Day Itinerary
14 Activities
Day 1
224 mi2 mi
Crossing the Loire Towards the Brittany Coast
Your first day's journey takes you through the scenic Loire Valley, with stops in the historically rich cities of Chartres and Le Mans. You'll then continue to the Brittany coast, ending your day in Saint-Malo, where you'll spend the night.
Chartres and Le Mans are not only steeped in history but also home to some of France's most stunning Romanesque-Gothic structures. Additionally, the surrounding neighbourhoods, like Bel Air with its striking wall paintings and the Cité Plantagenêt in Le Mans, are sure to captivate you.
Chartres and Le Mans are not only steeped in history but also home to some of France's most stunning Romanesque-Gothic structures. Additionally, the surrounding neighbourhoods, like Bel Air with its striking wall paintings and the Cité Plantagenêt in Le Mans, are sure to captivate you.
09:3030 min
Bel Air Frescoes
The first stop on the route to the coast, in the city of Chartres, is the neighbourhood of Bel Air, a suburban area of the city which hosted a post-war government housing estate.
Here, in 2008, a plan for the redevelopment of the area was launched, which included street artists and designers from Cité-Creation, who in nine months of work realized about 4000 square metres of wall paintings on the buildings.
They were inspired by the local culture, architecture, and the river Eure, to change and redefine the identity of the district.
Here, in 2008, a plan for the redevelopment of the area was launched, which included street artists and designers from Cité-Creation, who in nine months of work realized about 4000 square metres of wall paintings on the buildings.
They were inspired by the local culture, architecture, and the river Eure, to change and redefine the identity of the district.
1.2 mi
10 min
10:155 min
Car Park
Before you head out to explore the city centre and grab lunch at the restaurant, you can leave your car in this public car park.
0.3 mi
10 min
10:3045 min
Our Lady of Chartres Cathedral
Entering the heart of the city, you will find the gem that is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Chartres Cathedral.
The Cathedral was built by Bishop Fulbert in the 12th century on the ruins of an ancient sanctuary, and its construction works lasted almost 60 years.
It is regarded as one of the world's best-preserved and most exemplary Gothic structures, notably due to the excellent condition of its sculptures and stained-glass windows.
This is also the place where King Henry IV was crowned – due to the fact that he was Protestant and not Catholic – contrary to all the other kings of France, who, according to tradition, must be crowned in Reims.
Today it is possible to visit the Cathedral every day for self-guided tours, and if you want to book a guided tour you can check the official website for the timetable.
The Cathedral was built by Bishop Fulbert in the 12th century on the ruins of an ancient sanctuary, and its construction works lasted almost 60 years.
It is regarded as one of the world's best-preserved and most exemplary Gothic structures, notably due to the excellent condition of its sculptures and stained-glass windows.
This is also the place where King Henry IV was crowned – due to the fact that he was Protestant and not Catholic – contrary to all the other kings of France, who, according to tradition, must be crowned in Reims.
Today it is possible to visit the Cathedral every day for self-guided tours, and if you want to book a guided tour you can check the official website for the timetable.
0.3 mi
10 min
11:301 hr
Le Moulin de Ponceau
For lunch, you'll find yourself near Porte Guillaume, right by the river. There's the Moulin de Ponceau, known for its blend of local and traditional cuisine with a contemporary flair, offering a refined selection of dishes.
0.3 mi
5 min
12:4515 min
Porte Guillaume
Walking around the city, you'll find Porte Guillaume, an ancient city gate, which was partly destroyed during World War Two.
The Guillaume Gate was built in the 12th century to protect the entrance of the city and was enhanced over the years, which included the addition of two towers in the 15th century.
From the gate, you can go back to take the car and reach the city of Le Mans.
The Guillaume Gate was built in the 12th century to protect the entrance of the city and was enhanced over the years, which included the addition of two towers in the 15th century.
From the gate, you can go back to take the car and reach the city of Le Mans.
77.1 mi
1 hr 20 min
14:3030 min
Charging Station: Tesla Supercharger
Stop at this charging station to recharge your car. It's not exclusive to Tesla; other vehicles can use this fast charger as well.
Type: CCS/SAE
20 stations, 20 plugs
Power: 250 kW
4 mi
15 min
15:155 min
Car Park
Before starting your visit in Le Mans, you can park your car in the old city centre and enjoy the tour on foot.
0.3 mi
10 min
15:3030 min
Le Mans Cathedral
Leaving Chartres, you'll enter Le Mans, whose Cathedral is one of the most important Romanesque-Gothic buildings in France, alongside the Reims and Chartres Cathedrals.
The construction of the Cathedral of Saint-Julien du Mans, dedicated to the first bishop of Le Mans, Saint Julian, started in 1060 and continued until 1430 but was never fully completed due to a lack of funds.
It is a majestic building with a 64-metre-high tower, situated in the old part of the town, on the hill, from where there is a view of the Le Mans territory.
The Cathedral houses the tombs of Bishop Saint Julian and Count Charles IV d'Angiò.
The construction of the Cathedral of Saint-Julien du Mans, dedicated to the first bishop of Le Mans, Saint Julian, started in 1060 and continued until 1430 but was never fully completed due to a lack of funds.
It is a majestic building with a 64-metre-high tower, situated in the old part of the town, on the hill, from where there is a view of the Le Mans territory.
The Cathedral houses the tombs of Bishop Saint Julian and Count Charles IV d'Angiò.
0.2 mi
5 min
16:1530 min
Cité Plantagenêt
Not far from the Cathedral and forming the main part of the town is the Cité Plantagenêt, the historic Medieval centre that hosts ancient half-timbered houses, cobbled streets, some Renaissance buildings, and also the Gallo-Roman walls.
0.1 mi
5 min
17:0010 min
Roman Walls of Le Mans
Part of the Cité Plantagenêt, the Gallo-Roman wall, built in the third century, served as the city's primary defence. More than just a military symbol, it represented the resurgence of Roman Imperial power under Emperor Aurelian.
This explains the decorations with geometric friezes and the typical dominant colour of the Roman Empire, carmine red, which stood for imperial prestige and local power.
This explains the decorations with geometric friezes and the typical dominant colour of the Roman Empire, carmine red, which stood for imperial prestige and local power.
98.7 mi
1 hr 50 min
19:005 min
Car Park
Halfway between Le Mans and Saint-Malo lies the quaint city of Rennes, known as a foodie's paradise. Be sure to stop here for a delectable dinner experience.
0.2 mi
5 min
19:151 hr
La Saint-Georges
La Saint-Georges is a delightful crêperie where you can enjoy delicious crêpes and culinary specialities. The chef crafts innovative and delightful recipes, featuring treats such as a Kinder crêpe or one filled with Tagada strawberries. They also offer hearty choices for those seeking a more substantial meal.
Many of the crêpes are prepared in homage to the famous Georges, serving as a culinary tribute to their legacy. So, pick your favourite George-inspired crêpe.
Many of the crêpes are prepared in homage to the famous Georges, serving as a culinary tribute to their legacy. So, pick your favourite George-inspired crêpe.
0.2 mi
5 min
20:3030 min
Portes Mordelaises
Following dinner, enjoy a leisurely stroll around Rennes' historical centre. Begin at the Mordelaises Gate, the city's main entrance from the third century, integral to the ramparts. Named after the town of Mordelle, which it led to, this gate played a crucial role in sacred processions and royal entrances, often referred to as the royal or episcopal door.
43 mi
1 hr
22:009 hrs
Hôtel Le Nouveau Monde
Upon arriving in Saint-Malo, the hotel Le Nouveau Monde awaits you to spend the night on the beautiful coast.
The hotel offers a wellness centre with a pool, hammam, and beauty treatments.
Along with its great seaside views, just a stone's throw from the beach, this place keeps things nice and quiet with its soundproofed rooms.
The hotel offers a wellness centre with a pool, hammam, and beauty treatments.
Along with its great seaside views, just a stone's throw from the beach, this place keeps things nice and quiet with its soundproofed rooms.