📷 Photo by Pascal Bernardon on UnsplashSouth Brittany: menhirs and the Gulf of Morbihan
Gauguin’s Pont-Aven, the wild coast of Quiberon, the standing stones of Carnac and the medieval streets of Vannes.
- Distance
- 170 km (106 mi)
- Driving
- 2 h 21 min
- Suggested days
- 3
- Stops
- 7
- Countries
- France
- Updated
- September 4, 2026
At a glance: 3-day road trip of about 170 km (106 mi) with 7 stops, from Pont-Aven to Rochefort-en-Terre. About 2 h 21 min of driving in total.
More road trips in France
Route description
Pont-Aven, the river town where Gauguin and his friends painted, is a gentle start with galleries, water mills and butter biscuits. Take the N165 east past Lorient, then turn down the narrow isthmus to Quiberon.
The Côte Sauvage on the western side of the peninsula is all cliffs, arches and crashing surf, with a road and a footpath running along it; swimming is forbidden there. Back at the root of the peninsula, the Carnac alignments stretch for kilometres; start at the Maison des Mégalithes to see what is open.
Stop at Saint-Goustan, Auray’s old port, for a waterside lunch, then continue to Vannes, where half-timbered streets lead to ramparts and gardens. Boats leave from Vannes and other ports around the Gulf of Morbihan to the Île aux Moines and the islands.
Finish inland at Rochefort-en-Terre, a flowered village of slate roofs that is especially popular in December for its lights. The whole area has plenty of motorhome aires and campsites, and all stops are close together on flat roads.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Pont-Aven
France - 278 km
Quiberon
France - 33 km
Côte Sauvage of Quiberon
NatureQuiberon, FranceThe Atlantic side of the Quiberon peninsula: arches, coves and cliffs along a road with many parking spots. Swimming is forbidden here because of dangerous currents.
- 415 km
Carnac alignments
HistoryCarnac, FranceSome 3,000 Neolithic standing stones set in long rows across the heath. In summer the fields are fenced and visited on guided tours; in winter parts are open to walk freely.
- 513 km
Port of Saint-Goustan
HistoryAuray, FranceAuray’s old river port, with timber-framed houses and a stone bridge, where Benjamin Franklin landed in 1776. The quays are lined with crêperies and terraces.
- 621 km
Vannes
France - 740 km
Rochefort-en-Terre
France
Suggested stages and overnight stops
3 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Pont-Aven → Quiberon · 78 km · 1 h 05 minOvernight nearby, for example: Camping municipal du Goviro (1 km); Camping municipal du Rohu (2 km).
- Day 2: Quiberon → Port of Saint-Goustan · 31 km · 0 h 26 minOn the way: Côte Sauvage of Quiberon, Carnac alignments.Overnight nearby, for example: Mané Guernehué (7 km); Aire des Iles (10 km).
- Day 3: Port of Saint-Goustan → Rochefort-en-Terre · 61 km · 0 h 50 minOn the way: Vannes.Overnight nearby, for example: Camping municipal La Digue (8 km); La Vallée de l’Oust (16 km).
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and October. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
Practical notes for the road
- France: Motorway tolls. Tolls on most autoroutes; the limit drops to 110 km/h in rain. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
FAQs
How long is South Brittany: menhirs and the Gulf of Morbihan?
3-day road trip of about 170 km (106 mi) with 7 stops, from Pont-Aven to Rochefort-en-Terre. About 2 h 21 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for South Brittany: menhirs and the Gulf of Morbihan?
We suggest 3 days: about 2 h 21 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does South Brittany: menhirs and the Gulf of Morbihan start and end?
It starts in Pont-Aven and ends in Rochefort-en-Terre.
Which countries does South Brittany: menhirs and the Gulf of Morbihan pass through?
France.
Where can you camp along South Brittany: menhirs and the Gulf of Morbihan?
OpenStreetMap lists 285 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Aire Camping-Car Park Pont-Aven, Les Quatre Vents, Les 2 Fontaines and Camping du Vieux Verger.
When is the best time for South Brittany: menhirs and the Gulf of Morbihan?
The most pleasant months are usually May–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
