Overview
Dramatic coastlines, tiny stone villages, medieval abbeys, and some of the most renowned cuisine in France are found in Normandy and Brittany—it’s perfect for a WT hiking and cultural adventure. We’ll explore D-Day beaches with a historian, walk across tidal flats to iconic Mont St. Michel, hike along the River Blavet to the thatch-roofed village of Poul-Fétan, and take in the majesty of Carnac, one of the largest megalithic sites in the world. As we explore these two fascinating regions full of history, culinary treats abound, including tasting cidre from the orchards, visiting an oyster farm in Cancale (Louis XIV had Cancale oysters brought to him at Versailles), and sampling scallops fresh from the Bay of St. Brieuc.
Very high standards in every respect, from the office, to the itinerary, food and accommodation and trip leaders. We met a couple in our hotel in Dinon on a holiday with another travel company who were most unhappy with their tour, and we felt very pleased that we had booked again with Wilderness Travel, and not one of the other tour groups.
— Eleanor B., Sydney NSW 2134,
Days 1-5
Caen / Bayeux / D-Day Beaches / Mont St. Michel / Côte d’Émeraude
After viewing the famed 11th century Bayeux Tapestry, we head to the coast for a hike at Pointe du Hoc, the high cliffs between Utah Beach and Omaha Beach, still pitted with shell holes and German bunkers. Mont St. Michel, rising like a mirage from the bay, has been a pilgrimage site since the 8th century. We hike a coastal trail for magnificent views of this sanctuary, then walk to it across the tidal flat (conditions permitting). On Brittany’s ravishing Côte d’èmeraude, we hike past stone cottages, fortresses, and along cliffs to Cancale, home to the tastiest oysters in Brittany, which we’ll sample, of course. É
Caen / Bayeux / D-Day Beaches / Mont St. Michel / Côte d’Émeraude - Days 1-5
Villa Lara
Days 1 to 2 (2 nights), Bayeux, FranceThe Villa Lara in charming Bayeux is a small, five-star, boutique hotel with a cozy feeling and a wonderful location that offers a stunning view of the famous Bayeux Cathedral. It is within easy walking distance of the Tapestry Museum. The breakfast buffet is outstanding and the service is top-notch.
Hotel Churchill
Days 1 to 2 (2 nights), Bayeux, FranceThis updated Old World hotel in set on a pedestrianized street in the heart of old Bayeux and within walking distance of the famous Bayeux Tapestry and the Notre Dame Cathedral.
Le Manoire de la Roche Torin
Days 3 to 4 (2 nights), Courtils, FranceThis historic 15-room stone manor house has a great location in the bay of St. Michel. It is a family-run hotel of character with a terrace bar and a restaurant with views over the countryside.
Hotel Le D’Avaugour
Days 5 to 6 (2 nights), Dinan, FranceRight in the heart of medieval Dinan, this hotel is small, modern, and yet cozy, with a large patio that has a view of Dinan’s castle ramparts. The lovely garden area is perfect for breakfast or a pre-dinner drink. The Hotel Le D’Avaugour is just steps from the cobblestone alleys of the old town.
Days 6-8
Dinan / Cap Fréhel / Île de Bréhat
Along the River Rance, our hike brings us past half-timbered houses, and we’ll walk the stone ramparts of Dinan, a 13th century town. On Cap Fréhel, our trail leads to the ruined abbey of Beauport, and a boat crossing brings us to magical Île de Bréhat. We’ll explore this car-free island and enjoy stunning vistas back to the pink cliffs of the Côte de Granit Rose.
Dinan / Cap Fréhel / Île de Bréhat - Days 6-8
Hotel Le D’Avaugour
Days 5 to 6 (2 nights), Dinan, FranceRight in the heart of medieval Dinan, this hotel is small, modern, and yet cozy, with a large patio that has a view of Dinan’s castle ramparts. The lovely garden area is perfect for breakfast or a pre-dinner drink. The Hotel Le D’Avaugour is just steps from the cobblestone alleys of the old town.
Domaine Du Val
Days 7 to 8 (2 nights), Planguenoual, FranceThe family-run Domaine du Val is located outside the Breton village of Planguenoual in a forested setting two miles from the coast. The restored chateau itself very impressive, with lovely lawns and grounds, perfect for an evening drink, and the guest rooms are clean and comfortable.
Days 9-11
Bay of Morbihan / Carnac / Côte Sauvage
From the Bay of Morbihan, we hike through riverine forests to Poul-Fétan for a lunch of galette Bretonne (traditional buckwheat crepes). In Carnac, we walk among ancient standing stones that stretch for miles amid burial mounds. Our journey ends with a spectacular coastal walk along the Côte Sauvage, with its windswept line of cliffs braving the Atlantic waves. Depart on Day 11 via Auray.
Bay of Morbihan / Carnac / Côte Sauvage - Days 9-11
Hotel Le Diana
Days 9 to 10 (2 nights), Carnac, FranceOn the south coast of Brittany, Hotel Le Diana has a seafront location just across from Carnac beach, with panoramic views, comfortable rooms, and an outdoor swimming pool. The breakfast buffet can be enjoyed on the outdoor terrace.
Normandy and Brittany
Highlights
Highlights
Details
Easy to moderate walks and hikes, 3-6 hours a day, van support (for luggage or if you wish to skip a day’s hike)
