Hi, We are heading to a wedding in Brittany, City of Quimper. We will be in France a total of 2 weeks, arriving in Paris 6 days before wedding festivities in Quimper. I'm looking for ideas for itinerary before and after Quimper. I am considering the first part of Rick's three-week whirlwind tour for the 5 days prior to the wedding ( from Paris to Honfleur, Bayeux, Mt. St. Michel, Dinan - then to Quimper.) My first question is, should we hit the ground running as the tour suggests or first stay a couple of days in Paris. We have been to Paris before but it was a whirlwind. Next, We have 4 nights in Quimper for the wedding festivities. We will leave Quimper (or stay if we want) and have 5 days before heading back to Paris for our flight. We are thinking of finding a relaxing house or cottage to stay the whole last 5 days (or 4 so we have travel time back to Paris,) maybe in Loire Valley or maybe stay in Brittany, maybe another spot. We like sight seeing but also really need some time to relax, enjoy cappuccino's and walks in the french countryside. We will have car rental. Also trying to decide whether to enjoy Paris on the front side or at the end. Would love yours suggestions.
Thanks so much.
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
13941 posts
I have not been to this area but have been eyeing this Road Scholar itinerary. I'm just posting a link in case you find any of the sights they see around Quimper to be of interest to you!
Posted by
USA
383 posts
We will be in France a total of 2 weeks, arriving in Paris 6 days before wedding festivities in Quimper. I'm looking for ideas for itinerary before and after Quimper. I am considering the first part of Rick's three-week whirlwind tour for the 5 days prior to the wedding
It really comes down to preference. Some people are happy with a fast pace; show them the highlights, point out a few landmarks, and they're happy to be on their way. You say you've been to Paris before but that was a whirlwind, now you're thinking of spending a few days at the start of this trip in Paris. So maybe whirlwind isn't a great fit for you.
I went to Brittany and Normandy last fall, spent 10 days there, felt there was so much left to see (including Quimper, never got there). The RS book barely scratches the surface of the region, although the coverage it does have is well done. I liked the Rough Guide to the area, and for a comprehensive description the Michelin Green Guides cover just about everything to see.
If I was doing your trip I'd go counter-clockwise since Quimper is deep in Brittany. Before going to Quimper visit Normandy. Etretat, Bayeux, Mont St Michel, Cancale, Honfleur, the countryside where they make cider and Calvados, Trouville, the list goes on and on. After Quimper visit Brittany that has a similar list of charming villages and coastline, ending up in Nantes or Rennes or any other town with TGV back to Paris.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Wow! This is very, very helpful. Thank you Pam for the wonderful link with great info. and thank you Bill for the route suggestion and expansive list of places to see. It all sounds lovely. I'm so glad to know about the Michelin Green Guide, and we will definitely take your advice on the route and on spending more time enjoying one or two regions. (My husband is happy to hear this by the way.) So glad to find folks with great experience and willing to take the time to share it. Thank you!
Posted by
151 posts
You have much to see in Brittany on your way to Quimper ! On the way from Paris to Brittany, you could stop in Normandy, and on the way back in one or two chateaux in the Loire valley.
In Bretagne, you can mix the discovery between the coastline and the "inlands". Especially if you like walking, there are great footpathes along the seaside. Just a few examples : Pointe du Grouin, Pink Granite Coast, Crozon... There are many old and charming towns : Dinan, Josselin, Locronan (not far away from Quimper), Rochefort en Terre, Carnac, the forest of Broceliande...
You can find some suggestions of places to see in Bretagne on http://visite.bretagne.free.fr/index.php/en/itineraries.html