Road Trip: A Self Drive Itinerary in Brittany
Brittany, France is wonderful for a self-drive tour. We can arrange an adventure discovering the historic sites and quaint villages of the region. Famous also for its sweeping coastline, and culinary treasures, Brittany is one of a kind. A road trip through France’s northwest corner is a great choice for clients looking for freedom and flexibility. However, with Bella Vita Travels, you’re never alone!
We will organize every step of your road trip to make your adventure in Brittany hassle free. All of our trips come with detailed destination kits. Along with our expert advice, you’ll have all the information you need to hit the road! We will work with you to pick the perfect accommodations each evening.
In October, we have put some sample itineraries for a road trip together. As always, all of our holidays are custom made to your travel wishes. If Brittany sounds perfect, contact us to learn about how to start planning your holiday!
DAY 1: Welcome to France
Upon arrival at Charles de Gaulle airport, you will be greeted by our host who will assist you with luggage and customs. After, they will bring you to the TGV station for the high-speed train to Rennes (in first-class of course!).
Once you arrive in Rennes, a your automatic transmission rental car will be waiting to take you to your elegant accommodations in the city center for one night. The evening is free to enjoy on your own and to get a good night’s sleep before your adventure begins.
Day 2: Rennes and Saint-Malo
This morning, you will get an introduction to Brittany with a Private Walking Tour of Rennes. The impressive historical center includes charming, old timber framing medieval houses and one of the most refined gardens in France. Then, you will stop by the parliament building. You will also have exterior visits to several grand buildings of architectural interest such as the Senate and City Hall. Afterward, visit the 6th Cathedral St-Pierre of Rennes that dates back to the 6th century. Last but not least, take a walk through the Des Lices market.
After lunch, you’ll take the short ride through the beautiful countryside of Brittany. You’ll arrive in less than an hour at Saint-Malo. You will have several choices for lodging from our extensive portfolio. These are all based on location, comfort, and travel style.
The rest of the evening will be free for you to explore. If you prefer, we can also recommend stops along your drive to Saint-Malo. Or, perhaps, you prefer to have a glass of wine in a local bistrot and enjoy the ambiance of this charming town!
Day 3: Saint-Malo
This morning you can choose to meet a private guide to discover the interesting Brittany port town where you are based. Saint-Malo is considered one of the greatest examples of fortification works built between the 12th and the early 18th centuries. You will learn about its history and its important cathedral Saint-Vincent.
Of perhaps, you can try another set of wheels with an E-Biking Tour and at Cap Frehel. A short drive along the beautiful coast and you start the day. This is a wonderful day of nature and views on your private e-bike tour. Riding through villages and marshes, follow your guide to the very end of the wild Frehel Cape. You will also visit the fortress of La Latte which clings to a massive rock above the ocean.
With your rental car, the day is yours to choose in beautiful Brittany.
DAY 4: Exploring the north coast of Brittany
There are so many choices to explore the north coast of Brittany. Perhaps a short drive will give you the opportunity to explore the quaint medieval village of Dinan? Marvel at the extensive ramparts, its charming archicture, and its cobbled streets.
Or a little further to see the unforgettable Mont-Saint-Michel? This unique medieval village built on a tiny rock is surrounded by a constantly changing landscape of water and quicksands which attracts millions of visitors every year. Still do not be deterred by its popularity, it is absolutely worth the visit! The views as you arrive are spectacular. Plus, the medieval village itself is incredibly charming if you know what corners to wander in (and we do!). Lastly, the abbey is not to be missed with its combination of medieval art perfection and spiritual feel that makes it unique.
With your rental car, you have the freedom to choose the perfect day for you. Exploring this region by car is a pleasure as the scenery is so special!
DAY 5: Perros Guirec
The next destination on your Brittany self drive itinerary will be the Perros-Guirec.
Located in heart of the Côte de Granit Rose, this resort town offers a protected natural site of exceptional beauty. Here you find unusual landscapes dotted with pink granite rock forms carved by wind and waves. With over 8 miles of coastline and three large sandy beaches, Perros-Guirec enjoys a panoramic view. It looks over the archipelago of seven islands and is one of the largest bird sanctuaries in France. Driving here is a feast for the eyes and senses!
En-route, you will stop in Saint-Brieuc for lunch and a stroll. Here you’ll find a wonderful lookout point at Pointe de Roselier with a beautiful, plunging landscape by the sea, and views that stretch all the way to the Port du Légué.
Afterward, you will be delivered to your elegant oceanside accommodations.
DAY 6: The mountains and the sea of Brittany
Your last day has so many special unforgettable excursions. Perhaps our Brittany sailing experience? Board a vintage wooden ship for a beautiful day around Bréhat island. You’ll learn how to maneuver the boat and to navigate it between islands. Enjoy an on-board picnic, listening to the stories of this proud region. A wonderful way to experience the stunning coast!
Or perhaps a short ride to explore the lovely port town of Roscoff and Balz Island. Here, you can rent bicycles for the day riding along coastal trails next to small beaches with nothing more than farmland and the ocean. You can also dine in a wonderful seaside restaurant or picnic amongst the many open pastures.
If you want to give your legs a try instead of wheels, perhaps Trekking the Granite Coast. The best way to discover this beautiful coast is by taking the section of the Sentier des Douaniers to the village of Ploumanac’h. Along the way, take in the sights and smell of the rough sea, then discover the multitude of uninhabited islets with their pink granite rocks.
DAY 7: Au revior, Brittany
For your last day, you can choose to drop your rental car back off in Rennes and take the high speed train to Paris for your flight home. Or perhaps for a later flight, drive the way back to Paris with some more stops.
If your trip doesn’t end here, we can show you what the rest of incredible France has to offer. A few days in Paris before heading home? Or even a longer road trip through Normandy? Tailor made travel means that this vacation is yours to decide. We are eager and ready to help make your travel dreams come true!
