Road Trip Down the West Coast of France

Upon arrival at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, collect your rental car and begin your romantic road trip along the western coast of France.

Drive to Rouen, the historic capital of Normandy, known for its Gothic cathedral, medieval quarter, museums, and rich artistic heritage.

In the afternoon, enjoy a private guided tour of the Musée des Beaux-Arts. Discover masterpieces spanning from the 15th century to modern times, including works by Rubens, Caravaggio, Velázquez, Monet, Degas, and Delacroix.

After breakfast, meet your private guide for a city tour of Rouen.

Walk through centuries of Norman history while exploring medieval streets, the Seine River, the Palais de Justice, and the site of Joan of Arc’s execution. Learn how Rouen evolved from the era of the Anglo-Norman dynasties to the present day while retaining its historic atmosphere despite World War II destruction.

The remainder of the day is free for independent exploration.

Drive to the Norman coast and arrive in Honfleur, one of Normandy’s most picturesque harbor towns.

After check-in, enjoy a guided walking tour through the charming streets surrounding the Vieux Bassin. Admire colorful waterfront buildings, wooden Norman houses, fishing boats, and elegant yachts while discovering the history and culture of this coastal gem.

Today, discover the glamorous Côte Fleurie with a guided tour of Deauville.

Known as the “Parisian Riviera,” Deauville combines beaches, casinos, marinas, luxury villas, and Belle Époque elegance. Explore its seaside promenade and refined atmosphere while learning about the town’s role as one of France’s most prestigious coastal resorts.

An optional afternoon cider experience includes orchard walks and tastings at a traditional Norman cider house.

Travel to Bayeux, one of Normandy’s most historic towns and among the few places in Calvados largely untouched during World War II.

Explore narrow streets lined with Norman houses and admire the Gothic cathedral before discovering the world-famous Bayeux Tapestry. This extraordinary embroidered artwork recounts the Norman invasion of England in 1066 and remains one of the world’s most remarkable medieval historical documents.

In the afternoon, drive to Falaise for a guided tour of Château de Falaise, birthplace of William the Conqueror.

Explore the restored medieval fortress and learn about William’s rise to power and conquest of England. The castle’s elevated position also offers sweeping views across the Norman countryside.

Later, consider visiting Batterie de Longues-sur-Mer near the D-Day beaches to witness one of Normandy’s important World War II coastal artillery sites at sunset.

Leave Normandy behind and enter Brittany, a region of dramatic coastlines, Celtic heritage, and maritime history.

Meet your guide for a walking tour of Saint-Malo and discover the famous ramparts, cobblestone streets, and corsair legacy of the fortified harbor city. Despite wartime destruction, Saint-Malo retains its medieval spirit and remains one of Brittany’s most iconic destinations.

Enjoy a leisurely day before heading to Mont Saint-Michel for a private guided tour.

Explore hidden routes through the medieval village and gain special access to areas beyond the usual tourist paths. Your guide will reveal the rich history of the abbey and lead you to panoramic rooftop viewpoints overlooking the spectacular bay.

Drive to Dinard and discover one of Brittany’s most elegant seaside destinations.

Once a fishing village, Dinard became a fashionable retreat for European aristocracy during the Belle Époque. Admire clifftop villas, coastal scenery, and luxury heritage while learning about the evolution of tourism along the Breton coast.

Later, continue towards the Cap Fréhel Peninsula for dramatic coastal landscapes and Atlantic views.

Travel south across Brittany to Quimper, stopping in Dinan if desired to explore its preserved medieval architecture.

After arrival in Quimper, enjoy the city’s half-timbered houses, cobbled streets, pottery traditions, museums, and riverside atmosphere. Quimper remains one of Brittany’s cultural capitals and a wonderful place for a relaxed evening stroll.

Spend the day exploring the dramatic coastline and villages of Finistère.

Optional highlights include Douarnenez, with its colourful harbours, fishing heritage, craft workshops, and seaside cafés. Discover Brittany’s rugged coastal scenery, artisan traditions, and charming maritime atmosphere throughout the region.

Leave Brittany and continue south towards La Rochelle in Charente-Maritime.

En route, consider stopping in Carnac to see Europe’s largest collection of prehistoric standing stones.

Arrive in La Rochelle and admire the city’s limestone façades, historic harbor, lighthouses, and maritime atmosphere. Once one of France’s most important ports, La Rochelle remains one of the country’s most beautiful coastal cities.

Enjoy a guided afternoon through the Grande Champagne vineyards of Cognac country.

Learn about Cognac production from local producers whose families have crafted the spirit for generations. Visit vineyards, wine estates, and a traditional barrel factory while discovering the calm beauty of the region’s landscapes.

Drive south to Bordeaux, world-famous for gastronomy and wine culture.

After check-in, join a Bordeaux food tour featuring local specialities such as cannelés and dune pastries. The experience concludes with a Bordeaux wine tasting led by a sommelier in a boutique wine bar courtyard.

Meet your guide for a full-day Saint-Émilion wine experience.

Explore the medieval village and discover its UNESCO-listed vineyards before visiting a family-run winery. Learn about the wine-making process while enjoying regional cured meats, tapas, and estate-produced wines surrounded by one of Bordeaux’s most prestigious wine landscapes.

Spend the day exploring Arcachon Bay, famous for beaches, Victorian villas, oyster culture, and Atlantic scenery.

Visit the Dune du Pilat, Europe’s highest sand dune, and enjoy fresh oysters by the coast.

An optional farewell dinner in a fisherman’s hut along the Garonne River offers a memorable conclusion to your romantic French road trip.

After breakfast, drive to Bordeaux Airport and return your rental car before your departure flight home.

Conclude your journey with unforgettable memories stretching from Normandy and Brittany to Bordeaux and the Atlantic coast of France.