Brittany

The fortified walled town of St Malo. From 1490–1493, Saint-Malo declares itself an independent republic, taking the motto «not French, not Breton, but Malouin». The town becomes notorious as the home of the corsairs, French privateers, and pirates. With your guide you will visit the battlements and the old town where you will learn about the story of the privateers R. Duguay-Trouin and R. Surcouf. Afterward, go to see the forts and hear the story of the corsairs, the famous pirates which caused so much trouble to the English merchant ships.

Perhaps one of the few cities in Brittany where they understand English. Since ancient times, English merchant ships sailed to Saint Malo. 

Saint-Malo is a beautiful old city in Brittany on the coast of the English Channel. Most of all, Saint-Malo impresses with its harsh and free atmosphere — the city was considered free for centuries, did not belong to England, Brittany or France. You will love the city for its medieval fortresses and towers, for wide sandy beaches and powerful tides. An ultra-brief history of Saint-Malo. The small Celtic village became a city in the 6th century AD, when the Britons, crowded on the islands with the Anglo-Saxons, tried to move to the mainland. The name of the city was in honor of Saint Malo, one of the seven founders of Brittany. Like all Bretons, the inhabitants of Saint-Malo have always been distinguished by their self-will. In theory, Saint-Malo is an island, and around it there are small islands. Almost on each of them you can find forts. One of them, Fort Nacional. The photo shows a view of the beaches of Saint-Malo just from the stones of Fort Nacional. Low tide.

Medieval Cathedral of Saint Vincent in the fortress of Saint-Malo

Walking along the fortress walls of the fortress of Saint-Malo, make sure to pay attention to the high spire of the cathedral, which stands out among the stone medieval streets of the city. The Cathedral of Saint-Malo is called Saint-Vincent (Cathedrale St-Vinsent) and is dedicated to the early Christian martyr Vincent of Saragossa. The construction of the cathedral began in 1146 on the former territory of a Romanesque monastery, which was discovered only during archaeological work in 1948.

The visit to the oyster farm begins with a film about the different techniques of oyster farming. Portuguese or flat oysters, harvested in rhythm with the tides, the history of oyster farming; and so on. There, you will get complete information about oysters. The visit continues in the workshops of this family-run business, where you will see the oysters being washed and sorted. After the excursion, enjoy a delicious seafood lunch.  

In the afternoon, continue to Cancale the oyster capital of France. There is nothing tastier than sitting on the waterfront of Cancale, the oyster capital of France, eating freshly caught oysters and throwing empty shells right into the sea. In general, the Emerald Coast of France is a unique place for gourmands, and seafood lovers. Here the town of Le Vivier-sur- Mer specializes in growing mussels.

There is not a single factory or livestock farm near Cancale. The city drains of Cancale are not discharged into the sea, while sewerage is settled away from the ocean. Therefore, the purity of the water near its shores corresponds to the first degree. If you are in those parts, be sure to go to Cancale. There, you can still buy oysters at the local market on the waterfront.

This day you will discover the beauty of Brittany visiting a prestigious seaside resort Dinard situated in the Ille-et-Vilaine department, and the medieval town Dinan, located in 22 km south of the coast at Dinard.

Enjoy the road which is sprinkled with fisheries, tide mills, stunning mansions, and charming small fishing villages, such as Saint-Suliac labeled as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France. Your full-day journey will start by visiting Dinard. Originally it was a fishing village until the mid-19th century, when vacationers from Great Britain started actively visiting it.

While in Dinard, you will walk along the seafront, enjoying the 19th century houses, magnificent villas and sweeping views out to sea. In the past, it was one of the most important market towns in France up to the 17th century. Dinard is a fashionable resort, famous for its spectacular scenery and sandy beaches, with a great number of hotels, villas, cafes, restaurants, galleries, shops, and boutiques.
In the downtown area you will discover some architectural buildings dating back to the 17th and even 14th century. Take time to explore local art galleries in the center of Dinard.

After lunch you will head out of Dinard to the historical city of Dinan.  

This outstanding town is famous for its well-preserved architecture such as timbered houses, the 18th-century granite buildings, the 15th-century belfry, the Tour de l’Horloge (the Clock Tower) from the top of which you can explore an exceptional panorama of the entire Dinan, and its Gothic bridge. You will be able to discover a gorgeous granite castle, known as the Château de la Duchesse Anne or Chateau de Dinan, built by the dukes of Brittany between the 14th and 15th centuries.

The Grand Hotel des Thermes was built in the late nineteenth century and designed in the elegant Belle Epoque architectural style, was established to cater to the growing community of beach enthusiasts. A stay at the Grand Hotel des Thermes promises an experience brimming with joy and indelible memories. To cater to a diverse range of preferences, the hotel offers an array of culinary options. Distinguished treatments delivered with expertise and utmost professionalism. A wide array of options awaits, extending an open invitation to relaxation: encompassing massages, rejuvenating seaweed wraps, invigorating multi-jet baths, tranquil hammam and sauna experiences, and a refreshing swimming pool. Within its menu, guests can indulge in delectable dishes crafted by esteemed chef, Daniel Le Guénan.