Britanny & Mont Saint Michel

ITINERARY

Wednesday - Afternoon departure from Dorset to Portsmouth for overnight channel crossing with Brittany Ferries (sails at 8:15pm) to St Malo. A 2 bedded (not bunks) inside cabin is included with private shower/toilet, bed linen/towels and air-con. No meals included but there is a choice of eateries from full restaurant to snacks and takeaways, a bar, panoramic lounge and shopping.

Thursday - Arrive France at 8:45am and after disembarking we enter the walled city of St Malo. Behind the historic gates the city invites you to discover a life-size jewellery box. The cities' unique history and glorious legends fill every alleyway, every tower, every monument, every memory of this wonderful place. This afternoon we shall make the short drive to La Pointe du Grouin - a rocky outcrop at the far west end of the Bay of Mont St-Michel - a beautiful windswept headland from which a glorious vista opens up. Just a 15 minute walk along good paths rewards you with sea panoramas and even sometimes a pod of dolphins. After time for photos we drive on to arrive at Mont Saint-Michel and check-in to our hotel for a comfortable 5 night stay.

Friday - Across Normandy to drive alongside Sword, Juno and Gold D-Day Beaches. Stop in Bayeux to view its cathedral and wander the narrow streets - follow the brass studs in the pavement which lead you on a 1.5 mile heritage walk. Bayeux was remarkably unscathed after World War 2 and its historic streets are a delight. Continue to Saint Lo to admire the ramparts, remains of its ancient castle or enjoy the peaceful riverside walks.

Saturday - Visit Rennes, capital city of Britanny that manages to retain a small town atmosphere. With its pedestrianised streets, squares, monuments, colourful houses and lively terraces, Rennes will charm you with the originality of its heritage and the hospitality of its inhabitants. Every Saturday Rennes hosts France's second largest market - the Marche des Lices where creative locally sourced cuisine is the star of the show. On our way back to the hotel we shall call into Fougeres with the opportunity to photograph its magnificent moated medieval castle.

Sunday - Probably the highlight of your holiday. Spend the day exploring the famous island of Mont St Michel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The medieval pedestrian centre is lined with shops and cafes, there are 4 museums, all of which culminate at the crowning Abbey. The views from the ramparts out to sea as well as inland are breathtaking and unforgettable. We have included a timed entry ticket to the Abbey with self-guided tour. (NB: access is via steep steps/slopes)

Monday - Drive westwards through the Breton countryside to cross La Rance river valley via the twin bridges of Chateaubriand and St Humbert. Arrive in Dinan, a very impressive walled town set on a high hillside. The old town centre is medieval and retains many ancient buildings and narrow streets - it is not to be missed. This afternoon return via Dol-de-Bretagne, a place that transports you back to the Middle Ages with its stunning ancient town-houses and awe-inspiring cathedral.

Tuesday - Leaving Mont St Michel we shall visit the historic city of Caen, once home to William the Conqueror. You can choose to visit the castle, two cathedrals or enjoy its café culture. We shall check-in for our ferry early afternoon which will sail at 4:30pm - arriving in Portsmouth at 9:30pm and so driving back to Dorset late that night.

B=Breakfast, D=Dinner