North Brittany Road Trip: 10-Day Itinerary + Map (Coastal Route)

If you’re planning a road trip along Brittany’s north coast, this itinerary will save you hours of research. From dramatic cliffs and quiet fishing villages to Mont-Saint-Michel and Saint-Malo, this is the north Brittany road trip itinerary I’d follow again without hesitation. Whether you have 5, 7 or 10 days, here’s how to structure it properly.

I visited France for more than 1.5 months. My focus was on the Brittany and Normandy regions. I drove to all these places, did all the research myself, and now share my best tips for making these Europe road trips memorable. This was part of my 4-month Northern Europe road trip.

It’s important to note that France is divided into 18 different regions, of which I have visited parts of Brittany and Normandy. Each of these regions is further divided into departments. 

Brittany region offers a great deal of gorgeous places to visit, and some of the best places to visit in northern France. 

If you’re still deciding whether this region is right for you, read my honest take on whether Brittany is worth visiting before planning your route.

For this Brittany road trip itinerary, I will focus on the three northern departments (Finistère, Côtes-d’Armor and Ille-et-Vilaine), where the northern Brittany coast offers cooler temperatures during summer and unforgettable landscapes. 

I have YouTube videos from most of these places that I mention in this itinerary, so check my YouTube channel.

Why Road Trip North Brittany?

I have always dreamt of those white sand beaches that seem to tell a story and invite visitors to explore, not just to sunbathe. 

I’m not into sunbathing too much (I tend to think too much sun is bad for my skin), but I love coastal views, sand dunes and quiet places. 

And although I had never visited the northern part of France before, I somehow imagined this is what this part of Europe would look like.

And it turns out I was right. 

I truly enjoyed each stop, each beach and coastal view, and each island just off the coastline. 

I loved how Brittany isn’t controlled by mass tourism, doesn’t have big chain hotels or more than it needs of the capitalist state. 

It felt authentic, and not just like an authentic part of France, but as a truly authentic part of Europe. And this is really hard to find these days anywhere in Europe. 

Trust me, I’ve been to all European countries. I have seen many European cities that got completely swallowed up by capitalism. But, as much as we associate that kind of city with modern times, it truly isn’t the authentic side of Europe. 

But Brittany has stayed true to its people and their values. And I truly love that. 

I loved it so much, I cannot wait to plan another trip to Brittany. 

Obviously, during summer, when the entire Europe complains about heatwaves, the coastal side of Brittany enjoys the absolutely perfect summer weather, which rarely surpasses 25°C (77°F).

Brittany: Best place to stay 

Because it’s really hard to focus and choose the places to visit in Brittany, I believe one of the best approaches is to stay in several different places. 

That way, you are closer to the attractions you want to visit, and don’t end up driving for hours every day. 

That means there is no best place to stay in Brittany if your goal is to visit most of the great spots in the region. 

I’m thinking about planning a fun and comfortable trip, and driving for hours will definitely not make it comfortable. 

Also, driving in France can quickly become expensive, and you’re always at risk of fines, given the many speed cameras in France. 

But, of course, staying in just one location might be an option for some, if you dislike packing and unpacking a lot (I dislike this part the most when I have to change accommodations). 

And if that’s the case, then you need to spend more time in Brittany to make sure you have extra rest days between the visiting days that will include longer driving hours. 

However, I strongly encourage you to go for one of the gorgeous villages right on the coastline, in this case, so you can enjoy gorgeous sunsets and sunrises every day, from the most magical region of France. 

Some places that really stuck with me after this long time in Brittany are Paimpol, Ploubazlanec, Pleubian, Trévou-Tréguignec, Perros-Guirec, Côte de Granit Rose, and Trebeurden. 

I am mentioning all these spots because they are gorgeous and I would easily spend at least a week in any one of them. 

North Brittany Road Trip Map

Here’s a map to use during your trip to find all these spots I mention in this north Brittany road trip itinerary. I also added two optional spots in the south of Brittany, just in case you want to explore more.

Brittany, France, best road trip itinerary (10-Day Itinerary)

The best itinerary will always be the one that best suits your curiosity and that aligns with your travel style. I can only share my personal insights and tips on how to make it better. But if it doesn’t suit you, it doesn’t mean you have to do this exact itinerary. 

In fact, as you will be driving in Brittany, France, you will see different road signs indicating attractions and gorgeous spots (too many to mention, so I will refer to the ones I have visited). 

In the end, it will come down to your schedule as well. The more you add to your itinerary, the more time you will need. 

Here is my proposed Brittany itinerary, which you can adapt according to your schedule and desired destinations.

Day 1-2: Saint-Malo

Popular spots for British tourists, because Saint-Malo is a big port that offers daily ferries to Plymouth, Portsmouth, St. Helier and St Peter Port (Brittany Ferries). 

This is your first day in Brittany, and that’s why I believe you should spend at least 2 days in Saint-Malo and take it slower. And the city offers plenty; depending on your mood, you can find something to do. 

The Saint Malo ramparts are a popular walk all day long. 

The old city was, in fact, reconstructed, so it isn’t that old anymore, but the views of the buildings are still impressive. 

During the day, it gets busy with tourists, and all the restaurants get full. But you should stop for lunch and enjoy the place. 

We ate at Le Castello, just right after passing the big gate (La Grande Porte de Saint-Malo). 

We had mussels and fries (moules frites), a staple in the coastal French cuisine, at one of the terraces, where they also accepted us with our dog. 

If you prefer to visit the place in a quieter setting, come later in the afternoon, at about dinner time, when everyone goes back to their hotel, and it will feel a lot quieter. 

For sunset, check the views from the Bidouane Tower. During low tide, you can walk to Grand Bé island, which is next to the tower. There’s also a nice beach that gets crazy busy during the day, but at sunset, it’s a nice spot to visit. 

Another thing I recommend doing in Saint-Malo is a boat tour. 

This is a great option if you don’t want to walk a lot, and you will have more gorgeous views of the fortress and the newer part of the city. There is also a guide explaining what you see around you. 

You get to see an important part of the city, and it gives you a better idea of the layout (without walking, which is great if it’s too sunny outside or you don’t have the energy to do it).

We went with Les Bateaux Rouges, which runs several tours per day, and we bought our tickets from their street kiosk right in front of the fortress, just one hour before the tour. 

Of course, there are other options, so choose one that fits your schedule. I really love the 1.5-hour tour, and they also accept pets. 

Other spots that deserve a visit in Saint-Malo are the old fortress (where the Mémorial 39-45 is – it offers great views, free of tourists), Solidor Tower, Plage des Bas Sablons, Môle des Noires, Plage de l’Éventail and others. 

When everything is done, reward yourself with a crepe at one of the city’s creperies. I recommend choosing a place outside the fortress, which can be a bit cheaper. 

Overall, I think most restaurants are great in this part of the world, but also check the Google reviews and don’t settle for anything under 4 stars. 

We chose an Airbnb for this stay, but there are also many hotels. The place tends to get very busy during the summer, so if you’re driving, you need to always book a place with parking. 

Hotels should also be within walking distance from the fortress; otherwise, you will have to drive there and park in the paid parking around the fortress (all are surface parkings, which get hot during summer). 

I made a great video in Saint Malo, and you can watch it on my YouTube channel to see what the vibe is like and what to expect if you decide to visit it during summer:

Day trips from Saint-Malo:

• Dinard (where the rich and posh French houses are on the other side of the river from Saint-Malo)
• Dinan (nice medieval town with a castle, walk around to admire the half-timbered houses)
• Cancale (nice coastal town, the place to eat oysters, drive to Côte d’Émeraude à Cancale for the coastal views)

Day 3: Fort la Latte & Cap Fréhel

This is when Brittany starts to feel wild.

Fort la Latte (officially Château de La Roche Goyon) sits dramatically on a rocky headland, surrounded by crashing Atlantic waves and endless coastal views. Even if you’ve seen photos before, walking across the drawbridge and seeing it in real life feels cinematic.

Just a few minutes away, Cap Fréhel offers some of the most spectacular cliff scenery on the entire north coast. Think pink sandstone cliffs, deep blue water, seabirds circling overhead and coastal paths that make you want to walk forever.

If you’re short on time, visit Cap Fréhel first for the views, then explore the castle interior.

If you only have 5 days in Brittany, this is one stop I would absolutely keep.

Here’s my video from Cap Fréhel and Fort la Latte:

Day 5: Îlot Saint Michel

A day at the beach and a walk to the island at low tide. Make sure to check the tides, because they move fast, and you can get stranded on the island. There are printed timetables in the car park, but also on the island. 

I enjoyed this beach and small island, as it is raw and authentic to the Breton spirit. 

And that was obvious to me, as the nearby campsites were full of families spending their summer by the Brittany coastline. 

After visiting the small island with the chapel (Chapelle Saint-Michel), I enjoyed the beach, walked around the shore to feel the breeze and take in the air. 

As with all beaches in Brittany, remember to put on sunscreen. The temperatures are moderate, but remember that the sun still burns (especially during summer). 

I think this is a very underestimated place in Brittany, check out my video from this small island:

Day 6: Pointe du Roselier

I parked at Martin Plage and walked on a segment of the famous Sentier des douaniers (GR 34) up to the Pointe du Roselier and then towards Plérin. 

The views are extraordinary at sunset, and not many people come here specifically to walk this part of the trail. Mostly just stop on the beach. There is a nice bar on the beach too. 

If you have more time, on this day you can spend the afternoon on the beach (Martin Plage), where you’ll find a free parking lot and from where the segment of the trail starts. 

Or you can drive to Saint-Brieuc, to explore a cute Breton town and have a crepe. 

Day 7: Île-de-Bréhat

The Brehat island (Île-de-Bréhat) is one of the most amazing islands on the coast of Brittany. They don’t have cars there, so you need to take the ferry and walk around the island. 

The walk from the port, where the ferry drops you off, to the other side of the island at the lighthouse takes a bit less than 1 hour, but you’ll want to make so many stops for photos that it can easily take you 2 hours just to get to the lighthouse. 

If there is one place on the entire coastline where I would move, it would be this island. Make sure to plan an entire day for this island, because it’s worth it. 

Here is the port to get the ferry. You can get the tickets once you get there. The parking is here. 

Here’s my vlog from Île-de-Bréhat in Brittany:

Day 8: Perros Guirec

If you’re dreaming about a French holiday, where the rich French have holiday homes, this is the spot. It’s an entire area of the coastline, and the surrounding villages are gorgeous and worth the drive, the walk and the stops. 

For instance, the hotels are in Perros-Guirec around the Trestraou beach, where there is a promenade, restaurants and paid parking spots.

This is also where Gare Maritime is located, with agencies organising various water activities, such as canoeing, paddling, and more. 

These kinds of centres are common all around the coastline in Brittany and Normandy. It’s just that not all of them might offer all the services (it depends on the spot and agency). 

From this spot, we took the Archipel des 7 Îles boat tour (see YouTube video here), which is a tour of the 5 islands (someone misunderstood when translated, so now the title is 7 islands, but there are only 5), where you can see some structures and a lot of sea birds, the Atlantic puffin.

Bring your camera, binoculars, sunscreen and seasick medication if needed. 

After the boat tour, you’ll get a better perspective of the coastline. 

Next, we did the walk to the Mean Ruz Lighthouse. This is another popular section of the famous GR34 coastal trail.

You can start from the same spot and not move your car (but it will be a longer walk). Or you can drive here and walk for one hour to the lighthouse (this is the most popular stretch). 

Day 10: Côte de Granit Rose

The entire area is famous for its rose beaches and boulders. 

I really didn’t expect such a beautiful beach. And there are multiple spots, so choose one of them around the Île Renote. 

I visited Plage Grève Rose, which was not crowded, and I really enjoyed it. The parking was free here, just meters from the beach. 

The houses around this beach are to die for, and once you get here, you can understand why so many foreigners choose the Brittany region in France for their retirement. 

This entire area is so gorgeous, it’s truly hard to recommend one beach or one spot that’s better than the others, because that’s not the case. 

All beaches and viewing spots are gorgeous, and Google Maps doesn’t always have the right information or pictures from the spots. 

But I’ve been to all these places, and I can assure you that this area is worth the drive. 

Please don’t stress yourself too much about one specific spot. Just go to the Pink Granite Coast (Côte de Granit Rose, part of the coastline in the Côtes d’Armor) and spot wherever you like. 

Day 11: Site de Meneham & Baie de Kernic

• Site de Meneham
• Menhir de Men Marz (Menhir de Pontusval)
• Dunes de Keremma
• Baie de Kernic – good to stay around here for the night and go to the other side, Plage de Porsmeur

In Kerlouan, you’ll find the famous Meneham fishing village. The structure is an old stone house between two huge boulders (which you can climb on).

This was the house of the customs officer, in charge of the security of the coast in the 18th century. 

It’s an important spot for the French, and it always feels a bit busier than other parts of Brittany’s coastline. 

Just behind the stone house is a functioning old restaurant, where occasional workshops happen, and a small local festival. When I was there, a small stage was set up, and locals were singing traditional Breton music (did you know that Brittany has its own language!?). 

Of course, you can also sit down for a glass of cider and a crepe (or better yet, a galette – also a type of crepe, but savoury). 

Take your time to explore the beaches around, take in the views, and enjoy it all. The parking on each side, although small, was free to use. 

I believe this exact landscape is the iconic Bretagne landscape for which you should visit this region of France. Although it’s simple, it sparks some sort of magic, as if this is an enchanted land. I loved it. 

The cottages have been carefully restored and house artisans’ workshops, where you can see weaving, pottery, and woodwork in action. The small tavern serves traditional Breton specialities such as galettes and cider, making it a cosy lunch stop.

Beyond the village, the surrounding Côte des Légendes offers windswept beaches, sand dunes, and dramatic rock formations — perfect for a walk or simply to take in the Atlantic views. Families love it too: kids can climb the rocks and explore the little houses for free.

Meneham is the perfect mix of Breton history, quirky architecture, and wild coastline, making it one of the most photogenic and memorable stops on any Brittany road trip.

And if you enjoyed this spot, then I recommend stopping at Dunes de Keremma, also, which isn’t far away. 

Menhir de Men Marz

Add a quick stop to the Menhir de Men Marz, which is around this area, and is one of the tallest of these stone megalith structures, which are scattered all around Bretagne. 

Nobody can tell for sure what they were used for, but the stones are still standing. However, if you find this menhir interesting, you should drive to Carnac stones (one of the largest prehistoric sites in the world ).

On the northern coast of Brittany, in Kerlouan, lies one of the region’s most unusual sights: Meneham, a restored fishing village nestled among massive granite boulders. At its heart stands an old stone guardhouse, cleverly built into the rocks to watch over the coast for smugglers and invaders in the 18th century.

Today, Meneham feels like a step back in time. 

Bonus days in Brittany (if you have more time)

Day 12: Île Callot

Park here. 

Just off the coast of Carantec lies Île Callot, a magical little island that can only be reached when the tide is low. A narrow causeway appears twice a day, allowing cars, cyclists, and walkers to cross over — but you need to check the tide tables carefully, as the road quickly disappears under the sea.

Once on the island, you’ll find a place that feels untouched by time. With no big tourist infrastructure, Île Callot is all about peaceful walks, wild beaches, and dramatic granite rocks. It’s small enough to explore in a couple of hours, yet full of little surprises — from secluded sandy coves to dunes and tidal pools.

A highlight is the 17th-century Chapel of Notre-Dame-de-Callot, which was once an important pilgrimage site for sailors. The atmosphere is tranquil, making it the perfect spot to pause, take photos, or enjoy a picnic overlooking the Bay of Morlaix.

Why did I choose to visit this small island? Île Callot is one of the most authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences in Brittany.

I experienced the unique tidal landscapes and saw firsthand how the water recedes, creating a road that connects the island to the mainland at low tide. 

Day 13: Carnac stones

If you think Stonehenge is impressive, wait until you see Carnac.

The Carnac alignments are one of the largest prehistoric sites in the world — thousands of standing stones stretching across open fields near the coast. No one fully agrees on why they were built, which somehow makes the place even more intriguing.

It feels ancient in a quiet, understated way. No massive crowds. No dramatic fences. Just rows and rows of stones that have been there for over 7,000 years.

Day 14: Belle-Île-en-Mer

If you want a true Atlantic island feel, Belle-Île-en-Mer is the place.

It’s larger than you might expect and feels noticeably wilder than the mainland. Think dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, pastel harbours and long coastal hiking trails.

It’s not a “quick stop.” Ideally, you’d spend a full day (or even stay overnight). But if you’re building a 2-week Brittany road trip, this island adds something different — slower, quieter, more remote.

Day 15: Brest

Brest feels different from the postcard-perfect towns of Saint-Malo or Dinan.

It’s a working port city with strong naval roots and a more rugged identity. Much of it was rebuilt after WWII, so it doesn’t have the medieval charm of other Breton towns — but that’s not why you come here.

You come for the maritime history, the ocean energy, and Océanopolis — one of the best marine science centres in France.

It’s also a practical gateway to western Brittany, including the Crozon Peninsula and some of the wildest coastal scenery in the region.

5-Day Brittany North Coast Itinerary

Day 1: Saint-Malo – Walled pirate city, cobblestone streets, fresh oysters.
Day 2: Fort la Latte & Cap Fréhel
Day 3: Île-de-Bréhat
Day 4: Pink Granite Coast (Ploumanac’h, Perros-Guirec) – Stunning seaside hikes.
Day 5: Site de Meneham

7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Mont Saint-Michel (technically Normandy, but often included) – Iconic abbey on a tidal island.
Day 2: Saint-Malo – Walled pirate city, cobblestone streets, fresh oysters.
Day 3: Fort la Latte & Cap Fréhel
Day 4: Saint-Brieuc & Pointe du Roselier
Day 5: Île-de-Bréhat
Day 6: Pink Granite Coast (Ploumanac’h, Perros-Guirec) – Stunning seaside hikes.
Day 7: Site de Meneham & Baie de Kernic

Best time to go to Brittany

The best time to visit is during the summer. The coastline of Brittany is rather windy and doesn’t get too hot during the European summer, so it makes a perfect destination if you’re chasing a beach where you don’t suffocate. 

If you choose to visit during the summer, I recommend booking your hotel or accommodation in advance. In most of these places, you will not find huge hotels, and availability is limited.

Many choose to visit this part of France with a campervan, and there are many campsites for that. But those must also be booked as space is limited and there is a high demand.

Driving tips in Brittany (tolls, parking, road conditions)

I wrote an entire blog about driving in France, and I strongly suggest that you read that. 

Remember to always comply with the local speed limit; speeding anywhere in France is not permitted and will likely result in a fine (speeding ticket). 

If you live in another European country, you will get it as regular mail. If you ignore it and do not pay, the amount will increase over time, and you will not get rid of it anyway, so just pay it. 

Or better yet, don’t speed in France. 

Most parking lots tend to be free, unless otherwise specified. Some more popular spots might have a fee, but that usually happens only during the high season (July-September). 

Generally, it’s safe to park; I never had any issues. 

In smaller towns and in cities, parking closer to the centre is paid. Cities might have paid underground parking in the centre. 

My personal tip is to always have a look at the map and put a parking lot as your destination, especially when visiting a crowded place. In some areas, you might not find a place to stop, and many streets are one-way (and you don’t want to go all around the town to find a spot). 

Most secondary roads are quite narrow, and you will drive on those a lot to get to most of these locations on the coastline of Brittany. Be mindful of other drivers, and make room for them to pass. 

The road conditions are good; I have never encountered any roads with issues. If anything, there were parts of the highway under repair, but everything was very well organised. 

Food to try in Brittany, France

Crêpes & Galettes (The Essentials)

• Galette complète – Savoury buckwheat galette with ham, egg and cheese (the classic Breton lunch).
  
• Galette saucisse – A grilled sausage wrapped in a buckwheat galette (street-food style, especially in Rennes).
  
• Sweet crêpes – With salted butter caramel, chocolate, sugar & lemon, or homemade jam.
  
• Crêpe with caramel au beurre salé – Brittany’s salted butter caramel is serious business.

Butter, Caramel & Pastries

• Kouign-amann – The famous Breton butter cake. Dense, caramelised, crispy on the outside, dangerously addictive.
  
• Far Breton – A custard-like baked dessert with prunes (simple but comforting).
  
• Palets bretons – Thick, crumbly butter biscuits.
  
• Salted butter caramel (Caramel au beurre salé) – You’ll see it everywhere. Buy a jar.

Seafood 

Brittany is surrounded by the Atlantic — seafood is not optional.

• Fresh oysters (huîtres) – Especially around Cancale.
  
• Moules marinières – Mussels in white wine.
  
• Coquilles Saint-Jacques – Scallops (seasonal but incredible).
  
• Plateau de fruits de mer – A full seafood platter (oysters, prawns, crab, langoustines).
  
• Langoustines – Smaller, sweeter lobster-like shellfish.
  
• Grilled sardines – Simple and fresh.

Cheese & Rustic Dishes

• Breton cheeses (like Tome de Rhuys or Curé Nantais).
  
• Cotriade – Breton fish stew (their version of bouillabaisse).
  
• Andouille de Guémené – Traditional Breton sausage (strong flavour, not for everyone).

Drinks

• Breton cider (Cidre brut or doux) – Traditionally served in bowls, not glasses.
  
• Chouchen – A honey-based alcoholic drink (kind of like Breton mead).
  
• Breton craft beers – Brittany has a surprisingly strong beer scene.

Don’t Forget the Salt

• Fleur de sel from Guérande – One of France’s most famous sea salts.
  
• Salted butter (seriously, you will taste the difference).

Not sure if this itinerary fits your travel style? Here’s my honest breakdown of what Brittany is actually like and who will love it (and who won’t).

Is Brittany’s coastline worth it?

Yes, Brittany is one of the areas in Europe for a road trip, especially during the summer. 

I generally like to stay away from southern Europe during the summer, because it gets overcrowded (and expensive). That’s where I go on a road trip during winter in Europe.

But if you want a summer vibe where it’s not too crowded and not crazy expensive, then the entire northern French coastline is the place for you. 

This place has some of the best food in Europe, it’s not swallowed by overtourism, and it offers breathtaking views and beautiful beaches. 

I like to think it is a well-kept secret of the French, as many tourists in these areas are French. Ok, there are some Brits too and some Germans (but they are everywhere in Europe). 

I don’t have many preferred places in Europe that live rent-free in my mind, but Brittany is one of them. 

I have a video with most of these places from Brittany on my YouTube channel. I recommend watching it because it will help you get a better feel of these places.