We're trying something new for 2011, a trip to Northern France aimed mainly at those who would love to do a full blown trip but who either can't take the time out, or who initially want to try something more gentle than our full on Alpine trips.
So (and who says we don't listen to everyone's feedback?
) it's time to present the Brittany tour!
Brittany is famous for it's walled cities, megaliths, and pink granite coastline is also home to some of the finest french architecture and cuisine. What better way to explore the region and it's delights than by using the excellent roads of the area.
Whilst the area isn't particularly mountainous (not even very hilly actually) there are some amazing twists and turns along the coast and through the forests that dot the entire region.
To make the most of this area in just one weekend, we head out from Portsmouth early on a Friday morning and return to Portsmouth early on Monday evening. This gives us four days and three nights to cover some beautiful landscapes and make the most of this stunning countryside.
Itinerary:
Day 1: 163 miles
Portsmouth to St Brieuc |
We start the day with an early morning ferry from Portsmouth to Cherbourg, followed by a warm up drive down to the spectacular Mont St Michel for lunch. After lunch, we continue following the coast roads all the way along to our hotel for the night on the outskirts of St Brieuc.
Day 2 : 191 Miles
St Brieuc to Lorient |
Starting the day with a leisurely breakfast and our usual drivers' brief, we head further west into the Breton peninsula and up to the famous pink granite, found in only two other places on the planet (Corsica and China). From here we head south and through the forests towards Lorient, stopping for lunch on the way, before arriving at out hotel for dinner and drinks and some relaxation time. It is Saturday night after all!
Day 3 : 187 miles
Lorient to Le Mans |
Leaving Lorient and heading east, we criss cross the quiet country lanes on our way to the car museum at Loheac. The car museum was actually a farm, situated around a 17th century mansion, but has been transformed and now contains over 400 vehicles in 14,000 square meters! These include over 50 horse drawn carriages as well as a host of Alpine's, Lamborghini's, and Ferrari's. There's even a grid of 18 Formula 1 cars and an offshore power boat. Thankfully the museum and mansion also contain a bar and restaurant so we can stop for lunch too. After lunch we continue east, staying overnight just outside the town of Le Mans.
Day 4 : 128 miles
Le Mans to Portsmouth |
Heading north from Le Mans we go into the hills and find a lake with a beach, buried deep in a forest in the hills near Beaumont. Continuing north we get to enjoy some truly magnificent tarmac on some of the quietest and most picturesque roads in the region, before reaching Caen in time for our afternoon ferry back to Portsmouth.
How much does it cost?
£599 per person (or if you book before the end of February you will receive a 10% early booking discount bringing the price down to £539 per person.
(prices are based on two people in 1 car sharing a twin or double room - solo driver options are available)
What's included:
2 Tour Managers in lead and chase cars, return ferry journeys to and from Portsmouth/Caen, 3 nights hotel accommodation (including bed and breakfast). Satnav files, walkie talkies, info packs with route notes, maps and general info.
What isn't included:
Drinks, lunch, dinner, fuel, tolls, breakdown cover (for your own peace of mind we make this a requirement on all tours).
How to book:
Deposit payment of £250 required per person to secure your place(s) on this tour.
Give the team a call on +44 (0)845 838 7363 with your credit or debit card ready, and we'll have you booked on tour in no time.
So (and who says we don't listen to everyone's feedback?
) it's time to present the Brittany tour!Brittany is famous for it's walled cities, megaliths, and pink granite coastline is also home to some of the finest french architecture and cuisine. What better way to explore the region and it's delights than by using the excellent roads of the area.
Whilst the area isn't particularly mountainous (not even very hilly actually) there are some amazing twists and turns along the coast and through the forests that dot the entire region.
To make the most of this area in just one weekend, we head out from Portsmouth early on a Friday morning and return to Portsmouth early on Monday evening. This gives us four days and three nights to cover some beautiful landscapes and make the most of this stunning countryside.
Itinerary:
Day 1: 163 miles
Portsmouth to St Brieuc |
We start the day with an early morning ferry from Portsmouth to Cherbourg, followed by a warm up drive down to the spectacular Mont St Michel for lunch. After lunch, we continue following the coast roads all the way along to our hotel for the night on the outskirts of St Brieuc.
Day 2 : 191 Miles
St Brieuc to Lorient |
Starting the day with a leisurely breakfast and our usual drivers' brief, we head further west into the Breton peninsula and up to the famous pink granite, found in only two other places on the planet (Corsica and China). From here we head south and through the forests towards Lorient, stopping for lunch on the way, before arriving at out hotel for dinner and drinks and some relaxation time. It is Saturday night after all!
Day 3 : 187 miles
Lorient to Le Mans |
Leaving Lorient and heading east, we criss cross the quiet country lanes on our way to the car museum at Loheac. The car museum was actually a farm, situated around a 17th century mansion, but has been transformed and now contains over 400 vehicles in 14,000 square meters! These include over 50 horse drawn carriages as well as a host of Alpine's, Lamborghini's, and Ferrari's. There's even a grid of 18 Formula 1 cars and an offshore power boat. Thankfully the museum and mansion also contain a bar and restaurant so we can stop for lunch too. After lunch we continue east, staying overnight just outside the town of Le Mans.
Day 4 : 128 miles
Le Mans to Portsmouth |
Heading north from Le Mans we go into the hills and find a lake with a beach, buried deep in a forest in the hills near Beaumont. Continuing north we get to enjoy some truly magnificent tarmac on some of the quietest and most picturesque roads in the region, before reaching Caen in time for our afternoon ferry back to Portsmouth.
How much does it cost?
£599 per person (or if you book before the end of February you will receive a 10% early booking discount bringing the price down to £539 per person.
(prices are based on two people in 1 car sharing a twin or double room - solo driver options are available)
What's included:
2 Tour Managers in lead and chase cars, return ferry journeys to and from Portsmouth/Caen, 3 nights hotel accommodation (including bed and breakfast). Satnav files, walkie talkies, info packs with route notes, maps and general info.
What isn't included:
Drinks, lunch, dinner, fuel, tolls, breakdown cover (for your own peace of mind we make this a requirement on all tours).
How to book:
Deposit payment of £250 required per person to secure your place(s) on this tour.
Give the team a call on +44 (0)845 838 7363 with your credit or debit card ready, and we'll have you booked on tour in no time.