Self-guided walking
8 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 1+
Leisurely plus
Printed route
directions
An outright winner from the start, this eight-night holiday allows you to experience the very best of the beautiful Breton coast. You'll enjoy simply stunning walks, taking in dramatic scenery, a wealth of colours and a multitude of medieval influences.
During the first few days of your holiday, you'll be walking along the magnificent paths that hug the northern coast. It's a landscape of pinky-gold cliffs, secret coves, deserted, heather-backed beaches and traditional Breton fishing villages untouched by tourism. It's perfect for exploring on foot and, at every turn, you're rewarded with fabulous panoramic views of the entire Emerald Coast. Heading inland, the route takes you along the banks of the River Rance and on through the majestic Hunaudaye forest. Highlights include the feudal Fort la Latte and the beautiful stone-crafted town of Dinan. In the Middle Ages, Dinan served as one of the main strategic strongholds of the Duchy of Brittany and much of her medieval charm remains today.
Your accommodation is full of contrasts too, including a lovely seaside hotel in Sables-d'Or-Les-Pins and a superbly located 3 star hotel built into the ramparts in the heart of historic Dinan. In Dinard, you'll stay in the upgraded sea-view rooms looking out across the idyllic expanse of the English Channel to the old port town of St-Malo.
Varied walking following well-marked GR routes along coastal paths, river banks, country lanes and shady forest tracks. Some steep, but short, ascents and descents, but a good head for heights is not necessary.
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Your holiday starts at M. Jamin's 16th century manor house in the countryside, just three kilometres outside the market town of Lamballe. With only 14 rooms, it's a lovely, intimate place to stay. The courtyard opens up onto beautifully kept gardens and an elegant terrace for al fresco dining on fine summer evenings.
You stay at Le Manoir des Portes.
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Situated just 3km outside Lamballe in the little hamlet of La Poterie, this charming 16th century manoir, run by the affable M Jamin, is the perfect place to get away from it all.
All the 16 cosy rooms are individually decorated and have lots of character. In the main, they overlook the beautiful gardens, where you can relax with a good book or enjoy an aperitif before dinner.
Room upgrades: Superior Room.
Superior rooms are more spacious with a balcony onto the garden.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
You take a short transfer to the tiny Breton fishing port of Dahouet. From here, it's coastal walking at its best: extensive views, aquamarine seas, white sandy beaches and rocky coves - don't forget your swimming things! Lunch on the beach at Caroual then head inland and on to your lovely hotel at Sables-d'Or-Les-Pins.
You stay at Hotel de Diane.
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This lovely little hotel is located 100m from the large beach of Sables d'Or. The hotel is traditional in style and dates back to the 1920s, although it has had extensions and modernisations to the rooms since this time!
Rooms are located in two buildings; the first building has a far more traditional feel to it in terms of decor, compared to the new rooms, which are modern in style. All rooms are well decorated and some rooms have balconies.
Room upgrades: Premium Room, Deluxe Room or Suite.
Sables-d'Or-Les-Pins is a lovely seaside village with magnificent golden sand beaches. It would be easy to just spend the day here, however we strongly recommend following our suggested circular walk (route notes provided) along a spectacular coastal footpath around the cliff and on to nearby Cap d'Erquy, a delightful fishing village with some outstanding seafood restaurants for lunch.
Deserted beaches and heather-topped cliffs provide the colourful backdrop for today's walk which leads you via the Cap Frehel Lighthouse (look out for nesting seabirds) to the famous 14th century feudal stronghold of Fort la Latte. Perched on a rocky promontory over the ocean, this castle occupies one of the finest sites in Brittany. Climb up the tower for magnificent coastal views, out as far as Jersey on a clear day.
You stay at Hotel Printania or Castelbrac.
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With its superb location a short 50m stroll from Dinard's main beach and situated right on the sea front looking out towards St Malo, the views from the Hotel Printania are fantastic! The hotel seems more like a museum in style: its quintessionally Breton public rooms - including a sitting room with piano which guests are welcome to play! - all feature the carved wooden furniture typical to the area, as well as paintings by local artists and Henriot Quimper porcelain.
All 55 rooms are ensuite and all are individually decorated with characteristic Breton detail. Headwater customers stay in the delightful upgraded sea view rooms.
Please note that the triple rooms at this hotel only have a double bed and a single bed; three-bedded rooms are not available.
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Wtih a superb sea front location, just a stroll from Dinard's sandy beach, the 5* Hotel Castelbrac oozes charm, elegance and luxury. A converted 19th century villa, today guests can enjoy the sea facing lap pool, elegant lounge, exclusive bar - housed in a former acquarium - and gastronomic restaurant.
The colourfully designed rooms come with bathrobe and slippers, nespresso machine and ipod dock as standard, with dvd players available on request. Most rooms have stunning views of St Malo Bay, with selected rooms also benefitting from a balcony or terrace.
Massages and beauty treatments are also available at the hotel, as is a private speed boat transfer service.
Once a sleepy fishing village on the estuary of the Rance, the English transformed the town into one of the most famous and upmarket resorts in Europe during the 19th century. Although a little quieter now, it has not lost any of its charm and many of the Belle Epoque villas have become historic monuments. Walk out to the Pointe des Etretes for views of the off-shore islands, or take a 10-minute water taxi across the bay to St-Malo and lose yourself in the narrow cobbled streets within the Intra Muros (fortified walls) of this ancient medieval city.
Starting with a transfer to the picturesque Breton village of Langrolay-sur-Rance, today's route takes you inland, mostly following the course of the River Rance. It's wonderfully tranquil walking through shady forests, fruit orchards, and along peaceful riverside paths. Your 4 star hotel in Dinan is superbly located within the ramparts of the medieval old town.
You stay at Hotel D'Avaugour.
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We are delighted to have found this lovely hotel right in the heart of mediaeval Dinan. All the rooms are en suite and individually decorated with stylish soft furnishings.
The hotel has a small bar and a beautiful garden where you can have breakfast or enjoy a pre-dinner drink. Walk to the end of the garden and you find yourself on the ramparts of the town.
Room upgrades: Garden Room.
This beautifully preserved ancient walled town, with its riverfront port, is an absolute gem. Wander round the splendidly restored ancient squares and ramparts, visit the imposing 13th century castle, admire the flamboyant Gothic basilica and stroll along the cobbled streets packed with authentic artisan workshops.
You take a short transfer then it's off through the Pays du Tour du Penthievre where shady woodland paths skirt the river as far as the impressive 13th century Chateau de la Hunaudaye, the ruins of which date back over 800 years. Then it's on across farmland, past ancient standing stones, to Lamballe, where you can relax in the hotel gardens before dinner.
If you'd like to extend your trip with extra hotel nights we recommend: Hotel Le Senat, Paris.
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The 4 star Le Senat is simply stunning! There are just 41 rooms, all stylishly furnished and a couple of suites with terraces, if you really fancy splashing out! All have satellite television, mini bar, air-conditioning, safe and hairdryer, plus Internet access.
The hotel has its own small bar - adorned with photographs of eminent artists, being in the heart of the artists' quarter - plus a reading room with complimentary internet access.
Breakfast is taken in the basement, where you'll find a copious buffet of viennoiseries, cereals, fruit salad, ham, cheese, bread, yoghurt, bacon, eggs, sausage, fruit juices, tea or coffee. If you prefer, you can have a continental breakfast served to your room at no extra charge.
Le Senat is perfectly located on a quiet side street just a stone's throw away from the Luxembourg Gardens and metro, and a five-minute walk from the vibrant Latin quarter, where you'll find a plethora of restaurants to suit all budgets.
We do not currently have departure dates and prices available on-line. The season may have ended for this tour, or we are still in the process of adding these details to our website.
Please contact our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 to for further details or to discuss alternavie trip options.
Self-guided walking
8 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 1+
Leisurely plus
Printed route
directions
