Normandy, Brittany and maybe Loire for one week

GreyHairedWombat

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Wife now up to a short trip after her second knee replacement last November.

I’ve been ploughing through previous posts and trip reports however struggled to find what I’m looking for. I’ve previously seen some trip reports on Brittany but struggling to find them. Can anyone help me find.

Currently looking to spend approx a week to 10 days. Looking for a first night stay 1 ish hour west of Calais. Looked at recent posts but recommendations all heading south

Maybe then stay in Honfleur a couple of nights. Any recommendations?

Then somewhere central in Brittany/Loire for say 4-5 nights before heading back to Calais with another stop over before reach Le Shuttle. Will attempt to use D roads where possible taking time to enjoy sites, countryside and historic villages. Only onto motorway if we get pressed for time.

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Moved as it is revealed to be a request for accommodation. No routes, twixt and between required.

Richard
 
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We just love creating all your holidays :augie

:D

Are you looking for:

A. Hotels. If so, Formula 1 or the George Cinque?

B. How to get from A to B to C and back again. If so, this’ll get you started, not least as it avoids those dreadful motorways we read about so often:


IMG_1341.jpeg

C. Where to stay on the Loire (it’s a very long river). If you want a start on where to aim for on the Loire, try Tours. Don’t do towns, mate? OK:


D. A and B and C?

:beerjug:
 
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I'd probably do Orleans, Blois, Tours, Saumur and Angers, one night in each. alternatively you could base yourself in Tours and venture to the others as day trips.

Hotel Bords de Loire Saumur is a hotel not to be missed. Great parking and beatiful view of the river from the Breakfast/restaurant room balcony.
And only a short walk over the bridge into town.

As for hotels in Tours Best Western Central is excellent location, although a little quirky, court yard parking. Very close to the Old town Place Plumerau which musn't be missed.
Other wise Tours Ibis Centre at the Train station or Hotel Kyriad Tours Centre, both have off street parking the Ibis is public underground parking, but never had an issue.

Angers Mercure Angers Centre Congress has of street parking and a few minuits walk to Place du Raliment.

The ride along the Loire is beautiful, Hope you have a great trip.
 
I’ve just done a weekend there with visits to Anger and Blois. It’s in the ride reports
 
Thank you all

1. Thank you but I don’t need help with route planning.
2. If anyone has stayed in Honfleur then a recommendation would be appreciated
3. The suggestion locations and hotels, the hotel suggestions from Jersey GS is spot on. Thank you
4. I’ll recheck for tjmouse ride report

Again, the suggestions have always been gratefully received and very useful. I hope I can help others when I become a more seasoned traveller
 
Within an hour (30 miles’ish on D roads) of Calais:


PS Not all in the direction you really want to take, but some are.
 
Honfleur is pretty but a bit of a tourist trap. As coastal tourist towns go, I preferred St Malo. We used the Ibis Plage which has secure parking. Arsey recommends the Hotel de la Cité with garage.
In Normandie, my favoured hotel is between Caen and Bayeux, 10km from the British Memorial. Logis hotel in a village with 2 bars. https://maps.app.goo.gl/aNBbXn8ixJAF9msF7 set menus are excellent from 19 euros. House red wine really good for 15 euro. Safe parking.
In Blois, the Ibis Styles by the train station has a garage. If I was staying more than a night I would look for somewhere better but the place along the riverside I had my eye on seems to be shut and streetview shows major renovations in progress.
Tours: a pleasant city with a younger vibe due to the university. Hotel Chateaux et Loire was a nice Logis place in the city centre. https://maps.app.goo.gl/fqef5eb31jGHcTDcA - park on the street in the bicycle bay with loops (right by the rear gate of the police station with cop cars coming and going 24/7) or the public garage next door.
Saumur: we are staying in the Best Western in a few days, situated on the island in the middle of the river. Will report back after 12 Sept. Has own car park.
 
Honfleur is pretty but a bit of a tourist trap.

A bit?

Only a bit?

Saumur: we are staying in the Best Western in a few days, situated on the island in the middle of the river. Will report back after 12 Sept. Has own car park.

I greatly upset the very snobbish woman in charge of the Bentley Owners Club visit to Saumur, staying in our hotel (see above). I also all but asphyxiated a party of lady Canadian tourists in the same hotel.

The two events were not connected.

Happy days.
 
In Blois I ate at La Maison. It was excellent.

I stayed at Anne de Bretagne and got underground parking for €10. The staff were nice but it was very basic (no wifi, no aircon) so I’d try the Ibis next time or up my budget.

Blois was very quiet on a Sunday but is a pretty town. It’s steep as it’s set on a hill!

In Angers I stayed at Le Coninental and it was very good, I’d stay there again. I parked in Parking Ralliement which is free for motorcycles, plenty of space on the second floor down with a metal bar you can chain to (questionable strength but better than nothing).

I ate at Bistrot des Duc. It was excellent.

Angers had plenty of life and was enjoyable to explore.
 
On our way back from Tours at the moment.
The Campanile is a good hotel. Secure parking. Handy for the tram into town.
 

Owned by a couple who are bike friendly and the place is set up around it.
Drying room, workshop, etc.
Full board accommodation and gite.
The guy is the ex-chairman of Herts TRF
 
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