A 3-day tour of Brittany: itineraries, must-see attractions & where to stay
Three all-inclusive road trips: Emerald North, Wild West, South & Islands.
Are you looking for a way to explore Brittany in 3 days without missing a thing? This guide gets straight to the point: three ready-made road trips (Emerald North, Wild West, South & Islands) complete with a map, day-by-day itinerary, journey times and top tips for where to stay. On the must-see list: Saint-Malo and Cap Fréhel in the north, the Crozon Peninsula (Pointe de Pen-Hir) and Pointe du Raz in the west, the Gulf of Morbihan, Vannes, Carnac and Quiberon in the south. When it comes to accommodation, we provide recommendations tailored to each itinerary — for example, a perfect base for Crozon: the Hôtel Thalassa in Camaret-sur-Mer (ideal after a day on the GR®34).
You’ll also find ideas for activities (coastal walks, boat trips to the islands, local cuisine), options with or without a car (bus alternatives) and the best time of year to avoid the crowds.
The aim: to help you quickly organise a well-structured tour, prioritise the must-see sights and book the right accommodation. Ready to map out your express itinerary between the Pink Granite Coast, the Gulf of Morbihan and legendary headlands?
Quick summary: 3 ready-made itineraries (with our hotelier’s tips)
Emerald North (Ille-et-Vilaine → Côtes-d’Armor): Saint-Malo, Dinard, Cancale, Cap Fréhel, Fort la Latte, Saint-Brieuc Bay. Ideal if you love pirate towns, ramparts and wide beaches.
Wild West (Finistère): Quimper, Locronan, Concarneau (walled town), Crozon Peninsula (Pointe de Pen-Hir), Pointe du Raz. This is our ‘favourite’ for its unspoilt panoramic views. The perfect base: our Thalassa Hotel in Camaret-sur-Mer, from where you can explore the area at your leisure.
South & Islands (Morbihan): Vannes, the Gulf of Morbihan, Carnac, Quiberon (wild coast), with Belle-Île as an option if the weather permits. A delightful blend of heritage, sailing and sheltered beaches.
Travelling without a car? We’ll show you bus and train connections and how to plan a realistic 3-day itinerary.
Where to stay? We provide addresses and key areas for each itinerary; for Crozon, stay with us: bay views, a heated seawater swimming pool, a jacuzzi, a hammam, and our restaurant where you can enjoy some grilled fish after your hike.
Itinerary 1 — Northern Emerald (Day 1 → Day 3)
Day 1 — Saint-Malo, Dinard, Cancale
Start with Saint-Malo: the ramparts, the old town, and Sillon Beach. Allow 2–3 hours to wander around, then head over to Dinard (Belle Époque villas, Clair de Lune promenade). Finish up in Cancale: La Houle harbor, oysters straight from the farms, and the GR®34 trail for a short loop at sunset.
Overnight (your choice): within the city walls if you like the hustle and bustle, or off the beaten path for more peace and quiet.
Day 2 — Cap Fréhel & Fort la Latte
Drive to the Emerald Coast: stop at Sables-d’Or-les-Pins (large beach), then Cap Fréhel. The walk along the cliffs (heather, gorse) offers unforgettable views of the sea. Continue on to Fort la Latte (a fortress on a rocky outcrop).
Timing tip: Plan your visit for the morning or late afternoon light to get the best photos.
Day 3 — Bay of Saint-Brieuc
Head west to the Bay of Saint-Brieuc: cliffs, nature reserves, and a vast foreshore at low tide. Choose an easy section of the GR®34 (e.g., Plérin → Martin-Plage) and wrap up the day at a cozy crêperie.
Alternative if you’re already heading toward Finistère: stop in Perros-Guirec or Ploumanac’h for a taste of the Pink Granite Coast (pink rocks, granite outcrops).
Why we love this route: charming towns + accessible coastal landscapes, minimal driving between stops, and plenty of must-see sights packed into a short timeframe.
Itinerary 2 — The Wild West (Crozon & the capes) — our specialty
This is the quintessential “postcard-perfect” itinerary: breathtaking headlands, unspoiled coves, cities of art, and a seaside atmosphere. Our Thalassa Hotel is located in the heart of this circuit, in Camaret-sur-Mer, making it easy to explore the area.
Day 1 — Quimper → Locronan → Concarneau
Quimper: Saint-Corentin Cathedral, half-timbered houses, the banks of the Odet River.
Locronan: a listed medieval village, granite, cobblestone streets, artisan workshops.
Concarneau: walled town, ramparts, harbors, and Sables Blancs Beach.
If you arrive in the afternoon, you can shorten the route to: Quimper → Locronan → Camaret to enjoy the evening with us.
Day 2 — Crozon Peninsula (Pen-Hir, Tas de Pois, Morgat)
Morning: Pointe de Pen-Hir—impressive cliffs, view of the Tas de Pois. Short GR®34 loop hike (40–90 min) to see the area from different angles.
Midday: Pen Hat or Morgat beaches (clear water, golden sand). In season, go kayaking to the sea caves if sea conditions permit.
Afternoon: Cap de la Chèvre—panoramic views of Douarnenez Bay and Saint-Nicolas Cove.
Evening: Return to Camaret-sur-Mer. Enjoy the Vauban Tower, the channel lined with shipwrecks, and… dine with us: fish à la plancha, local specialties, and a dining room with panoramic views of the bay.
Overnight at the Hôtel Thalassa: comfortable rooms, ocean views depending on room category.
Day 3 — Pointe du Raz → Douarnenez (if you’re heading south)
Set out early for Pointe du Raz (a spectacular site with a coastal trail); be sure to bring a windbreaker and sturdy shoes. On the way back, stop in Douarnenez: Port-Rhu, canneries, and narrow streets with understated charm.
Alternative route if heading north: Crozon → Brest (harbor, Ateliers des Capucins, cable car) or a detour via Pont-Aven (art galleries, mill) then Quimperlé.
How to Plan Your Road Trip (Quick & Easy)
1) With or without a car?
Car: Maximum freedom to explore headlands and coves. Parking is often free during the off-season; in the summer, arrive early at popular spots (Fréhel, Pen-Hir, Raz).
Without a car: possible but requires planning ahead. Take the train to Rennes, Quimper, or Brest, then combine regional buses, occasional taxis, and walking. For the car-free West Coast option, base yourself in Crozon (2 days) + Quimper (1 day), and ask us for our top tips on accessible itineraries.
2) Tides, Weather, and Coastal Safety
The tides shape the landscape: a vast foreshore at low tide, coves suitable for swimming at mid-tide or high tide. Check the tide schedules the day before.
The headlands (Fréhel, Raz, Pen-Hir) are windy: wear a windbreaker and sturdy shoes, and avoid cliff edges during strong winds.
Winter offers spectacular coastal scenery, but keep your distances short and focus on art-rich cities (Quimper, Vannes, Saint-Malo).
3) Pace & Distances
Three days go by quickly. Aim for 2 to 3 major highlights per day—no more.
Estimated travel times (excluding summer): Saint-Malo ↔ Fréhel ~1 hr 10 min; Quimper ↔ Camaret ~1 hr 10 min; Camaret ↔ Pointe du Raz ~1 hr 30 min; Vannes ↔ Quiberon ~45 min.
Our tip: Choose just one route (North, West, or South). It’s better than trying to “see everything” and not fully experiencing anything.
Must-See Activities in 3 Days (Based on the Itinerary)
Coastal Hikes (GR®34)
The GR34 features short, spectacular sections:
West: Pointe de Pen-Hir (3–6 km loops), Cap de la Chèvre (4–8 km), Anse de Dinan.
North: Cap Fréhel → Fort la Latte (adjustable round trip), coves near Erquy.
South: Quiberon’s wild coast (flat trail, stunning views), islands of the Gulf of Morbihan.
Thalassa Tip: Set out early, bring water, and check the wind strength (as felt at the ridge).
Boat Trips & Islands
Gulf of Morbihan: islands, shifting light, easy day trips.
Belle-Île (if you’re extending your stay): cliffs and rock spires at Port-Coton.
Glénan (beaches with clear water) if you’re staying longer in the Fouesnant/Concarneau area.
Camaret-sur-Mer: depending on the season, sea kayaking, short half-day trips; ask at the front desk—we’ll point you in the right direction.
Art and Heritage Cities
Saint-Malo, Dinan, Vannes, Quimper, Concarneau: historic centers, cathedrals, ramparts, and harbors.
Locronan: a medieval experience, perfect for a photo stop and some shopping at local artisans’ shops.
Breton Cuisine (Quick Guide)
Crêpes & galettes, salted butter, seafood (Cancale oysters), kouign-amann, cider.
Here in Camaret, order a fish dish or a seafood platter: simple, fresh, overlooking the bay—a true taste of Brittany.
Where to Stay in Brittany for 3 Days: Our Quick Guide
Emerald North: Saint-Malo’s old town (all within walking distance), Dinan (a peaceful medieval town), or Saint-Brieuc Bay if you head west.
Wild West (Crozon): Camaret-sur-Mer, right here in our area, as close as possible to the headlands and beaches. You come back, drop off your bags, and head straight to the marine spa.
South & Islands: Vannes for logistics (the Gulf), Carnac for the megaliths and the beach, and Quiberon if you’re focusing on the wild coast.
Itinerary 3 — South & Islands (Day 1 → Day 3)
Day 1 — Vannes & the Gulf of Morbihan
Start in Vannes. Stroll through the old town, with its ramparts and half-timbered houses.
Late in the morning, set sail on a cruise through the Gulf. Stop at Île-aux-Moines or Arz. The trails are easy and very photogenic.
Evening: Return to Vannes. Dinner in the historic center or at the harbor.
Day 2 — Carnac → Quiberon Peninsula
Morning at the Carnac stone alignments. The site is vast; allow 1.5 to 2 hours.
Afternoon on the wild coast of Quiberon. The trail is accessible, with one scenic viewpoint after another.
You can take a quick dip at a sheltered beach on the bay side.
Overnight: Vannes, Carnac, or Quiberon, depending on your plans for the next day.
Day 3 — Head to an island (weather permitting)
Belle-Île Option: early departure, loop via local bus or e-bike, return at the end of the day.
Gulf Islands option (if you prefer a more leisurely pace): a second island + a beach break.
Short alternative if you’re heading west: Auray (Saint-Goustan), then on to Quimper/Concarneau.
Why choose this itinerary: laid-back atmosphere, scenic drives, megalithic heritage, easy trails. Ideal for a first “postcard-perfect” trip to southern Brittany.
Best Time to Visit Brittany
Spring (April → June)
Bright sunshine, blooming flowers, and moderate crowds. Ideal for hiking, visiting art cities, and exploring the Gulf.
The water is cool, but swimming is possible for those who are up for it.
Summer (July → August)
Long days; the islands and beaches are at their best. Book in advance.
Get to popular spots early (Cap Fréhel, Pen-Hir, Pointe du Raz).
Late Summer (September → October)
The water is still pleasant in September, with beautiful low-angle sunlight, harvest season, and a calmer atmosphere.
Perfect for Crozon and the wild coast.
Winter (November → March)
A stormy and photogenic atmosphere. Plan an itinerary combining “coastal areas and cities of art.”
Keep your hikes short and choose sheltered routes.
Where and what to eat over 3 days
Must-Trys
Galettes & crêpes, oysters (Cancale), seafood platters, kouign-amann, far breton, cider.
Try something different: sample a cotriade or grilled fish of the day.
Our Host’s Tip
After a day at Pen-Hir, nothing beats fish à la plancha overlooking the bay, a glass of dry cider, followed by a post-meal stroll to the Vauban Tower. Here, our menu changes with the daily catch; we keep it simple, fresh, and seafood-focused.
Estimated travel times (to help you pace yourself)
-
Saint-Malo → Cap Fréhel: ~1 hr 10 min
-
Quimper → Camaret-sur-Mer: ~1 hr 10 min
-
Camaret → Pointe du Raz: ~1 hr 30 min
-
Vannes → Quiberon: ~45 min
-
Concarneau → Locronan: ~50 min
During peak season, allow extra time for parking and local shuttles.
Getting Here and Getting Around Without a Car
Arriving by Train Rennes, Vannes, Quimper, and Brest are well connected by train.
From these hubs, combine regional buses, occasional taxis, and walking. Planning a 3-Day Trip Without a Car Northern Emerald Coast: base in Saint-Malo + Dinard/Cancale via bus or local transit.
West: Stay in Camaret-sur-Mer for 2 nights + Quimper for 1 night. Ask us for transportation routes and tide schedules to make the most of your time in Crozon.
South: Base in Vannes. Add an island in the Gulf and Carnac/Quiberon via regional connections.
Quick Budget Estimate (Approximate Cost for 2 People / 3 Days)
-
Accommodations: Vary by category and season. During peak season, book coastal stops early.
-
Meals: crêperie ~15–25 € per person, fish/seafood ~25–45 € per person, cider 8–14 € per bottle.
-
Activities: Gulf cruise ~18–35 € per person, museum 6–12 €, bike rental 15–30 € per day.
-
Transportation: Gas/parking or bus/boat tickets depending on your itinerary.
Our team can help you optimize your budget: choosing specific areas, less crowded times, and free alternatives (viewpoints, short loops).
Checklist Before You Leave
-
Tides and weather for your trip.
-
Comfortable shoes, windbreaker, small first-aid kit, water.
-
Reservations: lodging, boat tours, restaurants (in season).
-
Plan B in case of strong winds: art museum, museum, covered market.
Why Stay at the Thalassa Hotel (if you choose Crozon)
Location: in the heart of Camaret-sur-Mer, just a stone’s throw from the Sillon and the Vauban Tower. The headlands are just a few kilometers away.
Wellness: heated seawater pool, jacuzzi, steam room. Perfect after a visit to Pen-Hir or Cap de la Chèvre.
Restaurant with a view of the bay: fish à la plancha, fresh seafood, a nautical atmosphere.
Tips of the Day: We’ll tailor your GR®34 loop hikes to the tides and wind, and share our hidden gems.
FAQ — Your Most Frequently Asked Questions
Choose a single route:
-
North: Saint-Malo, Dinard, Cancale, Cap Fréhel, Bay of Saint-Brieuc.
-
West: Quimper, Locronan, Concarneau, Crozon (Pen-Hir), Pointe du Raz.
-
South: Vannes, Gulf of Morbihan, Carnac, Quiberon (plus the island if the weather permits).
Convenient, yes. But it’s possible to do it without one, by using a hub (Saint-Malo, Camaret, Vannes) and combining bus travel with walking.
Crozon: Camaret-sur-Mer—our home base for exploring the area stress-free.
North: Saint-Malo’s historic center (all within walking distance).
South: Vannes (for Gulf access) or Quiberon if you’re looking for “nothing but the sea.”
GR®34 (short sections), boat trips (the Gulf, Belle-Île if the route is extended), cities of art (Quimper, Vannes, Saint-Malo), tastings (oysters, crêpes).
Spring and late fall for the light and tranquility. Summer for the islands and swimming.
In winter, head to the art cities and take short coastal walks.
Yes, you can go swimming in Camaret, depending on the tides, wind, and exposure. In the summer, choose sheltered, supervised beaches. Check with the front desk the day before.
