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BRITTANY’S EMERALD COAST

Highlights

Beautiful historic towns such as St Malo and Dinan. A beautiful trail along an ever-changing section of Brittany’s coastline.

Destinations

France

Budget

From $250 per person

All highlights

The Emerald coast in France is home to some of Brittany’s most impressive coastlines, with dramatic rocky headlands jutting into the sea, enclosing picturesque coves of beautiful golden sand. Each day’s trail on this independent walking holiday changes character from the opulent villas of Dinard and the fabulous historic walled town of St Malo to the wild heathland and stunning 70m cliffs of the Frehel Peninsula. Your walking trail follows a beautiful path known as Chemin des Douaniers (Customs’ trail) which for almost all of its length hugs the Brittany coastline passing through a number of pretty sea-side resorts such Saint-Briac, Saint Lunaire, and Erquy. Inbetween you’ll discover sheltered beaches, tiny fishing ports, wild and scenic headlands as well as dramatic wooded coastlines which have a ‘lost world’ feel to them. Our 5-day self-guided walking holiday cherry-picks the best sections of this part of Brittany’s beautiful coastline and can be shortened or lengthened to tailor it to your wishes. Holiday Profile . 6 nights/7 days: 5 days independent walking moving between guest houses. Everday of week subject to availability during 1 April to 31 October . Walking Profile & Grade . Walks on this self guided holiday in Brittany are through undulating coastline alternating between easy and moderate walking, distances varying between 15 & 18km per day. On most days the amount of up and downs is no more than 300m. Some days feel harder as they constantly rise and descend, sometimes on steps, and so it is harder to find a rhythm.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in St Malo

Arrive in St Malo by train or ferry. Explore the historic town of St Malo. St-Malo was a fortified island at the mouth of the Rance during the Middle Ages, controlling not only the estuary but the open sea beyond. Now inseparably attached to the mainland, St-Malo is a superb and lively old citadelle. A walk along the top of the old walls is a great way to see the town.. Possibility to book extra night at St Malo.. Also option of booking a boat trip down the Rance Estuary to Dinan and extra night in Dinan. Next day explore the beautiful historic walled town of Dinan &/or walk along the picturesque Rance Estuary. Night in Dinan and transfer to Dinard to start the coastal walk. Note: the boat trips down the estuary are only available on limited dates.. .

Day 3: St Jacut de la Mer - St Cast le Guildo

Transfer onto the peninsula St Jacut de la Mer. Walk along the coast to reach the ruins of Chateau Guildo keeping guard over the impressive tidal estuary of Arguenon. Now follow the coast along the Arguenon Bay past the mussel farms stretching across the bay with wonderful views of St Jacut peninsula and the island of Hebihens. This partially wooded section has a lost world feel, as you undulate along a rugged coastline. You'll then return to civilisation and pass large sandy beaches to reach the resort of St Cast le Guildo.. Overnight: St Cast le Guildo, Walk: 14km, +300m . .

Day 5: Cap Frehel - Sables d'Or les Pins

Cap Fréhel is one of the finest stretches of coastline in northern France. Your walking trail is varied as it not only features wild cliffs, but also golden beaches, pine forests and the 1920's resort of Sables d'Or les Pins. First you'll pass Fort de la Latte sitting prominently on the end of the headland. Your trail then heads west as woodland gives way to heathland and the views back along the coast become more extensive. You'll then reach the Cap Fréhel itself where the sandstone cliffs rise 70m in blocks from the sea and are home to numerous seabirds. There are a number of stunning viewpoints here and on the first section of coastline as you head south past the lighthouses. As you move away from the Cap so you gradually descend with accessible beaches returning at La Fosse and then les Greves. Your trail goes inland through pine forest before rejoining the coast in

Day 6: Sables d'Or les Pins - Erquy

Your final walking day along Brittany's Emerald Coast starts going around the beautiful golden sands and pine forest at the head of the estuary. You'll then walk around the peninsula of Erquy with dramatic cliffs, beautiful coves and golden sands. Both the peninsulas of Frehel and Erquy are classed as Grande sites and managed for their great natural and historical value. The views are stunning throughout. Your walking holiday finishes at the pretty resort and port of Erquy sitting in a natural bay.. Overnight: Erquy, Walk: 14km, +300m. . .

Day 7: Departure

Transfer to Lamballe train station after breakfast.. .

Prices

Price per person	2 pers	4 pers	6 pers	8 pers
Price per adult	$250	$180	$160	$150
Price per kid	$130	$90	$80	$80

Services

Included:

6 nights accommodation
All breakfasts and 1 evening meal
Full walking notes and maps
Transport of luggage between guest houses
Two transfers during your week
Transfer at the end of your holiday from Erquy to Lamballe train station

Excluded:

Travel to St Malo in France,
Picnics, 5 evening meals, drinks,
Travel insurance
Any entrance fees

Optional:

Extra Nights
Combining walking holidays
Tailor Made Trips

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Pauline Mathieu

travel expert: France & Scotland

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