Take a TGV from Paris, and in just an hour and a half, you’ll arrive in the charming city of Rennes. I decided to make Rennes my base and explore the surrounding cities by train.
Day 1️⃣: By the time I reached Rennes, it was already late in the evening. I headed straight to a delightful crepe shop called Sarrasin before returning to my hotel.
💰Per person: 15-30 euros. The crepes were absolutely divine—highly recommended! [Thumbs up]
Day 2️⃣: My next adventure took me to the legendary pirate city of Saint-Malo 🏴☠️.
The TER train costs only 8 euros and takes just 47 minutes. I spent about six hours exploring the city, which was more than enough time to soak in its charm. During high tides (Les Grandes Marées), the sight is said to be breathtaking.
According to the official website, there will be approximately 31 days of high tides in 2024 (check P3 for the schedule). For lunch, I dined at a cozy local bistro where the fries were utterly irresistible.
Day 3️⃣: The highlight of my trip was Mont-Saint-Michel.
From the north exit of Rennes train station, you’ll see a majestic horse sculpture on P8. Follow the slope downhill until you reach the area bustling with buses—there, you’ll find the bus stop. Refer to P9 for the schedule; the journey lasts around one hour and ten minutes.
P10 provides the route from Saint-Malo to Mont-Saint-Michel, and P11 lists the ticket purchasing websites.
💰Ticket prices: For those under 26, a one-way ticket costs 12 euros, while a round trip is 20 euros. Adults pay 15 euros one way or 25 euros round trip. Children under four ride for free.
Upon arriving at Mont-Saint-Michel, take the complimentary shuttle, which drops you off at the foot of this stunning landmark after a 12-minute ride. Alternatively, you can walk to the popular scenic spot shown on P13, though this trek takes about 40 minutes. Be cautious, as Google Maps indicates that parts of the road lack sidewalks, forcing you to walk directly on the road—a bit perilous.
Entrance is via the location marked on P14, where a wooden fence awaits. From here, you can traverse the grassy path straight to Mont-Saint-Michel.
The return shuttle departs from the wooden boardwalk, where queues are often visible. If possible, visit during high tide—it’s an unforgettable experience. While I visited during a high tide, the tidal index was below 100, so I didn’t witness the iconic island fully surrounded by water.
⚠️I boarded the 17:00 return bus, but the driver advised catching the shuttle by 16:10. I arrived at 9:55 in the morning and wrapped up my visit around 15:00, leaving ample time for souvenirs.
Before heading back, I picked up some La Mère Poulard cookies, a must-buy from Mont-Saint-Michel. The red sablé variety stood out for its rich buttery flavor. During my visit, there was a promotion: buy two 500g packs, and you receive a bottle of cider and a bag. In contrast, the lemon-flavored option was slightly less impressive.
Day 4️⃣: On my final day, I enjoyed a leisurely city walk through Rennes and visited Biscuiterie La Trinitaine. This local gem is perfect for picking up Breton specialties to share with friends and family. Brittany is renowned for its delicious treats, making it an ideal destination for gourmands.
