Highlights of Brittany, including Mont Saint Michel

Let’s travel to Nantes to start our holiday in the former capital of Brittany. At the airport, we’ll meet our friendly local representative before travelling onwards to our hotel. 

Today, let’s discover Nantes's rich heritage and vibrant culture with a captivating, guided walking tour through its historic quarters. Our guide will tell us about the iconic Castle of the Dukes of Brittany (outside only) and the magnificent Saint-Pierre and Saint-Paul Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece that took nearly 500 years to complete. We will wander through the medieval Bouffay District, with its narrow cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses, and lively squares, an area which once was the heart of medieval Nantes. 

You will have the afternoon at leisure to relax at the hotel or explore more of the city at your own pace. Why not take a leisurely stroll to Place Royale and Place Graslin reflecting the elegance of Nantes' neoclassical architecture? You can also step into the Passage Pommeraye, a beautifully preserved 19th-century shopping arcade. Or simply enjoy the medieval Nantes bustling with charming cafes, boutiques, and local artisans.

Today is a free day, for relaxing or independent sightseeing. Take this opportunity to visit the Machines of the Isle of Nantes, an extraordinary artistic project that brings mechanical creatures to life. Marvel at the Giant Elephant and other fantastical creations inspired by Jules Verne's novels and Leonardo da Vinci's inventions.

This morning, we will explore more, as leave our hotel in Nantes and our coach drives us to Carnac. There we embark on a guided tour of Carnac aboard a charming mini train, perfect for discovering the ancient mysteries and scenic beauty of this historic town, so let’s sit back and relax. Our mini train takes us to the famous Carnac Stones, one of the world's largest and most impressive collections of prehistoric megaliths. We will learn about the intriguing history and significance of these ancient stone alignments, dating back to around 4500 BC. Our ride will continue through the picturesque village of Carnac, with its traditional Breton architecture, but also Carnac-Plage, the town's beautiful seaside area known for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters, and the famous port of La Trinité.

Our journey continues to the medieval city of Dinan, a town that boasts no fewer than 130 half-timbered houses. Our guide walks us through the cobblestone streets of Dinan’s Old Town, with its iconic landmarks such as Place Duclos, the bustling heart of Dinan, the Saint-Sauveur Basilica, a stunning example of Gothic and Romanesque architecture and Dinan Castle (outside only), a formidable fortress that offers panoramic views of the town and the Rance River. 
Then our journey resumes toward our hotel in Saint-Malo.
 

This morning, we discover the rich history and maritime charm of Saint-Malo on a guided walking tour through its walled city and scenic coastline. Wandering through the cobblestone streets of the Intra-Muros, the historic heart of Saint-Malo, our guide shares fascinating tales of corsairs, explorers, and seafaring adventures as we stroll past well-preserved medieval and Renaissance buildings. We climb the ancient ramparts for breathtaking views of the city, the harbour, and the open sea.

The afternoon is yours. Why not take this opportunity to taste local specialities, such as fresh seafood, Breton crepes, and the famous Saint-Malo biscuits? Our guide can recommend the best places to sample these culinary delights.

Today is another day free to relax and take in some further sightseeing. Our expert local guide will be happy to suggest activities and advise on must-see highlights. You can just go for a walk along the fortified walls. From the ramparts, you can also gaze out to Fort National, an island fortress built by the famed military engineer Vauban. Or just descend to the sandy beaches that surround the city.

You can discover Jersey by ferry crossing from St Malo (1h25) and on the island tour by coach. Just 65 km from Saint-Malo, Jersey is an island of contrast. The capital city of St Helier stands side by side with typical British countryside, sumptuous manor houses and charming cottages, long beaches and luxurious marinas.

Today we’ll experience more, as we depart to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Mont Saint-Michel, one of France's most iconic landmarks. Our visit begins with a scenic approach to that stunning island commune rising dramatically from the tidal waters of Normandy. The sight of the medieval abbey perched atop the rocky mount is sure to take our breath away. We step through the ancient gates and into the charming village that clings to the lower slopes of the mount.
In the afternoon, we ascend the winding path leading to the abbey, passing through medieval fortifications and offering spectacular views of the surrounding bay. We explore the sacred site of Mont Saint-Michel Abbey, a marvel of medieval architecture, with its Gothic nave and the serene cloister, not to mention the panoramic views of the bay and the ever-changing tide, from the abbey’s terraces.
 

Time has come to say good-bye to Britanny and fly back home as we travel with guide assistance to Nantes airport.