Few regions match the unspoiled natural beauty and architectural splendor of France’s mid-Atlantic coast. From the nonchalant glamour of Ile de Ré, where fashionable Parisians retreat to white-washed holiday cottages along sandy beaches, pristine salt marshes and picturesque ports – to the elegant neo-classical harbor of La Rochelle, France’s historic “Gateway to the West” and Rochefort - where Louis XIV established his magnificent naval capital. We’ll also explore a castle and garden that rival the grandeur of Loire chateaux and visit an astonishing Gallo-Roman triumphal arch, amphitheater, and medieval Basilica in Saintes. All the while sampling the freshest seafood, regional cuisine and wine at top-rated bistros and discovering fabulous markets, chic boutiques and exceptional artisans.
Here's a day-by-day itinerary of the trip
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La Baronnie hotel and spa, our privileged oasis in the heart of St Martin, Ré’s capital
Corderie Royale Rochefort’s famous naval monument.
Take me to the ocean
The Atlantic coast is largely made up of long sandy beaches; coastal towns and villages, such as La Rochelle, Les Sables d'Olonne and Rochefort, have tended to spread along behind the shoreline, but in many parts, the beaches are backed by a band of pine forests, and can be remarkably uncrowded even in summer.
Everything stated in itinerary above including all meals (except where otherwise noted) plus beer or wine with dinner
Beautiful, unique hotel stays
An english-speaking trip host and facilitator
Museum or other entry fees
All transport after arrival in Rochelle
Roundtrip airfare to France, and TGV train to/from Rochelle
Spa Treatments
Additional wine, beer, or spirits beyond what is offered at dinner or included in an activity
All personal souvenir purchases
Travel and Medical Insurance (required)
You are going to want to fly into Charles De Gaulle airport in Paris.
The trip officially starts on the morning of September 19th, but if you are traveling across an ocean to get to Paris, you may want to consider arriving a day early so you have time to relax and get acclimated to the local time zone. If you do decide to arrive early, please let us know and we will take care of booking your room for you and make sure that you are kept in the same room as you will be in when the trip starts.
We will have a zoom call about 6 weeks before the trip starts to discuss all that information and give you a packing list. Here is a great website that we love that will help you with packing and travel trips.
In September the temperatures are generally very high with maximum daytime temperatures around 89F and minimum nighttime temperatures of 77F.
This trip is being led by one of our favorite guides, Casey O’Brien Blondes – a Loire Valley resident, where she and her artist husband raised their children. Author of two books on France by Rizzoli, tour planner and guide, plus writing coach and editor – Casey is passionate about French history and knows the region intimately.