📍 France

ILLE-ET-VILAINE: SAINT-MALO AND BRITTANY MEDIEVAL TOWNS

Granite citadels facing the storms, vast beaches sculpted by tides, cobbled lanes that smell of sea salt. Brittany, wild and maritime.

≈ 9
Days
263
Km
8
Stops
📖 5 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Follow the trail of fortified cities and Breton coast. Walk Saint-Malo's ramparts facing the sea. Discover Rennes and its historic heritage. Visit Fougères medieval fortress. Wander Vitré's ancient streets. Enjoy Dinard and its Belle Époque elegance. Brittany blends stone, sea and character.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Rennes

market city regional gateway

Rennes - Photo 1Rennes - Photo 2
2 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Parliament of Brittany.
2
Mordelaise Gates.
3
Medieval castle (one of the largest in Europe).
4
Old upper and lower town.
🎯

Activities

→
Les Lices Market (Saturday morning).
→
Champs Libres (museum).
→
Thabor (garden).
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 57.3 km
Travel time: 57min
2
Day

Fougeres

fortress rampart medieval crown

Fougeres - Photo 1Fougeres - Photo 2Fougeres - Photo 3Fougeres - Photo 4Fougeres - Photo 5Fougeres - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Half-timbered houses.
2
Écluse Beach.
🎯

Activities

→
Fougères Forest.
→
Marches de Bretagne region.
→
Ramparts Walk.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 32.9 km
Travel time: 1h06
3
Day

Vitre

medieval street granite rampart

Vitre - Photo 1Vitre - Photo 2Vitre - Photo 3Vitre - Photo 4Vitre - Photo 5Vitre - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Moonlight Promenade.
2
Intra-muros (ramparts).
3
Fort National.
4
Grand Aquarium.
🎯

Activities

→
British Film Festival.
→
Malouine Point.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 110.3 km
Travel time: 1h50
4
Day

Dinard

belle époque seaside resort

Dinard - Photo 1Dinard - Photo 2
2 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Pointe du Grouin.
2
Saint-Méen Church.
3
Abbey (UNESCO).
🎯

Activities

→
Route du Rhum (departure every 4 years).
→
Islands (Grand Bé).
→
Petit Bé).
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 5.4 km
Travel time: 11min
5
Day

Saint Malo

walled city sea rampart

Saint Malo - Photo 1Saint Malo - Photo 2Saint Malo - Photo 3Saint Malo - Photo 4Saint Malo - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Mont-Dol (panorama).
2
Champ-Dolent Menhir.
3
Chateaubriand Castle.
4
Tranquil Lake.
🎯

Activities

→
Oyster farms.
→
Guided bay crossing.
→
Spring tides.
+1 Optional activities
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 16.1 km
Travel time: 32min
6
Day

Cancale

oyster harbor coastal village

Cancale - Photo 1Cancale - Photo 2Cancale - Photo 3Cancale - Photo 4Cancale - Photo 5Cancale - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
Oyster farming port.
2
Pointe du Grouin.
3
Saint-Méen Church.
4
Abbey (UNESCO).
+3 Places visited
🎯

Activities

→
Dol Marshes.
→
Cathedraloscope (sound and light show).
→
Lake (walk).
+3 Optional activities
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 20.5 km
Travel time: 41min
7
Day

Dol De Bretagne

cathedral town medieval stone

Dol De Bretagne - Photo 1Dol De Bretagne - Photo 2Dol De Bretagne - Photo 3
3 photos
Day 7
🔍

Discover

1
Cathedral.
2
Mont-Dol (panorama).
3
Champ-Dolent Menhir.
🎯

Activities

→
Dol Marshes.
→
Cathedraloscope (sound and light show).
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 20 km
Travel time: 40min
8
Day

Combourg

castle rampart medieval tower

Combourg - Photo 1Combourg - Photo 2Combourg - Photo 3Combourg - Photo 4Combourg - Photo 5Combourg - Photo 6Combourg - Photo 7Combourg - Photo 8Combourg - Photo 9Combourg - Photo 10
10 photos
Day 8
🔍

Discover

1
Chateaubriand Castle.
2
Tranquil Lake.
3
Old town.
🎯

Activities

→
Lake (walk).
→
Fishing).
→
Literary heritage.

🗺️ Itinerary map

🗺️ Nearby itineraries

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🛡️ Travel advice - France

Check official recommendations

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❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-June): Perfect weather, blooming countryside, ideal for all regions, moderate crowds, excellent value, romantic atmosphere.

Summer (July-August): Warmest weather, peak tourist season, highest prices, crowded attractions, perfect for Mediterranean coast, festival season.

Fall (September-October): Harvest season, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, wine regions spectacular, excellent photography, good value.

Winter (November-March): Christmas markets, ski season Alps, fewer crowds, lowest prices, cozy indoor attractions, cultural experiences.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 7 and 11 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in France?

Cultural capital with incredible cuisine, world-famous attractions, and diverse regions from Paris to Provence. Experience artistic heritage, wine culture, and sophisticated lifestyle. The country offers excellent infrastructure with cultural depth and culinary excellence. France provides complete cultural experiences with historical significance and modern sophistication in easily accessible destination.