We plan to spend July 12-15 in Brittany before dropping our rental car in Rennes and heading home via CDG. Since those days happen to include Bastille Day we're looking for somewhere that celebrates but not completely overwhelmed by tourists, if that's even possible in the summer in France. We are an older couple, semi-active and no longer feel the need to check a lot of sites off the list, in favor of enjoying art, history, good food, cafe life, etc. We're debating between Dinan, Dinard and Vannes (much further south). We would appreciate any and all insights about where to stay and prioritize. Thanks!
Posted by
Long Beach, Ca, usa
2055 posts
lisa.wrenn,
I am partial to Quimper, a wonderful town with lots of museums, a beautiful cathedral, an old quarter with half-timbered buildings, and a history that goes back to the Romans. Your days will be filled without even leaving the town, but it is the capital of Finistere (land's end) in Britanny, so a drive out to Le Conquet, for example, will give you a feeling for the majesty of this place as it confronts the mighty Atlantic. Dinan and Dinard, which are wonderful, are also more visited by non-French tourists, IMO, and Quimpoer seems to be more appreciated by the French. This is just based on my limited experience. Perhaps some of our French forum contributors can comment. (Of course, we have a family connection to the southern part of Britanny, so I am a bit prejudiced.)
Posted by
726 posts
Hi Elisa,
Maybe some useful info to assist with your decision-making in our loooooong and foto-dense TR below?
Best wishes
I am done. the end
https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/lappel-de-mer-a-southern-brittany-tr-also-paris-1723447/#post17573265
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
11071 posts
Vannes. It's a wonderful seaside town with a direct TGV to Paris. You wouldn't need to drive back to Rennes.
Posted by
OP
Walnut Creek
4 posts
Thank you for these suggestions, they're very helpful. I especially appreciate the tip about leaving the car in Vannes and taking the TGV to Paris. Leaning now toward staying toward the south end of Brittany for this short trip and returning another time to explore Dinard/Dinan/St. Malo but still sorting it out, so please keep the suggestions coming.