Brittany’s north coast
Corsair Saint-Malo, the cliffs of Cap Fréhel and the pink granite of Ploumanac’h.
- Distance
- 247 km (154 mi)
- Driving
- 3 h 25 min
- Suggested days
- 3
- Stops
- 5
- Countries
- France
- Updated
- July 30, 2026
At a glance: 3-day road trip of about 247 km (154 mi) with 5 stops, from Saint-Malo to Brest. About 3 h 25 min of driving in total.
More road trips in France
Route description
Saint-Malo, the old corsair town, is enclosed by ramparts you can walk around; at low tide you can cross the sand to the island of Grand Bé, but check tide times first. From here the D786 heads west along the Emerald Coast.
Cap Fréhel has pink and grey cliffs covered in heather, a lighthouse and seabird colonies; a short walk away, Fort La Latte stands on a rock above the sea. The route then continues west around the Bay of Saint-Brieuc to Perros-Guirec.
At Ploumanac’h, part of Perros-Guirec, the Customs Officers’ Path winds among giant pink boulders shaped by the wind. The route finishes in Brest, a naval port at the western end of Brittany, where the Océanopolis aquarium is a highlight.
The main dual carriageways in Brittany are toll-free. The capes are windy and the car parks at Cap Fréhel are charged in summer. Early summer and September offer the best weather with fewer visitors.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Saint-Malo
France - 227 km
Cap Fréhel
ViewsPlévenon, FrancePink and grey cliffs covered in heather, with a lighthouse and seabird colonies. Fort La Latte is a short walk away.
- 3105 km
Perros-Guirec
France - 45 km
Pink Granite Coast
NaturePerros-Guirec, FranceGiant pink boulders shaped by the wind along the Customs Officers’ Path at Ploumanac’h.
- 5110 km
Brest
France
Suggested stages and overnight stops
3 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Saint-Malo → Perros-Guirec · 132 km · 1 h 49 minOn the way: Cap Fréhel.Overnight nearby, for example: Le Ranolien (3 km); Camping CCAS Les Ajoncs d'Or (4 km).
- Day 2: Perros-Guirec → Pink Granite Coast · 5 km · 0 h 04 minOvernight nearby, for example: Camping Tourony (< 1 km); Le Ranolien (1 km).
- Day 3: Pink Granite Coast → Brest · 110 km · 1 h 32 minOvernight nearby, for example: Camping du Goulet (5 km); Camping municipal de Kervian (11 km).
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April–May 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 Brittany’s north coast?
3-day road trip of about 247 km (154 mi) with 5 stops, from Saint-Malo to Brest. About 3 h 25 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Brittany’s north coast?
We suggest 3 days: about 3 h 25 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Brittany’s north coast start and end?
It starts in Saint-Malo and ends in Brest.
Which countries does Brittany’s north coast pass through?
France.
Where can you camp along Brittany’s north coast?
OpenStreetMap lists 195 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Camping de la Cité d'Alet, Camping de la Cité d'Alet and Camping Longchamp.
When is the best time for Brittany’s north coast?
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April–May and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
