Discover the pearls of Brittany, Bordeaux and the Loire Valley | France Itinerary

Route

You travel from Brittany to the Loire with stops in Dinard, Île de Ré, Cognac, Bordeaux and Cheverny. Along the way you visit places such as Cancale and La Rochelle before ending among the castles of the Loire Valley.

Pace

A two-week road trip with six stays of two nights each. Drives remain short so there is time to explore villages, coastal towns and vineyards.

Highlights

Dinard and oysters in Cancale, cycling on Île de Ré and the harbour of La Rochelle. Cognac houses in Cognac, vineyards around Bordeaux and the castles of the Loire Valley.

Accommodation

Thirteen nights in six Caractère hotels in different settings: on the Breton coast, on Île de Ré, in Cognac, among the vineyards near Bordeaux and close to the Loire castles.

Profile

For travellers who want to discover the coast, wine regions and historic towns in one trip through France.

Day 1 - 3: Departure to Dinard

On the first day, you will drive to one of France's most elegant seaside resorts: Dinard! This town was hugely popular with the English aristocracy back in the day. Something you can still see today in the typical English-style coastal villas that adorn the coastline. A tip from our specialist: go for an oyster tasting in Cancale or rent a speedboat at the hotel and sail along the rugged cliffs.

Day 3 - 5: Dinard - Billiers

From Dinard you travel on to Billiers, a cosy family seaside resort with lovely beaches and nature. You spend the night in a former customs barracks that has been converted. We strongly recommend you test out the hotel's gourmet restaurant. Here you will enjoy delicious dishes completely surrounded by the ocean.

Day 5 - 7: Billiers - Saint-Martin-de-Ré

From Brittany, you head towards Île-de-Ré. This is where you will stay in one of our charming hotels. Located near the marina, the hotels offer an oasis of calm right in the bustling centre of fortified Saint-Martin-de-Ré. The island is great for exploring by bike and nearby La Rochelle is also a must visit. Here you'll enjoy strolling along the old port and through the hidden streets full of historic houses.

Day 7 - 9: Saint-Martin-de-Ré - Cognac

From idyllic Île-de-Ré, you'll move on towards 'authentic France' in relatively unknown Cognac. Here you will stay in the city centre in a former cognac distillery. Make sure to visit one of the famous cognac houses, such as those of Martell and Hennessy, or hire a 2hp and head out among the fields with a picnic basket full of delicacies.

Day 9 - 11: Cognac - Martillac

In Martillac, you will stay among the vineyards. Here you can enjoy a day at your stay's spa or visit nearby Bordeaux including its impressive wine museum, Cité du Vin. Other highlights of this region include the Bay of Arcachon or the Dune du Pilat, Europe's highest dune.

Day 11 - 13: Martillac - Cheverny - Going home

Here in Cheverny, you will once again stay in the midst of tranquillity, in an accommodation designed as a village next to a medieval castle. Must-sees in this region include vinotherapies at the hotel and visits to the breathtaking Loire castles nearby.

Frequently asked questions about this trip

Do you need a car for this trip?

Yes. The route passes through several regions and many places are outside the major cities. A car makes it easy to reach villages, vineyards and coastal towns.