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A tour along the French Atlantic coast including Puy du Fou & Cognac
Join us on this 17-night tour, the itinerary of which has been planned to introduced you to some of the most beautiful areas of the French Atlantic Coast, whilst enjoying a mix of organised excursions, free time and social events of lunches, dinners and get-togethers.
Our French Atlantic journey begins in the charming seaside town of Benodet in Southern Brittany. Situated at the mouth of the Odet, one of the most beautiful rivers in France, the town is famed for its beautiful beaches and cuisine and the nearby ‘Îles de Glénan’, an archipelago of islands located approximately 10 miles off the coast.
Leaving Benodet we head south along the coast to the seaside town of Pornichet. Here we explore the interesting dockyard of St Nazaire. After Pornichet, we continue our journey south to the famous and unique ‘Puy du Fou’ park – prepare to be amazed at what is on offer here. For our time at the park, we have also secured tickets for all, to the magical Cinescenie show which takes place just once a week. Keeping to the coast, our next destination is to the beautiful Île de Re’, famous for its pine forest, dunes and pretty harbour villages. As well as its many attractions the island offers fantastic cycling and walking opportunities.
Our next stop along the coast is Saint-Palais-sur-Mer, from where we visit Mornac sur Seudre, recognized as one of Frances most beautiful villages.
Finally, we will be in Cognac, home of brandy, for a visit of the town and a tour of one of the Cognac houses, including tasting some of this famous spirit.
Day One – Saturday 7th September
Arrive in the charming seaside resort of Benodet in Southern Brittany for the start of the tour. Your well-equipped campsite is located close to both the town centre and the beach. This evening the Tour Directors will host a Welcome Reception at their pitch.
Day Two – Sunday 8th September
This morning we take the Little Tourist Train to town, from where we catch the ferry across the estuary for lunch in a local restaurant. Later in the afternoon we have a cruise along the L’Odet river, before returning to the campsite.
Day Three – Monday 9th September
Free day to relax, or why not return to Benodet for your own time in this picturesque port town.
Day Four – Tuesday 10th September
Today we travel south along the Atlantic Coast to a campsite near the seaside town of Pornichet. 125 miles
Day Five – Wednesday 11th September
Collected by coach from site we visit the dockyard town of St Nazaire. Such ships as the Queen Mary and more recently Ocean of the Seas were built here, we will have a tour of the shipyard. After a group lunch at a local restaurant, we will visit a re-created ocean liner for a tour of this classic ship through the ages.
Day Six – Thursday 12th September
Free day. Take it easy or visit the seaside town of Pornichet (30 mins walk/10 mins cycle), where there are many beaches and seafront restaurants available.
Day Seven – Friday 13th September
This morning our destination is the famous “Puy du Fou”: a rural theme park without any rides. Started in 1978 as an open-air amateur dramatics night, it has developed into one of France’s biggest success stories and its second most-visited park after Disneyland Paris. We will spend the next two nights perfectly located to enjoy the park from its own Camping Aire, where facilities are limited to toilets and waste disposal. You will be issued with a 48-hour pass for the park and this afternoon and evening you will be free to take in as many shows as possible. 50 miles
Day Eight – Saturday 14th September
Return to the park today in your own time and enjoy more of the spectacular events. Return to your motorhome during the afternoon to relax in preparation for this-evenings magical Cinescenie Show. Performed just once a week, this is a true highlight of any Puy du Fou visit.
Day Nine – Sunday 15th September
Not far to travel today as we make our way to the “île de Ré” where we will stay for four nights. This evening no need to cook as we enjoy a group restaurant meal. 83 miles
Day Ten – Monday 16th September
Today we have an excursion to La Rochelle where we will have a morning guided tour of the town, including the bustling market area before taking lunch in a local restaurant. Following lunch, we visit some of the towns Maritime places of interest, before being returned at the end of the afternoon to our campsite.
Day Eleven – Tuesday 17th September
We make our way to nearby St. Martain. Here there is time to explore this picturesque town before meeting at the waterfront for a group lunch. Return to the campsite in your own time. From the campsite to St Martin is 3km/2 miles, you may travel with the Tour Directors using the local bus from just outside the campsite or it can be cycled.
Day Twelve – Wednesday 18th September
We start with a leisurely continental Breakfast of French bread, Croissants and Coffee. After breakfast, you have the day to explore the local area, there are many cycle and walking routes and our campsite is situated close to the beach.
Day Thirteen – Thursday 19th September
Leaving the “île de Ré” we continue our journey south along the coast to the “Côte Sauvage” area and our campsite located on the outskirts of Saint-Palais-sur-Mer. The journey today is quite short, so you will have time to stop off at some of the many interesting places on route – the area is famous for its Oyster Beds. 59 miles
Day Fourteen – Friday 20th September
A busy day today. We are collected by coach for a guided tour of the village of Mornac sur Seudre, recognized as one of Frances most beautiful villages. We will explore its history, the old fortified city, heart of a once flourishing maritime trade, its Romanesque church and picturesque alleys. Following a short coffee break, we visit the salt marshes and discover their history. A group lunch will be taken in a typical restaurant setting on the oyster port. After lunch, we have a tour of Cave Jules Gauret “macic of Pineau” where there will also be tastings. Returning towards our campsite, we take a panoramic tour of Royan and hear about its history through the ages, the market, and the church of Notra Dame.
Day Fifteen – Saturday 21st September
A chance to relax today. Perhaps take a bus, bike ride or walk to the seaside town of Saint Palais sur Mer, with its many restaurants and shops. Or just walk across the road from our campsite for a stroll on the beach.
Day Sixteen – Sunday 22nd September
Travel onwards today to Cognac. 45 miles
Day Seventeen – Monday 23rd September
Today we visit Cognac, home to the production of brandy. We’ll have an excursion around the places of interest, including visiting a large producer in the centre of town to see the modern production of cognac, which we follow with tastings. We have a leisurely ‘Farewell Lunch’ in a local Cognac restaurant, before returning to the campsite where there will be ‘Farewell Evening Drinks’ with the Tour Directors.
Day Eighteen – Tuesday 24th September
Tour ends this morning. If you have travelled out with the Tour Directors on the optional package your return Calais/Dover crossing is included for you. With this being a totally flexible ticket, you may plan your return to best suit yourself. Changes to your P&O sailing must be made via your Tour Directors who will also offer any assistance with your route planning if required.
PRICE TOUR DEPOSIT £000
Motorhome with 2 people = £0000 per person
Motorhome with 1 person = £0000
INCLUDED IN PRICE
- 15 Campsite nights with hook-up
- 2 Camping nights on Aire without hook-up
- Transport for Excursions/Events as detailed
- Entrance fees on Excursions/Events as per the itinerary
- Tour Information Pack with suggested routes & GPS co-ordinates
- Services of Tour Directors throughout the tour travelling in their own motorhome
- Michelin Map of France
Excursions, Events and Meals
- Welcome Reception
- Tour of Benodet on Little Tourist Train
- Lunch in Benodet with wine
- L’Odet river cruise
- Excursion to St Nazaire including ship-yard tour
- Lunch in St Nazaire with wine
- Two Day Pass to ‘Puy du Fou’
- Puy du Fou Cinescenie Show tickets
- “île de Ré” campsite restaurant dinner with wine
- Coach Excursion to La Rochelle, including Lunch with wine
- St Martain visit by local bus including lunch with wine
- Group Continental Breakfast
- Excursion to Mornac sur Seudre
- Group lunch with wine
- Tour with tastings at Cave Jules Gauret
- Cognac excursion
- Cognac House tour with tastings
- Farewell Lunch with wine and Evening Drinks with the Tour Directors
This tour starts in Benodet, Brittany, but if you would like to travel on the outward journey with the Tour Directors, please book the optional tour package so that everything can be arranged on your behalf
OPTIONAL EXTRA PACKAGE
- Return Dover/Calais Ferry with Flexible Ticket + Club Class Lounge
- 4 x additional Campsite Nights starting in Kent on Tuesday 3rd September followed by 3 in France.
- Tour information pack with suggested routes & GPS co-ordinates
- Services of Tour Directors travelling in their own motorhome
OPTIONAL PACKAGE PRICE
Motorhome with 2 people = £000 per person
Motorhome with 1 person = £000