Private Tours BRITTANY Brittany coast
Advised tours : THE BRITTANY COAST
These programs are given as an example, they can be modified depending on the pick up location and on your interests.
TOUR 1 :
Mont Saint Michel / Cancale / Saint-Malo / Dinard
TOUR 2
Vannes / Lorient / Concarneau
THE BRITTANY COAST
This large peninsula is found jutting out into the Atlantic on the western fringes of France and has over 600 miles of rugged coastline battered by ocean storms and home to some of the highest tides in the world. The first Celtic migrants arrived in the 5th Century after being driven out of Britain by invaders, followed by the second wave of Britons to arrive in the 19th Century as the first tourists to the area, this second “invasion” continues annually to this day. Between the pirate port of Saint-Malo and more recent ports such as Lorient, can be found smaller fishing ports such as Concarneau. In these places, local seafood and the famous Cancale oysters can be found in almost all the local restaurants.
Advised toursSAINT-MALO :
Drift back in time as you walk through the streets of the old town of Saint Malo, ringed by high fortified walls that offer spectacular views of the port and bay, still as they were when the 16th century explorers, such as Jacques Cartier who discovered Newfoundland, would have seen them. When you feel that it’s time to find something to eat, try one of the creperies, much loved by the locals, where you will find little better than the regional speciality, a “galette bretonne” with a jug of cider. Or if you prefer, there are numerous seafood restaurants where you can sample what the fishermen caught that morning.
DINARD :
This elegant seaside town was developed by a rich American in the 1860’s to rival the popularity of the similar town of Brighton on the South coast of England. The beauty of the countryside around the estuary of the River Rance inspired numerous painters and writers such as Lawrence of Arabia and Agatha Christie. Also impressive, if you spend a few hours in the area, is to note the size of the tides around these shores which rise and fall over 45 feet twice a day. This allowed, in the 1960’s, the construction of a tidal electrical generator which you can drive a car across to today.
QUIMPER :
The ancient capital of French Cornwall is situated at the meeting of two rivers. In walking along the many canals and strolling through the old town centre, you will be drawn to the Cathedral of Saint-Corentin, built in 1240, where as well as its ornate exterior, you will see that the interior of the church and its stained-glass windows are of the same high standard. From 1690 onwards, the town also became heavily involved in the production and decoration of porcelain, developing over time its own distinct style that is nowadays known the world over. There are also museums showing how this craft evolved as well as the famous Henriot factory where this beautiful work is still carried on today.
LORIENT :
Established in 1666 as an extension of the Indian Port-Louis Company, the town was severely damaged during the Second World War. This was owing to the massive U-Boat Pens built by the German Kriegsmarine, “Navy”. The Allies considered it so important to neutralise these submarine yards that the town was bombed for four years. Some of these impressive fortifications are used by various maritime companies today but other sections are still open for visitors to walk around.
CANCALE :
As a centre for oyster production, Cancale is a must for all fans of high-quality seafood. As well as lunch, visitors can also take unforgettable walks along the seashore of this little town as far as the Pointe du Grouin, offering breath-taking views of the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel and the surrounding area from its cliff-tops.
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