Day 1: Travel by Eurostar from St Pancras to Paris and onwards to Rennes by TGV. On arrival, transfer by coach to the Mercure Rennes Centre Parlement. Welcome drink at the hotel.Â
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Day 2:Â Full day tour to Carnac and Vannes.Â
Mysterious Carnac is one of Europe’s most important prehistoric sites, in use since 5700BC. Around 2,000 menhirs (megalithic stones) stand in parallel rows north of the delightful town. Pass through the gateway Porte St- Vincente of Vannes’ walled and well-preserved old town and you enter a stroller’s paradise of lively squares, winding streets overhung by timber fronted houses and charming gardens. Busy, modern Vannes has plenty of grand public buildings and fascinating museums.
Day 3: Full day tour to Mont-Saint-Michel and Fougères.
The breath-taking Mont-Saint-Michel is definitely worth a quick sojourn into Normandy. The island commune has been the seat of a monastery since the 8th century though it was at its most influential in the 12th and 13th centuries as a pilgrimage site. The abbey, unchanged for centuries, crowns the island, the village at its foot full of shops and restaurants. En route, we will visit the fortress town of Fougères which is protected by ramparts. Its impressive château comprises 13 towers and walls over 3 metres thick.
Day 4: Full day to relax and explore Rennes at your leisure.
Rennes, the regional capital is a likeable, lively city. Though much of the historic centre was rebuilt in the 1720s following a devastating fire, there are still medieval gems to be found amongst the grand 18th century replacements. For an excellent overview of life in Brittany since prehistoric times visit the Museé de Bretagne whilst the Musée des Beaux Arts is notable for its paintings and drawings collection.
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Day 5:Â Full day tour to Dinan, Dinard and Saint-Â Malo.
The medieval walled town of Dinan sits on a hilltop overlooking the River Rance. Some of its many historical buildings date back to the 13th century and the city walls are excellent for a stroll that will lead you to the Château de Dinan. Belle Époque villas and sandy beaches made Dinard France’s top resort until the 1930s and attracted many famous names including Picasso, Debussy and Winston Churchill. Saint-Malo is a walled port city that was once notorious for piracy. Today the only treasure is the elegant, old architecture, particularly the superb citadel at the city’s heart.
Day 6:Â Full day tour to Paimpol.
Today we spend today in Paimpol, a charming Breton fishing port with cobbled streets and a Quartier Latin. We visit the Abbey de Beauport which was founded in 1202, and boasts beautiful Gothic architecture in a picturesque coastal setting. Free time in Paimpol for individual exploration, then return towards Rennes with a little detour for a cider-tasting and crepes.Â
Day 7: Transfer by coach back to Rennes station to catch the return TGV to Paris. At Paris, board the return Eurostar service to St Pancras.
NB:Â Exact order of itinerary may vary according to local conditions and tour manager's discretion.
Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 35 passengers.Â
Mercure Rennes Centre Parlement
The hotel sits on a quiet street in the very heart of Rennes, just a few minutes’ walk from both the train station and the city’s historic centre. Hotel rooms are spacious and bright, offering a private bathroom with bath and hairdryer, air-conditioning, television, WIFI and minibar. The hotel also has a breakfast room and a bar that serves light meals.