Van roadtrip in Brittany: 4 not-to-be-missed itineraries
Brittany is a firm favourite with van roadtrip enthusiasts. With its jagged coastline, picturesque villages and breathtaking scenery, the region offers total freedom for adventure at the wheel of your van. Between sea and land, every kilometre covered reveals hidden treasures: wild coves, alignments of menhirs, picturesque harbours and breathtaking cliffs. Whether you’re looking for surfing spots, historic sites or just a complete change of scenery, a van roadtrip in Brittany promises unforgettable memories. Here are 4 carefully selected itineraries for exploring this fascinating region in complete freedom.
You can also read in the Brittany guide :
- 10 must-see places to visit in Brittany
- The most beautiful villages in Brittany
- Top 20 of Brittany’s most beautiful beaches for swimming
- Discover Brittany’s most beautiful lighthouses
- The 12 most beautiful Breton islands to discover
1. Northern itinerary: the Emerald Coast and the corsair town
The north of Brittany offers an absolutely spectacular first itinerary in a converted van. This loop takes you along the famous Emerald Coast, where turquoise waters caress fine sandy beaches and majestic cliffs. The ideal starting point is Saint-Malo, the corsair city whose ramparts tell the story of the region’s maritime history.
Saint-Malo, the pearl of the Emerald Coast
Start your adventure by parking your van near the ramparts of Saint-Malo. This fortified town is best explored on foot, taking the walkway that offers breathtaking views of the sea. A visit to Saint-Malo will allow you to explore the inner city, with its cobbled streets, shipowners’ houses and seafood restaurants. Don’t miss the nearly 3-kilometre-long Sillon beach, perfect for a refreshing swim or a session of sand yachting.
Download the audio tour to discover Saint-Malo on foot and on your own
To make sure you don’t miss out on any of the treasures of the corsair town, the Navaway audio tour takes you to 29 points of interest. Discover the castle, Saint-Vincent’s cathedral, the National Fort and the emblematic sites that have made this legendary city famous. The 6.6 km route takes around 2 hours 40 minutes to complete, and immerses you in the unique atmosphere of this unmissable Breton destination.
Cap Fréhel and Fort La Latte
Continue your van roadtrip in Brittany westwards towards Cap Fréhel. This exceptional natural site rises 70 metres above the sea and offers a 360-degree panorama of the English Channel. The cliffs of pink sandstone and shale contrast with the deep blue of the ocean, creating a striking natural tableau. The 32-metre-high lighthouse at Cap Fréhel can be visited and the view admired from the top.
A few kilometres away, Fort La Latte stands proudly on its rocky outcrop. This medieval fortress has been the backdrop for numerous films and offers a fascinating insight into Breton military history. Allow around 1? hours for a full tour of the site (10 rue du Fort La Latte, 22240 Fréhel, rated 4.5/5 on Google out of 8,500 reviews).
Dinan, medieval jewel
Finish this first loop with a visit to Dinan, one of Brittany’s best-preserved medieval towns. Its ramparts stretch for 2.7 kilometres and encircle a stunningly beautiful historic centre. The half-timbered houses of the Place des Merciers, the Rue du Jerzual running down to the marina, and the 14th-century castle create a setting worthy of a fairytale. To park your van, head for the Grandes Fontaines car park, which is open to motorhomes.
This first itinerary covers around 120 kilometres and can be completed in 2 or 3 days, depending on the time you wish to devote to each stage. Don’t hesitate to let yourself be guided in your exploration thanks to the Navaway tours, which will enrich your discovery of the region.
2. Western itinerary: wild Finistère and the Pointe du Raz
Finistère embodies the wildest soul of Brittany. This van tour takes you to the end of the world, where the land seems to tip over into the ocean. The landscapes here are of raw, authentic beauty, sculpted by the sea winds and salty spray.
Quimper, the cultural capital of Brittany
Start your journey in Quimper, the prefecture of Finistère and a veritable conservatory of Breton traditions. You can discover the town by strolling along the Odet, admiring Saint-Corentin cathedral and visiting the earthenware factories that have made it famous. The pedestrianised historic centre, with its timber-framed houses and flower-filled alleyways, is an inviting place to stroll. There are several motorhome parking areas, including Créac’h Gwen, which offers all the services you need.
La pointe du Raz, a major site in France
Head due west towards one of Brittany’s most emblematic sites: the Pointe du Raz. Listed as a Grand Site de France, this rocky outcrop rises 72 metres above the ocean and offers breathtaking panoramic views. In front of you, the Isle of Sein seems to float on the horizon, while the Vieille lighthouse watches over this notoriously dangerous sea passage. The site has a large pay car park (€7 in high season) with access to the hiking trails. Allow 2 to 3 hours to make the most of the site and explore the various viewpoints.
Nearby, don’t miss the Baie des Trépassés, a wild beach popular with surfers, and the Pointe du Van, just as spectacular but less frequented. Both of these sites offer overnight parking for motorhomes, giving you the chance to contemplate some of Brittany’s most spectacular sunsets.
Crozon peninsula and its hidden treasures
Head north to discover the Crozon peninsula, an unspoilt area with many facets. The pointe de Pen-Hir and its piles of peas (rocks emerging from the ocean) is one of Brittany’s most photographed panoramas. Cap de la Chèvre, at the southern end of the peninsula, also offers breathtaking views over the Bay of Douarnenez. The beaches of Morgat, with their sea caves accessible by kayak, add a playful dimension to this van roadtrip.
This 180-kilometre itinerary requires a minimum of 3 days to fully appreciate its richness. Finistère has an abundance of places to park vans, particularly in the car parks by the sea. However, be sure to comply with local regulations and use the areas set aside in high season.
3. Southern route: the Gulf of Morbihan and the Quiberon peninsula
The Morbihan, whose name means “little sea” in Breton, offers an itinerary in a converted van that is totally different from the north and west coasts. Here, the inland sea of the Gulf shelters a multitude of islands and creates unique landscapes, while the Quiberon peninsula exposes its wild coastline to the onslaught of the Atlantic.
Vannes and the Gulf of Morbihan
Your journey begins in Vannes, prefecture of Morbihan and gateway to the Gulf. This remarkably well-preserved medieval city is well worth a visit. Its ramparts, Saint-Pierre cathedral and half-timbered houses create an enchanting backdrop. The marina livens up the seafront, while the formal gardens of the Château de l’Hermine invite you to relax.
Download the audio tour to discover Vannes on foot and on your own
The Navaway itinerary for visiting Vannes guides you around 18 major points of interest on a 3km route that takes 1 hour 20 minutes to complete. Discover the rich heritage of the city of the Vénètes thanks to audio guides that tell you the fascinating story of each landmark. Don’t forget to take the path to Conleau for a magnificent view of the gulf.
From Vannes, take a cruise in the Gulf of Morbihan. These excursions allow you to discover Île aux Moines and Île d’Arz, two jewels in the gulf that are only accessible by boat. Companies offer various options, with or without a stopover, to explore this maritime labyrinth dotted with more than 40 islands and islets.
Carnac and its mysterious alignments
Continue on to Carnac, the world-famous megalithic site. The alignments of menhirs stretch for several kilometres and form the largest group of standing stones in the world. The Ménec, Kermario and Kerlescan sites can be visited freely or with a guide to unlock the mysteries of these Neolithic monuments. The Maison des Mégalithes offers fascinating exhibitions on these thousand-year-old constructions.
Carnac is also a renowned seaside resort with long sandy beaches. The Grande Plage and the Plage de Beaumer attract families in summer, while the marina livens up the seafront. There are several motorhome parks in and around the town.
The Quiberon peninsula, between gentleness and wildness
Finish this tour with the Quiberon peninsula, linked to the mainland by a narrow isthmus. The wild coastline to the west is a spectacular sight, with waves crashing against the jagged cliffs. The arch of Port-Blanc and the tip of Beg-er-Goalennec are exceptional photographic spots. To the east, the protected beaches of Quiberon Bay invite you to swim and take part in water sports.
From Port-Maria, set sail for Belle-Île-en-Mer, the largest of the Breton islands. This day trip or longer will allow you to discover the Port-Coton needles immortalised by Claude Monet, the Vauban citadel of Le Palais, and the heavenly beaches of Donnant and Grands Sables. For this van roadtrip in Brittany, allow 4 to 5 days to take full advantage of all the riches of Morbihan.
4. Eastern itinerary: the Pink Granite Coast and the treasures of Côtes-d’Armor
The fourth van tour in Brittany takes you to the Pink Granite Coast, one of the most spectacular and photogenic coastal landscapes in France. This geological wonder, unique in Europe, stretches for around twenty kilometres between Trébeurden and Louannec.
Perros-Guirec and the Douaniers trail
Start your exploration in Perros-Guirec, an elegant seaside resort that has retained its old-world charm. The town is set high up in the hills, with magnificent Belle Époque villas overlooking the sea. The marina and casino liven up the seafront, while the three main beaches (Trestrignel, Trestraou and Saint-Guirec) attract bathers in summer.
The highlight is the Douaniers trail, also known as the GR34, which links Perros-Guirec to Ploumanac’h. This 10-kilometre coastal walk (round trip) passes through magical landscapes where the pink granite rocks, sculpted by erosion, take on evocative shapes: Napoleon’s hat, the Perrier bottle, the dice, the tortoise… All visitors can see their own creatures in this granite chaos. Allow 3 hours to walk the trail in both directions, taking time to admire the viewpoints and take photos.
Ploumanac’h, one of the most beautiful villages in France
Ploumanac’h, officially part of Perros-Guirec, was voted France’s favourite village in 2015. The Mean Ruz lighthouse, built of pink granite in 1948, is the site’s landmark. Its unusual architecture and location among the rocks make it one of Brittany’s most photographed lighthouses. The nearby municipal park offers an exceptional panoramic view of the entire coastline, and is perfect for picnics overlooking the sea.
There are several options for parking your van. The car park on the beach at Saint-Guirec accepts motorhomes during the day (a charge is made in high season). For a quiet night’s sleep, the Perros-Guirec area near the stadium offers serviced pitches (drainage, water, electricity).
Trégastel and its marine aquarium
Continue on to Trégastel, another gem of the Pink Granite Coast. The Coz-Pors beach, surrounded by impressive granite boulders, offers a unique setting for swimming. Don’t miss the marine aquarium, housed in the site’s natural caves. This original visit allows you to discover the local flora and fauna in a unique troglodytic setting (Boulevard du Coz-Pors, 22730 Trégastel, rated 4.3/5 on Google out of 2,200 reviews).
The Sept-Îles archipelago
From Perros-Guirec or Ploumanac’h, take a trip to the Sept-Îles archipelago, a natural bird reserve of international importance. These islands are home to the largest colony of gannets in France, as well as puffins, razorbills and many other species of seabird. The companies offer guided cruises with a tour of the archipelago and, depending on the season, a landing on Île aux Moines where an ancient fort and lighthouse stand.
This 60-kilometre itinerary can be completed in 2 or 3 days, taking the time to hike and enjoy the beaches. The Pink Granite Coast offers a number of spots suitable for parking vans, particularly outside the peak summer season. Let the Navaway itineraries be your guide to enrich your discovery and make sure you don’t miss out on any of the highlights of this exceptional region.
In conclusion, a roadtrip in a converted van in Brittany offers incomparable freedom to discover this region with its thousand facets. Whether you choose the Emerald Coast and its corsair towns, wild Finistère and its mythical points, the Gulf of Morbihan and its megalithic treasures, or the Pink Granite Coast and its fairytale landscapes, each itinerary will hold its share of wonder. Brittany lends itself particularly well to this type of touring, with its many parking areas, changing landscapes and exceptional heritage. Don’t hesitate to extend your stay to combine several of these tours and explore this land of character at your own pace. To enhance your visits to the stopover towns, consider the Navaway audioguide tours, which will accompany you on your urban discoveries.
FAQ : roadtrip in a converted van in Brittany
When is the best time of year for a van roadtrip in Brittany?
The ideal period is from May to September, with a preference for June and September, which offer pleasant weather and fewer tourists. July and August offer the best weather, but the sites are busier and parking charges are higher. Spring (April-May) is the best time to admire the flowering moors, while autumn (September-October) offers exceptional light for photography.
Where can I park my converted van in Brittany?
Brittany has a large number of serviced motorhome parks (water, drainage, electricity). They can be found in virtually every tourist town. Unauthorised parking is tolerated in some car parks outside the high season, but local signs must be respected. Applications such as Park4Night or Camping-Car Park make it easy to locate suitable spots. In high season, use official parking areas to avoid fines.
How long should you allow for a complete roadtrip in Brittany?
To complete one of the four suggested itineraries, allow between 2 and 5 days, depending on the pace you prefer. A complete tour of Brittany ideally takes between 10 and 15 days, so you can make the most of each region without running around. If you have a week, choose two complementary itineraries (for example, north and west, or south and east) to discover different facets of the region.
What are the best places to sleep in a van in Brittany?
Popular spots include the Pointe du Van car park with its ocean views, the Perros-Guirec car park near the Pink Granite Coast, the Sainte-Barbe beach car park in Plouharnel facing Quiberon Bay, the Trégastel car park with direct access to the beach, and the Cap Fréhel car park for spectacular sunrises. Remember to arrive early in high season to find a spot, especially at the most popular spots.
What budget should you allow for a van roadtrip in Brittany?
The budget will vary depending on how you travel. Expect to pay between €5 and €15 per night for fully-equipped motorhome parks, €10 to €30 for campsites and free for authorised unauthorised parking. Add fuel (around €100 to €150 per week, depending on the itinerary), shopping (€40 to €60 per day for two people cooking in the van), paying visits (€5 to €15 per site) and occasional restaurants. Average budget: €70 to €120 per day for two people.
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