Page 16 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Brittany

14  INTRODUCING BRIT T AN Y

Marquise de Sévigné. From here, crowned with a lofty dome and
drive 8 km (5 miles) northwest full of artistic treasures, includ-
to the picturesque fortified town ing 13th-century stained glass
of Vitré. Spend time explor ing windows and one of the region’s
the impressive chateau- oldest Renaissance tombs.
museum that displays the Afterwards, make your way up
precious 16th-century triptych the granite outcrop of Mont-Dol
of Limoges enamels. Afterwards, (p77), which was once an island
visit the majestic Église Notre- like Mont-St-Michel and famous
Dame (p72). In the afternoon, for its breathtaking views over
carry on north to Fougères the surrounding area.
(p73) to explore the ramparts of
its great medieval military castle Day 5–6: St-Malo and around
set with 13 towers. End the Famous for its bold corsairs and
day at the Musée Emmanuel- long sandy beaches, St-Malo
Exquisitely carved exterior of the Hôtel de de-La Villéon (p73) filled with (pp84–9) is worth a day’s explo-
Ville, Rennes Impressionist paintings of ration. Arrive at the imposing
Breton landscapes and scenes Porte St-Vincente (p84), the
Two Weeks in of daily life. main entrance into the city, and
Northern Brittany head straight to the Cathédrale
Day 3–4: Mont-St-Michel St-Vincent (p86) to see its magni-
• Airports International as well and around ficent interiors. From here, head
as domestic flights serve Travel northwest to the rocky to the Musée d’Histoire (p88),
both Rennes-St-Jacques and islet of Mont-St-Michel (pp78– devoted to St-Malo’s fascinating
Brest-Bretagne. 81), one of France’s best-known history. Afterwards, check out
• Transport A car is essential landmarks, with its pyramid- the aristocratic Hôtel Magon-
for this trip. shaped pile of abbey and town d’Asfeld (p87) to see how the
majestically rising out of the city’s wealthy corsairs once lived.
tidal bay. Devote the first day Next day, visit the nearby oyster
Day 1: Rennes to exploring the abbey. Marvel farms in Cancale (p83), and pack
The regional capital of Brittany, at its towering spire, before a picnic lunch for a hike along
Rennes (pp62–7) is dotted heading to the beautiful Abbey the coastal cliffs overlooking
with handsome timber-framed Church. Pause awhile to admire the English Channel; be sure to
houses and Neo-Classical public the Norman Gothic cloister, and arrange a taxi for a ride back.
buildings. Start with a stroll then make your way to the Drive across the Rance to spend
around the Place des Lices abbey’s 13th-century Gothic some time in Dinard (pp90–91),
(p64), and then walk south to masterpiece, Le Merveille, built home to grand 19th-century
Cathédrale St-Pierre (p64) to directly into the rock face. mansions. See the 11th-century
see its 16th-century Flemish Allow a day to explore the church of St-Lunaire (p91),
altarpiece. Next, visit the Neo- fascinating Baie du Mont-St- before going for a stroll along
Classical Hôtel de Ville (p64) and Michel (p77) and its environs. the Chemin des Peintres in
theatre (p64), before checking Begin at the Menhir de Camp St-Briac (p91), where Renoir and
out the nearby Parlement de Dolent (p76), the tallest and Signac once set up their easels.
Bretagne (pp66–7). Later, head finest of Brittany’s standing
to the Musée des Beaux-Arts stones. A short drive northwest Day 7: Dinan
(p65) that houses works by lies Dol-de-Bretagne (p76), Drive south along the Rance
Leonardo da Vinci and Botticelli. site of the colossal and splendid River to picturesque Dinan
After lunch, drive out to the Cathédrale St-Samson (p79), (pp114–17), renowned for its
medieval town of La Guerche-
en-Bretagne (p71) to appreciate
the carvings depicting the
Seven Deadly Sins on the choir
stalls of its Flamboyant-Gothic
church. Round off the day at
the enigmatic La Roche aux Fées
(p71), one of the region’s most
spectacular Megalithic marvels
with four chambers constructed
from 41 enormous stones.
Day 2: Vitré and Fougères
Head for the elegant Château
des Rochers-Sévigné (p72),
which was once home to the The stately grounds of Château des Rochers-Sévigné
For practical information on travelling around Brittany, see pp266–71

012-015_EW_Brittany.indd 14 11/3/16 12:41 PM