The French Atlantic Coast

A tour along the French Atlantic coast

Join us on this 22-night tour, the itinerary of which has been carefully planned to indulge guests. You will be introduced to some of the most beautiful areas of France’s Atlantic Coast whilst enjoying a balanced mix of organised excursions, free time and social events of lunches, dinners and get-togethers.

Our Atlantic Adventure 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 city of Nantes. Located on the Loire River, Nantes has a long history as a port and there is time for you to visit many of its attractions. From Nantes, we continue our journey south to the famous and unique ‘Puy du Fou’ entertainment park – prepare to be amazed at what is on offer here. Continuing along 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.

Next stop is near Saint-Emilion which is a charming medieval village located in the heart of the Bordeaux wine area, were world-famous wineries, fine wine, beautiful architecture, and great monuments are a perfect match.

Finally, we will be in the Dordogne, and if you love beautiful and authentic landscapes and unusual places, you will be charmed by this beautiful region and the many sites to discover.

Day One – Monday 13^th June
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 – Tuesday 14^th June
This morning we will take a tour of the town on the Little Tourist Train. This will enable you to orientate yourself and ensure that you make the most of your free time throughout the rest of the day. This evening we will all meet for dinner in a local restaurant.

Day Three – Wednesday 15^th June
Free day to relax or take a walk down to the port.

Day Four – Thursday 16^th June
Today we travel south along the Atlantic Coast to Nantes. Our campsite has excellent facilities and is located adjacent to the tram line which affords easy travel to and around the city. 142 miles

Day Five – Friday 17^th June
Free Time Today. You will be issued with a 48 hour “Nantes Travel Pass” which entitles you to unlimited use of the public transport system (trams, buses, tour bus, little train) to explore this fascinating city. For those interested the tour directors will lead a group into town this morning – this will familiarise you with the use of the transport system and the layout of the city. In addition to the public transport you could follow the Green Line walking trail and discover a city of beauty and interest. This evening we will have a group dinner in the campsite restaurant.

Day Six – Saturday 18^th June
Free Day.  Use your Travel Pass to explore more of the city and its attractions. Visit the “Les Machines De L’Île” and take a ride on the enormous “Mechanical Elephant” before exploring other exhibitions. This afternoon you could take a river trip included in your travel pass.

Day Seven – Sunday 19^th June
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 will be 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 – Monday 20^th June
Return to the park today in your own time and enjoy more of the spectacular events. After a long day it is just a short walk back to our vans for a good night’s sleep.

Day Nine – Tuesday 21^st June
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 – Wednesday 22^nd June
Today we will have an excursion to La Rochelle where we will have a guided tour of the town including the bustling market area before taking lunch in a local restaurant. Following lunch, we visit the Maritime Museum before returning at the end of the afternoon to our campsite.

Day Eleven – Thursday 23^rd June
We start with a leisurely continental Group Breakfast of French bread, Croissants and Coffee at the Tour Directors pitch. After breakfast, you will be free to explore the local area.

Day Twelve – Friday 24^th June
Free day to relax around the campsite

Day Thirteen – Saturday 25^th June
Leaving the “île de Ré” this morning 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. This evening we will meet for a group dinner in the campsite restaurant. 59 miles

Day Fourteen – Sunday 26^th June
Our excursion is to Rochefort today where we visit the Corderie Royale to discover the art of rope-making and all things nautical at the ‘International Sea Centre’ before taking lunch in the museum restaurant.  After lunch, we visit the Hermione – the largest replica of a traditional 17^th century French warship.

Day Fifteen – Monday 27^th June
We have a Free Day today.  You could relax on-site and spend some time in the excellent swimming pool, take a walk through the nearby marshes or stroll through the forest to the beach – the possibilities are endless.  This evening we will meet at the restaurant for a Sea Food and Pineau Tasting.

Day Sixteen – Tuesday 28^th June
Another excursion today, this time to the beautifully restored Chateau de Crazannes. We will explore its lovely gardens, the Roman chapel, the moat and the keep before taking lunch in the Chateau itself. In the afternoon we will visit the unusual and mysterious stone quarries of Crazannes from where the stone was used to build the famous Fort Boyard.

Day Seventeen – Wednesday 29^th June
Today we travel to our next campsite near St Emillion for three nights. 90 miles

Day Eighteen – Thursday 30^th June
Our campsite is nestled in the heart of the vineyards and offers a great opportunity to relax. Twice a day, a free shuttle service is offered to get to the village of Saint Emilion.

Day Nineteen – Friday 1^st July
We can’t stay in this area without trying some of the famous wines, so we are planning a visit to one of the local wineries today.

Day Twenty – Saturday 2^nd July
Our next destination is near Beynac et Cazanac where we stay for three nights. The village is classed as one of Les plus beaux villages de France (most beautiful villages of France). Beynac has featured in some well-known films set in the Dordogne, including Chocolat and The Joan of Arc Story. 97 miles

Day Twenty-one – Sunday 3^rd July
From the campsite, you are at the base of themajestic feudal castle of Beynac and its many secrets. This imposing feudal building sits on a rocky pedestal and dominates the valley from above. you can also discover two other famous castles on foot:
– the Château de Marqueyssac, famous for its beautiful gardens
– and the Château de Castelnaud, with its museum of the 100 Years War.

Day Twenty-two – Monday 4^th July
It is the final day of our tour, and it has been left free to afford you time to relax. Later we have a Farewell Evening including dinner with wine in one of the local Restaurant.

Day Twenty-three – Tuesday 5^th July
The tour ends this morning. You may choose to travel on further or if our Tour Directors are returning to the UK travel back with them at your own expense along a route of their choosing.

PRICE                                         TOUR DEPOSIT £000

Motorhome with 2 people = £0000 per person
Motorhome with 1 person = £0000

INCLUDED IN PRICE

• 20 Campsite nights with electric hook-up
• 2 camping nights on Aire without electric
• Transport for Excursions/Events as per the Itinerary
• 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
• Dinner in a local restaurant
• 48hr Transport Tickets to the City of Nantes and “Las Machines De L’île”
• Two Day Pass to ‘Puy du Fou’
• Île de Re’ restaurant dinner
• Coach excursion to La Rochelle, including lunch
• Entry to the Maritime Museum
• Tour Director’s Group Continental Breakfast
• Campsite restaurant Dinner
• Excursion to Rochefort, including lunch
• Sea Food and Pineau Tasting
• Excursion to Chateau de Crazannes
• Excursion to a Wine Producer
• Farewell Evening Dinner with wine

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

• Service of Tour Directors travelling in their own motorhome
• Return Dover/Calais Ferry with 60-day Flexible Ticket + Club Class Lounge
• 3 x additional Campsite Nights starting in Kent on Friday 10th June followed by 2 x France
• Tour information pack with suggested routes & GPS co-ordinates

OPTIONAL PACKAGE PRICE

Motorhome with 2 people = £000 per person
Motorhome with 1 person = £000