North Brittany Road Trip: 8 days along rugged coastlines, Saint-Malo and the Pink Granite Coast

Day 1: Departure to Dinard

Your trip begins with an outward journey to Dinard or to Saint-Briac-sur-Mer, where you will stay for four nights in an exceptional Caractère hotel.

Day 2: Dinard and the Vallée de la Rance

After a visit to the fashionable seaside town of Dinard, beautifully situated at the mouth of the Rance, with a unique architectural heritage (just 407 listed villas and buildings), you'll head to the walled medieval town of Dinan with its numerous half-timbered houses and impressive castle. You will return along the banks of the Rance with attractive fishing villages like St.-Suliac and wide panoramas.

Day 3: Dol-de-Bretagne, Cancale and St.-Malo

On day 3 you will visit the old Breton Episcopal town of Dol-de-Bretagne with its impressive cathedral and half-timbered houses. Barely three kilometres away is Champ-Dolent with its impressive nine-and-a-half-metre-high menhir, one of the most beautiful in Brittany. You travel on to Cancale with its immense oyster fields: here the tippers full of oysters come and go, the vendors, and the return of fishing boats at high tide. The picturesque little port is a treat both for the eye and taste buds. From the Pointe du Grouin, 4.5 km away, there are panoramic views, from Cap Fréhel to the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel. Return via strategically located St Malo. This former war port and pirate nest looks unique behind its thick ramparts. In the 'ville close' - the old town - it is enjoyable to discover its rich history on foot and that of its most famous inhabitant, Jacques Cartier. If you want to visit Mont-Saint-Michel, we recommend an extra night in Dinard or in Saint-Briac-sur-Mer .

Day 4: The Côte d'Emeraude

A drive along this rugged coast gives you plenty of variety with stunning views of the cliffs and huge sandy beaches at St-Cast-le-Guildo. The pretty villas of the Quartier des Mielles prove that this cosy town was discovered as a seaside resort a long time ago. The cute little fishing port with a small fleet specialises in fishing for scallops and venus clams. Onwards to the impressive lighthouse on Cap Fréhel and Fort La Latte.

Day 5: The most beautiful 'pointes'

Via St-Brieuc, you will drive to Paimpol and the Pointe de l'Arcouest offering stunning views of Ile de Bréhat. In Paimpol, port of the Icelanders, make sure to taste the oysters and other fruits de mer. Watching the fishermen harvest their plots in a race against the tides remains an impressive spectacle. Continuing on, you will drive via the port town of Tréguier to Perros-Guirec where you will stay 3 nights at hotel L'Agapa. On the way to Perros-Guirec, don't forget to go for a walk along 'Le Sentier des Douaniers' through the Castel-Mur nature reserve. In fact, on the little peninsula here stands the most photographed 'Maison-entre-les-deux-Roches' better known as 'Le Gouffre'.

Day 6: The Côte de Granit Rose

From Perros-Guirec, take the picturesque coastal route along a series of fishing and seaside resorts with beautiful sandy beaches and colourful rock formations such as at Ploumanach with its pink granite cliffs and Trégastel-Plage with its strange rock formations. You return via Trébeurden and Lannion. The graceful bridges and quays here flood at high tide, giving the whole place a Breton feel.

Day 7: The Bay of Morlaix

This is one of France's most beautiful bays, including the lively town of Morlaix with its 58-metre-high viaduct - made entirely of granite - reigning over the old town and port. It is worth leaving the town to visit Europe's largest megalithic stone mausoleum, the Cairn de Barnenez.

Day 8: Going home

Your trip is over, on day 8 you'll get ready to return home. Fancy or need a longer holiday? Extend your adventure with our second experience trip 'Southern Brittany, mysticism and natural beauty'.

Frequently asked questions about this trip

Do you need a rental car for this trip?

Yes. Coastal towns, villages and natural sites are spread across the region. A car makes it easy to move between the different stops.

What is the best time to travel?

May to October is ideal. In summer, the coast is lively, while spring and autumn are quieter and perfect for walking.

What makes North Brittany so special?

The coastline is wilder than in many other regions. Think granite rocks, strong tides, old fortified towns and small harbours where life still revolves around the sea.

Is this trip suitable for active travellers?

Yes, but in a relaxed way. You take short coastal walks, explore villages and can occasionally go for a longer hike along the Sentier des Douaniers.