Hello RS Travellers,
Looking for a one base location as a base to stay as part of a Slow Travel plan. Not exactly sure time of year yet. I will probably do 2 other locations in France, outside of Brittany, one month each as well. I know Brittany is a very large area and I won't get to see it all. I'm not sure if I would rent a car for any day trips from a home base, and would avoid if I could though. I know a car would enhance the excursions, etc. I'm interested in a base that would be great to chill in with relatively easy access to the rugged Atlantic/Channel coast towns, getting there with public transport, if possible. I would spend most days in that town walking, historic sites, church music, old town area, cafes, parks, visiting food markets (plan to eat most meals in the ABNB) to save some $ and try to feel a bit like a local. ty
Posted by
98 posts
I’m traveling there as well, for an upcoming trip. I plan on using Vannes as a base, you should check it out.
Posted by
OP
New Jersey
183 posts
ty Ace. Please let me (us) know how it goes as the base.
Posted by
Corvallis OR
7153 posts
If you're absolutely sure you don't want to split it into two bases of two weeks each and you only want to use public transportation, you will definitely limit how much of Brittany you can see. But, if that's the case, I would probably choose Rennes as a base. It's large enough to have plenty to see and do for that length of time and it's a major transportation hub for Brittany. It's not on or particularly close to the coast but it's easy to get to many places, including the coast, within 2 hours or less on the train or bus.
Posted by
Myrtle Beach, USA
12313 posts
I'd pick Vannes for a base. It's big enough to have plenty of dining/grocery options. It has a nice walled quarter as well as a marina. It's close to Carnac and many sites.
I'd chose summer for Brittany. The weather will be nice and there are Pardons all over during summer. I was there in September and the Pardons were done for the year.
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10588 posts
You might consider two weeks each in Vannes and Dinan, or maybe a larger city with more public transportation options if you won’t have a car.
Posted by
OP
New Jersey
183 posts
TY all for replying. I was thinking a one month ABNB because of the monthly discount. I'll check again for a 2 week stay discount so I can split it between 2 home bases.
Andrea, did you have a larger city in mind? ty
Posted by
Long Beach, California, USA
3398 posts
We just spent a week in Nantes and had an amazing time! There is a lot to see and do, it's a beautiful city, and it's only an hour to the coast by train - we spent a day out in Pornic - utterly charming and beautiful. Didn't need a car at all. Nantes is small enough to be completely walkable but big enough to have great sights, museums, street after street of beautiful cafes, and fantastic shopping. We really loved it there.
Posted by
OP
New Jersey
183 posts
TY Anita, sounds like a real possibility for a home base. I would stay there for a month and go to the coast, possibly hitting a few different towns there as day trips, and the other town town you mentioned. Would you say a month is too much time for this city?
Posted by
USA
399 posts
The Michelin Green Guide for Brittany covers just about every town in Brittany. Also
request Stu Dudley's Normandy & Brittany itinerary; see https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/normandy-and-brittany-stu-dudleys-updated-itinerary-1670294/ We used these when planning our trip to Brittany a few years ago. You can also find many videos on YouTube exploring the area.
I'd also suggest, as did an earlier post, Rennes for a base. It is a big enough town that there's plenty to do, has a nice pedestrian-only downtown, and Parc du Thabor would be a beautiful place for days when you want to relax. Rennes also is a transit hub for the region.
Posted by
OP
New Jersey
183 posts
TY Bill All good ideas, lot's to look at now. Appreciate.