North West France
North West France is an area that includes Brittany in the west and Normandy in the east.
It stretches down the Atlantic Coast via the Western Loire to the beaches of the Poitou Charentes. Inland, the Loire Valley, Le Mans and Angers are included in this area.
It’s no surprise that the North West is a varied and interesting part of France with an interesting history, rich cultural heritage and fantastic wine and gastronomy to its name.
Gastronomy
In 2010, French gastronomy was declared a UNESCO ‘world intangible heritage’.
As you will discover on your custom trip to France, French gastronomy is about so much more than simply food. It’s a whole culture, a ritual that brings people together to enjoy the art of eating good food and drinking fabulous wine.
On all of our personalised itineraries, we propose carefully selected restaurants at which only the freshest, locally grown fruit and vegetables are used. In the vineyard areas, your meal is sure to be accompanied by the most delicious locally produced wines. ‘Local’ is a key element in all of the itineraries that we create.
Visit oyster beds and then eat at one of our selected restaurants on the quay. Or why not enjoy a unique experience on board a traditional Breton sail boat with your own personal chef who will create an amazing lunch for you using produce freshly-caught from the bay that morning.
If you’re a lover of good food, contact us and we’ll craft an unforgettable gastronomic experience in France especially for you.
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Historic France
The history of France is rich and complex making the country a fascinating and thought-provoking destination for anybody with even a passing interest in days gone by.
The presence of Prehistoric man in France is well-documented. The south west of the country has the highest concentration of prehistoric caves, many of which are open to the public.
The Romans occupied France for almost 500 years with the south of France being where the greatest evidence of their settlement is found. Nimes boasts half a dozen well preserved Roman sites and the nearby Pont du Gard aqueduct is a sight to behold. Arles, Orange and even Lyon are also historically significant sights.
But Medieval France, particularly the 12th and 13th centuries, was an especially turbulent time in French history.
The Cathars, the Knights Templar, the Albigensian crusade, Dominican monks, they all figure heavily in French history, again especially in the south of France.
In the north of the country, it’s the legacy of the two World Wars that has left the deepest mark. An itinerary incorporating thought-provoking visits to the sites of the WW1 battlegrounds and cemeteries is sure to leave a deep impression on you. Whilst further west, take a guided tour with a local expert to learn of the events surrounding the D-Day landings in Normandy.
Our custom Historic France itineraries will be tailored around the French history that fascinates you. Whichever era you wish to explore, our local expert guides will ensure you have an unforgettable experience.
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