I prefer to travel without a set itinerary. 30 years ago, traveling in Italy or Ireland, I'd find lodging for the night when I'd spot a sign for "B&B" or I would go into a cafe or bar and ask if there were any rooms available. There always were. Is it possible to travel like that today in Brittany? I'm going to Brittany in September 2023 and I will have a car. Can it be done?
Posted by
Paris
6880 posts
After mid-September, yes, you can get by without bookings. The season dies down and it becomes quiet. However, since 99% of people do reserve rooms, instead of popping by a hotel/B&B it might be more efficient to call ahead (even on the day). And asking for rooms in a café would probably just raise eyebrows. It would never occur to me.
Something that could work even better is planning your stays 1-2 days ahead. Once you arrive somewhere, you will most probably have an idea of when you will be leaving, what the weather is like, and where you will be going next, so it makes sense to book your next stay before you set off.
Also, Brittany isn't huge. With a car, you can see it all from 4 bases (NW around Brest/Landerneau/Perros Guirec, SW around Quimper, NE around St Malo, SE around Vannes). Such bases could be planned in advance.
Posted by
Washington DC
27059 posts
I agree with the thought that it's usually not too hard to know in advance how much time you'll need in small towns or rural areas. My issue is with cities, where it seems I nearly always discover additional, interesting sights when arrive in town. I'm always asking hotels to let me stay longer.
Posted by
Paris, France
112 posts
By mid to late September you'll have no problem finding lodging anywhere in France on the go as it's past peak tourist season. The previous advice about maybe doing a bit of planning ahead/the day before is good advice and it's pretty easy to do so. I'm sort of "newish" to this forum and don't want to ruffle any feathers amongst the seasoned posters on this forum but Brittany is one of my favorite regions in France and I've spent well over 2 months total vacationing in Brittany over the last decade and I still have a lot to see in this region and I could say the same about any other region in France. I've used many bases in Brittany over the years and look forward to using even more bases in the future. :)
Posted by
Paris
6880 posts
I'm sort of "newish" to this forum and don't want to ruffle any feathers amongst the seasoned posters on this forum
Feel free to ruffle all the feathers you want, on-the-ground knowledge is very valuable! I certainly haven't spent as much time in Brittany as you, for example.
Posted by
Paris, France
112 posts
Thanks for making me feel welcome balso. :)
Posted by
Panguitch, Utah
2542 posts
By mid to late September you'll have no problem finding lodging anywhere in France on the go as it's past peak tourist season.
I am sure you mean anywhere in France except Paris, as September/early October is peak travel season in Paris.