A travel itinerary of Brittany, France's hidden glamorous coast

Inspiration

BrittanyNature and Outdoor ActivitiesCultural HeritageCoastalCouples

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Reading time: 0 minPublished on 4 January 2023, updated on 16 April 2024

Discover the best of Brittany, France, including castles, crêpes, galettes and cider in a brand new episode of "Travels with Darley," then follow her itinerary on your own visit to the Emerald Coast!

Everything about Brittany is distinctive, from its geography and its granite looks to its traditions and its language. The region stands apart from the rest of France—literally, with its long peninsula reaching out 300 kilometres (186 miles) into the Atlantic. However, Brittany is the perfect getaway for in-the-know travelers.

__Follow Darley's Itinerary in Brittany

Day 1: Perros Guirec

The beauty of the pink rock formations on the coast around Ploumanac’h, classified as a ‘Grand Site Naturel’, is dazzling.

cote de granite rose

To Do: 1. Hike to the Ploumanac'h lighthouse
2. Stand- up paddle discovery of the coast 3. Lunch at Perroz Sea Side

Stay at: Hotel Castel Beau Site and experience the most breathtaking sunset of the entire coast.

Day 2: The Forts and Caps

From the famous fishing port of Paimpol to the majestic headlands of Cap Fréhel and Cap d’Erquy, here you'll discover a land steeped in the good things in life – great food, great beauty, and lots of excitement.

Fort La Latte

To Do: 1) Fort La Latte Fort La Latte's remarkable setting on a rocky headland has led the monument to be used as a location for a number of films.

2) Cap Fréhel Bracing walks, soaring cliffs, attractive beaches, stunning views over the Emerald Coast and the Channel Islands, a seabird reserve, an historic lighthouse and a fortified castle straight out of a story book – the wild and windswept area around the Cap Fréhel peninsula has got plenty to interest.

3) Visit to the Château de Bienassis The Château de Bienassis has a striking façade of pink Erquy sandstone that blends seamlessly into the vast landscape over which this 15th Century castle watches: on a clear day you can see the Channel Islands.

Stay at: Hotel de Diane

Day 3: Golf and the Coast

Darley_Golf Val Andre

1) Golf in Val-André Exceptionally pretty with wonderful views along the coast, Pléneuf-Val-André is a glorious seaside course. More clifftop than traditional links, it is nevertheless extensively bunkered with the greens being particularly well defended.

2) Cap d'Erquy It’s said that way back in Celtic times, the prominent point of the Cap d’Erquy was used as a lookout post along the coast. In fact, traces of a Celtic defensive encampment, or oppidum, have been unearthed. The charming port of Erquy is reputed for its scallops and relaxing beaches.

Stay at: CastelBrac, a magnificent 1930s villa that looks like a Scottish castle overlooking Prieuré bay.

Day 4: Dinard and Cancale

This chic seaside resort is all about the glamour of yesteryear with glorious villas, beautiful beaches and excellent restaurants—all the while acting as the gateway to northern Brittany.

brittany-darley -oysters

To Do: 1) Beaches and architecture Admire the grandiose villas built by visiting British tourists in the 19th century, and follow their lead in sampling the lovely beaches dotting the coastline. It's the perfect spot to take a relaxed day in the middle of a full itinerary!

2) Oyster farms Step outside Dinard and explore the little village of Cancale, where oyster farmers sell their salty harvest next to the sea.

Stay at: Le Grand Bé

Day 5: Saint Malo

Walking through the cobbled streets of St Malo’s old town feels like you’ve stepped back in time—this popular tourist destination and busy ferry port offers visitors an authentic glimpse into Brittany’s important seafaring past.

Darley trip_Beurre Bordier

To Do: 1) Breizh Café Mouth watering whether savory or sweet, enjoy the best crêpes of Brittany in Saint Malo. 2) The Galand Establishment Discover the secrets of typically Breton kouign-amann pastries 3) The Bordier establishment Explore the rich wonders of the beurre sale Stay at: Le Grand Bé

Day 6: Rennes

The charmingly medieval city represents the best of Brittany; with half-timbered houses, galettes, and rolling parks, it's the best combination of regional and city-living

brittany-darley-rennes To Do: 1) Lices Market As one of France’s biggest fresh produce markets, the Place des Lices is alive with chatter and folk as local farmers and market gardeners come to sell their produce. 2) Wander Rennes Discover the many wonders of this capital city, from the soaring Cathedral to unexpected delights in the stores selling regional goods.

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