A four-hour drive from Paris delivers you to Brittany’s Emerald Coast, where the nickname proves itself in the first glimpse of jewel-toned waters. Located to the west of Normandy, this understated roughly 25-mile stretch of shoreline runs from the oyster-famous town of Cancale to the dramatic cliffs of Cap Fréhel, encompassing the fortified city of Saint-Malo and quaint seaside villages like Saint-Lunaire—our base for the next several days.

We arrive at Comète, a seasonal bed-and-breakfast and restaurant operated by a local young family, steps away from the picturesque beaches of Saint-Lunaire. The chambre d’hôtes is situated in the center of town, with simple yet refined accommodations that make you feel less like a hotel guest and more like you’ve been invited into a friend’s beautifully kept summer home.

The facade and a guest room at Comete. Maddy Odom/Travel + Leisure

The days in Saint-Lunaire unfold in an unhurried manner.…