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T R A V E L
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Content
03 - Introduction 05 - Ouest is best 08 - Inspiring 10 - Brittany 12 - Loire Valley 14 - Cognac Country 16 - Bordeaux 18 - Biarritz - Pays Basque 20 - Lifestyle 22 - Gastonomy 23 - Nature and landscapes 24 - History and heritage 26 - Contemporary art and design 27 - Festivals and celebrations 28 - Not to be missed 30 - La Cité du Vin - Bordeaux 32 - Machines de l’Ile - Nantes 34 - Arcachon Bay 35 - Surfing in Biarritz 36 - Niort Marais Poitevin 37 - Poitiers Futuroscope 38 - Chateaux of the Loire 40 - The old port - La Rochelle 41 - The Hermione - Rochefort 42 - Lascaux 44 - Cognac’s Merchant Houses 46 - Mont-Saint-Michel 47 - The old town - Rennes 48 - Itineraries 50 - Itinerary for 8 days / 7 nights 52 - Itinerary for 15 days / 14 nights 54 - Contact 2
Introduction
« The momentum behind this project has come from 10 French Atlantic guys and girls, in charge of tourism for various cities and regions, all located in the west of France. The aim is to increase awareness of the real European Far West, where towns and villages paint a picture of another France; one where people take their time and breathe the fresh sea air and where a certain way of life, coupled with fine gastronomy and wine has for centuries fostered an openness to the world, all the while staying close to its origins. This France, which is unmistakably festive, creative and contemporary, is a country that can draw on its thousand year history for its capacity to reinvent itself constantly. This western land, contrasted between the Celts in the north and Spaniards in the south, is what we would like you to discover in the following pages. Known the world over for destinations such as Bordeaux, Cognac, BiarritzPays Basque, Brittany, the Mont St Michel, the valley of the Loire and the Dordogne, it is also the France of buzzing cultural cities like Nantes, Rennes, Tours, Poitiers, La Rochelle, and the stunning natural sites of the Bay of Arcachon and the Marais Poitevin, just waiting to be discovered…. So, see you soon on the French Atlantic Ways.» 3
Ouest is best
Think of a coastline, alternating between rugged, rocky cliffs and grottos to sheltered sandy coves and never-ending beaches; from isolated headlands with dramatic lighthouses to picture-postcard fishing villages and seaside resorts, from which rivers flowing inland carve up the countryside into gorges and valleys, and feed into mythical forests and ethereal marshlands. Imagine a landscape shaped irrevocably by the proximity to the Atlantic, to which it owes its moderate climate, abundance of seafood and rich maritime trading history, the spoils from which fueled the foundation of towns and cities, from which pirates, generals and whalers set sail to explore the world. Envisage cycling along continuous paths, stretching 1,200 kilometers from north to south, passing through woodlands and vineyards, along canals and coastal trails; strolling along cobbled streets, by timbered houses and under stone arcades, catching glimpses of grandiose 18th century architectural masterpieces alongside the ambitious projects of contemporary designers; or sampling the finest seasonal produce, whether prepared in family-run bistros or by Michelin-starred chefs, paired with local wine, whilst being entertained by street performers and musicians. Welcome to the French Atlantic Ways, where the wildness of the windswept coastline is combined with the vibrancy of cosmopolitan cities. Little wonder that many French choose to holiday here, attracted by a slower pace of life, a plethora of sites of natural, historical and cultural interest and a temperate climate. Ease of access is another reason why visitors come, with its international airports, ferry ports, cruise ship pontoons and high-speed rail connections from Paris to Rennes, Nantes and Bordeaux. Foreigners have long been enticed to these shores, whether it was Dutch merchants keen to trade in wine and cognac or religious pilgrims from the Low Countries en route to Santiago de Compostela. Others sought to invade and conquer, resulting in the construction of a defensive line of fortresses, which acts as a reminder of military history. The impact of other occupying forces can still be seen in U-boat bases, from Brest to Bordeaux and crumbling World War II bunkers along the Gironde coast. Today the attraction for overseas visitors lies with breathtaking landscapes, a rich gastronomic heritage, dynamic cultural scene and a wide range of outdoor activities. So come and gaze in wonder at the Châteaux of the Loire, feast on Breton oysters, hitch a ride on a mechanical elephant in Nantes and brave the waves along the south-west surfing beaches. Experience French Atlantic Ways!
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T R A V E L
A N D
L I F E S T Y L E
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Cherbourg AMSTERDAM BRUSSELS LONDON
Le Havre Saint-Malo / Mont-Saint-Michel
PARIS Brest
EUROPE | you are here
Rennes
BRETAGNE Brittany
Camaret-sur-Mer
Lorient
Tours
Angers
Nantes
Loire Valley
Our destinations
Niort
Marais Poitevin
La Rochelle
Brest | Nantes | Rennes | Saint-Malo | Mont-Saint-Michel
Tours | Angers | Châteaux of the Loire
COGNAC COUNTRY Cognac | Niort Marais Poitevin | Poitiers Futuroscope | La Rochelle Rochefort
Bordeaux | The Médoc | Arcachon Bay | Saint-Emilion | Dordogne Lascaux
Biarritz | Bayonne | Saint Jean-de-Luz | Espelette
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Blaye Fort-Médoc
Bordeaux
The Loire Valley Prehistoric Sites and Decorated Caves of the Vézère Valley
Cognac
Royan
Mont-Saint-Michel and its Bay
COGNAC COUNTRY Lascaux
DORDOGNE Saint Émilion
World heritage site International Airport
Arcachon
Port Regional train line High speed TGV line
Bordeaux - Port of the Moon
Biarritz
Jurisdiction of Saint-Emilion The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier
BIARRITZ - PAYS BASQUE
Rochefort
UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES
Fortifications of Vauban
BORDEAUX
Poitiers
Saint-Martin-en-Ré
BRITTANY
LOIRE VALLEY
VALLÉE DE LA LOIRE
Routes of Santiago de Compostela
Saint Jean-de-Luz
PAYS BASQUE
Toulouse
Basque Country
San Sebastian Bilbao MADRID 7
Inspiring 8
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Brittany
Brest | Nantes | Rennes | Saint-Malo | Mont-Saint-Michel
Huang Yong Ping’s skeleton of an enormous sea-serpent surging out of the sea onto a sandy beach near Nantes
on display during cultural festivals celebrating Celtic music and dance. Other museums dedicated to ships and maritime traditions are found along the coastline with Brest hosting its seven-day, International Maritime Festival every four years, commemorating the sea, boats and sailors. Windsurfing, yachting and fishing are also popular in the area, with impressive backdrops of sandy shores, grottos and imposing granite cliffs.
Saint Malo Bay
With over 2,860 kilometers of coastline, France’s largest peninsula juts out from its north-west corner, offering itself up to the full force of the Atlantic. Famous for its rugged, rocky beaches and sandy coves, they are named armor from the local Breton word for ‘by the sea.’ Spectacular granite fortresses such as La Jument feature amongst 80 lighthouses dotted off the coast, forming the backdrop for Brittany’s landscape, along with around 800 islands, the most famous of which is Mont-Saint-Michel. Surrounded by tides which rise at the rate of a galloping horse, this wonder-of-the-world landmark is 600 meters from land and accessible via a causeway. At one stage or another, the mount has been a fortress and a place of worship, with the abbey from that time still standing tall today.
Opera House Rennes
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Away from the sea, the countryside is characterized by hills, marshes and woodlands such as Paimpont, which is the mythical forest of King Arthur and home to the Lady of the Lake according to the legend. 30 kilometers east of here, at the confluence of two rivers is Rennes, the capital city of the region and only 90 minutes by high-speed train from Paris. Despite a fire in 1720 which destroyed the heart of the town, there are a number of architecture styles in the historic centre, including buildings spanning the Middle Ages and the Renaissance era. The main market - Marché des Lices - boasts a history dating back to 1622, when jousting tournaments were held in the old square. Brittany’s beginnings however can be traced back earlier, due in part to the extraordinary megalithic alignments of Carnac near
Marché des Lices - Rennes
Remains of other medieval citadels are at the core of striking coastal towns, such as Dinard and Saint-Malo. Once notorious as a home for corsairs, these legal pirates of the 16th and 17th centuries expanded and reinforced the ramparts of the latter city, later destroyed by allied shelling at the end of World War II. Rebuilt in the 1950s, a walk around the walls today offers magnificent views along the Emerald Coast, so called because of the evolution in the color of the sea during the day. Stretching west to the Cap d’Erquy, this bay is rumored to have inspired the setting for the unnamed seaside village in which The Adventures of Asterix comic series is set. Ploumanac’h, with its pink granite rock is another charming resort popular with families and a stopping point en route to Brest in the Finistère region. Breton survives most strongly as a spoken language here and the cultural identity is proudly
Passage Pommeraye - Nantes
the Gulf of Morbihan. These 7,000 year old standing stones and burial mounds are remarkable due to their number. Facing the Bay of Biscay, this sheltered Breton coast is known for its large sandy beaches, such as those of Quiberon and nearby Belle Île. Further south, on the estuary of the Loire, Nantes is the largest city of Brittany. Once a busy port, the city now boasts an incredible density of contemporary artworks in public spaces and is home to the Machines project, an exciting bestiary of mechanical animals inspired by Jules Verne. Considered as the ‘loopiest’ city of France by the Sunday Times, it should definitely be in one’s bucket list!
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Loire valley
Tours | Angers | Chateaux de la Loire
Place Plumereau - Tours
Château royal d’Amboise
Once the realm of monarchs and martyrs, the Loire Valley is located inland from the Atlantic and spans 280 kilometers between the towns of Angers and Orléans. Defined by France’s longest river, the fertile soil along the Loire and its tributaries has earned the area the nickname of the ‘Garden of France’, given the perfect conditions for growing fruit, vegetables and flowers. Chateaux are also found in abundance by the water’s edge, generally on the sites of 10th-century fortresses, perched on chalky cliffs and overlooking valleys. The construction of these fairytale palaces was helped by the ease of transporting building materials such as limestone from Touraine, slate from Angers and wood from the forests of Chinon and Blois along the navigable waterways. Numbering more than 300 in total, only a few were royal châteaux where Charles VIII, Louis XII and Francois I held court in the region in the late 15th and throughout the 16th century, amongst great pomp and splendor and against a backdrop of adultery, murder, intrigue and torture.
Following its conversion from a medieval fortress under Charles VIII, Château royal d’Amboise on its perch overlooking the Loire, became the royal palace and continued to be embellished in the Renaissance style by later kings, not least with the arrival of Leonardo da Vinci towards the end of his life. Having tempted him to cross the Alps with the promise of a substantial pension, François I set the artist up in nearby Chateau du Clos Lucé, which the young king could access via secret underground passages when he wanted to discuss architecture and engineering. Despite the fact that construction did not begin on Chateau de Chambord until after his death in 1519, the design of François I’s extraordinary lavish hunting lodge, and especially the double-helix staircase bear the hallmarks of da Vinci. This magnificent example of French Renaissance architecture located on a bend of the river Cosson, never fails to overwhelm, especially when first glimpsed from the 13,000 acre
park which surrounds it. In total, the monarch only spent 8 weeks at Chambord, with its 440 rooms and 300 fireplaces and which along with Chenonceau, is considered to be the most spectacular of the Loire châteaux. Notable also for its historic towns, Angers in the west is known for its slate quarries, Cointreau liqueur and as the home of the first French printing press. Along with the rest of the Loire valley, wine is made here and in particular the Anjou vineyards to the south of the town are known for rosé and small quantities of sweet wine, such as Quarts de Chaume. Vines near the town of Tours are planted on both banks of the Loire, with the cellars of wine estates in Vouvray to the north often carved out of the local rock. Other industries such as silk production were
introduced to Tours in the early 17th century under the reign of Louis XI, along with the planting of mulberry trees for silkworm farming. The historic quarter of the town is an attractive area to wander, with half-timbered mansions lining pedestrianized streets. Orléans to the east, which gave its name to the town in Louisana, was the scene of a key siege in 1428 between the French and the English during the Hundred Years’ War. Despite the latter nation appearing to have the upper hand, they were defeated by a French army lead by a 17-year old girl, in the form of Joan of Arc. Widely considered to have been a watershed moment in the war, the victory lead to Joan being known as the Maid of Orléans.
Garden of Château Royal d’Amboise
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final chapters of Alexandre Dumas’, The Three Musketeers. Fortifications on the off-shore islands of Ré, Oléron and Aix also attest to the role they played in conflicts. Napoleon Bonaparte yielded to the English on the Île d’Aix in 1815 whilst Ré and Oléron were part of the last German stronghold which surrendered to allied forces in 1945 at the end of World War II. Crowds who visit the islands today are attracted by charming villages, sandy beaches and starfish-filled rock pools at low tide.
Cognac country
Cognac | Niort Marais Poitevin | Poitiers | La Rochelle | Rochefort
Platelage of La Garette Marais Poitevin
castle that once stood here. Its location overlooking the Sèvre Niortaise river offered a tactical advantage and, as it travels west towards the ocean, it flows into the Marais Poitevin. France’s second largest marsh is spread over 8,200 kilometers of water channels, many of which are shaded by foliage and are perfect for spotting wildlife.
Old Harbor - La Rochelle
Bodies of water have a defining role in this area of Western France, in the form of oceans, rivers and wetlands. Proximity to the Atlantic or to waterways such as the Charente influenced the establishment of towns and cities on sites selected for their potential for trade, defense and agriculture. Located on the banks of the Clain, the history of Poitiers is greatly influenced by the Dukes of Aquitaine and was the likely birthplace of one of the most important noble women of the Middle Ages: Eleanor of Aquitaine. In addition to rebuilding the city’s ramparts and embellishing the palace, Alienor, as she was known in French, chose Poitiers for her royal wedding to Henri
Along the western seaboard, La Rochelle also saw its importance as a harbor increasing in the 12th century, due in part to the support given by Eleanor to the Knights of Templar, the main fleet of which was stationed there. Maritime trade of salt and wine was the principal commerce of the city, unloaded on the square quayside and traded under the old stone arcades, now home to bustling bars and restaurants. Strategically situated on the Bay of Biscay, it was frequently targeted by invading forces resulting in the port being besieged on a least 3 occasions, including a 14-month blockade by Cardinal Richelieu in 1627, the story of which famously formed the backdrop of the
Corderie Royale - Rochefort
Further south, the Charente which meets the Atlantic near the 17th century town of Rochefort is most famous for its role in the transportation of Cognac. An important wine producing area under Francois I, the town of Cognac on the left bank of the river, was introduced to the process of double distillation by the Dutch, as a method of preserving wine on long sea voyages. The resultant eau-de-vie was called “brandwijn”and along with the legacy of the merchants who built up the international renown of the spirit, is the main attraction for visitors to the region today.
Vineyard - Cognac
Plantagenet in 1152. The cathedral which they commissioned in the Romanesque style remains a main attraction today, along with other historic churches, and since 1987, visitors have also been attracted to the Futuroscope theme park north of the city. Henri’s promotion to the role of king of England resulted in his decision to construct a fortified keep in the town of Niort, south-west of Poitiers, on the site of an existing fortress. The Donjon de Niort acted as a base from which to maintain links with England and retain a garrison with supplies of weapons, and was probably completed under the rule of his son, Richard the Lionheart. These days, only the two towering keeps remain, but they provide a fascinating insight into the imposing 14
Romanesque cathedral - Poitiers 15
Bordeaux
Bordeaux | The Médoc | Arcachon Bay | Saint-Emilion | Dordogne | Lascaux
medieval village of Saint Emilion Miroir d’eau facing Place de la Bourse - Bordeaux
The beginning of the coastline along the south-west region of France, previously known as Gascony, is characterized by peninsulas. Cap Ferret which acts as a buffer against the wild Atlantic is often referred to as the French Hamptons, despite the weathered-looking wood houses and streets strewn with pine needles. Wide, sandy beaches sprayed with waves on the headland attract surfers with boards and kites, while fishing and pleasure boats bob about on the calm waters of the eastern side, bordered by beach huts and oyster shacks. A short ferry ride across the bassin is the town which gives the bay its name. Arcachon became a popular seaside resort under Napoleon III when sea bathing was encouraged. The Victorian style villas and promenades were built to attract wealthy holidaymakers arriving by train from Bordeaux. The best views of the bay however, are afforded east of the town on the Dune du Pilat. Taking its name from the Gascon word for mound and at 2.7 km in height, it is the tallest sand dune in Europe. It unfailingly delights the million or so visitors who ascend each year, not least for the sheer joy tumbling down afterwards. Europe’s largest maritime pine forest also shapes the landscape of this area. Planted on former swamp land, the Landes spreads over 10,000 square kilometers to the south and east, and is renowned for its network of shaded cycle paths.
Heading inwards, the estuary divides into the Dordogne and Garonne rivers, the latter of which flows south through Bordeaux, which after Paris, has the highest number of preserved historical buildings of any city in France. The elegant Grand Theatre opera house in the centre is considered a masterpiece as is the Place de la Bourse with its majestic 18th century quayside façade. Winding through streets and squares of the old town also reveals architectural treasures such as the mascaron carved stone faces that adorn buildings. The imprint of the wine trade is indelible on the city, something which is also true for the 8th century, medieval village of Saint-Emilion, with its cobbled streets and underground limestone cellars. Located on the right bank of the Garonne, the most prized vineyards are those sloping away from the village, towards the Dordogne below.
Further east, the backdrop to the river changes, with the upper valley comprised of a series of dramatic gorges and cliffs. A popular stretch for canoeing and kayaking, the area has more than 1,000 châteaux, many of which are well preserved. Two of the most visited, Beynac and its rival, Castelnaud are perched on cliffs on bends, dominating the towns below. In the north, the medieval town of Sarlat, with lauze stone roofs and its collage of Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture is not to be missed. Neither should the 20,000 year old Paleolithic drawings, paintings and engravings discovered in the caves of Lascaux in the Vézère valley.
Beynac - Dordogne
Chateau Phelan Ségur - Médoc
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The Médoc peninsula to the north is better known today as the source of some of world’s greatest red wines, much of which is produced from vineyards overlooking the longest estuary in Europe. The Gironde was the route for transporting wine in the past, which due to tidal currents, can be difficult to navigate. Today the D2 is the preferred road for accessing the wineries, lined along the way with striking 19th century chateaux. Out on the water, a series of small islands, home to migrating birds, a lighthouse and a former prison for priests are accessible by boat whilst on the other bank of the estuary, the ramparts of the Citadel of Blaye formerly served to protect against invaders.
Sarlat - Dordogne
Bassin d’Arcachon
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Biarritz-Pays Basque Biarritz | Bayonne | Saint Jean-de-Luz | Espelette
Hôtel du Palais - Biarritz
Jewish traders fleeing the Spanish Inquisition settled in the 15th century and started producing the chocolate for which the city is still famous. The legendary surfer’s paradise know as BAB, along the coastline from Bayonne to Biarritz also includes Anglet. A sprawling town, its long sandy beaches are a haven for hippies and hipsters, lured to the cool, surfer hangouts and world-class surf breaks. In contrast further south, Biarritz is a chic coastal city, with 5-star hotels, casinos and spas. Whaling was of great importance here between the 12th and 16th centuries and the site for the main watch tower during that time is the location of the lighthouse today. The practice of sea bathing as a cure for general ailments became popular in the middle of the 18th century, inspiring patients to make pilgrimages to the sandy Grande Plage and seawater therapy remains a popular attraction at the town’s many thalassothérapie spas. Visitors to the south-western tip of France, split between the Atlantic and the Pyrenees mountains, could be forgiven for thinking they have already left the country, such is the strength of the Basque culture. Proof as to the importance of local traditions, gastronomy and sport are found throughout and the inhabitants of this varied region, which encompasses coastal towns, rolling hillsides and ski resorts, feel at least as Basque as they do French. Nowhere is this individuality more on display than in the estuary port of Bayonne.
Biarritz’s association with the jet-set dates from the 1850s when Emperor Napoleon III built a summer palace for Empress Eugénie along the waterfront and the rest of the European royalty followed in their footsteps. The Hôtel du Palais later housed celebrities suchPhoto as Charlie Chaplin C. and Frank Sinatra, Bernard charmed by the Belle Epoque architecture, sea views and casinos. With its fashionable shops and bars, it remains a capital of cosmopolitan glamour, but since the 1950s, surfers mingle with the bourgeoisie. Surfing is also a draw around the sandy dunes of Bidart and near the fishing port of Saint Jean-de-Luz, where Quiksilver and O’Neill have headquarters. Once known as the Viper’s Nest due to the success of its corsairs, the sweeping, sheltered bay of the latter town, overlooked by turreted 17th century merchant houses, makes it a popular spot with bathers. The Church of St John the Baptist, with its multi-tiered oak galleries and impressive altar painting is one of the most beautiful of the Basque country and was in 1660, the setting for the wedding of the Sun King, Louis XIV to the Spanish Infanta. Continuing south, the drive along the windswept Route de la Corniche towards Hendaye, with cliffs worn into jagged layers is also unmissable. Straying away from the coast into the emerald green foothills, the landscape becomes more wild and rugged and there is no better vantage point from which to appreciate it than the top of La Rhune; a 905 meter mountain accessible by wooden train and by foot from the village of Sare. Further inland, the names of the villages have more of the Basque language’s Ks, Xs and Zs. Sightings of shaggy sheep and Pottock ponies become more frequent and the red and white facades of houses in pretty villages such as Ainhoa contrast with the bluish hills of the Pyrenees.
Espelette peppers
Port - Bayonne
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Evidence of local pride ranges from games of pelota handball against the city’s walls, to shop fronts festooned with entire Bayonne hams and Espelette peppers, not forgetting the annual five-day festival at the end of July featuring bull chasing, parades and fireworks. The 13th century, Gothic Cathedral of Sainte-Marie rises over the houses in the old town, near where
La Grande Plage - Biarritz
Villa Arnaga
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Lifestyle 20
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Nature
and landscapes Oyster tasting
Gastronomy
Marché des Lices - Rennes
It is not surprising that the west of France has a reputation for high-quality cuisine, given the excellent raw materials which can be sourced locally and seasonally. Seafood features prominently. Brittany alone cultivates over 12 different types of oysters, of which those from Cancale on Cider, a sweet or dry the Bay of the Mont-Saint-Michel, freshly fermented apple juice shucked from open stands at the head of the port, are the most famous. The plump, meaty varieties from Nantes are the perfect match for Muscadet wine, while those from Arcachon are best sampled with a squeeze of lemon and a glass of Entre-deuxMers, from an oyster shack overlooking the Dune du Pilat. Along the coast, clams and lobsters compete with langoustines and whelks for a place on seafood platters, while La Rochelle is particularly famous for its fleshy Bouchot mussels.
White party - Arcachon
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In the Basque country, chipiron calamari is best cooked on the griddle and sprinkled with powder from chili peppers of nearby Espelette. Rivers such as the Loire offer up pike, perch and eels, whereas estuary lamprey prepared in red wine is a speciality of Bordeaux. Head to covered markets such as the Lices in Rennes or Les Halles in Biarritz to find the freshest and finest produce. Discover cow, sheep and goat’s milk cheese matured using
Black Périgord truffles
unusual ageing techniques such as the grey ash mould of Sainte-Maure de Touraine, charcoal-aged Olivet from the Loire and Jonchée from Rochefort wrapped in reeds from nearby marshes. Admire farmed or wild fruits and vegetables like Itxassou cherries - often a filling in Gâteaux Basques, Ile de Ré new potatoes and black Périgord truffles. Figure out the differences between duck and goose foie gras and what andouillette sausage is made of! Other regional specialties are best sampled with a glass in hand. Breton buckwheat galette pancakes are the perfect match for sweet or dry cider whilst Basques have another version of the drink which they enjoy with pepper piperade and veal axoa dishes. Sauvignon Blanc wines like flinty Sancerre can add balance to a dish with green or white asparagus, while Rosé d’Anjou pairs well with Charentais melons and thinly sliced Bayonne cured ham, which can also be enjoyed across the range of wines from Irouléguy. Lusciously sweet Sauternes and Monbazillacs are the ideal complement to foie gras, especially when sprinkled with salt from the Guérande marshes or Ile de Ré, while a smooth cognac is an ideal after dinner digestif.
Christopher Coutanceau
Getting close to nature does not present a problem in the French West. Boasting the country’s longest river, largest estuary, biggest pine forest and tallest sand dune, the choice is often not where to explore but how to do it! Sailing is a popular way to fully appreciate the diversity of the coastline; from the indented pink granite shores west of SaintMalo, to the multitude of islands of the Gulf of Morbihan and the mammoth marinas of La Rochelle. Take a refreshing dip while anchored off picturesque beaches or navigate rocky
Dune du Pilat and Banc d’Arguin- Arcachon Bay
Pyrénées Mountains - Bay of Biscaye
estuaries to quieter inland ports. For those not wanting to skipper themselves, opt for an excursion in a Pinasse on the Arcachon Bay, around the stilted houses of the Île aux Oiseaux and focus the binoculars on oystercatchers and sandpipers. Other traditional boats include the Gabare barges of rivers such as the Charente and a flat-bottomed skiff which can be maneuvered around the canals of the Marais Poitevin, where spotting wildlife is also guaranteed.
Vallée de l’Eau Bourde - Bordeaux
Kayaking is the preferred way to marvel at the sumptuous châteaux and breathtaking gorges along the meandering Loire and the fast-flowing Dordogne. Available to rent from café-lined quaysides, the journey takes in overhanging vineyards and truffle-rich woodlands.
Parc Régional des Landes - Bassin d’Arcachon
Vines are all around when kayaking on the Gironde estuary, with grapes also grown on its small islands, such as Île Margaux, which shares its name with one of the world’s greatest wine producing areas. Other islands, like L’île d’Aix are best discovered by bike, especially as the 3 kilometers stretch of coves and beaches is virtually car free. Back on the mainland, hopping on a bike is easy with the Vélodyssée cycling route, connecting Roscoff to Hendaye. Promising a journey through beautiful, unblemished landscapes, over 70% is traffic-free including towpaths along the Canal de Nantes and disused railway lines of the pine-filled Landes forest. With stretches along country roads hugging the coast, much of it provides a dramatic ocean backdrop along the way. If improving the daily step count is what matters, trek up the Dune du Pilat to admire unique views of the Banc d’Arguin and the brave paragliders who use it as a launch pad. Alternatively grab a makila walking stick and hike to the top of La Rhune on a clear day, for spectacular views of the backbone of the Pyrenees and across the rolling hills of the Basque Country to the Bay of Biscay.
Cancale - Brittany
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The 1920’s Frugès housing estate designed by Le Corbusier - Bordeaux
Chateau Les Carmes Haut Brion - Bordeaux
fortification, housing a barracks, hospital and chapel. The purpose of other royal constructions, such as the Chateaux of the Loire was for entertaining guests and demonstrating a sovereign’s power. Le Puy du Fou - Vendée
History
and heritage
Traces of history are dotted throughout the west of France with some dating back many millennia. Paleolithic sites in the Vézère valley, home to 20,000 year old cave art depicting horses, bulls and unicorns are universally acknowledged as being unlike any other prehistoric site in the world. Dating over 7,000 years, standing stones at Carnac are further evidence of prehistoric activity.
Given their importance, it is unsurprising that these feature amongst the 8 sites located in western France, inscribed on the Unesco world heritage list. Bordeaux city, with its crescent shaped port, so significant for trade and commerce, was listed in 2007. Renowned for its 18th century architecture, the city also boasts the 1920s Frugès housing estate designed by Le Corbusier on the site of a former sugar factory, also recognized by Unesco. In total the city has 6 sites within range, including the jurisdiction of Saint-Emilion, famous for its medieval village and vineyards. Reenactments of historical events like the nearby Battle of Castillon offer another way to learn about the past, similar to the shows at the Puy du Fou theme park, featuring Viking battles, Roman chariot races and sword-fighting Musketeers.
Castle of the Dukes of Brittany - Nantes
Chateau d e Villandry - Loire Valley
The towers - La Rochelle
Religious pilgrimages in the Middle Ages acted as a catalyst for the construction of places of worship, with the Gothic-style, Benedictine abbey of the Mont-Saint-Michel one of the most notable. Seeking absolution for their sins, up to 2 million pilgrims walked to Santiago de Compostela annually, many choosing to access Spain via the town of Tours. Journeying south, the pathway was indicated by the symbol of the scallop shell, which can still be seen carved into doorways. Passing by Poitiers, Bordeaux and Saint-Emilion, the final stopping point before crossing the Pyrenees was St-Jean-Pied-de-Port. With its Roman bridge and 15th century streetscape, the walled town continues to be popular with those who walk the route for pleasure today. Although not originally designed by the legendary military engineer, its fortress was remodeled by the Marquis de Vauban in the 17th century. During the reign of Louis XIV, over 150 bastions were built along the French seaboard, with the Citadel of Blaye one of the most well-preserved. At 33 hectares and with a projected triangle design, it was Vauban’s model example of a 24
Vauban’s fortifications - Blaye
Parliament of Brittany ‘ ceillings - Rennes
Alignment of Carnac
Donjon - Niort
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Estuaire open-air art collection-Nantes
Festivals
and celebrations Cognac Blues Passions
Rennes boasts 2 centers for contemporary art, notably the historic La Criée in the central Halles market building and FRAC in the north of the city, whose vast rooms prioritize work from local artists. Festival Cadences - Arcachon
Parmiggiani fountain - Rennes
Contemporary and design
art
The skeleton of an enormous sea-serpent, by Huang Yong Ping surging out of the sea onto a Nantais sandy beach, a 6 meter, sky blue lion overlooking Bordeaux’s 18th century façade, the severed head of a muse in a pool of water outside the town hall in Rennes; just some of the iconic works found along the French west side. Award-winning architecture, colorful murals and striking sculptures adorn the urban landscape, notably in key cities which in recent decades, tended to transform rather than demolish old warehouses and wharves. The 377 hectares of the former shipbuilding yards of the Isle of Nantes have undergone a total metamorphosis, housing today giant mechanical animals, restaurants, galleries and other recreational areas. Contemporary art plays an important role here and in addition to the works displayed at the Banana Warehouse, creations like Les Anneaux by Daniel Buren, with its 18 fluorescent rings is just one of over 30 installations which can be discovered along the Loire estuary. A converted warehouse in the historic wine trade district near the Bordeaux quayside is home to that city’s Museum of Contemporary Art. Over 5000 square-meters of exhibition space houses work by artists like Richard Long and Keith Haring, with some sculptures such as Jaume Plensa’s, 7 meter female face found in public spaces.
Cellars of Chateau Cheval Blanc - Saint Emilion
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Cité de l’Océan - Biarritz
Rejuvenation of urban areas has also attracted well-known architects to design new buildings. Jean Nouvel and Christian de Portzamparc have separately both left their mark on Nantes and Rennes via work such as the steel framed Law Courts and the former car park turned cultural centre which is Champs Libres. Architecture enthusiasts also take delight in their creations in the vineyards of SaintEmilion, and in temporary protean structures such as the Pavillon Martell by José Selgas and Lucia Cano, occupying the vast courtyard of the historic merchant house in Cognac.
There is a certain joie de vivre in western France and those who live there seem particularly pleased with life. Maybe because of the temperate maritime climate resulting in part of the coastline being consistently one of the sunniest parts of the country? Or the fact that cities along the coast are continually ranked the best places to live or visit? Whatever the reason, there is a lot to celebrate! The strong attachment to traditions and culture is frequently manifested during annual festivals. The Atlantic coast is bookended by areas with strong regional identities, where
Fêtes de Bayonne
The realization that graffitists also have an artistic role to play has meant more freedom for street artists such as those responsible for the huge chimpanzee in a former military barracks on Bordeaux’s Right Bank. Darwin’s 20,000 square-meter space encompassing an urban farm and skate park allows free space for graffiti, an approach also adopted by Rennes, which actively encourages artists such as War, to paint animals on walls.
Darwin - Bordeaux
local languages and gastronomy are proudly flaunted. The Festival de Cornouaille in Quimper is a colorful parade of Breton music and traditions whilst further south, there are over 100 fêtes organized annually throughout the Basque Country, the biggest being that of Bayonne where, clad in red neckerchiefs and belts, over a million visitors descend on the town for a 5-day party. Bayonne ham and Espelette red peppers also have dedicated celebrations and regional gastronomy is similarly at the centre of seasonal festivities in Périgord, for chestnuts, black truffles and duck, whereas in Bordeaux, the 4-day, biennial Bordeaux Fête le Vin showcases over 80 wine appellations alongside
Bordeaux Fête le Vin
Cantine du Voyage - Nantes
quayside barrel rolling competitions and fireworks. The Cognac Blues Passion includes tastings of the famed spirit and river concerts. Music is celebrated in the Loire with Jazz en Touraine and Jazz en Val de Cher whilst La Rochelle hosts 100 concerts favoring contemporary artists during the Francofolies. The town is also the location for an annual International Film Festival, held in venues such as La Coursive, formerly a convent, tobacco factory and fish market. More eclectic musical events include the Transmusicales in Rennes, and the off-beat Hellfest rock festival near Nantes. During the summer months, the town itself is home to artists, designers and gardeners amongst others who are invited to express themselves during the Voyage à Nantes festival. The approach of less work and more life means that westerners also take advantage of living in proximity to the Atlantic. It is not unusual for office workers in Biarritz to go surfing at lunchtime, while the clement weather attracts players to its world-class golf courses year-round. The magical moment where hundreds of flying objects fill the sky above the beach of Châtelaillon near La Rochelle during the wind and kite festival is unmissable.
Les Francofolies - La Rochelle
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Not to be missed 28
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- La Cité du Vin - Bordeaux Bordeaux’s Unesco protected skyline had a new addition in 2016 in the shape of the Cité du Vin. Overlooking the Garonne, its striking form is said to resemble the movement of wine in a glass and the inside is spread over 13,350 square meters, reaching dizzy heights on the 8th-floor Belvedere tasting room. The permanent exhibition, with life size images of winemakers and aerial footage of the world’s greatest vineyards retains the attention of the average visitor for almost 3 hours. Displays such as the Terroir Table with glass, bell-shaped cloche, housing a range of items from leather gloves and musty books to liquorice
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wheels and pencil shavings are designed as experiences, leaving impressions rather than imparting knowledge. A number of workshops are conceived to appeal to the emotions and senses, such as the 1-hour multi-sensory experience using 360 images, sounds and smells. Much of what the museum has to offer is accessible without paying an entrance fee and as such, visitors are free to survey the Latitude20 wine shop with over 800 references from 80 countries, settle down to study some of the 2,000 books and magazines in the first-floor Reading Room and browse the concept boutique with its wine related gifts.
Long Ma, the dragon horse - Compagnie La Machine
- Machines de l’Ile - Nantes In Nantes’ former shipyard, a 12 meter high, 48 tone mechanical elephant, carries 50 people on its back, while parading along the quayside squirting water from its trunk and trumpeting. This and other huge mechanical and steam-powered structures are the brainchildren of artists, Francois Delaroziere and Pierre Orefice. The Machines de L’Ile, were inspired by the works of surrealist writer, Jules Verne, a native son of Nantes, who wrote Extraordinary Voyages, and by Leonardo Da Vinci’s mechanical universe. Housed in former shipyards, this unusual series of artworks is an ode to 19th century engineering. The Gallery
hosts a live show in which a giant mechanical ant stretches its legs, a giant spider climbs its web, and a giant heron takes off in pursuit. Amazingly, audiences can get their hands on the controls of these strange machines. On the 3 Sea-Worlds Carrousels; The Depths, The Abyss and the Surface of the Sea, giant squid, flying fish and schooners glide past in a surreal dance. This vast-scale theatre-in-the-round pays homage to the sea and to the exotic and distant lands which inspired explorers to set sail from Nantes’ port in the 17th century.
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- Arcachon Bay Firstly fashionable among wealthy Bordelais as a sea-bathing resort 160 years ago, the town is situated on the bay which shares its name. There is so much to do here, from a stroll through the fish market, or along the Port de Plaisance - the second largest marina on the Atlantic Coast, to a trip across the bay on a Pinasse - the traditional flat - bottomed wooden boat used by local fishermen and oyster-cultivators for centuries. At high tide, visitors can explore the tiny uninhabited L’ile aux Oiseaux in the middle of the bay, and admire its two Cabannes Tchanquées. Perched high on stilts, these spacious wooden cabins were first built in the
The pinède
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- Surf in Biarritz -
late 18th century as bathing houses. Arcachon boasts a bustling sea-front strip, flanked by a cycle path, on which the restaurants cater to all budgets. Just behind the promenade, is the imposing casino, housed in the handsome Chateau Deganne, built in 1853. Nearby is the Boulevard de La Plage, a shopper’s paradise. The grand and ostentatious 19th century Holiday villas in Archachon’s Ville d’Hiver are a testimony to bourgeois seaside architecture of the era. A stroll through this neighborhood reveals a patchwork of decorative styles - from fanciful turrets to iron-worked balconies and gabled roofs.
Cabanes tchanquées
In the 1930’s, Biarritz, with its rugged natural beauty and Belle Epoque architecture, became the playground of the European royals and the Hollywood elite, who partied away the nights in its glamorous casinos and lazed by day on its breathtaking beaches. This city on the Bay of Biscay was beloved of Ernest Hemingway, who wrote evocatively about the joy of seaswimming there in his acclaimed novel, The Sun Also Rises. In 1957, it was the first place in Europe to catch the surfing bug, when members of the American production crew on the film of Hemingway’s novel had their boards flown over from
Downtown
the California so they could enjoy the enticing surf. They taught the locals, who quickly got hooked. Europe’s first surf club was established, and by the 1980s surfing was huge. Each year, the city hosts international tournaments like the Biarritz Quicksilver Maider Arosteguy, the oldest surf competition in Europe. Golf is as intrinsic to Biarritz’ cultural identity as surfing. The ‘Le Phare’ Golf Course, created in 1888 for the British residents is highly challenging and technical. Golf aficionados flock from all over the world to Biarritz for this course, and the 16 others within 100 kilometers of the city.
Beach of the Côte des Basques
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- Niort Marais Poitevin Two-thirds of this vast marshland is semi-dry and is now under cultivation, but the wet zone is a swampy haven of pleasure and tranquility. Known as The Green Venice, this network of tiny islands crisscrossed by natural water channels and man-made canals is covered in bright green duckweed. Ash and Alder trees line the waterways, often forming a green canopy overhead. These cool, shaded tunnels are magical on hot summer days, just the perfect environment for a spot of boating. Time stands still as the visitor idles down-stream, serenaded by bird-song and enjoying the play of dappled light from the trees above. It’s best to travel in
The Green Venise
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- Poitiers Futuroscope -
a traditional flat-bottomed boat called a Plat, which is propelled along with a long pole, the Pigouille, available for hire at the piers. In the village of Coulon, you can lease Plats, canoes and rowing boats in which to idly explore the hidden channels, where families of otters may be glimpsed. Or you can disembark your boat for some otter tracking onshore. The wetlands are a bird lover’s paradise and the sight of a heron or king-fisher swooping down to seize fish is common. Niort, closely linked with the Sèvre niortaise, is the french biggest city entirely located in the Marais Poitevin natural Park, certified “Great Site of France”.
Esplanade de la Brèche - Niort
In the calm of the countryside, buildings straight out of the movie Blade Runner loom on the horizon. Don’t ask what Futuroscope is, ask what it isn’t! On arrival, take in the view from the top of a 45 meter high tower, The Gyrotour. This family theme park which combines multi-media, 3D and 4D cinema, audio-visual techniques and interactive rides, has attracted 50 million visitors since 1987. The Time Machine takes the visitor on a mind-blowing 5-dimensional animated journey far back into pre-history, via Ancient Greece, and Native American civilizations and then, suddenly leaps several centuries into the future. Children will adore 4-D encounters with film favorites
Futuroscope
such as the cast of Ice Age, as well as low-tech fun with water games, boats and cannons. There are high-octane rides, and educational experiences such as Apprentice Fireman and the interactive game 8th Continent. The Extraordinary Journey is a rollercoaster flight across the world, taking in futuristic cities, empty deserts, stormy oceans and dense jungles all realistically rendered using cinematic techniques. There are seven bars and restaurants to choose from - one champagne bar even provides a hot air balloon ride experience. In the evenings, dazzling acrobatic and circus shows are staged.
City Hall of Poitiers
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- Chateaux of the Loire There are more than 100 chateaux to visit along the lush, green Loire Valley, and 42 of these enjoy UNESCO World Heritage status. It is easy to get castle-fatigue with such rich pickings on offer, so be selective! Perched high on an outcrop of rock above the Vienne River, with a clear view of the attacking enemy, the Chateau de Chinon was the ideal military fortress. It was here that the young Joan of Arc, claiming to be sent by angels, convinced Charles VII to let her lead troops in battle against the English. Chinon has been extensively restored and interactive exhibits installed, bringing medieval history vividly back to life.
Chateau de Chenonceau
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The Chateau d’Ussé is said to have inspired Charles Perrault to write Sleeping Beauty whilst Hergé based Captain Haddock’s country house in the Adventures of Tintin on Chateau de Cheverny. The vast Chateau de Chambord, witness to many twists and turns in French history, is a must-visit, as is Chateau Clos Lucé, where Leonardo da Vinci spent the last three years of his life. The chateaux of the Loire offer more than an insight into history. Many have breathtaking gardens such as the Italian-inspired landscape of Chateau de Villandry.
Chateau de Cheverny
Chateau de Chambord
- The Old Port - La Rochelle Back in the 12th century, the Knights Templar maintained a key presence in this important harbor, mediating trade between England and the Mediterranean. Today the Old Port of La Rochelle is exquisitely preserved and lined with restaurants. Panoramic views of the Atlantic ocean can be admired from Christopher Coutanceau, on nearby Concurrence Beach. The 2 Michelin-starred restaurant is adored by both locals and visitors for its superb seafood and meticulously-selected wines. The Medieval and Renaissance architecture in the Old Port illuminates the history of this fiercely independent city, traditionally known as ‘The Beautiful Rebel’ since it was one
of the first places in France to embrace Protestantism. Up until the 15th century, La Rochelle was the largest French harbor on the Atlantic coast. Later, as one of the western-most points in France, it was perfectly positioned for trade with the New World. Three iconic medieval towers, St. Nicolas, La Chaine and La Lanterne loom large, standing watch over the entrance to the port and the choppy waters of the Bay of Biscay. It is easy to picture merchants hawking exotic treasures brought back from far-off places in the arcaded streets, straddled by half-timbered medieval houses, which have hardly changed to this day.
Christopher Coutanceau
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- The Hermione - Rochefort In 1780, the French nobleman, the Marquis de Lafayette set sail for America. The Boy General, aged just 19 years old, believed passionately in the American Revolution and had already fought shoulder to shoulder with George Washington against the British. This time, he was on a secret mission from King Louis XVI in a naval frigate, called The Hermione, to convey a pledge of military support. Built in Rochefort by 1000 men in just 6 months, The Hermione was a light, speedy warcraft. Once she reached American shores, she helped seal decisive victories for the revolutionaries in the battles of Chesapeake Bay and Yorktown, but was smashed to pieces at sea in
Ford Boyard
1783. Over 2 centuries later, she has been resurrected from the depths! Replica boat, The Hermione II took craftsmen in Rochefort years to construct, but she has now completed several transcontinental voyages. Visitors can clamber aboard and harness themselves to her riggings, or participate in metalwork and sail-making workshops. And there are more interactive exhibits at the magnificent Corderie Royale. Originally a rope factory for the Royal Navy, this impressive building, described as the Versailles of the sea, is now a museum packed with historic naval artifacts taking you on a journey into France’s glorious sea-faring past.
Corderie Royale
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- Lascaux The Dordogne’s Vezère Valley is home to the most important prehistoric art-work in the world. Lascaux is a complex of caves, whose walls boast 2000 paintings of animals and enigmatic symbols, thought to date back 20,000 years. The cave was discovered in 1940 by a local youth out walking his dog. Tourists flocked to the site, disturbing the delicate chemical balance inside and causing a fungus to erode the ancient images which resulted in the caves being closed to the public. Today we can experience the magic of Lascaux again, at the Centre International d’Art Pariétal, which opened in 2016, where films
La Roque Gageac - Dordogne
Lascaux 4
and workshops unlock the mysteries of Stone Age society and art. Armed with a tablet, visitors can go on an interactive romp through pre-history. Below ground, specialist craftsmen worked for years, aided by laser-imaging and 3-D printing techniques to build a replica cave. Here, the sounds, temperature and smells of the original have been recreated, allowing us to contemplate the art almost as Cro-Magnon man would have done. Even the effect of the flickering torch-light has been simulated, making the figures appear to move naturalistically. These were the cinema techniques of our ancestors!
Centre International d’Art Pariétal
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- Cognac’s Merchant Houses The spirit that takes its name from the town of Cognac in SoutWest France is probably better known in America by the brands responsible for building its reputation. Through a combination of skilled storytelling of a history dating from the 17th century, which counted kings and emperors as early fans, coupled with a modern-day connection with musicians like Kanye West and Pharrell Williams, producers such as Hennessy and Courvoisier have successfully conquered the USA resulting in it being the number 1 export market. Fortunately for those who come to Cognac, access to the merchant houses is not limited to royalty
Fondation Martell - Cognac
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and rappers, and it is estimated that over 100,000 visitors take the time to visit the top 7 merchants annually, to learn about the eau-de-vie distillation, see the spirit ageing and taste the final product. Many tours begin and end in the town itself, with each Maison seeking to show a different aspect, whether it be a boat ride across the Charente, pairings with chocolate or wild truffles or a workshop with a master blender. Longer visits encompass time in the vineyards, distilleries and cooperages, and even a peek inside the paradis cellar, at the oldest and best vintages.
Cellar of Cognac
Maison RĂŠmy Martin
- Mont-Saint-Michel On a granite islet off the coast of Normandy, the medieval town of Mont-Saint-Michel, rises up, fairy-tale-like, from the sea. The first inhabitant of the island was probably an Irish hermit who founded a commune. Legend has it that in 708, the Archangel Michael appeared to Bishop Aubert of Avranches commanding him to construct a church there. By 966, a community of Benedictine monks had settled and built a Romanesque abbey and a monastery near the top of the mount. The town quickly grew, with housing for soldiers and merchants lower down the hill, and dwellings for fishermen and farmers outside its walls.
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Difficult to attack due to the natural defense of the tide, the later addition of man-made fortifications meant the island held out against a 30 year siege by the English during the Hundred Years’ War in the 14th century. A community of monks and nuns of the Monastic Fraternities of Jerusalem took up residence in 2001. 3 million visitors a year cross the walkway bridge built in 2013, giving to the island a renewed maritime feeling. Visitors can witness daily mass in the abbey and discover medieval France, walking on the city walls and in the hidden alleys.
- The Old Town - Rennes The historic district of this Breton town is an architectural treasure hunt not to be missed. Closed to traffic for several decades, the cobbled streets are perfect strolling territory. A great fire ravaged the city in 1720, destroying many of her buildings. Rennes was then re-built by the King’s architect, Jacques Gabriel, who skillfully blended his new designs with the buildings that had survived. Today, medieval time-pieces merge seamlessly with 18th century public buildings, thanks to Gabriel’s graceful touch. Due to its position on the confluence of two rivers, Rennes was strategically important to the Romans. Sections of the wall they built in 275 to protect their settlement, Condate La
Rouge, from barbarian incursions still stand. On the Place Sainte Anne, visitors can admire the gradual evolution of Rennes’ emblematic half-timbered houses, which date from the 15th to the 18th century, differing only subtly in style. The combination of colorfully-painted wood and very pale local limestone called tuffeau is unique. The historic heart beats in two emblematic city squares: one the Parliament of Brittany and the other, the Opera House and City Hall. Rennes owes a number of mosaic decorations typical of the last century’s Art Deco period designed by a mosaic artist of Italian origin Isidore Odorico. which the “ Piscine Saint-Georges” is one of the highlights.
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Itineraries 48
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Discover French Atlantic Ways Four itineraries at a glance
BRITTANY & THE LOIRE VALLEY
COGNAC COUNTRY
DAY 1 : TOURS Arrival - Evening
DAY 1 : NANTES Arrival - Evening
DAY 2 : TOURS Loire Valley - Chateau d’ Amboise - Chateau de Chenonceau
DAY 2 : NANTES Nantes - Machines of the Isle
DAY 3 : ANGERS Azay-le-Rideau or Chinon - Saumur - Angers
DAY 3 : TOURS Angers - Saumur - Villandry
DAY 4 : NANTES Nantes - Machines of the Isle
DAY 4 : POITIERS Tours - Poitiers Futuroscope
DAY 5 : RENNES Loire Estuary - Saint-Nazaire - Brière Natural Park
DAY 5 : LA ROCHELLE Niort Marais Poitevin
DAY 6 : SAINT-MALO Bécherel - Ille-et-Rance Canal - Dinan
DAY 6 : COGNAC Maisons de Cognac - Rochefort - Hermione
DAY 7 : MONT-SAINT-MICHEL Saint-Malo - Cancale - Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel
DAY 7 : BORDEAUX Old Bordeaux - La Cité du Vin
DAY 8 : Transfer
DAY 8 : Transfer
(8 days / 7 nights)
(8 days / 7 nights)
Saint-Malo / Mont-Saint-Michel
PARIS
Rennes
Angers Tours
Nantes
Tours
Nantes
Poitiers La Rochelle / Rochefort
Niort Cognac
BORDEAUX & BASQUE COUNTRY (8 days / 7 nights)
Bordeaux
DAY 1 : BORDEAUX Arrival - Evening DAY 2 : PÉRIGUEUX OR SARLAT Saint-Emilion wine tour DAY 3 : BORDEAUX Lascaux Caves - Dordogne valley and castles Bordeaux
DAY 4 : ARCACHON Old Bordeaux - La Cité du Vin - Arcachon Bay
Sarlat
DAY 5 : BIARRITZ Dune du Pilat - Bayonne
Arcachon
DAY 6 : BIARRITZ French Basque Country - Saint-Jean-de-Luz DAY 7 : PAU Pau - Lourdes
OR
DAY 7 : SAN SEBASTIAN Spanish Basque Country
Périgueux
Biarritz San Sebastian
Pau
(Spain)
DAY 8 : Transfer 50
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FRENCH ATLANTIC WAYS (15 days / 14 nights)
DAY 1 : BIARRITZ Arrival - Evening DAY 2 : BIARRITZ Basque Country - Saint-Jean-de-Luz DAY 3 : ARCACHON Bayonne - Dune du Pilat - Arcachon Bay DAY 4 : BORDEAUX Old Bordeaux - La Cité du Vin DAY 5 : PÉRIGUEUX OR SARLAT Saint-Emilion wine tour - Dordogne valley and castles
Saint-Malo / Mont-Saint-Michel
DAY 6 : COGNAC Lascaux Cave - Cognac
Rennes
DAY 7 : LA ROCHELLE Rochefort - l’Hermione DAY 8 : POITIERS Niort Marais Poitevin DAY 9: TOURS Chateau de Chenonceau - Chateau d’ Amboise DAY 10 : ANGERS Chinon - Abbaye de Fontevraud - Saumur DAY 11: NANTES Nantes - Machines of the Isle DAY 12 : RENNES Saint-Nazaire - Brière Regional Natural Park - Old Rennes DAY 13 : SAINT-MALO Bécherel - Ille-et-Rance Canal - Dinan
PARIS
Angers Nantes
Tours
Poitiers La Rochelle / Rochefort
Niort Cognac
BORDEAUX
Périgueux
Sarlat Arcachon
Biarritz
DAY 14 : MONT-SAINT-MICHEL Cancale - Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel DAY 15 : Transfer
Production : Offices de Tourisme - Design : mariegx@artlinkz.fr - Writing : Caroline Mathews - Print : Pixagram (33)
Photos credits : Couverture : Parc des Chantiers, Île de Nantes © Franck Tomps - LVAN - A. Dutour / VDL - A. Giraud - A. Keil - A. Lamoureux - A. Vacheron Anaka - B. Mazodier / DR - B. Ruiz / SIBA - Baud & Millet - BGE - C. Bouthé / OTCBM - C. Comtat - Fotolia com - C. Parise - CDT64 - studio E. Saillet / Cheval Blanc - D. Sanchez Simbia.es / Cité de l’Océan - M. Anglada / CIVB - COG Rémy Martin - Cognac SCA - CRT AQUITAINE - CRT BRETAGNE - CRT CHARENTES D. Darrault / ADT37 - D. Proux - Destination Cognac - Domaine de Chamborts / LDS - E. Berthier / CRTB - E. Martens / Biarritz Tourisme - F. Giraudon - F. Tomps / LVAN - Ferme de France - Futuroscope - G. Maccarinelli - I. Pacary - J .Mignot / DR - K. Biette / SIBA - K. Lahmadi - L. de Serres - L. Lizet / Mairie de Gradignan - L. Maisant / Dr - L. Reiz / CRTA - L. Willems - M. Bouin - M. Le Rouge - M.F. Boufflet / RO - Mairie de Poitiers - N. Duffaure / OTCBM - N. Ernult - OT Arcachon - OT Bidart - Overways - P. Messina / LVAN - P. Viala - Ph. Laplace - Ph. Wall / CD79 - PIXABAY - S. Andréi - S. Charbeau - S. Duboscq - S. Le Clech - TC Basques - V. Bengold / OTCBM - V. Edwell / Rochefort Océan - Villa Arnaga - Y. Le Gal 52
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tourist offices contact@frenchatlanticways.com BRITTANY
Rennes www.tourisme-rennes.com Nantes www.nantes-tourisme.com
LOIRE VALLEY
Tours www.tours-tourism.co.uk
COGNAC COUNTRY Poitiers www.ot-poitiers.fr
Cognac www.tourism-cognac.com Niort Marais Poitevin www.niortmaraispoitevin.com La Rochelle www.holidays-la-rochelle.com
BORDEAUX
Bordeaux www.bordeaux-tourisme.com Bassin d’Arcachon www.arcachon.com
BIARRITZ - PAYS BASQUE Biarritz www.tourisme.biarritz.fr
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DISCOVER FRANCE’S ATLANTIC COAST
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