2020 Wilderness Travel Catalog of Adventures

Normandy & Brittany CULTURE, HISTORY, AND HIKING IN NORTHERN FRANCE

HIGHLIGHTS • See the extraordinary 11th century Bayeux Tapestry, depicting the Norman Conquest of England • Visit the evocative D-Day sites of Pointe du Hoc and Omaha Beach with a historian • Hike to spire-topped Mont St. Michel, France’s famous island-abbey • Explore the most spectacular coastal trails on Brittany’s coast • Savor fresh seafood, famous oysters, legendary cheeses, crisp ciders and wines of Brittany and Normandy DETAILS • 10-day trip begins in Caen and ends in Guingamp • 9 nights charming hotels and coastal inns • All meals included except 1 lunch and 2 dinners

Visit the D-Day beaches, hike to Mont St. Michel and along Brittany’s most spectacular coastline, and savor some of France’s best cuisine. PHOTO: CHRISTIAN KRIEGLSTEINER

With dramatic coastlines, tiny stone villages, medieval abbeys, and renowned cuisine,

DATES Jun 8-17, 2020 Sep 11-20 Sep 25-Oct 4

Normandy and Brittany are the perfect setting for our cultural hiking adventure. We visit the D-Day beaches with a historian, walk across tidal flats to iconic Mont-St.-Michel, and experience the most breathtaking stretches

“I loved the scenery, the deep history, the Mont-St.-Michel pilgrimage, the super care, conversation and humor of our guides (truly extraordinary), the great French food, and wonderful sharing with fellow hikers.” Marilyn K., Pittsburgh PA

EMMANUEL BERTHIER

TRIP COST $6195 (12-15 members) $6695 (9-11 members) $7095 (4-8 members) Single supplement: $990

sampling Normandy’s famed cheeses and tasting the local Calvados brandy. Mont-St.-Michel, a site of pilgrimage since the 8th century, rises like a mirage from the shimmering sands of the bay. We hike the coast for stunning views, and then right across the tidal flats to visit a private chapel in the sanctuary, off-limits to the general public. Days 5-6 Cancale / Saint Malo / Dinan At Cancale, we’ll sample the tastiest oysters in Brittany, visit the charming port of Saint Malo, and hike along the river Rance past half-timbered houses. We explore Dinan, a 13th century Breton town surrounded by medieval walls, with a specialist guide. Days 7-10 Côte de Granit Rose / Ploumanac’h Surreal rockscapes of glistening rose-tinted crags line this exquisite section of Brittany’s coast known as the Côte de Granit Rose. Our hikes follow coastal trails leading to Brittany’s most revered pilgrimage site, and we’ll see Castel Meur, the famous stone house wedged between two huge rock outcrops. We explore Tréguier, a gem of a medieval town, savor plates of delicious fruits de mer , and enjoy our historic seaside hotel set along pink granite rocks in the village of Ploumanac’h. Depart on Day 10 via Guingamp.

TRIP LEVEL 1 2 3 4 5 6 Easy to moderate walks and hikes, 3-6 hours a day, van support

of Brittany’s coast on wonderful hikes. Culinary treats abound, including cider fresh from the orchards, sweet crepês, savory galettes, and a bounty of local seafood from moules marinières to oysters—Louis XIV had Brittany’s Cancale oysters brought to him at Versaille. Join us for a delightful adventure in history and cuisine. Days 1-4 Caen / Bayeux / D-Day Beaches / Mont St. Michel We view the famed 11th century Bayeux Tapestry, and head to the coast for a hike at Pointe du Hoc, the high cliffs between Utah Beach and Omaha Beach, where a historian brings the dramatic events of D-Day to life for us. We’ll savor the cuisine of the north coast,

JEAN-DANIEL SUDRES

FOR A DETAILED ITINERARY: 1.800.368.2794 OR EMAIL EUROPE@WILDERNESSTRAVEL.COM 55