7 days in Brittany, France
 

3 ladies in their 60's planning a 7-day trip in Brittany. Though we have traveled to Europe before, it has always been with a "TOUR" group - fun but grueling. This time no tour group. Home Base will be Quimper for 4 days. The remaining 3-days in and around Normandy. Question: Can you suggest a city for the Normandy portion or do you suggest staying in Quimper,. Would like suggestions of things we MUST DO. General interests: local culture and cuisine, landscape, local crafts of the area, museums, and cathedrals and just soaking up the atmosphere. Up for any unusual, unique suggestions.
Thanks! CB

Do you need to go to Normandy? In seven days, you will have time only to get started on Brittany. Perhaps, after Quimper, you might re-locate to the north coast.

thank you for your reply. Brittany is LARGE area to enjoy. We have seen Dinan and Quimper on web and decided to take a trip to Brittany. Normandy seems close (day drive) so we thought we could visit that area. Any suggestion for the north coast appreciated.
CB

Driving from Quimper to Normandy can be done, but it would virtually take up a whole day. I would suggest spending the entire time in Brittany. If you have to visit Normandy I would consider Honfleur.

Have you actually explored the area around Dinan - or just seen it on the web? We've spent 2 weeks near Dinan, 1 week near Quimper, and 2 weeks near the "Pink Rocks" section. Our favorite is the Dinan region. I think the northern Brittany countryside is prettier than Southern Brittany.

Favorite large city in Brittany - Rennes
Favorite small city in Brittany - Vannes.

I agree with Padrig - just stay in Brittany. IMO, it's more interesting than Normandy, unless you "need" to visit the WWII stuff.

You really need a car to explore almost all the interesting stuff in the Quimper/Dinan areas.

I have an itinerary I developed for a friend, which describes about a 14 day route through Normandy & Brittany. E-mail me at [email protected] if you want a copy. Do so soon - we leave for France on Thursday.

Stu Dudley

I agree that there is more than enough to see in Brittany alone. For our experience, see our phototravelogue at http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=...&x=0&y=-24d4pe

The pictures are terrific. We are planning our trip for September - hopefully after the majority of the summer tourists. Thanks for sharing.

To StuDudley, thank you. I will contact via email address.
Quick question: going in September - tourist should be at a minimum and hopefully still fairly decent weather?

Yep - that's a good time to be there. We were there in Sept '07 for 2 weeks - but a ways away from the top tourist destinations.

Stu Dudley