1 week to visit France by car ? Here is my little circuit which will allow you to discover in 1 week the prettiest villages and the marvelous landscapes of the most beautiful coasts of the French coast ...
This route gives the opportunity to explore by car from Paris some authentic and picturesque sites of our beautiful France. My 1 week tour in France from Brittany to Bordeaux lets visit some of my favorite sites in France : Mont Saint-Michel, Dinard, Dol-de-Bretagne, Saint-Malo, Noirmoutier, La Rochelle, Bordeaux and Saint-Émilion.
On the way to discover the Breton culture and Vendée, wild landscapes of the Atlantic coast through the architectural and historical heritage of Bordeaux to finish in style in the noblest vineyards in France.
Why visit France by car?
A road trip in France is the easiest, most convenient and most flexible way to visit towns, villages, countryside and remote corners of France. Indeed, France is a small country. The sites to visit are numerous but you can easily drive from site to site in less than 3 hours by road. What's more, traveling by car in France it's the freedom to leave at the time you choose, to stop where you want, to eat when and where you want, to arrive at the hotel at any time ...
From Brittany to Bordeaux - Map of my itinerary
From Brittany to Bordeaux - Summary of my itinerary
- Mont Saint Michel,
- Dinard,
- Dol-de-Bretagne,
- Saint Malo,
- Noirmoutier,
- La Rochelle,
- Bordeaux,
- Saint-Émilion
From Brittany to Bordeaux - Stages of my itinerary
Day 1 - Mont Saint Michel
Arrival at Charles de Gaulle airport - Car rental and journey to Mont Saint Michel - 4 hours drive (385 km) - Night right next to Mont Saint Michel.
Which hotel to choose near Mont Saint Michel? The Relais Du Roy
Located just 1,9 km from Mont St. MichelThis hotel is very convenient. Its parking is free as well as the shuttle to the Mont-Saint-Michel (stop 50 meters from the hotel). Its little extra: the gastronomic restaurant on site which serves regional specialties that will delight you! See this hotel on Booking
Day 2 - Dinard
Visit of Mont Saint Michel. Listed as a Historic Monument and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Mont-Saint-Michel is one of the most famous tourist sites of France. At the top of this rock is the magnificent Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey which dominates the entire bay.
In the evening, journey of about 1 hour to Dinard (60 km) - Night in Dinard.
Which hotel to choose in Dinard? Hotel Restaurant Hotel Didier Méril
This tiny hotel really charmed me (9 rooms). Ideally located in the historic center of Dinard and facing the sea, I chose this hotel for its superb view of the Prieuré beach but above all for its gourmet restaurant. See this hotel on Booking
Day 3 - Dol de Bretagne
Visit of Dinard. You can take a walk along the corniche and stroll to admire its superb residences. Dinard is elegant and picturesque, it is called the "Nice of the North".
Then journey of about 40 minutes (35 km) to Dol de Brittany. Walk in this small medieval village with its half-timbered houses and visit the 13th century Cathedral.
After discovering the pretty Breton village, drive 30 minutes to Saint Malo (28 km) to spend the night there.
Which hotel to choose in Saint Malo? The Golden Tulip
I recommend a hotel very well located within the ramparts of Saint Malo just 5 minutes walk from the port: the Golden Tulip Saint Malo. It has all the services and facilities of a top-of-the-range hotel, but its real asset is undoubtedly its buffet breakfast made up of local and very varied products. Its restaurant also offers local products and regional specialties. See this hotel on Booking
Day 4 - Noirmoutier
Morning visit of Saint Malo. You can take a tour of Saint Malo following the ramparts to discover the city and the superb view of the sea and distant islands. Saint Malo is worth the detour for, among other things, its atmosphere, its narrow streets, its ramparts, its Saint Vincent Cathedral and the tomb of Châteaubriand.
Then journey of 3h15 (261 km) towards the Noirmoutier.
Noirmoutier is a peninsula on the French Atlantic coast in the Vendée department. You will discover superb landscapes with salt marshes, pine forests, sand dunes… Visit the village of Noirmoutier-en-Ile and its small port.
Visit and overnight at Noirmoutier.
Which hotel to choose in Noirmoutier? Le Général d'Elbée Hotel & Spa
It is simply the nicest hotel to stay in front of the medieval castle of Noirmoutier in the village of Noirmoutier-en-l'lle. See this hotel on Booking
Day 5 - La Rochelle and Bordeaux
Departure early in the morning for 2h30 drive to reach La Rochelle. Visit of its old port in the city center and of the Tour Sain Nicolas. Lunch in La Rochelle.
Then journey of 3h00 to arrive at Bordeaux in the evening. Dinner and overnight in Bordeaux.
Which hotel to choose in Bordeaux - Courtyard side of the Hôtel Particulier
This is my favorite accommodation in the center of Bordeaux (small budget). It is not a hotel but a guest house where you feel at home.
The elegant rooms are fully equipped, but you can also order breakfasts. The location in the historic center of Bordeaux is simply ideal for sightseeing: between the Grand Theater and Saint-André Cathedral, it is located in a very quiet and peaceful pedestrian street.Vsee this hotel on Booking
Day 6 - Bordeaux
Visit of Bordeaux on foot (see How to visit Bordeaux in 1 day ?)
At the end of the afternoon, take the road (about 50 minutes) to Saint-Emilion which is 46 km from Bordeaux. Arrival at the vineyard Frank Mayne, cellar tour and wine tasting. Night on site at Frank Mayne Relay.
Day 7 - Saint Emilion
Early in the morning, visit the village of Saint Emilion.
Then return to Bordeaux to take the TGV or a flight back to Paris.
Looking for another tour?
Here are some ideas of tours in France
2 days on the Pink Granite Coast
Good morning! I will go to France from June 13 to 23. I would like to see mont st-Michel, bordeaux and end up with two days in Paris because we have been there before. What do you suggest? Possible to go through Normandy?
Hello Chantal,
If I were you, either I would do the itinerary from Brittany to Bordeaux by adding 2 days in Paris, or I would do my circuit of Mont-Saint Michel – Normandy – Paris without visiting Bordeaux. Here is the itinerary of this circuit that you can adapt: https://sacavoyage.fr/que-faire-en-normandie-circuit-touristique-1-semaine-carte-itineraire/
Have a good day !
Thus, you can visit Bordeaux and its beautiful region during another trip to France.