We are thinking of visiting the Loire Valley and Brittany in either September or October 2012. When we have visited France before, we've timed some of our trips with festivals that have been going on -- the feria in St.-Remy-de-Provence and the lavender festival in Digne-les-Bains. We've read that there's a seafood/shellfish festival in Granville the last weekend of September. Has anyone been? Are there other Fall festivals? Places to stay? Things to do? Brittany would be a new area for us to visit. In the past, we have visited Provence, Paris, the Dordogne, and southwest France (Rennes-les-Bains, Collioure, Carcassonne) and have fallen in love with each area! We typically stay 1 to 2 weeks in an area, renting a gite or self-catering place. About us ~ We are in our 60s but not "old," love learning about the history and culture of a region, meeting people (still hoping to find a French penpal), like being outdoors - birdwatching, and to give you a better idea about us ~ we took a hot air balloon ride near Castelnaud and we've hiked to the top of 5 Cathar castles despite my husband's battle with his vertigo (he won!). Thanks for any suggestions and info.