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Arrival
Day: (Hotel in Saint-Malo):
Check into hotel, rest. Evening:"apéritif" and dinner.
Day
1: (Hotel in Saint-Malo)
Morning: Discover Saint-Malo. After
its founding in the 6th century, this fortified city became one
of France's most important ports. Fishermen, sailors, and pirates
set sail from Saint-Malo, among them Jacques Cartier, who
left for the new world in search of gold and found, instead, the
mouth of the St. Lawrence River. You can tour the narrow, cobbled
streets of the old town and the 12th century ramparts surrounding
it. Then discover the fascinating history of the port and enjoy
impressive views of the coast from the watchtowers of its castle.
Day
2: (Hotel in Tréguier)
Morning: Depart for one of the great natural
jewels of the Côte d'Emeraude, Cap Fréhel. Our first stop
will be at the windswept massive 14th century fortress of Fort-la-Latte,
noted for its well-kept medieval military architecture. As you
follow the rugged coast, you can enjoy a picnic and magnificent
panoramic view as far as the channel islands on a clear day. Afternoon:
Visit the perfectly preserved historical town of Dinan
guarded by its imposing castle. Explore its scenic cobbled streets,
shops, half-timbered dewellings, and panoramic views of the Rance
valley.
Day
3: (Hotel in Quimper)
Morning: Walk along the craggy pink rose
granite seascape of Perros-Guirec with its surrounding
giant boulders, beautiful silver-sand beaches, lighthouses, and
belevederes andcoves once inhabited by Neolithic men. Explore
this picturesque coastline dotted with tiny ports, mysterious
menhirs, offshore reefs, and islands. Afternoon:
Passing through Pleyben and St Thégonnec, you will
see Brittany's parish closes, distinctive religious monuments
of the 16th-18th centuries, groupings of calvaries, fantastically
decorated and carved in granite. You will end your visit in the
charming Rennaissance village of Locronan.
Day
4: (Hotel in Quimper)
Morning: Tour the oldest Breton city, Quimper.
You'll see its historic town center celebrated for its art and
distinctive Breton architecture, visit its remarkable cathedral
and folklore museum, then discover Quimper's unique hand decorated,
colorful faïence (glazed earthenware). Late Afternoon:
drive to the dramatic cliffs of Pointe du Van and explore
the picturesque village of Pont-Croix.
Day
5: (Hotel in Guillier)
Morning: Drive to the charming village of
Pont-Aven for lovely promenades, one crisscrossing the
river on landscaped paths giving views of the backs of venerable
mansions and watermills, another leading into wooded gardens which
have long inspired musicians, poets, and painters. Gauguin
lived here in the 1880s and influenced the development of its
art colony. In the 16th century Trémalo Chapel we will see the
wooden Christ sculpture, model for Gauguin's 'Yellow Christ'.
Afternoon: Explore the most important prehistoric
site in Europe, Carnac, with its almost 3,000 menhirs.
Brief visits to Vannes and Josselin.
Day
6: (Hotel in Guillier)
This day you will explore the legendary realm of King Arthur,
whose story is closely linked to Breton history. You'll walk in
the primeval forest of Brocéliande, visit the ancient château
and hike along beautiful trails to visit the magical spring where
the sorcerer Merlin first met the fairy Viviane, Lady of the Lake.
In the church at Tréhorenteuc we will trace the history
of the Grail and its powerful impact on Breton culture.
Day
7:
Morning: Departure for Rennes with a brief tour
of the town.
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