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

After a night on the Mont Saint Michele, we drove here to Dinan by way of St Malo. Enjoyed exploring the magnificent ramparts. But once we arrived here we were overwhelmed and a bit underwhelmed. We have a night to spare and are seeking a quiet repose at a midway point in our drive. Perhaps a farmhouse B&B. We realize it would be a lucky find lodging for only 1 night. Thank you for any suggestions. Rick’s Best of France does not include Brittany, so we are feeling adrift.

Posted by
7181 posts

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.

Posted by
3119 posts

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.

Posted by
26840 posts

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.

Posted by
1954 posts

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/

Posted by
5508 posts

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.

Posted by
734 posts

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.

Posted by
255 posts

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.

Posted by
9462 posts

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

Posted by
1954 posts

(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.