12 days Brittany & Loire Valley

This individual 12-day round trip through Brittany and the Loire Valley offers you a comprehensive insight into the nature and culture of northern France. Let the rough sea air blow around your nose on the Atlantic and hike through picturesque wine landscapes. The cultural treasures of the two regions are also rich in contrast and beautiful. Discover romantic castles and dreamy harbour villages, as well as urban flair and exciting architecture in the cities of Tours and Caen.

In the Loire Valley, often referred to as the “Garden of France”, magnificent castles such as the Château de Blois or the Château de Chambord take center stage. These impressive buildings tell stories of kings and nobles who once resided and celebrated lavish parties here. The towns of Blois and Tours also offer a wealth of museums and galleries where art and history come to life.

Brittany, on the other hand, is deeply rooted in myths and legends. Mystical megaliths, such as the famous stone rows of Carnac, characterise the cultural heritage here. But the picturesque old towns of Saint-Malo and Concarneau with their medieval city walls and narrow alleyways also invite you to travel back in time.

Nature in the northwest of France offers breathtaking contrasts. The Côte de Granit Rose on the Breton coast impresses with its pink granite rocks, which glow spectacularly in the sunlight. This rugged coastline can be explored particularly well on a hike along the customs officers’ path – a paradise for nature lovers and photographers. Further south, the Gulf of Morbihan with its numerous small islands is ideal for boat trips and birdwatching.

In the Loire Valley, on the other hand, a gentle landscape characterised by viticulture awaits you. The wide river valleys provide a picturesque backdrop for walks and cycle tours, during which you can explore glowing vineyards as well as unspoilt natural parks. The gardens of Villandry are particularly beautiful, with their ornate flowerbeds and water features.

Brittany and the Loire Valley are not only a paradise in terms of landscape, but also in terms of cuisine. In Brittany, you can expect a rich selection of fish and seafood dishes. Breton cuisine is famous for its oysters from Cancale, fresh lobster from Roscoff and the typical galettes, savoury buckwheat pancakes filled with a variety of ingredients.

The Loire Valley, on the other hand, is dominated by the culinary delights of the inland. The region is known for its excellent wines, especially the fine wines from Sancerre and Vouvray. These are often served with local specialties such as “Rillettes de Tours”, a hearty spread made from pork. Another highlight is the region’s goat’s cheese, such as the famous “Crottin de Chavignol”, which goes perfectly with a glass of fresh white wine.

The legendary island of Mont Saint-Michel, which rises dramatically out of the Wadden Sea, looks almost unreal. At low tide, you can take a walk across the mudflats to the island. You can experience the most beautiful sunset on the Côte de Granit Rose, when the evening light bathes the rocks in a magical pink.