Day Trip with a local driver Dinan, Cancale, Saint-Malo from Rennes – 9 hours

Exploring the charming towns and historic sites around Rennes becomes effortlessly enjoyable with this 9-hour private day trip to Dinan, Cancale, and Saint-Malo. Priced at $965.47 per group (up to 7 people), this tour offers door-to-door service in a luxury Mercedes minivan, driven by a professional, local driver. While the driver is not a guide, the flexibility to visit each location at your own pace makes this experience ideal for those seeking comfort and independence.

The tour covers three key stops—Dinan’s medieval walls, the seafood-rich port of Cancale, and the historic walled city of Saint-Malo—all within a carefully planned 9-hour itinerary. The tour is best suited for travelers who appreciate a personalized experience, value comfort, and prefer exploring without guided commentary. An important note: lunch, oyster tastings, and guides are not included, giving you the chance to choose your own dining options and customize your visit.

Key Points

• Private, all-inclusive transportation in a luxury Mercedes minivan for groups up to 7
• Flexible itinerary with free time at each stop to explore at your own pace
• Includes water, wireless, and door-to-door pickup and drop-off in Rennes
• Stops at Dinan, Cancale, and Saint-Malo, each offering distinctive sights and experiences
• No guides included, so the focus is on self-guided exploration with a professional driver
• Cost of oysters and meals is not included, allowing personal choice and budget control

Comfortable Transportation in a Mercedes Minivan

This tour takes place entirely in a luxury Mercedes minivan equipped with air conditioning and leather seats. The professional driver handles all logistics, letting you relax during the approximately 1-hour transfer from Rennes to Dinan. The vehicle’s comfort level receives praise, with reviews highlighting the helpful and attentive nature of the driver.

Since guide services are not included, we appreciate the freedom to explore each site at our own pace, making this more flexible than guided tours. The door-to-door pickup in Rennes—whether from a hotel, station, or airport—adds to the convenience.

Discovering Dinan’s Medieval Charm

The first stop, Dinan, offers a two-hour free visit to its medieval town walls and historic streets. The tour includes a private transfer from Rennes, with an emphasis on walking and exploring at your own leisure. This time allows visitors to stroll through the cobbled streets, admire the medieval architecture, and soak in the historic atmosphere.

Dinan’s walls and old town provide a perfect setting for photos and casual exploration. The lack of guided commentary during this part means you can choose to discover hidden corners or simply enjoy the scenic views.

Seafood Lunch at Cancale’s Port

Next, the tour heads to Cancale, a famous oyster port just 45 minutes from Dinan. The highlight here is a 1 hour and 45 minutes stop at a local seafood restaurant on the port, where you can indulge in fresh oysters or other seafood delicacies. Lunch is not included in the price, so you are free to select a place that suits your taste and budget.

The Marche aux Huitres (Oyster Market) and the port setting make Cancale a must-visit for seafood lovers. The port’s vibrant atmosphere offers plenty of opportunities for casual strolling or trying some oysters directly from the vendors, at your own expense.

Exploring Saint-Malo’s Intra-Muros Walls

The third stop is Saint-Malo, a historic corsair city famous for its walled old town. The 2 hours and 30 minutes allotted here include free exploration of the Intra-Muros, the fortified town enclosed within ancient walls.

Visitors can walk along the ramparts, admire views of the sea, and explore narrow streets filled with shops and cafes. The free time allows for personal discoveries, whether wandering towards the beach, visiting local shops, or taking photos of the city’s iconic architecture.

Return Journey and Final Drop-off in Rennes

After Saint-Malo, the tour concludes with a 1-hour drive back to Rennes, specifically to the Rennes Gare Nord – EFFIA parking lot. The return trip wraps up the 9-hour experience, offering a comfortable ride in the same luxurious Mercedes minivan.

The tour includes waiting time at each stop, ensuring a relaxed pace without rushing, and allowing for spontaneous photo opportunities or short walks.

Inclusion of Refreshments and Extra Perks

Throughout the day, bottled water is provided, along with free wireless internet in the vehicle—perfect for sharing snapshots or staying connected. The meet-and-greet service and professional driver add a layer of ease and reliability to this private adventure.

This tour is suitable for groups of 1 to 7 people, making it ideal for families, friends, or small groups seeking a personalized and comfortable day out.

What’s Not Included and Considerations

While the transportation and water are covered, guests should budget separately for lunch, oyster tastings (around €10 per person), and guides if desired. Since the driver does not provide guiding commentary, those wanting detailed historical insights can arrange additional guides independently.

Children’s seats are available free of charge if requested in advance, but the tour is not recommended for individuals with back or heart conditions. Pets are not permitted on this tour.

Why Choose This Tour?

The main appeal of this private day trip lies in its comfort, flexibility, and personalized pacing. The luxury Mercedes minivan ensures a smooth ride, and the self-guided visits at each stop allow guests to explore according to their own interests.

The longer stop at Cancale for a seafood lunch and the chance to wander Saint-Malo’s ramparts make this a balanced mix of sightseeing and leisure. The positive review highlighting a knowledgeable and helpful driver further enhances the overall experience.

This tour is perfect for those who prefer a relaxed pace, value comfort, and want the freedom to explore without guided commentary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children are welcome, and free child seats are available if requested when booking. However, the tour is not recommended for those with back or heart problems.

What is included in the price?
The cost covers transportation in a luxury Mercedes minivan, bottled water, wireless internet, door-to-door pickup and drop-off, and a professional driver.

Are guides provided during the stops?
No, guides are not included. The experience is self-guided at each location with the driver managing logistics.

Can I customize the stops or duration?
The itinerary is fixed, but the free time at each location allows for some personal exploration. Longer or shorter visits are not specified but can be flexible within the overall schedule.

How long is the drive from Rennes to Dinan?
The transfer from Rennes to Dinan takes approximately 1 hour.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included. Guests can choose where to eat at Cancale, with plenty of seafood options available.

How do I get back to Rennes after the tour?
The tour concludes with a 1-hour drive back to Rennes, specifically to the Gare Nord – EFFIA parking.

What makes this tour different from guided group tours?
This is a private experience with personalized pacing and flexibility, ideal for those who prefer independence over guided commentary.

What is the price for the group?
The total cost is $965.47 for up to 7 people, making it a good value for small groups seeking comfort and personalized service.

Are there any restrictions I should be aware of?
The tour is not suitable for pets and not recommended for individuals with certain health conditions. It is designed for most travelers but requires some mobility for walking around the stops.

This 9-hour private tour from Rennes offers a well-balanced mix of sightseeing, leisure, and comfort, making it an excellent choice for small groups eager to explore Dinan, Cancale, and Saint-Malo at their own pace.