Wine and Gastronomy touring holidays contd… Brittany

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Brittany
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Touring A Taste of Brittany Jutting defiantly into the Atlantic, Frances northwest corner has always been culturally and geographically distinct from the rest of France. The sea shapes both the distinctive way of life and the fiercely proud but welcoming character of its people, and its long, jagged coastline, fine sandy beaches and mild climate have long been a magnet for British visitors seeking the traditional seaside experience Its attractions are manifold: natural beauty, in the coastal cliffs, bays and meandering, wooded river valleys; historical and architectural heritage, in the beautifully preserved old towns, picturesque fishing harbours and megalithic sites; a unique cultural heritage, in the Celtic folklore, festivals, music and costumes; and, not least, a special gastronomic tradition with the accent on fresh local produce from the sea  oysters, moules frites, Coquille St Jacques or a plateau of fruits de mer, washed down by a glass of chilled Muscadet; not to mention crêpes and galettes with Breton cider, or delicious local patisserie such as far breton and kouign-amann. Focusing on Southern Brittany, our itinerary is designed to give a flavour of all this, and offer a brief but genuinely rounded introduction to this uniquely beguiling and hospitable region. Touring by train 46 Vannes Not only is Vannes a lovely medieval town of cobbled streets, squares and classified buildings, surrounded by ramparts, it lies on the Gulf of Morbihan, a protected, UNESCOclassified site of outstanding natural beauty, known for its wildlife, many small islands and prehistoric sites. coastal walks and sheltered, sandy beaches and a vibrant yacht and fishing harbour, located at the mouth of the gently fjord-like Odet, «the most beautiful river in France» according to Emile Zola. Our itinerary offers both a 2 star and a 3 star option. All hotels are centrally located and offer a warm welcome and high level of comfort. Both options offer the same judicious mix of b & b and halfboard, leaving you the pleasure of discovering your own excellent restaurants in the old towns of Vannes and Quimper Day Three: To Benodet by train and SNCF bus, for 3 night stay on half-board. Days 4 and 5: Relax by the coast. Optional gastronomic lunch cruise on the Odet river. Day 6: Transfer to Quimper by boat, with light lunch included, along the Odet river (till 30 Sept only  by bus in October saving £5). Overnight B & B. Day 7: Free in Quimper to discover historic centre, optional visit to Concarneau or Pont Aven by local bus, Overnight on B & B. Day 8: Return to UK by TGV and Eurostar. What your holiday includes: " Return standard class travel from St Pancras, Ebbsfleet or Ashford to Vannes and return from Quimper " Standard class travel between Vannes & Benodet by train and bus " boat excursion to Ile des Moines " boat cruise on Odet (to 30 Sep only) " 7 nights accommodation in 2 & 3 star hotels with meals as described (drinks not included) " Optional extra nights 2 Star option 1 Apr  30 Jun 14 Sep  31 Oct 1 Jul  13 Sep 3 Star option 1 Apr  30 Jun 14 Sep  31 Oct 1 Jul  13 Sep Prices per person £679 £759 Prices per person £729 £819 Single supp £146 £189 Quimper Quimper, capital of Cornouaille, where Breton tradition is most manifest, is likewise an officially classified «ville dart et dhistoire» of narrow streets, streams, footbridges and half-timbered buildings, noted for its chinaware and typical bistrots, crêperies and restaurants. It is also at the hub of a local transport network offering easy access to, inter alia, the walled fishing port of Concarneau and picturesque artists village of Pont Aven. Suggested Itinerary Day One: Arrival in Vannes, overnight (dinner at hotel). Day Two: In Vannes, discover the historic centre and maybe the aquarium. Boat excursion to Ile des Moines in the Gulf of Morbihan. Overnight in Vannes (B & B). Benodet Benodet is both a lively, traditional seaside resort offering delighful Single supp £239 £299 Supplement in 3 star in Quimper 1  13 Jul: £5 per night. Optional gastronomic dinner cruise: £36 www.F-T-S.co.uk 0844 84 888 43