Brittany-Normandy

The ocean has forged a unique natural landscape, at times wild and powerful, at other times gentle. The Normandy coastline has been a magnet for high society since the 19^th century, and its pastoral landscapes have inspired many painters. Wherever you are, the sea is never far away. Are you ready for a breath of sea air?

To the north, Brittany's coastline is lacy. Around Saint-Malo, the Emerald Coast features pretty coves, sandy beaches and small ports. Then there's the Pink Granite Coast, whose rocky coastline adorns the pretty town of Roscoff, followed by Finistère, Brest and the magnificent panoramas of the Pointe du Raz. To the south, Brittany offers a different face, one of indented shores dotted with a multitude of islands and islets. Discover Bénodet, Quimper and Cornouaille, the port of Concarneau and its walled town, Carnac and its alignments, Vannes and Quiberon. Not forgetting Rennes and Nantes, the two capital cities, which are well worth a visit!

Normandy has pretty fishing ports, chic resorts like Deauville and Trouville on the Côte Fleurie, and fine sandy beaches. The beaches where the Normandy landings took place on 6^th of June 1944 have left their mark on history, as witnessed by the Caen Memorial Museum. Further north, between Etretat and Le Tréport, the Côte d'Albâtre rolls out its high white cliffs. As for the Normandy pastures, they are fragrant with apples and creamy milk, the very ingredients of Calvados, Camembert and many other gourmet specialities.

Is Mont Saint-Michel Norman or Breton? By changing the course of the neighbouring river Couesnon, Robert 1^st of Normandy is said to have made it part of Normandy in the 11^th century. But never mind: a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the river known as the Wonder of the West forms a link between the two regions. During high tides, it becomes an island once again, offering a breathtaking spectacle: the abbey seems suspended between sky and sea. Mont Saint-Michel is linked to the mainland by a footbridge; access is by shuttle bus from the car park opposite.

Brittany and Normandy are well served by train from Paris. From Montparnasse station, direct TGV trains take you to Saint-Malo in 2h15, Nantes in 2h20 and Quimper in 3h30. From Saint-Lazare station, regional trains take you to Rouen in 1h20, and Deauville-Trouville and Caen in just 2h.