Brittany: South Coast and Islands

8 Days & 7 Nights

Easy going walks around Brittany's Morbihan peninsulas and islands
Stroll through the medieval market town of Vannes
Immerse yourself in authentic Celtic Brittany and the Breton lifestyle
Feast on local savoury galettes, sweet crêpes and refreshing cider
Travel by scenic ferry to Île-aux-Moines, Île d'Arz and Locmariaquer

See a different side to Brittany on this twin centre walking holiday exploring Vannes, the islands and peninsulas of the Morbihan Gulf. Start your trip with 3 nights in Port de Crouesty. Take short yet scenic ferry boats through the sparkling waters of the Gulf to tranquil islands where easy coastal trails await. Head to the lively town of Vannes for four nights, a real hidden gem on Brittany’s South coast, and follow relaxing coastal walks, some along the long distance GR34 trail. A free day in Vannes gives ample opportunity to explore its medieval ramparts, or simply wander the stalls of the twice-weekly market and relax with an apéritif by the port, like a true ‘Vannetais’.

What To Expect

This walking tour in France’s Morbihan region is perfect for those looking for a relaxed trip away from the crowds of Northern Brittany. This region is authentically French, and above all, authentically Breton! Rated easy-moderate, you will be walking on a mixture of coastal trails, paved/unpaved quiet country roads and woodland trails. Stay in a 3* hotel in Port Navalo and a 4* hotel & spa in Vannes.

Tour Style:

Self Guided | Go at your own pace on an independent active trip.

Activity:

Multi Center Walking | You will spend multiple nights in one or more of the locations on this walking tour

This trip is suitable for:

First Timers

As a guide, we would suggest that the minimum age of traveler this tour would be suitable for is: 12 Years

Activity Level & Terrain

This trip is graded ‘easy—moderate’ with average daily distance being 15km. All the walks can be easily shortened in places. The walking is very gently and almost completely flat! You will be walking on a mixture of coastal gravel and sand paths, and quiet paved country roads.

Navigation

All trails are well way-marked and you will be provided with a map and route notes. You will also have access to the Macs Adventure Smartphone App enabling you to follow the route using your phone's GPS so you will have no problems finding the way.

Accommodations

Stay 3 nights in a comfortable 3* hotel, and 4 nights in a fabulous 4* hotel. Below is an example of the accommodations we use on this trip. These accommodations are subject to availability and therefore alternatives of an equal standard may be offered.

Single Rooms & Solo Walkers

If you require single rooms we would be happy to accommodate you although there is a single room supplement payable. We also welcome solo walkers on this tour, again a supplement is payable.

Meals

Breakfasts are included each day. Breakfasts in Brittany tend to be a buffet selection with lots of sweet treats like crêpes, home made jams, cakes and pastries. Savoury tastes are also catered for with cheeses, ham, eggs and bread available. Packed lunch items can be bought locally from supermarkets or the local boulangerie (bakery). In France, boulangeries are still an important part of everyday life and can be found on most streets. Dinner can be purchased in each town, with several options available you will be spoilt for choice! Some Breton specialities that shouldn’t be missed are freshly shucked oysters from the bay of Quiberon cooked in chouchen (a kind of Breton mead), sea salt toffee, local cider and of course the ubiquitous crêpe!

Included

3 nights accommodation in a 3* hotel, 4 nights in a 4* hotel
7 Breakfasts
Ferry tickets as per the itinerary
Transfers as per the itinerary
Detailed information pack, route notes and maps
GPX tracks and access to our GPS Macs Adventure smartphone app
24/7 telephone support from our UK office

Excluded

Travel insurance (required)
Travel to and from Vannes
Lunches
Dinners
Drinks and snacks
Personal equipment

Extras

Additional nights before, during and after the walk

When To Go

This tour is available from mid-May to mid-October. Any time within this period is ideal for walking. August can be very busy as this is the main holiday-making month for the French and other European countries. September and October are calmer and Brittany often experiences an 'Indian Summer' during this time with pleasant temperatures.

Getting to the Start

Fly: into Paris Charles de Gaulle, Orly or Beauvais airports. Train connections vary depending on which Paris airport you arrive into. There is a direct TGV train from Charles de Gaulle to Rennes which takes about 3 hours. Alternatively, if you make your way to Paris Gare Montparnasse in the city centre, there is a new TGV line that leaves from here and takes only 1 hour 25 mins to reach Rennes.

From Rennes, take a train to Vannes which takes about 1 hour. Train times and details can be found at sncf.com.

Train: Eurostar from London St-Pancras International to Paris (Gard du Nord). Change here and travel to Paris Gare Montparnasse, from here take a direct TGV train to Rennes (between 1 hour 25 mins and two hours). From Rennes, take a train to Vannes which takes about 1 hours. The whole trip can be booked at www.eurostar.com.

Drive: From Folkestone, take the Eurotunnel shuttle to Calais, and continue driving from here. From Calais, it is about a 6 hour drive to Vannes. Booking and more info can be found at www.eurotunnel.com

Drive and Ferry: Drive to Dover and take the ferry to Calais (approx. 1 hour 15 mins crossing). Then drive onto Vannes (approx. 6 hours drive). Ferry info and booking can be found at www.poferries.com

We can also organise extra nights in Rennes if required.

Getting from the End

From Vannes train station you can take a train back to Rennes (about 1 hour). Train details can be found at sncf.com. From Rennes you can take a TGV train to many locations in France and Europe, or continue home via one of the methods mentioned in the ‘Getting to’ section.

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.

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