Brittany Day Trips: Top 5 Unforgettable Brittany Adventures

Brittany, that northwest region of France, it’s almost calling out for exploration. Known for its distinct culture, rugged coastlines, and super old historical sites, Brittany is like your perfect spot for day trips. But, the question is: Where do you start? No worries, so we put together a list of five unforgettable Brittany day trips. We are giving you that info on historical towns to breathtaking coastal views, just a bit of something for everyone. Hopefully, that gives you inspiration to get packing!

1. Dinan: A Step Back in Time

That medieval town of Dinan, situated along the Rance River, it’s very picture-postcard perfect. Just think about cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses, and then that imposing Château de Dinan! Taking a wander around the old town, it feels kind of like going back in time. We definitely recommend walking along the ramparts, as a matter of fact they offer amazing views of that surrounding countryside. Visiting that Saint-Sauveur Basilica, its Gothic architecture, that might also take your breath away.

Why Visit Dinan? It’s so full of charm, Dinan offers that glimpse into Brittany’s medieval past, very good for those history buffs and, of course, those looking for just a bit of beauty.

Things to Do in Dinan:

See Château de Dinan, that impressive castle dating back to the 14th century.
Amble around that old town, paying attention to the architecture.
Walk along the ramparts, that provide really amazing panoramic views.
Visit Saint-Sauveur Basilica, definitely Gothic masterpiece.
Check out the harbor, and think about doing a boat trip on that Rance River.

Getting There: Dinan is more or less accessible by car and train from major Breton cities such as Rennes. Making a drive, you will get those beautiful landscapes on your trip.

Read our full review: Dinan Brittany Travel Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Dinan Brittany Tours)

2. Saint-Malo: The Corsair City

Saint-Malo, that walled port city, it is rich in maritime history. A famous spot for pirates, Saint-Malo has so much of that unique feel. A wander around those ramparts gives stunning ocean views. Pay that visit to that Château de Saint-Malo, that which houses the Musée d’Histoire de la Ville (Museum of the History of the City).

Why Visit Saint-Malo? Saint-Malo, its rough history and seaside setting, make it that unforgettable stop on your Breton tour. We reckon it’s pretty decent for history fans, those people who love the ocean, and so people up for exploring that city.

Things to Do in Saint-Malo:

A walk along those ramparts for those seaside views.
Visit Château de Saint-Malo, and check out the museum.
Just explore the old town, looking at the cobblestone streets and old architecture.
Loosen up on the beach, like the Plage du Sillon.
Then check out Fort National, you will get there when the tide is low.

Getting There: Saint-Malo is pretty well-connected by train from Rennes and other main cities. You might drive, very nice drive as you go through the scenic routes.

Read our full review: Saint-Malo Travel Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Saint-Malo Day Trip)

3. Carnac: Standing Stones and Ancient Mysteries

Carnac, which is popular for its megalithic sites, that place that might take you to the prehistoric times. With that several thousand standing stones, aligned across that landscape, these stones give us just a peek into that region’s super ancient past.

Why Visit Carnac? It has these mystery and history combined, it is very popular for history geeks, people that enjoy archeology, and those people up for just a little of the unusual.

Things to Do in Carnac:

Pay a visit to Carnac stones, as a matter of fact they are one of those world’s biggest megalithic sites.
Check out Musée de Préhistoire de Carnac, so you are getting clued up on this prehistory of that spot.
Go walking on that coastal paths.
Try to enjoy that beaches, like the Plage de Carnac.
Then discover Saint-Michel Tumulus, offering these stunning landscape scenes.

Getting There: Carnac can be got to by car, that can be got to by public transportation, yet limited. Most find a car for moving around.

Read our full review: Carnac Brittany Travel Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Carnac Stone Tours)

4. Quimper: The Heart of Breton Culture

Quimper, the ancient capital of Cornouaille, its heart that beats with Breton culture. Famous for its faience pottery, medieval architecture, Quimper presents you that distinctive vibe.

Why Visit Quimper? For anyone up to see Brittany’s soul, with just its amazing architecture, thriving art scene, so rich cultural heritage, it gives you that unforgettable vibe.

Things to Do in Quimper:

Pay a visit to Cathédrale Saint-Corentin, which is known for its stunning Gothic design.
Discover Musée des Beaux-Arts, if you’re into art.
Roam around that old town, just kind of visiting that local stores and cafes.
Discover Musée de la Faïence, looking at Quimper’s pottery.
A slow wander along that banks of that Odet River, a nice calm and quiet.

Getting There: You might try getting to Quimper via car and train. Positioned well so exploring Brittany is super easy.

Read our full review: Quimper Brittany Travel Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Quimper Day Trip)

5. Concarneau: A Fortified Island

Concarneau, that fortified town (Ville Close), located on an island, giving visitors a fascinating glimpse into Brittany’s maritime past. Wandering around those walls of that old town provides stunning seascapes. Do take a wander around that harborside, you could see some local boats going.

Why Visit Concarneau? Giving just charm and historical importance, the maritime allure is for the whole family. Do you like some stunning ocean, old spots, you will get that Concarneau experience.

Things to Do in Concarneau:

See the Ville Close, that spot’s famous fortified island town.
Discover Musée de la Pêche, there’s Brittany’s fishing tradition.
Loosen up on Plage des Sables Blancs, if you like sandy beaches.
Enjoy a stroll along that harbor.
Tour Marinarium de Concarneau, the ocean exhibits, it’s a nice time out.

Getting There: Concarneau can be got to by car, and public transportation gets you nearby, so you might discover a ride for coming round.

Read our full review: Concarneau Brittany Travel Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Visit Concarneau)

Dinan: Step way back into a well kept medieval world.
Saint-Malo: Pirate history plus coastal charm gives you a spot to find so much.
Carnac: See these mysteries from that far past through these big stones.
Quimper: Jump way deep into Brittany’s main culture and pretty architecture.
Concarneau: Do take a tour around a little fortress, and witness marine spots with beautiful views.