La Rochelle & The Atlantic Coast

Itinerary

• Day 1

  Local departure by coach or Door-to-Door service, then to Paris area for an overnight stay.

• Day 2 - Loire Valley

  Our journey today, takes us through the heart of the Loire Valley and Châteaux Country.

  We visit Château Chambord (entrance included) and make a short stop at the pretty city of Blois.

  We then continue to Fontenay-le-Comte for a four-night stay.

  Meals - Breakfast, Dinner

• Day 3 - La Rochelle

  Today’s included excursion takes us to La Rochelle, a popular seaside resort, renowned for its beaches, beautifully preserved buildings, and for its excellent choice of seafood. Enjoy a stroll around the old port area and see the huge 14th and 15th century defensive towers. Explore the arcaded streets of Rue du Palais and Rue des Merciers, and see the charming half-timbered houses, so typical of the region.

  Meals - Breakfast, Dinner

• Day 4 - Cognac & Rochefort

  Join our included excursion to Cognac and then to the port town of Rochefort. We travel first to Cognac which enjoys worldwide fame due to the brandy produced here – you can still find many well-known brands based here. Enjoy a stroll around this historic town, taking in the beautiful buildings constructed in local white stone, the St. Jacques towers beside the river Charente, or Rue Grande, with its several beautiful half-timbered houses.

  Later, we continue to the old port of Rochefort, and experience part of France’s naval history. See the magnificent Corderie Royale where ropes were produced for naval ships for over 300 years. The buildings’ elegance earned it the name ‘Versailles of the Sea’. Here you can also see the replica of the French frigate Hermione, which was reconstructed over a 20-year period.

  Meals - Breakfast, Dinner

• Day 5 - Ile de Ré

  Today we head across the land bridge to the Ile de Ré, an island famous for its beautiful sandy beaches, seaside resorts, salt and oyster beds, and picturesque villages. We make a visit to the Phare des Baleines lighthouse, where you can climb the lighthouse and enjoy scenic views of the island. We continue to Saint Martin de Ré, a charming fortified port town set within star-shaped ramparts, and boasting a lively ambience.

  Meals - Breakfast, Dinner

• Day 6 - Poitiers; Paris

  We leave our hotel and head to Poitiers for a brief stop.

  This historic city, capital of the Poitou, has preserved much of its medieval charm.

  Following time in Poitiers, we continue to the Paris area for an overnight stay. Why not join our optional Latin Quarter excursion, allowing you to see the stunning sights of Paris.

  Meals - Breakfast

• Day 7

  Return home.

  Meals - Breakfast

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Accommodation

You will stay for four nights at the 3-star Hotel Le Rabelais in Fontenay-le-Comte. Situated in a peaceful location, surrounded by lush greenery, the hotel offers an outdoor swimming pool (subject to season). The hotel has an excellent restaurant, bar, spa area and outside terrace. For those wanting an after dinner stroll the hotel is about one mile from this pretty, quintessentially Renaissance French town with its narrow winding streets, imposing mansions and townhouses, squares and fountains. Overnight stays in the Paris area will be in city-style hotels. Back to top