* Nantes and the South Brittany Coast

Nantes, one of Brittany’s most important historic cites, straddles the Loire where land, sea and river routes converge. The vine striped countryside produces fine white wines, whilst grand ocean liners and fishing boats rub shoulders on the wild Atlantic coast.

3 days / 240 km

Ref: 11B009

Dates

April , May , June , July , August , September , October , November

D1 Nantes Centre and Muscadet Wines (40 km)

Lunch of the group in Nantes. Guided tour of the delightful town centre taking in its 18th century half-timbered houses, colonial style dwellings, the grandiose Graslin Theatre and elegant “Passage Pommeraye” shopping gallery. Join the Nantes vineyard trail and stop to taste some of the light and fresh Muscadet wines. Dinner and overnight.

D2 St Nazaire Ocean Liners and the “Côte Sauvage” (160 km)

St Nazaire has been France’s first shipbuilding centre since the 19th century, building some of France’s most prestigious transatlantic liners. Cross the stupendous St Nazaire Bridge across the Loire Estuary and make for the former submarine base, where the “Escal’Atlantic” exhibition recreates the world of these gracious ships, a unique experience. Lunch in a creperie then on via the wild, rocky headland of Le Croisic to the more sheltered port. Once an important trading centre it’s now a popular seaside resort. Return journey via La Baule and its legendary sweep of fine sandy beach. Dinner and overnight.

D3 Cruise on the River Erdre (40 km)

Take a trip upriver on the Erdre from Nantes, on the most beautiful part of the river as far as the lovely Gascherie Castle. Lunch.