Backroads of France - Brittany & Normandy
This one is for all the food-a-holics and drink-a-holics out there! Join us on one of the most “fulfilling” of our trips as we embark on a gastronomic journey of western France. From the wines of Loire valley to mussels of Brittany to camembert in Normandy, we will taste it all. Driving through some of the most stunning landscapes of France, this easy-paced itinerary indulges all your senses – bring your camera and your appetite – you will need both
Trip Highlights
- Begin your journey in Paris exploring some unseen corners of ville d’amour
- Visit the Loire valley & its chateaus – extravagant symbols of French aristocracy – including the king of Chateaus – majestic Chateau Chambord
- Sample some excellent wines like Saumur or Vouvray’s chenin blanc and liquors such as Cointreau & Absinthe
- Drive through less frequented towns like Vannes, Concarneau, Quimper & St-Malo – known not only for their stunning beauty but also for their gastronomic delights
- Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mont St. Michel – the Gothic-style Benedictine abbey perched on a rocky islet in the midst of vast sandbanks, perched between Brittany & Normandy
- Visit the beaches of Normandy – the site of Allied Landings that changed the course of history
Which Visa Do I Need
Indian citizens require a visa to visit France.Â
Length of Stay
We recommend at least 7-8 days for this itinerary. You may wish to spend an additional 3-4 days in Paris at the end or at the beginning of the trip (as Paris is the most convenient airport)
Best time to visit
While best visited in the summer (mid June to end Aug), this region is a fairly year-round destination. The shoulder months of April-June and Sep-Oct are ideal as the crowds are lesser. Winters do tend to be cold, with short days, however, it does not snow as much
art & architecture, world war history, chateaus, gastronomy, vineyards & wine tasting, hot air balloon rides
Did you know
- Many of the smaller chateaux in Loire valley are still lived in by the actual owners. Chateau de Brissac is the tallest chateau in France and has been in the same family since 1502. More than 500 years later, descendants the marquis and marquise still live in the chateau with their children
- The Loire valley is the biggest producer of sparkling wine outside of Champagne. Here you’ll find it labelled as Crémant de Loire and it uses local grape varieties such as Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon
- Angers is home to the world famous Cointreau liqueur. All 16 million litres are produced in its state of the art modern distillery on the outskirts of Angers
- Brittany has it’s own parliament and flag! The flag is called “Gwenn ha Du”- in Breton.
- Brittany is home to mind-blowing megalithic structures. The menhirs and dolmens are still an unsolved mystery.
- Brittany is famous for crepes known as galettes that is usually topped with cheese, eggs, ham, mushroom and cream.
