell cheese, bread, flowers, and cider. Rennes has a fun energy that mixes tradition and modern life.
Day 2: Saint-Malo – A Pirate City by the Sea
From Rennes, I drove north to Saint-Malo, one of Brittany’s most famous towns. This city was once home to corsairs, or pirates who worked for the French king. Today, Saint-Malo is known for its tall stone walls that surround the old city.
I walked on top of the walls and saw beautiful views of the ocean and nearby islands. At low tide, you can even walk across the sand to small islands just offshore. I tried fresh oysters and seafood at a local restaurant near the harbor. The wind, the salty air, and the sound of waves make Saint-Malo feel wild and powerful.
Day 3: Mont Saint-Michel – A Magical Island
On the third day, I took a short trip outside of Brittany to visit Mont Saint-Michel. It’s in Normandy, but very close, and many people include it in a Brittany road trip.
Mont Saint-Michel is a small rocky island with a big abbey on top. When the tide is high, the sea surrounds it. When the tide is low, you can walk across the sand to get there. It looks like something from a fairytale. The streets are narrow and steep, with little shops and cafés. Climbing to the top of the abbey gave me a wonderful view of the sea and the sky.
Day 4: Saint-Brieuc and Plounévez-Lochrist – Peaceful Places
After the excitement of Mont Saint-Michel, I wanted a quiet day. I went to Saint-Brieuc, a small town by the sea. It’s less touristy, but very pretty. I took a peaceful walk along the cliffs of Pointe du Roselier, where you can see wide views of the sea and the green coastline. Later, I drove inland to Plounévez-Lochrist, a small village in the countryside. There aren’t many sights here, but that’s the charm. It was calm and relaxing, a nice break from the busier towns.
Day 5: Roscoff and Brest – Life by the Water
In the morning, I visited Roscoff, a small and charming port town. It’s known for its seafood, especially its famous pink onions, and for wellness centers that use seaweed treatments. The harbor is quiet and peaceful, and the houses are made from local stone with pretty slate roofs. I had a long walk by the sea and ate a fresh fish lunch in a small restaurant.
In the afternoon, I went to Brest, a much bigger city with a strong connection to the sea. It’s a naval port with modern buildings, because much of it was destroyed in World War II. I visited Océanopolis, a large ocean museum with aquariums and exhibits about sea life. Brest feels open and windswept, with lots of boats and wide views.
Day 6: Quimper and Lorient – Art and Ships
I fell in love with Quimper, a beautiful town with lots of culture and history. The old town is full of half-timbered houses, narrow streets, and flower boxes. I visited the big cathedral with its tall spires and walked along the Odet River, which runs through the town. Quimper is famous for its painted pottery, and I saw many lovely hand-decorated pieces in shops.
Later, we drove to Lorient, a city by the sea with a history of shipbuilding. It’s more modern than Quimper, but very interesting. I visited a former German submarine base from World War II, which now holds museums and exhibitions. I learned about sailing, fishing, and the city’s connection to the ocean. It’s a great place for people interested in naval history.
Day 7: Vannes – A Perfect Ending
My final stop was Vannes, and it felt like the perfect ending to the trip. Vannes is a very pretty town on the Gulf of Morbihan, with a beautiful old city center. The medieval walls are still standing, and there are gardens with flowers growing along the ramparts. The harbor is full of sailboats, and the streets are lined with shops and cafés.
Brittany is full of charm, beauty, and strong local traditions. The coast is dramatic, the villages are cozy, and every town feels different. The food is simple but delicious, and the people are proud of their land. I saw so much in 7 days, but I know there’s still more to explore.
If you love road trips, history, nature, or just want to see a different side of France, I really recommend visiting Brittany. Just take your time, follow the coast, and let each place surprise you.