Southern Brittany Road Trip: Coastal Adventure

Your Southern Brittany road trip begins in Nantes, a dynamic city renowned for its art and history. Wander its pedestrian streets, where museums burst with creativity and theaters hum with life. After soaking in the local vibe at a sunny café, drive to La Baule, where the Atlantic’s vast horizons welcome you. This opening day marries urban culture with coastal allure, setting the tone for a remarkable journey.

Morning brings a serene boat tour through Brière National Park, France’s second-largest marshland. From Port de Berca, your guide unveils the marsh’s birdlife and tranquil beauty. By afternoon, cycle along La Baule’s seafront, part of the world’s most beautiful bays, and pedal toward Le Croisic’s fishing harbor. Browse vibrant markets and embrace the gentle rhythm of Breton coastal life.

A Guérande salt marshes visit reveals a timeless craft, where seawater transforms into salt through ancient techniques. At the Salt Workers’ House, a film highlights Breton heritage. Next, explore Guérande’s medieval ramparts, known as the “Little Carcassonne of the West.” After lunch in its historic streets, return to La Baule for a relaxing afternoon, reflecting on the day’s cultural discoveries.

Travel to Saint-Gildas-de-Rhuys, an artists’ village alive with creative spirit. Visit galleries and the Museum of Arts and Crafts, showcasing Breton headdresses and artifacts. Arrive in Vannes by afternoon, a city blending marina vibrancy with medieval allure. Stroll its tree-lined quays and admire 15th-century houses, with Place Henri IV shining as the heart of this Southern Brittany road trip.

Spend your morning wandering Vannes’ charming streets before a Gulf of Morbihan tour by sea. Board a vessel for a cruise through this iconic bay, where 11,500 hectares of land and sea create a stunning panorama. Explore Île aux Moines or Île d’Arz, with pristine beaches and timeless paths. The shifting tides and light inspire awe, capturing Brittany’s coastal magic.

A Carnac stones tour reveals 3,000 menhirs, a prehistoric marvel predating Stonehenge. Listed as a Historic Monument, these alignments spark wonder about their ancient creators. The visitor center’s exhibits and films deepen your understanding of this archaeological gem. Walking among the stones, you connect with 7,000 years of history before returning to Vannes with a sense of timeless wonder.

As your Southern Brittany road trip ends, enjoy a final breakfast in Vannes, reflecting on a week of cultural and natural wonders. From Nantes’ lively streets to La Baule’s pristine shores, from Guérande’s medieval charm to the Gulf of Morbihan’s islands, this journey has unveiled Brittany’s diversity. Depart with memories of fresh seafood, ancient stones, and landscapes that inspire.