Coastal Walking in Brittany and Jersey
Start: Pontorson Finish: Jersey
Duration: 7 Nights
Physical rating: Leisurely
Special diets catered: Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements
Tour Operator: Exodus
Age range: 12 to 99
Tour operated in: English
Prices From: $1885
Tour Overview
A walk on the Brittany coastline from the World Wonder Mont St Michel to St Malo with an extension to Jersey island. Walk the famous custom's path and enjoy bird watching and exceptional views. On one side, rocky points, wild coastline, dunes, beaches and coves. On the other side, marshes, a variety of fauna and flora, a rich historical heritage... and always the sea or the ocean in the background. Every bend on the GR34 plunges you into a new postcard. As you walk, the spirit of Brittany invades you, and you feel invigorated by the ocean breeze. Created in 1791, the path was travelled by controls of customs officers - hence its name - in charge of preventing smuggling. To keep an eye on trafficking and on the pillaging of shipwrecks, they strode up and down the coastline, night and day, in all weather: think of this when your legs are tired! After falling into disuse in the early 20th century, the path experienced a revival in 1968, when a few passionate walkers decided to make it into a walking route. Today it goes all around the Brittany coastline, from Mont-Saint-Michel to the bridge of Saint-Nazaire. This path leaves a permanent mark on anyone who walks it. This tour extends to Jersey for the exploration of the largest of the Channel islands. From coastlines carpeted with gorse and wildflowers, to peaceful wooded valleys, quiet tree-lined lanes and rugged beach trails, Jersey has a rich and varied landscape. In a large splash of green and blue, get ready to be amazed!
Highlights
Explore Mont St Michel, St Malo and the lush green island of Jersey- Follow the 'Sentier des Douaniers' on the Emerald coast
- Traditional Breton fishing ports offering spectacular seafood
Itinerary
Day 1
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Arrival in Pontorson
Arrive in Pontorson, on the doorstep of Mont St Michel.
Day 2
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Pontorson to Mont St Michel
Meals: breakfast, dinner
Follow the Camino de Santiago route in the footsteps of the ancient pilgrims before arriving in the UNESCO-listed Mont-Saint-Michel. For 13 centuries, this rocky island, nestling in the heart of a huge, beautiful bay has been home to a magnificent abbey. Perched at the top of the islet, as if levitating, the building is like a mirage, always a mesmerising sight. From the top of the medieval ramparts, enjoy the wonderful view over the bay where the light reveals a different landscape every second.
Day 3
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Mont St Michel to Dol de Bretagne
Meals: breakfast, dinner
Walk along the bay, through the marshlands, salt meadows with grazing sheep and green undulating landscape. Meet the natural treasures of this bay with exceptional bird watching with waders and other various species. Continue through pretty villages towards Dol with its medieval houses and 13th Century Cathedral.
Day 4
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Dol de Bretagne to Cancale
Meals: breakfast
Out of the flat landscape emerges an extraordinary outcrop, Mont Dol, where Saint Michael supposedly fought off Satan. Climb it for elating views. Follow the scenic old customs path along the coastline with breath-taking views towards Cancale . At Cancale the world is your oyster. Mention Cancale to a Frenchman or a foodie and the instant response will be 'oysters'; the magnificent molluscs have been cultivated in this attractive fishing village for hundreds of years.
Day 5
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Cancale to Jersey
Meals: breakfast
Walk to the headland at Pointe du Grouin, for spectacular views. Marking the westernmost tip of the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel, this brilliantly located headland not only allows you to benefit from sublime views eastwards, but also splendid ones to the west. The island just offshore is off-limits though as it's the preserve of birds. In the afternoon, transfer to St Malo for the ferry journey to Jersey. From the ferry, it is a short bus ride to the picturesque harbour of Gorey, with its coastal views and historic castle, Mont Orgueil.
Day 6
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At Jersey
Meals: breakfast
Walk to Port of Rozel which offers breath-taking panoramic views over the harbour, the bay and the sea. This is the perfect place to stop for lunch : enjoy local food and drink at a seaside pub. Then walk along rugged cliff paths carpeted with gorse and wildflowers, overlooking perfect hidden bays and inlets.
Day 7
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At Jersey
Meals: breakfast
Inland walk on Jersey's large fresh water reservoir. A lovely trail though rural areas will take you to Grouville Parish church. Wander through wooded valleys and country lanes to birdsong.
Day 8
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Leave Jersey
Meals: breakfast
Depart Jersey after breakfast.
What's Included
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Route directions and maps
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All breakfast and 1 evening meal
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Walking transfers
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Luggage transfers between hotels
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Ferry ticket to Jersey
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7 nights hotel-to-hotel accommodation in 3 star hotels
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Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent
What's Not Included
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Visas and vaccinations
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Transfers for Land only (available on request at additional cost)
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Travel insurance
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Single accommodation (available on request, compulsory supplement)
Food
All breakfasts and 1 evening meal are included. Brittany’s fish and seafood is without doubt one of the region’s biggest draws. Platters stacked high with lobster, crab, oyster, shrimp and prawns grace the tables of the atmospheric restaurants. Huge bowls of fresh mussels, scallops and stuffed clams take their place alongside delicious sea bass and bream. The flat local ‘Belons’ oysters are delicious, fleshier than normal ones; they are renowned for their fine hazelnut flavour. Seafood will generally be served with the excellent Breton butter, which contains Guérande salt crystals, and plain bread. Many people also think of crêpes when they think of Brittany and indeed almost every little village or town has its own crêperie.
Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Exodus requires a deposit of 20% to secure a place on this tour, and the final balance is not due till 70 days before departure..
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Secure payments
All payments to TourHub are deposited into an externally regulated Trust account.
Travel, Your Way
Good reasons for travelling privately
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Personalise your trip
Make changes to the itinerary, accommodation, or transport method
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Increased safety during COVID
Spend the majority of time amongst your group to reduce exposure to others
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Travel more exclusively
Your tour guide can focus all their attention on your group
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Travel for a special occasion
Celebrate an important event by only travelling with your friends or family