14 Activities
Road Trip to the Northern Coastline: Saint-Brieuc and Erquy
Starts from
Rennes
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Activities
14
Duration
13 hrs 5 min
Length
28 mi
Guide details
Starts from
Rennes
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Duration
13 hrs 5 min
Length
28 mi
Alicja Pretka
Travel Expert
- Enjoy the view of half-timbered houses at the town of Saint-Brieuc.
- Learn about sea life at the Musee d'art et d'historie de Saint-Brieuc.
- Taste the iconic Saint Jacques oysters at Les terre-neuvas restaurant.
- Observe the sunset at the pink beach at Cap d’Erquy.
This round journey to the northern coastline of France will reveal the beautiful marriage between the past and modern time, life in the city and in the coastline village. Today you will see the fascinating half-timbered houses at the old town of Saint-Brieuc, magnificent stained-glass windows at Saint-Étienne's Cathedral, learn about maritime traditions at Musee d'art et d'historie de Saint-Brieuc, indulge in delicious galettes at Crêperie des druides and enjoy the breathtaking view of pink beaches and nature reserve at Cap d'Erquy
This round journey to the northern coastline of France will reveal the beautiful marriage between the past and modern time, life in the city and in the coastline village. Today you will see the fascinating half-timbered houses at the old town of Saint-Brieuc, magnificent stained-glass windows at Saint-Étienne's Cathedral, learn about maritime traditions at Musee d'art et d'historie de Saint-Brieuc, indulge in delicious galettes at Crêperie des druides and enjoy the breathtaking view of pink beaches and nature reserve at Cap d'Erquy
Alicja Pretka
Travel Expert
- Enjoy the view of half-timbered houses at the town of Saint-Brieuc.
- Learn about sea life at the Musee d'art et d'historie de Saint-Brieuc.
- Taste the iconic Saint Jacques oysters at Les terre-neuvas restaurant.
- Observe the sunset at the pink beach at Cap d’Erquy.
Day Itinerary
14 Activities
Day 1
26 mi2 mi
North of France - Saint-Brieuc and Erquy
On your road trip you will see the fascinating half-timbered houses at the old town of Saint-Brieuc, magnificent stained-glass windows at Saint-Étienne's Cathedral, learn about maritime traditions at Musee d'art et d'historie de Saint-Brieuc, indulge in delicious galettes at Crêperie des druides and enjoy the breathtaking view of pink beaches and nature reserve at Cap d'Erquy.
Car Park
Parking
Open Details
Welcome to Saint Brieuc. You will spend a nice morning here, wandering around half-timbered houses and diving into the city's history.
0.2 mi
5 min
Hôtel Des Ducs De Bretagne
Historic Site
Open Details
The old town of Saint-Brieuc is all about this charming half-timbered houses, which you will easily notice during your stroll.
Among three places where you can admire those amazing historic monuments connecting with each others - Place au Lin and Rue Fardel, the Place Louis Guilloux where you are right now has one the oldest and famous example of this specific wooden structure which is the Hotel Des Ducs de Bretagne in the town.
Built in 1572, over the years this hotel hosted the prominent leaders from other countries like king James II from England, German king, Joseph II and Russian Emperor, Paul the First and is still standing today thanks to René Rault who was against the idea of demolition of the entire old town and purchased even more buildings neighbouring with the hotel where are situated galleries and shops. After his death, the property become a private ownership.
Admire this impressive building and pay attention to the lovely wooden decorations in the form of lion, flowers and griffins (half-lion-half- eagle which is the symbol of the town of Saint-Brieuc).
Among three places where you can admire those amazing historic monuments connecting with each others - Place au Lin and Rue Fardel, the Place Louis Guilloux where you are right now has one the oldest and famous example of this specific wooden structure which is the Hotel Des Ducs de Bretagne in the town.
Built in 1572, over the years this hotel hosted the prominent leaders from other countries like king James II from England, German king, Joseph II and Russian Emperor, Paul the First and is still standing today thanks to René Rault who was against the idea of demolition of the entire old town and purchased even more buildings neighbouring with the hotel where are situated galleries and shops. After his death, the property become a private ownership.
Admire this impressive building and pay attention to the lovely wooden decorations in the form of lion, flowers and griffins (half-lion-half- eagle which is the symbol of the town of Saint-Brieuc).
0.1 mi
5 min
Cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Saint-Brieuc
Church
Open Details
Visit the Saint-Brieuc one of the memorable historic monuments, a magnificent Catholic Church from 12th century with beautiful ornamented facade situated on the Place du Gėnėral de Gaulle, also known as cathédrale-forteresse when during town siege played a role as a defense fortification.
Notice the impressive towers located on the both sides of the central porch and inside an absolutely stunning Baroque style altarpiece and Cavaillé-Coll organ in the Chapelle de l'Annonciation. But the main focal point of the cathedral are the spectacular stained-windows from 15th century lighting up the entire space.
Notice the impressive towers located on the both sides of the central porch and inside an absolutely stunning Baroque style altarpiece and Cavaillé-Coll organ in the Chapelle de l'Annonciation. But the main focal point of the cathedral are the spectacular stained-windows from 15th century lighting up the entire space.
0.3 mi
5 min
Musée d'Art et d'Histoire de Saint-Brieuc
Museum
Open Details
To find out more about the region Côtes d'Armor, pop in to this lovely local museum where you will be taken into the journey from the past to current moment covering fascinating fields like maritime activities, fishing tradition with the amazing discovery of used in the sea navigation astrolabes, the secret how to deal with the rich area of moors to make a space for the growing Brittany textile industry then moving to the religious and social subjects like the Breton customs and the fantastic exhibition of contemporary artist including stunning Lucien Bailly's photographs display.
0.3 mi
5 min
Crêperie des Druides
Creperie
Open Details
Have lunch at this charming traditional French from the region of Brittany crêperie situated in the city centre, which focuses on homemade famous buckwheat galettes - pancakes both savoury and sweet where welcoming staff will serve you well, so you can fully enjoy your meal. Try a classic, delicious filling consisting of egg, ham and wonderfully melted cheese followed by sweet decadent salted butter and caramel pancakes while sipping on the locally produced refreshing apple cider in the lovely warm ambience of the restaurant.
0.3 mi
10 min
Notre-Dame-de-la-Fontaine
Church
Open Details
Gaze at this intriguing fountain, listed as a historic monument, in which water, as it was believed, helped lepers. Situated right in the built-in 15th century chapel Notre-Dame-de-la-Fontaine with magnificent stained-windows and eye-catching facade, in characteristic aedicula.
Check out the fascinating, created in 1896 by Élie Le Goff, Tugdual and Saints Brieuc sculptures made out of limestone material located inside.
Check out the fascinating, created in 1896 by Élie Le Goff, Tugdual and Saints Brieuc sculptures made out of limestone material located inside.
19.5 mi
40 min
Berneuf Beach
Beach
Open Details
Welcome to the fantastic seaside area of the town, Pléneuf-Val-Andre with lovely relaxing vibe, adorable pink cottages made of local characteristic sandstone with white balustrades, which you will see while driving along this beautiful coast and absolutely stunning beaches including the natural, untouched by humanplage de la ville Berneuf near the neighbouring village Berneuf at the Saint-Brieuc bay and consisting amazing dunes and fascinating rich vegetation with almost 180 different plants.
Here while relaxing, taking refreshing bath and recharging batteries in the warm sun ray you will admire the wonderful view of the paragliders flying on the sky or the sand yachting activities.
Here while relaxing, taking refreshing bath and recharging batteries in the warm sun ray you will admire the wonderful view of the paragliders flying on the sky or the sand yachting activities.
4.5 mi
20 min
Car Park
Parking
Open Details
Park your car here before exploring the paths of the magnificent nature reserve.
0.3 mi
5 min
Cap d'Erquy
Nature Preserve
Open Details
The beautiful clear sky, turquoise water and pink sandy beach... This breathtaking view will blow your mind! Park your car at the port of Erquy and take a little hike to fully immerse yourself in this alluring nature reserve with amazing wildlife including purple or yellow broom heather fields, lovely wild flowers and unique volcanic remains - pink granite rocks and enjoy the special tranquil ambience of this natural place and some well-deserved relaxing time on lovely beach.
0.7 mi
15 min
Fontaine de Dévotion de Lourtouais
Landmark
Open Details
Stop for a moment on your way to the beach and look at this intriguing structure of fountain, constructed in the 19th century and devoted to Notre-Dame-des-Bruyères-des Côteaux-et-des-Bois situated close to other local fountains like the Donkey and Lourmel and the old Lourtuais washhouse.
According to the story, the stream has never dried up, and it helped the villagers of local Tu Es Roc to survive the really dry summer of 1976.
According to the story, the stream has never dried up, and it helped the villagers of local Tu Es Roc to survive the really dry summer of 1976.
0.1 mi
5 min
Les Terres Neuvas
Seafood Restaurant
Open Details
Enjoy your dinner with the sea breeze softly touching your cheeks on the terrace of an excellent restaurant which respects the values of sustainability with the compostable and biodegradable napkins, and offers high-quality, based on organic, locally sourced meals.
Try the iconic for the coastline area fresh Saint Jacques oysters, Mignon fish with potatoes and sea lettuce and delightful crashed potatoes with seaweed. While sipping the crisp, white wine perfectly matched with your dinner, appreciate the mesmerizing view of the bay right in front of your eyes.
Try the iconic for the coastline area fresh Saint Jacques oysters, Mignon fish with potatoes and sea lettuce and delightful crashed potatoes with seaweed. While sipping the crisp, white wine perfectly matched with your dinner, appreciate the mesmerizing view of the bay right in front of your eyes.