Hello! I am planning to spend about 8 days in Brittany this July before the Olympics. I will be taking trains and buses, not renting a car. I have explored Northern Brittany, so want to focus on the area either around Quimper, Vannes or somewhere in-between. I hope to spend 4 nights in two places and explore from those bases. My interest focuses on experiencing French seaside holiday life and beaches, boats, and bicycling to what makes Bretagne its own special place. Any suggestions from those who have visited this area as to where to base myself and where to visit from there? I appreciate your help!
Posted by
679 posts
Hi Wendy,
Normally by now after so much time has passed since our trip, I'd have prepared a lengthy TR with tips, music and photos (eg. 'Back to Brick', eg. 'Costa d' Amalfi' etc). But we've been busy and thus there's been a delay on our TR from our southern Brittany trip this past fall. My wife and I too are non-drivers. We based in rentals at both Quimper and Vannes and would recco doing so. Excellent food and a good variety of both nautical plus land-based daytrips await in both.
I am done. The Breizh
Posted by
32 posts
We stayed in Quimper in 2019. Did day trips by car from there. Lots of recommendations from tourist Office downtown. We went to Audierne, Pointe du Raz, Cap chevre, Benodet, Concarneaue.
It was my teen daughter's 1st trip to FRA so we heightened her interest by doing a "challenge" to find the best crepe and best creperie. There were so many to choose from! DM me if you'd like the recommendations.
Posted by
Paris
7300 posts
Quimper or Concarneau are great bases for SW Brittany. I prefer Concarneau in summer, since you can go to the beach there in the evening. Bénodet also works as a base. I regularly visit the region for work; those are the hotels I like in no particular order:
In/around Quimper:
- Manoir des Indes
- Gingko
- Manoir de Kerhuel
- Best Western
In Concarneau
- Sables Blancs
- de France et d'Europe
In Bénodet
- Cornouaille
Posted by
OP
8 posts
Thank you, all, for your suggestions. I am studying the bus routes now from the bases you have suggested to see which offers more variety/ease of transport to see other towns/sights. The idea of staying in a town with a walkable beach is very tempting, so Concarneau is at the top of my list currently.
I appreciate your help!
Posted by
Paris
7300 posts
Without a car, Quimper is a more convenient hub, but it is still relatively easy to reach Pont-Aven & Quimper from Concarneau.
Forget I mentioned Bénodet, not realistic without a car.
Watch out for Sunday schedules, they are VERY sparse (perhaps better in summer, but the one valid until 5th Jul isn't great).