Exeter to Quimper Road Trip: Hidden Gems & Practical Guide

This road trip from Exeter (UK) to Quimper (Brittany, France) is unique because it requires a ferry crossing—historically from Plymouth to Roscoff, a route operated by Brittany Ferries since 1973. The entire journey, including the 6-hour sea crossing, covers roughly 300 miles of driving and takes about 9–11 hours total. You'll experience a dramatic shift from England's rolling Devon hills to the rugged, windswept coast of Finistère.

One specific fact: the A38 from Exeter to Plymouth passes near the edge of Dartmoor, where the road surface can be icy even in spring due to high moorland winds. Once in France, the D785 from Roscoff to Quimper runs along the northern coast of the Crozon Peninsula, offering sweeping views of the Atlantic. This guide will show you how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities along this cross-channel adventure.

Below is a quick reference table for the route:

The route crosses distinct geographical zones: the wooded valleys of Devon, the flat coastal plain of Plymouth Sound, the open Atlantic crossing, and the rugged Breton peninsula. On the French side, the D785 passes through the Parc Naturel Régional d'Armorique, offering heathlands and sea cliffs.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites: The route itself does not pass directly through any UNESCO sites, but a short detour (20 minutes from Roscoff) leads to the Mont Saint-Michel de Brasparts (not a UNESCO site). However, the Rennes Cathedral (1.5 hours east) is part of the Routes of Saint James UNESCO listing. For a closer option, the Église Saint-Jean-du-Doigt (15 min from Morlaix) is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture, though not UNESCO-listed.

• Dartmoor National Park (A38 views) – not a UNESCO site but designated national park.
• Roscoff’s Jardin Exotique – a botanical garden with subtropical plants.
• Crozon Peninsula’s Pointe de Pen Hir – dramatic cliffs and a natural reserve.

Local Commerce & Culture: In Devon, buy a traditional Devon Cream Tea (scones, clotted cream, jam) at a roadside farm shop like Exeter Farm Shop (A38). In Brittany, look for crêperies and andouille de Guémené (spiced pork sausage). Regional specialties include kouign-amann (butter cake) from Douarnenez. The Marché de Roscoff (Saturday morning) sells local honey, cider, and artisanal pottery.

Climatic Conditions & Aesthetics: Weather changes quickly: Devon can be rainy; the Channel crossing is often windy; Brittany’s microclimate brings sudden fog. The best scenic sunset spot is Pointe du Raz (30 min south of Quimper), where the sun dips into the Atlantic. For photos, stop at Camaret-sur-Mer around 8 PM in summer.

Infrastructure Safety & Road Quality: The A38 in the UK is a dual carriageway in good condition, but sections near Exeter can have potholes after winter. In France, the D785 is well-paved with good markings, but narrow shoulder in places. Night illumination: A38 has streetlights near towns; D785 is unlit beyond Morlaix. Safety tip: watch for deer on Dartmoor at dawn/dusk.

Family and Child Suitability: Interactive stops include Dartmoor Zoo (A38 exit) – features big cats and a play area. In Roscoff, Aquarium de Roscoff is compact but fun. For a break, Plage de Santec has a playground and calm waters. Maison des Minéraux (Crozon) lets kids pan for crystals.

• Best family cafe: Crêperie Les Vieux Roquilles (Morlaix) – child-friendly with outdoor seating.
• Interactive museum: Musée de l’Ancienne Atelier (Pont-l’Abbé) – hands-on weaving demonstrations.

Pet-Friendly Framework: Most ferry lines allow dogs in cars (on deck). In the UK, Haldon Forest Park (A38) has designated dog walks. In France, Plage de la Grève des Cheminots (Roscoff) permits dogs on leash. Pet-friendly cafes: Le Café du Port (Roscoff) has water bowls. Always carry water and a blanket.

Hidden Off-Route Spots: Within 5 minutes of the main road: Chapelle Saint-Michel (near Brasparts) – a tiny 16th-century chapel with a perfect view; Grotte du Manoir (near Morlaix) – an abandoned 19th-century quarry with a small waterfall. Also Village of Locronan (10 min detour) – a perfectly preserved medieval village with stone houses.

Fatigue Management & Rest Zones: In the UK, Exeter Services (A38) is clean with a Starbucks. Plymouth Ferry Terminal has a lounge with reclining chairs. In France, Aire de Morlaix (D785) is a rest area with picnic tables; Aire de la Penzé (near Saint-Pol-de-Léon) has a shaded spot for a nap. For a power nap, park safely at Pointe de la Lande (off D785) – a scenic pull-off with relative quiet.

Planning the logistics is key. The best route is A38 from Exeter to Plymouth, then the ferry to Roscoff, followed by D785/D7 to Quimper. Total driving distance on land is about 100 miles, plus the 6-hour ferry. The question 'how long to drive Exeter to Quimper' depends on ferry schedules; aim for a morning crossing to have daylight in Brittany.

Fuel costs: In the UK, petrol (premium unleaded) averages £1.50 per litre; in France, around €1.80 per litre. A car doing 40 mpg (approx 5.9 L/100km) will use about 7.6 gallons (34.5 L) for the land portions, costing roughly £51 (UK) + €62 (France). Use apps like GasBuddy or Mon pétrole to find cheaper stations. In Devon, fill up at the Tesco in Exeter (EX2 7HF) for lower prices. In Brittany, the Leclerc station at Morlaix (near Roscoff) is usually cheapest.

• Fuel station density: Along A38, stations at Exeter, Plymouth (before ferry), and near Roscoff (Saint-Pol-de-Léon).
• Fuel efficiency tip: Use cruise control on the A38 and D785; hilly terrain on the French side can reduce mpg by 10%.
• Tolls: The A38 is free; no tolls on D785.

Ferry booking: Reserve weeks ahead, especially in summer. Prices range £50–£150 per car plus passengers. Consider a flexible ticket if weather is uncertain.