Dinan too busy, need a repose between here and Loire Valley

Where are you headed in the Loire Valley?

Very difficult to get same day responses on this newsboard. I can't help with rural stops, but both Vitré and Fontevraud Abbey are in between. You might find less busy Vitré too much like Dinan, and Fontevraud (UNESCO WHS) is too close to your likely destinations. We certainly drove from Château de Marçay (our Chinon hotel) to Dinard in one day, with a few stops. Not at Dinan that day, however.

Our lodging in Loire is near Pontlevoy.

Have you looked at B&Bs near Saumur? It's at the western end of the Loire region and might appeal to you. I don't have any specific lodgings to recommend, but Saumur has nice things to see & do.

The driving route takes you near Vitré. It's way before the half-way point, but I found it a picturesque and lightly touristed place in July 2017. I was only there on a day-trip from Rennes. The Wikipedia article is here.

I've never driven in France so I have not been to any of the tinier places along your route. None of the names look familiar to me, but that doesn't mean there are not charming options along the way.

Sainte-Suzanne (some 10km from the A81 toll road) between Laval and Le Mans is rural and lovely. Hôtel Beauséjour has good reviews there or for finding nearby B&B’s (chambre d'hôtes) you can use the website of Gîtes de France: https://en.gites-de-france.com/

We did your trip in the opposite direction. We stayed in Saumur and then Locranon and then Dinard. Locranon (close to Quimper) is not exactly half way to the Loire, but it is a tiny, lovely city and when we were there at the end of September, it was very quiet.

I would go in the Tourist Information Office in Dinan and get their help. They will have knowledge of all the accomadation with in an hours drive, could probably book it for you too. Highly likely to also have the english Michelin Guide to Brittany, a very good investment.

Thank you for these excellent points and considerate guidance. Peace, calm and charm will be the setting for our remaining experiences in France. By the way, last night we chanced upon a wonderful dining experience in Dinan where we cooked our own meat and poultry on a hot stone followed by a flaming galette of apple with calvados brandy. Fun, delicious and nourishing. Delightful.

Did you find somewhere that fit what you were looking for?

(If) You can use google maps, zoom in to the place you want to stay and search for “chambre d’hôtes”. Many locations will show up on the map (some with a price indication and additional info) and a list on the left side of your screen.