France lures visitors with its rich tapestry of history, elegant culture, exquisite culinary scene and breathtaking landscapes. From the castles and curiosities of the Loire Valley to the picturesque vineyards of Bordeaux, it’s a country that offers a myriad of experiences for the avid adventurer.
A road trip around France offers the opportunity to get off the beaten path and explore parts of the country you’d probably never know existed otherwise. Start by hopping on a ferry at any of the Brittany Ferry ports in Portsmouth, Poole or Plymouth and head straight for Caen, Cherbourg, Roscoff or St Malo – here you can you can begin your vacances en route, with a relaxing journey that boasts stunning sea views, space to wander, award-winning service, and wonderful on-board amenities to indulge and enjoy. From stylish bars, to stunning restaurants, cinemas and live entertainment, it’s the perfect way to start your holiday, and arrive, refreshed after a wonderful night’s sleep, ready to fully embrace the French art de vivre(way of life).
Here we’ve outlined an idyllic journey from the Golfe de St-Malo to Giverny, taking in the best of French culture, cuisine and landscape, for a trip you’ll savour for years to come.
Days 1-3: St Malo and the Loire Valley
Enjoy a walk-in wine tasting at one of the Loire Valley’s thousand vineyards
(Brittany Ferries)
Kickstart your adventure in St Malo, a pretty port city in Brittany, home to magnificent architecture, tasty cuisine and ancient forts. Don’t miss the iconic St Malo cathedral, built in a Romanesque and Gothic style, with foundations dating back to the 12th century. Spend a day here exploring castles, cathedrals and forts and feasting on crêpes and galettes slathered in just-churned butter – foods Brittany is famous for – before hitting the road and heading for the Loire Valley.
Here, you’ll come face to face with more history; home to thousands of castles and landscapes dotted with vineyards, the area is as quintessentially French as it gets, with 280 kilometres of landscapes classified as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Loire River meanders past castles, including the castle of Chambord, built in the 14th century; it’s a fine example of French Renaissance architecture. Don’t leave without visiting at least one of the world-famous vineyards in the area, scattered along the Loire River, the longest wine route in France. There are over a thousand vineyards, many with walk-in wine tastings…
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