Overview
With dramatic coastlines, tiny stone villages, medieval abbeys, and renowned cuisine, Normandy and Brittany are the perfect setting for our cultural hiking adventure. We visit the D-Day beaches with a historian, walk across tidal flats to iconic Mont-St.-Michel, and experience the most breathtaking stretches of Brittany’s coast on wonderful hikes. Culinary treats abound, including cider fresh from the orchards, sweet crepês, savory galettes, and a bounty of local seafood from moules marinières to oysters—Louis XIV had Brittany’s Cancale oysters brought to him at Versaille. Join us for a delightful adventure in history and cuisine.
Many highlights come to mind: our sand and sea pilgrimage to Mont St-Michel, delightful walks with gorgeous scenery and powerful history. Culture and hiking interwoven with non-stop fabulous French cuisine!
— Jo L., Santa Barbara, CA
Days 1-4
Caen / Bayeux / D-Day Beaches / Mont St. Michel
We view the famed 11th century Bayeux Tapestry, and head to the coast for a hike at Pointe du Hoc, the high cliffs between Utah Beach and Omaha Beach, where a historian brings the dramatic events of D-Day to life for us. We’ll savor the cuisine of the north coast, sampling Normandy’s famed cheeses and tasting the local Calvados brandy. Mont-St.-Michel, a site of pilgrimage since the 8th century, rises like a mirage from the shimmering sands of the bay. We hike the coast for stunning views, and then right across the tidal flats to visit a private chapel in the sanctuary, off-limits to the general public.
Caen / Bayeux / D-Day Beaches / Mont St. Michel - Days 1-4
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.
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.
Days 5-6
Cancale / Saint Malo / Dinan
At Cancale, we’ll sample the tastiest oysters in Brittany, visit the charming port of Saint Malo, and hike along the river Rance past half-timbered houses. We explore Dinan, a 13th century Breton town surrounded by medieval walls, with a specialist guide.
Cancale / Saint Malo / Dinan - Days 5-6
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 7-10
Côte de Granit Rose / Ploumanac’h
Surreal rockscapes of glistening rose-tinted crags line this exquisite section of Brittany’s coast known as the Côte de Granit Rose. Our hikes follow coastal trails leading to Brittany’s most revered pilgrimage site, and we’ll see Castel Meur, the famous stone house wedged between two huge rock outcrops. We explore Tréguier, a gem of a medieval town, savor plates of delicious fruits de mer, and enjoy our historic seaside hotel set along pink granite rocks in the village of Ploumanac’h. Depart on Day 10 via Guingamp.
Côte de Granit Rose / Ploumanac’h - Days 7-10
Castel Beau Site
Days 7 to 9 (3 nights), Perros Guirec, FranceSet on the shores of Brittany’s famous Côte de Granit Rose "Pink Granite Coast," the Castel Beau Site is a contemporary seaside retreat. The hotel restaurant serves traditional cuisine with local ingredients, and the bar has a lounge area and terrace where you can order oysters, beef tartare, or a treat from the pastry chef. Head to the spa to soak in the outdoor hot tub or choose from a wide range of body treatments.
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)
