Headwater - Brittany's Emerald Coast Self-Guided Walk

9 days

from

£1,269

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Leisurely / Moderate

Trip code:

W08BT

Way to Travel:

Self-Guided

Activity:

Walking & Trekking

Min age:

Group size:

1–6

Spectacular views await: pink granite boulders above turquoise seas characterise the Breton coast.

The ancient name for Brittany was Armor, land of the sea, and it is undoubtedly this element that most influences the landscape and best captures the spirit of this distinctive region. From the rocky headlands of the northern shore, sweeping round to the sometimes wild west coast, to the gentle sheltered bays along the southern coastline, the sea is always an integral part of everyday life here. During the first few days of your holiday, you'll be walking along the magnificent paths that hug the northern coast. It's a landscape of pinky-gold cliffs, secret coves, deserted, heather-backed beaches and traditional Breton fishing villages untouched by tourism. It's perfect for exploring on foot and, at every turn, you're rewarded with fabulous panoramic views of the entire Emerald Coast. Heading inland, the route takes you along the banks of the River Rance and on through the majestic Hunaudaye forest. Highlights include the feudal Fort la Latte and the beautiful stone-crafted town of Dinan. In the Middle Ages, Dinan served as one of the main strategic strongholds of the Duchy of Brittany and much of her mediaeval charm remains today.

Highlights

Deserted coastal paths, shaded forest trails, magnificent beaches
Wildlife: Kingfishers, otters and a huge variety of nesting seabirds
Superb seafood; sweet and savoury crepes; refreshing local cider

Key information

8 nights in 3 to 4-star accommodation
4 days point to point walking
Low altitude and well-marked paths

What's included

All breakfasts and 4 dinners
All accommodation (see accommodation section)
Luggage transfers between hotels
Route notes and maps provided
Walking transfers

What's not included

Travel insurance
Single accommodation (available on request - compulsory supplement)
Visa's & vaccinations

Call for general departures:

020 8772 3936

Call for tailormade trips:

+44 (0)20 8772 3874

Email:

[email protected]

Request a brochure >

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

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Days of Walking & Trekking

Terrain:

Varied walking following well-marked GR routes along coastal paths, river banks, country lanes and shady forest tracks. Some steep, but short, ascents and descents, but a good head for heights is not necessary.

Day by day breakdown

Day 217.0km/11.0miles

Day 417.0km/11.0miles

Day 619.0km/12.0miles

Day 818.0km/12.0miles

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Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage. To learn more about what Responsible Travel means to Exodus click here…

Itinerary

Include flights Expand all

London

Day 1

Arrive at Lamballe

Your holiday starts at M. Jamin's C16 manor house in the countryside, just 3kms outside the market town of Lamballe. With only 14 rooms, it's a lovely, intimate place to stay. The courtyard opens up onto beautifully kept gardens and an elegant terrace for al fresco dining on fine summer evenings.
Standard hotel

Meals included: Breakfast Dinner
Day 2

Lamballe to Sables d'Or-Les-Pins

You take a short transfer to the tiny Breton fishing port of Dahouet. From here, it's coastal walking at its best: extensive views, aquamarine seas, white sandy beaches and rocky coves - don't forget your swimming things! Lunch on the beach at Caroual then head inland and on to your lovely hotel at Sables-d'Or-Les-Pins.
Standard hotel

Meals included: Breakfast Dinner
Day 3

At Sables d'Or-Les-Pins

Sables-d'Or-Les-Pins is a pretty seaside village with magnificent golden sand beaches. It would be easy to just spend the day here, however we strongly recommend following our suggested circular walk (route notes provided) along a spectacular coastal footpath around the cliff and on to nearby Cap d'Erquy, a delightful fishing village with some outstanding seafood restaurants for lunch.
Standard hotel

Meals included: Breakfast Dinner
Day 4

Sables d'Or-Les-Pins to Dinard

Deserted beaches and heather-topped cliffs provide the colourful backdrop for today's walk which leads you via the Cap Frehel Lighthouse (look out for nesting seabirds) to the famous C14 feudal stronghold of Fort la Latte. Perched on a rocky promontory over the ocean, this castle occupies one of the finest sites in Brittany. Climb up the tower for magnificent coastal views, out as far as Jersey on a clear day.

Standard hotel

Meals included: Breakfast
Day 5

At Dinard

Once a sleepy fishing village on the estuary of the Rance, the English transformed the town into one of the most famous and upmarket resorts in Europe during the C19. Although a little quieter now, it has not lost any of its charm and many of the Belle Epoque villas have become historic monuments. Walk out to the Pointe des Etretes for views of the off-shore islands, or take a 10-minute water taxi across the bay to St-Malo and lose yourself in the narrow cobbled streets within the Intra Muros (fortified walls) of this ancient mediaeval city.
Standard hotel

Meals included: Breakfast
Day 6

Dinard to Dinan

Starting with a transfer to the picturesque Breton village of Langrolay-sur-Rance, today's route takes you inland, mostly following the course of the River Rance. It's wonderfully tranquil walking through shady forests, fruit orchards, and along peaceful riverside paths. Your hotel in Dinan is superbly located within the ramparts of the mediaeval old town.

Standard hotel

Meals included: Breakfast
Day 7

At Dinan

This beautifully preserved ancient walled town, with its riverfront port, is an absolute gem. Wander round the splendidly restored ancient squares and ramparts, visit the imposing C13 castle, admire the flamboyant Gothic basilica and stroll along the cobbled streets packed with authentic artisan workshops.
Standard hotel

Meals included: Breakfast
Day 8

Dinan to Plorec/Lamballe

You take a short transfer then it's off through the Pays du Tour du Penthievre where shady woodland paths skirt the river as far as the impressive C13 Chateau de la Hunaudaye, the ruins of which date back over 800 years. Then it's on across farmland, past ancient standing stones, to Lamballe, where you can relax in the hotel gardens before dinner.

Standard hotel

Meals included: Breakfast Dinner
Day 9

Leave Lamballe

If you have pre-booked a transfer our rep will take you to Lamballe station in time for your train.

Meals included: Breakfast

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

Show map

Essential Info

Visas

France

No visa required for British passport holders.

Vaccinations

France

There are no specific health risks.

Eating and Drinking

Continental breakfasts and 4 evening meals are included.

Brittany’s fish and seafood is without doubt one of the region’s biggest draws. Platters stacked high with lobster, crab, oyster, shrimp and prawns grace the tables of the atmospheric restaurants. Huge bowls of fresh mussels, scallops and stuffed clams take their place alongside delicious sea bass and bream. The flat local ‘Belons’ oysters are delicious, fleshier than normal ones; they are renowned for their fine hazelnut flavour. Seafood will generally be served with the excellent Breton butter, which contains Guérande salt crystals, and plain bread. Brittany has its own variant on the well-known Provençal fish soup bouillabaisse. This dish, known as cotriade, is usually eaten as a starter, but served with cheese and croutons. It is hearty enough to qualify as a meal in itself!

Many people also think of crêpes when they think of Brittany and indeed almost every little village or town has its own crêperie. The usual custom is to start with a savoury galette (which distinguishes itself from the crêpe by being prepared with buckwheat flour instead of wheat flour), with your own choice of delicious fillings. The classics are ‘la galette complète’ which includes ham, grated cheese and an egg; or one with mushrooms and cream. But you will find as many different fillings as different chefs and then each crêperie has its own specialities. This is then followed by as many galettes as your appetite allows you to eat and finished by a sweet ‘crêpe’, again with a whole range of scrummy fillings!
You will be spoilt for choice with sweet specialties as well. As Brittany produces the best and finest French butter, they have an array of traditional tasty biscuits (the popular galettes and palets Bretons, petits beurres, galettes de Pont Aven, etc…), pastries ( gâteau Breton and gâteau Nantais) based on buttery dough. One of the main traditional desserts is the Far Breton, a sort of local clafoutis (French batter pudding) made with prunes. The region is also a major apple producer so it’s likely that you find a lot of apple specialities.

Cider is the drink most commonly associated with Brittany and is proudly served in all restaurants in the typical bolée glass. Like wine, parts of Brittany have been awarded appellation d’origine contrôlée for their cider. There are three sorts of cider: brut (‘dry’, the most popular), demi-sec (‘semi-dry’) which is a good alternative if you find the dry one too bitter, and doux (‘sweet’) which can be served with desserts and sweets. A brut cider is the perfect accompaniment to crêpes but also to mature soft-washed-rind-cheeses like the neighbouring Camembert. You could try a pairing with game pâtés, nuts or dry fruit salads or even bring back a few bottles in order to enjoy them with mature cheddar. Another popular drink is pommeau de Bretagne, a delicious mix of apple juice and calvados. Its sweet, yet smooth flavour makes for a perfect apéritif. The only wine produced in Brittany is Muscadet. It is produced from the Melon de Bretagne grape, which has been cultivated here since the early 17th century, to give a dry and fruity white wine that goes perfectly with the region’s signature fish and seafood specialities.

Weather

July is the hottest time to visit the Brittany coast, with an average temperature of 17 degrees C and August providing the most hours of sunshine (on average 7 hours). Those seeking the best swimming opportunities will find the sea at an average of 18 degrees C in August. The wettest month is October.

Is this trip for you?

Activity Level: 1 (Leisurely)

This 8-night walk is the perfect introduction to Brittany's beautiful coastline, allowing you to experience the very best of the beautiful Breton coast. You'll enjoy simply stunning walks, taking in dramatic scenery, a wealth of colours and a multitude of mediaeval influences.

As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. We have suggested that 8yrs is the minimum age for this trip, but as it is self-guided and you will be leading your own family we will ultimately leave this decision up to you. There may be others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. You are provided with route notes for each day, which begin with an overview of the walk and advice on lunch, followed by detailed instructions. The route notes contain a 24 hour emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the hotels are normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.

Call for general departures:

020 8772 3936

Call for tailormade trips:

+44 (0)20 8772 3874

Email:

[email protected]

Request a brochure >

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

Accommodation

Hotels

Your accommodation is full of contrasts, including a lovely seaside hotel in Sables-d'Or-Les-Pins and a superbly located 4 star hotel built into the ramparts in the heart of historic Dinan. In Dinard, you'll stay in the upgraded sea-view rooms looking out across the idyllic Atlantic expanse to the old port town of St-Malo.

All prices are based on 2 persons sharing, so if there is an odd number of people travelling in your party or you are travelling alone, there will be a compulsory supplement for a single room for the tour duration. For a solo traveller there is an additional charge to cover transfer costs. Please contact us for further details.

Call for general departures:

020 8772 3936

Call for tailormade trips:

+44 (0)20 8772 3874

Email:

[email protected]

Request a brochure >

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

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An overview of flight options

Exodus is committed to making joining our tours as easy as possible, wherever you live. We generally only block book seats from London, but this certainly does not mean that you need to fly from there. Depending on the route and airlines available, there will usually be various options available for those who want to fly from their local airport.

This page aims to provide a useful overview of the options available to our clients. However, the best flight arrangements should be tailored to your personal requirements, so please contact our Sales team for expert advice.

What kind of options do I have ?

1. We can book for you: Flights from anywhere in the world - not via London

Depending on the route, this may be direct or via an overseas hub like Amsterdam, the Middle East or elsewhere. On short haul routes there may be direct flights with low cost airlines, charter flights or scheduled airlines. Exodus can book most, but not all, of these for you. The most appropriate airline may be different to that which we use for the group flight from London, but many people now travel on different airlines and meet up with their fellow passengers at the destination.

Pros	Cons
May be the most direct route Often the extra fare compared to the London flight is minimal. As you will be in the hands a single airline for your entire journey, the airline will be responsible for your bags and your connections.	You may not be able to join the group transfers. However, we can usually arrange private transfers, or book your flights to try and coincide with the group transfers. See notes on transfer arrangements below.

2. We can book for you: Connecting flights from your local airport to London

Exodus can book connecting flights to London so you can join the group flight there. Connecting times will be followed according to airline advice, or as requested by clients. There are two types of fares we can use for this option: a 'through-fare' or a 'published fare'.

a) A 'through-fare' is where you will be in the main airline's care throughout. You change planes, but your bags are checked all the way through to your final destination.

b) A 'published fare' ticket is completely seperate from your onward ticket from London. It is usually cheaper than a through-fare but will need to be paid for and issued as soon as it is booked. This can be a problem if your tour has not yet reached minimum numbers. On 'published fares' neither airline is aware that you have connecting flights, so Exodus is responsible for timing your connection, not the airlines involved. The tickets are also usually non changeable and non refundable.

Pros	Cons
Depending on the fare type, Exodus or the airline is responsible for flight connections.	Through fare tickets can be expensive. On a published fare, tickets must be issued immediately; tickets on published fares can be very difficult to change if onward flight times change; bags are not checked though to your final destination. Published fares are non-refundable.

3. Booking some or all of the flights yourself

You can also book connecting air travel yourself, either to London, or all the way to the start point. There may be certain airlines or routes we don't have access to, so this is always an option. However, if you make your own travel arrangements you become liable for any delays, cancellations or missed connections, and Exodus is not required to offer refunds if you have trouble reaching the start of your trip.

Pros	Cons
You might find cheaper fares, or routes not available to Exodus.	You are responsible for any delays or missed connections, and the cost of the tour is not protected should you miss your flight be cancelled.

Notes on transfer arrangements

Sometimes it is possible to travel on a different airline to the group flight from London. Where this is the case, we need to think about ensuring you meet up with the group with minimum extra cost and hassle.

On certain trips, it is easy to arrive on a different flight and still meet the group at the hotel with time in hand. We can usually arrange private transfers (at extra cost) or offer advice on taking a taxi to the start hotel.
On other trips (especially in Europe), the transfer meets the group flight and then travels some distance to the first night's accommodation. Where this is the case, our Sales team will try to arrange flights that arrive before (and depart after) the group. However, we do have to make it clear in your final documentation that if your flights are delayed, the transfer cannot wait for you. While Exodus or our local operators will do what we can to help you reach the start point of the tour, any additional costs must be paid by the client.