Road Trip Down the West Coast of France

At your arrival in Paris – CDG, you make your own way to the rental agency inside the airport to pick up your rental car. Welcome to France! You hit the road and start your unique 17-day romantic getaway in France along the Western Coast. 

First, you reach the city of Rouen, the capital of Normandy (from the airport, approx. 160 km / 2-hour drive). You check in to your hotel in the city center and enjoy a well-deserved first lunch as you stroll around the beautiful streets. With its soaring Gothic cathedral, beautifully restored medieval quarter, imposing ancient churches, excellent museums and vibrant cultural life, Rouen is one of Normandy’s most engaging and historically rich destinations.

In the afternoon, you meet with your guide for a guided tour of the Musée des Beaux-Arts (private / approx. 2 hours). The Musée des Beaux-Arts houses one of the most prestigious public collections in France. The museum brings together paintings, sculptures, drawings and objets d’art from the 15th century to the present day. Perugino, Clouet and Veronese are the first major milestones of a journey that continues with an exceptional collection of paintings of the 17th century: it has masterpieces by Rubens, Caravaggio and Velasquez. The scale of artistic movement is represented by the presence of works by great masters from Ingres to Monet, and the museum is a temple of the painting of the nineteenth century: Delacroix, Corot and Degas are represented by some of their finest pieces. 

After a relaxing time with your loved one and a delicious French breakfast at your hotel, you walk through the city to meet your private guide and enjoy a city tour of Rouen (private / approx. 2 hours).

Explore the rich history of Haute-Normandie’s capital city, dating back to the Middle-Ages. Rouen was once home to the Exchequer of Normandy and the great Anglo-Norman dynasties, rulers of both French and English territories for four centuries. Walk the streets filled with memories of the past, peruse along the Seine River, and discover the site of Joan of Arc’s execution. Despite extensive damage during World War II, the city retains charm and is now home to many museums as well as one of the most renowned examples of civic architecture from the Middle-Ages, the Palais de Justice. This tour offers both a journey back in time and an authentic experience within the everyday life of the Rouennais.

The rest of the day is at leisure to explore on your own and take in the atmosphere of the city.

Today, you take the road to the coast. It is time to leave Rouen and explore another jewel of Normandy, Honfleur (approx. 80 km / 1-hour drive).

At your arrival, check in to your hotel and take the rest of the afternoon to discover the city through a guided tour of Honfleur (private tour / approx. 2 hours).

Built around a quaint harbor, the small town of Honfleur is the epitome of seaside charm. Wander the paved streets winding through brightly colored buildings and grand Norman-style wooden houses scattered around the old port. The Vieux Bassin, as it is known locally, is home to ships and boats of all descriptions, from the humble fishing boats to the modern yachts. The tour of this quaint village and its rich culture and history is a different and authentic way to explore this hidden gem of the Normandy coastline.

This morning, you discover the glamorous and luxurious Cote Fleurie. You meet with your guide for guided tour of Deauville (private tour / approx. 2 hours).

The Queen of the Norman beaches, or Parisian Riviera as some call it, Deauville has a lot to offer to the visitor seeking culture, entertainment or even just a nice stroll by the sea. Home to marinas, a harbor, a racecourse, an international film festival and a Grand Casino, France’s most prestigious seaside resort offers a plethora of exciting activities in a compact and friendly town.

At the end of your tour, you drive back to Honfleur.

Optional activity for the afternoon: Cider House and Orchards (private tour / 1.5 hour).

Discover a local “cidrerie” and enjoy a walk in the apple orchards, followed by a refined cider tasting. French “cidre” was developed in the 12th century and must be made solely from apples. France was one of the countries that inherited a knowledge of apple cultivation from both the Celtic Gauls and the later Romans who ruled the country for approximately 500 years. This tour offers a visit of the factory and the orchards and a tasting of the factory cider.

Next stop on your 17-day romantic getaway, Bayeux and its impressive history. From Honfleur, you take the road in the morning and can even do a stop on your way in the city of Caen (approx. 95 km / 1h15). 

At your arrival, you check in to your hotel and start walking through this city full of gems from the past. Two cross-channel invasions, almost 900 years apart, gave Bayeux a front-row seat at defining moments in Western history. Bayeux was the first French town to be liberated (in June 1944) and is one of the few places in Calvados to have survived WWII practically unscathed. A very attractive and historic town, Bayeux makes an ideal base for exploring the D-Day beaches and is crammed with 13th- to 18th-century buildings plus a fine Gothic cathedral. 

One element not to be missed, the impressive tapestries. For that, we propose to you a guided tour of Bayeux and its Tapestries in the afternoon (private tour / approx. 2 hours). Explore the narrow city’s narrow streets lined with traditional wooden-framed Norman houses and admire the breathtaking Gothic Cathedral. The treasure of the city, however, has to be the world famous Tapisserie de la Reine Mathilde. This huge embroidered cloth, 230 feet in length, is one of the largest and most detailed in the world, and a historical document in art form. It tells the story of the events leading up to the Norman invasion of 1066. A remarkably well-preserved and vivid masterpiece of the past.

The morning is at leisure. In the early afternoon, you drive to town of Falaise. There, you meet your guide for a tour of Chateau de Falaise (private tour / approx. 2 hours).

Birthplace of famous historical figure William the Conqueror, the Chateau de Falaise is a colossal and ancient fortification which has been considerably restored to give an impression of its original grandeur. Though the Second World War took its toll on the region, the three keeps were thankfully unharmed and remain to be an impressive monument built on a site dating back to around 7,000 BC. Learn all about the son of Duke Robert of Normandy and his destiny to rule England as you walk the stone steps and corridors of the castle. Boasting one of the most dramatic views in the region, the vantage point of the high crag provides panoramas of the town and nearby countryside. 

After your tour you drive back to Bayeux. Our recommendation to end this day is to make a detour. Indeed, wait for sunset (the light is simply more beautiful at this time) and drive North to the coast and reach Batterie de Longues-sur-Mer. There you will meet with another dramatic part of history, World War II. Between the landing beaches of Omaha and Gold lies the artillery battery of Longues-sur-Mer.

You discover a new region today as you leave Bayeux and arrive in Brittany. Take a deep breath, the air is fresh and pure as the wild landscapes go by. Nature is everywhere and it reigns a great, almost spiritual atmosphere in this land full of history and Celtic traditions. You reach the harbor city of Saint Malo (approx. 160 km / 2 hours).

The ramparts of Saint-Malo were born as early as the 12th century, well before the golden age of the King's corsairs. After the great fire of 1661, the granite wall was completely rebuilt. It was enlarged in the 18th century by Garangeau, the engineer-architect and disciple of Sebastien Vauban, Louix XIV's royal architect.

A tour of the ramparts is the most essential walk you'll make in Saint-Malo! With magnificent views of the sea and the city just below. Enjoy a walking tour of Saint-Malo with your guide by your side (private tour / approx. 2 hours). Discover the old town of Saint-Malo with its meandering cobblestone streets and impressive surrounding fortifications. Despite being devastated by World War II bombings, the town still bears traces of the Middle-Ages, its own cultural independence in the 1590’s as well as the famous corsairs. The walled port city rose from the ashes and is now beloved by tourists as well as its inhabitants.

The day is at leisure for you to enjoy a stroll on the beach and to savor the local specialties. Treat yourself with a typical and delicious ‘crêpe Bretonne’ paired with a fresh bowl of cider. 

In late afternoon, you have ‘rendezvous’ with an old treasure, a gem in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean… Mont Saint-Michel.  Self-drive to the bay and meet your guide for an exclusive tour of Mont Saint-Michel (private tour / approx. 2 hours). 

In the charming town of Mont Saint-Michel, allow yourself to be treated to an exclusive tour and gain unprecedented access to parts of the town. Explore the hidden secrets of the magical streets and follow your expert guide as he takes you through routes that are not the usual path for tourists. He also has the keys to this medieval monastery; enjoy a glimpse into the rich heritage of the town and access a rooftop view, where you are able to witness the most splendid horizon across the beautiful bay. 

Drive back to your hotel in Saint-Malo at the end of your tour.

Today is dedicated to the exploration of the coast. From Saint-Malo, you drive to your first stop, Dinard where you meet your guide for a tour of Dinard town (private tour / approx. 2 hours).

Once a small fishing village, Dinard thrived with the arrival of English holidaymakers in the 19th century and became one of the most sought-after destinations of high society. As it developed, it hosted the aristocratic society of the era, the great families of the nobility, and members of the European royal families. Today, Dinard retains its superb cultural heritage and on a private guided tour, you view the majestic and eclectic villas along the clifftops that remain from the Belle-Époque. Take in the breathtaking oceanic views and learn about the development of the town over the centuries and of its adaptation to the world of tourism and luxury.

Enjoy a nice lunch break in the city before taking back the road to reach Cap Fréhel Peninsula.

You drive back to your hotel in Saint-Malo at the end of the day.

Today, you leave Saint-Malo and cross Brittany to reach the southern coast and the city of Quimper (approx. 210 km / 2h45). On your way, you can stop in Dinan just south of Saint-Malo to discover its medieval town. 

Optional activity: Guided tour of Dinan Medieval Town (private tour / approx. 2 hours).

A preserved medieval heritage, the remarkable architecture of the 18th century, the green landscapes of the Rance – no doubt you are in Dinan. Whether you are looking for a rich history, and architectural goldmine, or breathtaking views, Dinan leaves a lasting impression on you. Perched on a hillside above the Rance, Dinan boasts one of the finest architectural patrimonies of Brittany. This tour is great to discover the beauty that presents itself on every corner of the village.

Check in to your hotel in Quimper after your drive and take the rest of the day to rest and relax. Quimper is small enough to feel like a village, with its half-timbered houses and narrow cobbled streets, and large enough to buzz as the troubadour of Breton culture and arts, Quimper is Finistère’s thriving capital. Between excellent museums, standout ‘crêperies’, a history of faience (pottery) production, one of Brittany’s loveliest old quarters and a delightful setting along the river, Quimper deserves a deep exploration.  Stroll hand by hand with your loved one in the charming town of Quimper.

The whole day is at leisure to explore this side of Brittany and its many treasures. With its wild, dramatic coastline, incredibly varied landscapes, charming islands, and medieval towns, there’s plenty to see and do. The Finistere department offers seaside resorts, beaches, and coves as well as historical and architectural goodies. You find the liveliest cafés in pretty, half-timbered buildings along with charming shops selling the pottery bearing local folk designs.

Another idea is Douarnenez, an attractive town on the coast with no fewer than four harbors where you can soak up the unique atmosphere of the narrow streets with craft workshops and fishermen’s cottages. Then fill your lungs with sea air and enjoy the walk to a beautiful bay called Plomarch. The surrounding area is full of colorful quaysides that were once buzzing with the activities of fishing boats and canning factories, which are now lined with cafés and restaurant terraces.

Next destination on your 17-day romantic journey, La Rochelle. 

You leave Brittany in the morning and drive South to reach the region of Charente-Maritime. En route, you pass through beautiful coastal Breton villages. We recommend to make a stop at Carnac. On the South of Brittany, Carnac is renowned for its enormous collection of Neolithic standing stones which constitute the most important prehistoric site in Europe. Located on a narrow peninsula, the area has become a sought-after spot for tourists and yet it retains its quiet and tranquil atmosphere. The region is also popular for wind-sports, so do not hesitate to make a detour to glimpse the show of the sand yachts… You can take your time, stroll and soak up the charming atmosphere of the town center where local shops and cafes await you. 

You arrive in La Rochelle in the afternoon (approx. 370 km / 4 hours) and check in to your hotel. 

La Rochelle is also called ‘La Ville Blanche’ (the White City) for its luminous limestone facades reflecting in the sea. It used to be the most important seaport for France from the 14th to 17th century. Enjoy a walk to admire the many gargoyles and the collection of lighthouses protecting the charming harbor city from the tiles.

The morning is free for you to explore La Rochelle on your own and to stroll along the harbor. 

In the afternoon, you meet with your guide for an afternoon in the vineyards of Cognac (small group tour / approx. 4 hours). Immerse yourself into the heart of the Cognac Country and live an experience off the beaten track in Grande Champagne vineyards, the Premier Cru of Cognac. Share the time, the passion and some secrets of those whose families have elaborated since generations the liquor of the gods... Explore the famous Grande Champagne vineyards with an English speaking local guide, visiting vineyards where the best cognacs are produced. During your tour you are surprised by the calm that emerges from landscapes, but also by quietness that prevails in the wine estates... You also visit a traditional barrel factory.

Your romantic getaway in France now brings you along the coast, down to the South and reach the famous city of Bordeaux, last stop on your great coastal road trip (approx. 185 km / 2 hours). 

After checking in to your hotel, we propose to you a great way to discover this city known worldwide for its fantastic gastronomy. Enjoy a true Bordeaux food tour (private / approx. 3 hours).

You savor the sumptuous flavors of Bordeaux with scenic and historic promenades linking the tastings. You visit a world-renowned Bordelaise company known for their resurrection of the cannelé, the dessert originally prepared by the nuns for school children. You uncover the history of this traditional dessert and learn how its creation in Bordeaux is related to wine. Enjoy a relaxing moment while you sample a delicious and creamy dune, the name of which was inspired by the amazing Dune du Pila near Bordeaux. Your tour ends with a wine tasting. A small boutique wine bar welcomes you into their sun-filled courtyard where you have the option to taste three Bordeaux wines, each with its own unique style, selected for you by the boutique’s sommelier.

When visiting Bordeaux, there is one thing you can’t miss, it’s its famous wines. But we think that the best way to understand and appreciate a wine, is to go directly to its origins and uncover all its secrets. Meet with your guide in the morning and enjoy a unique Saint-Emilion wine experience (small-group tour / approx. 8 hours).

Enjoy a guided tour of the beautiful medieval village of Saint-Emilion. Dating back to the 9th century, the village boasts a unique and charming history. Along your visit, you are guided through the heritage, the town’s origins, and uncover the secrets that lie beneath the village. From there, depart to a family run winery in the region where you are welcomed by the owner and winemaker. The beautiful cultural landscape of Saint-Emilion became the first vineyard to be included in UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites. Gain an understanding of the different steps in the making of the wine and enjoy an appetizer with some local cured meats and home-made tapas, and, of course, the delicious wines produced on the estate. With few modern developments, the vineyards of Saint-Emilion are truly unique amongst their prestigious wine-making neighbors in the Bordeaux region.

At the end of your tour, your driver-guide drives you back to your hotel in Bordeaux.

You can’t leave the Bordelais without making a special detour to the jewel of the coast, the famous Bay of Arcachon. 

We recommend you to take the day for a trip to this beautiful and unique site. 

With some of the most beautiful beaches in France, Arcachon boasts a thriving cultural aspect and is a popular spot for Bordelais wishing to retreat to the seaside during the summer. Explore this relatively young town, with its quaint Victorian architecture and old-fashioned villas, known locally as the Arcachonnaise style. As you stroll around and soak up the delightful atmosphere of the town, take a moment to admire the breathtaking coastal views and the clear blue of the Atlantic Ocean. On your way back, we recommend you to make a stop and visit the famous Dune du Pilat, the highest sand dune in Europe. For lunch, you can opt for the local specialty, try some delicious oysters.

Optional activity: To conclude this fantastic journey, we propose to you a great farewell dinner in a fisherman’s hut on the river Garonne. 

Half an hour from Bordeaux, at the end of a winding path in the vineyards, "a square": a fisherman wooden cabin on stilts, secretly opens its doors to enjoy a peaceful moment and a unique experience.

What a great way to end your romantic journey in France from Normandy to Bordeaux.

After a last delicious breakfast at your hotel, you take the road towards the airport of Bordeaux where you drop off your car at the rental agency. 

You catch your international flight back to home and relax on your seat, while remembering all these wonderful moments you shared and these beautiful life-long memories you are bringing back with you.