From the Emerald Coast to the coast of legends
5 days / 4 nights
Day 1 |
LE MONT SAINT MICHEL
Classified a World Heritage Area by l’UNESCO, the bay of Mont Saint Michel boasts the strongest tides in all of Europe. The “Wonder of the western world" stands proudly in the middle of the vast mud-flats. A visit to Mont St. Michel is an important part of any trip to France.
CANCALE
A large oyster farming center which produces thousands of tons of delicious Portuguese and European flat oysters. Sample delicious oysters while taking a stroll along the harbor.
Learn the history of the ostreiculture through a visit of a family run oyster farm.
DINAN
« City of Art and History »
Dinan is a medieval town, one of the oldest in Brittany. The town towers over the Rance Valley and can be seen from its ancient ramparts.
Take a rvier cruise from Dinan to the town of Dinard on the Atlantic Ocean.
SAINT-MALO
Saint-Malo, the Cité Corsaire is a famous privateer town built in the 16th century. This city is unique with its intact ramparts that today protect a plethora of unique shops and restaurants. At night visit the casino for some gaming and a show or simply walk along the beautiful moonlit beach.
DINARD
An elegant seaside resort dating from the 19th century. Dinard has luxurious British-style bourgeois villas and gardens full of Mediterranean plants.
During the summer take the ferry from Saint-Malo directly to Dinard.
Or : Boat trips on the « Vallée de la Rance » with the possibility to have a lunch on board, it’s a charming wood boat with a sun deck and a bar.
Accommodation at the hotel Escale Océania** or at the Hotel La Cité in Saint-Malo (according to availability).
Day 2 |
LE CAP FREHEL
Lying at the end of 400 hectares of moorland, « Cap Fréhel » towers over the sea from its pink sandstone and porphyry cliffs. It is one of the most incredible natural sites in Brittany. Boasting outstanding wildlife and flora, “Cap Fréhel” is home to a large, nesting seabird reserve and it is easy to spot shags, gulls and guillemots.
PAIMPOL
In the land of « Icelandic fishermen », the schooners of yesteryear are now a mere memory, but Paimpol is still profoundly influenced by this period.
Don't’ miss: Arcouest cape.
Ou : landing stage for the island of Bréhat (10 minutes to cross)
ILE DE BREHAT:
You’ll find yourself in a different world, the "car free" island known as the land of flowers and pink rocks. The contrast between the Mediteranean-style southern island with its brightly colored shutters and lush flora, and the northern island with its Irish accents and wind-beaten moorland, is striking.
TREGUIER
“ Small Town of Character ”
This 5th century bishopric is the birthplace of St-Yves (patron saint of lawyers and judges) and Ernest Renan. The town of Treguier boasts incredible architecture including the cathedral of St-Tugdual (one of Brittany’s founding Saints) with its amazing cloister and the old parts of the town dotted with half-timbered and timber-framed houses and Ernest Renan’s childhood home.
Accommodation at the Hotel Aigue Marine*** in Tréguier or at the Caste Beau site*** in Ploumanac’h.
Day 3 |
PERROS GUIREC
Perros Guirec has many attractions including a wonderful beach where French surfers strut their stuff and a wonderful town square high above the ocean. Perros Guirec is one of the best resort towns in all of Brittany. Enjoy the breathtaking views driving in and out of town.
THE 7 ÎLES
The Sept-Iles bird sanctuary is home to more than 17,000 seabirds including gannets, Atlantic puffins and razorbills. Keep your eye out for the seals that live in the harbor.
MORLAIX
Set in the hollow of the bay which bears its name and overshadowed by an impressive viaduct, Morlaix represents the geographical, historical, and tourism crossroads between the areas of “Léon”, “Trégor” and the “Monts d’Arrée”. Follow in the footsteps of Anne de Bretagne in the steep alley-ways leading to the viaduct or along the medieval streets lined with half-timbered and corbel houses. Don’t miss the unique architecture of the “maisons à lanterns” in Morlaix.
ROSCOFF
«Small Town of Character »
Famous for its spa and oceanographic research center, this pretty seaside town has retained its architectural heritage. The ferry from England disembarks here so don't be surprised to see more Brits than French in the local restaurants.
In the summer take the ferry to the Louët Island, le Château du Taureau, and spend the day on Batz Island.
Accommodation “ chez Janie » – at the Hôtel du center** in Roscoff
Day 4 |
First option:
THE PARISH ENCLOSURES
Specifically Breton, it recounts episodes from the Holy Story and in former times was used by Curates for religious instruction.
Visit the historic sites of Guimiliau, Lampaul- Guimiliau, Saint-Thégonnec, La Martyre, Commana, Sizun and Pleyben..
2nd option: The Rias and the lighthouses.
THE RIAS
Just like real fords, the rias sculpt the coastline and, according to the tide, offer ever-changing landscapes. The “Aber Ildut” will be the first one you come across via a narrow gully. The coast road will lead you to the small harbors of Melon, Porspoder and Argenton, “La pointe de Landunvez” and the pretty village of Kersaint. The road then continues round the incredible “Aber Benoit” site and then cross it to reach “Aber Wrac’h” a very popular yachting marina.
THE LIGHTHOUSES
Before leaving these Breton fords, you must have a look to the lighthouses , keeping watch over the Channel or Atlantic.
Amongst the best known open to visitors are: Saint-Matthieu, Trézien, the Stiff, Créac’h, the Ile Vierge in Plouguerneau … The latter, on the île d’Ouessant, has one of the most powerful lights in the world, with a range of 120 km in clear weather.
Don’t miss the breathtaking panoramic view of this wild coastline from the top of the vierge lighthouse, the highest lighthouse in Europe.
BREST
Thanks to its geographical localisation, Brest has always had close ties with the sea. Its natural harbour, a vast 150sq. km stretch of water, means that it can welcome sailors from all over the world. Although the old town was bombed during the WW II, the streets of Brest retain an air of adventure and the memory of the Royal and National navy is ever present.
Also, enjoy a visit of Oceanopolis, a science and technology centre devoted entirely to the sea and it's Breton heritage.
Accommodation at the hotel de la Pointe Saint-Mathieu *** (Pointe de Plougonvelin) or at the Continental Océania*** in Brest (according to availability)
PUBLIC PRICE
The price includes :
A price per person based on two people sharing and the breakfast, for a stay of 5days/4nights in an “hotel de charme” *** and ** of very good comfort.
Price does not include :
Meals, drinks, extra, tourist tax and transport.
Rates:
From 01/01/08 to the 06/14/08 and from 09/15/08 to 10/30/08: 236 €
From 06/15 to 09/14/08: 267€