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Battle of the B's - Bordeaux, Brittany or Burgundy?

Posted by on

As it turns out, I now have 3 days available to add to my itinerary as I've managed to find cheaper flights by expanding the date range that I will be in Europe in May-June 2023.

We'd like to add another location to our France adventure and are having a hard time choosing between Bordeaux (note, yes I know the city itself is Bordeaux not the region), Brittany (based in and around Rennes) or Burgundy (likely visiting Dijon and Beaune). They are all different so I appreciate it is hard to group them for the sake of picking the victor.

At present, we are doing Toulouse --> Avignon --> Lyon --> Rennes/MSM (flying to Rennes to drive to MSM to stay overnight) --> Paris with day trips from most locations. 

I suspect Dijon may have to go as we would need to back track to Lyon so as to fly to Rennes. Another option was the Loire Valley since we will have a car while in Rennes briefly though I think we may leave the chateaus to another trip.

If it helps, we are a pair of travellers in our mid 20s that love history, food (and wine)! We like to keep ourselves busy seeing and doing things while travelling but don't mind more relaxing activities such as exploring vineyards and wine tastings.

For my counterparts that are much better travelled of France, which 'B' would you suggest we pick?

Posted by
6113 posts

Bordeaux can be seen in a day plus a day for the vineyards (not as much fun for the driver). It was interesting seeing Bordeaux, which is quite gritty in parts, but I wouldn’t rush back there.

Brittany is a huge region, with an interesting history and stunning scenery and would make more geographical sense given the rest of your itinerary.

Posted by
10623 posts

Brittany, you'll already be in Brittany, have a rental car and are going to Mont St. Michel. Whether Brittany is in Normandy or Brittany used to be a subject of debate and still might be for a few diehards.

Posted by
6974 posts

I suspect Dijon may have to go as we would need to back track to Lyon
so as to fly to Rennes.

Or, you can take the train from Dijon to Rennes in less than 4 hours. Easier and faster than backtracking to Lyon.

Posted by
4 posts

Hello Victoria,
I would have to vote for Brittany! We spent April in Brittany traveling by car, and it was fabulous! Rennes is a really nice big city, but we also loved Dinan—it has so much to offer! A castle, a lovely port, great food, a market, bicycling along the Rance River to Léhon, architectural interest, oh my! Here’s a link to where we stayed — highly recommend!

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/18687418?source_impression_id=p3_1660137174_iMTweAybgE6B0L8A

We also spent a few days near Perros Guirec and hiked the Pink Granite Coast. Amazing scenery, beaches, wind surfing, biking, shopping, great food (yum, crepes and cider!) You would have a blast!!

Decisions, decisions! Good luck and happy travels wherever you go!
Terry
(Perhaps I should admit that I’ve not yet been to the other places, but I found a lot to love in Brittany!)

Posted by
2776 posts

I loved Beaune, but loved Brittany just as much and you’ll be right there. All things equal, go with the place that involves the shortest time in transit. ( I’ve never been to Bordeaux, so can’t offer an opinion.)

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