A road trip planned by Susan Sammons over 15 days with 16 stops.
Countries: FRA
From 2026-06-12T23:00:00.000Z to 2026-06-26T23:00:00.000Z
Tunnel sous la Manche, Coquelles, France
France
🟦 Le Crotoy – Aire (Night 1)Type: Aire (1 night)Purpose: Stock up on food/drink, decompress after travel, gentle first evening, dog walk, easy start to the trip.⭐ Why this stop worksAvoids the “packed with ferry‑arrivals” aires closer to Calais.Le Crotoy is a destination, not a transit stop — big skies, dunes, estuary views.You begin the trip already inside the Baie de Somme, one of France’s most beautiful coastal wetlands.Large aire with more space than Gravelines; easier to find a spot if arriving mid‑afternoon.Immediate access to waterfront walking for the dog.🛒 Food & Drink – Stocking UpIntermarché Super Le Crotoy – full supermarket, fuel, bakery.Local shops in town: boulangeries, small grocers, fishmongers.Great place to buy first‑night food and breakfast supplies.---🐾 Dog‑Friendly WalkingWalk straight from the aire onto the dike path overlooking the bay.Huge tidal flats at low tide (check tide times).Long, flat promenade into the town centre.Excellent first‑day leg‑stretch after travel.---🌅 What to do on arrivalPark up mid‑afternoon to secure a good spot.Quick supermarket run.Evening walk along the dike or beach.Optional: stroll into town for a drink overlooking the harbour.
Arromanches-les-Bains, France
Day 2 – Full Exploration Day (History + Walking + Food + Views)This is your “proper” full day. Here’s a balanced plan that avoids rushing and gives the dog plenty of walking.---Morning (09:30–12:00) — Arromanches & Gold BeachWalk the beach and promenade (dog‑friendly outside peak bathing zones).Visit the Mulberry Harbour viewpoint if you didn’t do it yesterday.Optional: Arromanches 360° Cinema (20‑minute immersive film; dog waits in van if comfortable).Why this works:It’s outdoors, scenic, and gives you the emotional context of the D‑Day landings without overwhelming you.---Lunch (12:00–13:00)Pick one:Picnic on the cliffs (best option if the weather is good).Port‑en‑Bessin for fresh seafood.Bayeux if you want a town vibe.---Afternoon (13:00–16:30) — Bayeux Town + Cathedral + TapestryDrive or bus into Bayeux (easy parking on the ring road).What to do:Wander the medieval centreVisit the Cathedral (free, stunning interior)Optional: Bayeux Tapestry (dogs not allowed inside, but it’s a quick visit if you take turns)Coffee or ice cream in the old townWhy this works:It’s a beautiful, compact town with real charm — a perfect contrast to the coast.---Late Afternoon (16:30–18:00) — Dog Walk on the CliffsReturn to the coast for a final walk:Port‑en‑Bessin cliffs (GR223)orArromanches east cliffs (best views of the harbour remains)This gives the dog a proper hour+ walk and resets you before dinner.---Evening (18:30 onwards) — Relax + Optional Meal OutIf you want a treat night:Le 6.3 (Port‑en‑Bessin)Recto Verso (Arromanches)Le Volet qui Penche (Bayeux)Or cook at the van and enjoy a quiet evening.
France
France
Find a French Passion site. Lots of Cider farms :-) or the Aire in Clecy looks goodettle in at your France Passion hostTypical hosts in this area include:Cider farmsSmallholdingsCheese farmsRural producers with big views over the valley(You’ll pick the exact one from the FP app.)2. Dog Walk: Clécy Riverside Path (45–75 mins)Park at or walk from your FP host depending on location.The Orne river path is flat, quiet, and perfect after the drive.Views of the cliffs and wooded slopes.Easy to extend or shorten depending on energy.3. Optional: Short Scenic Drive to the Clécy Viaduct Viewpoint10–15 minutes from most FP hosts.Big views over the valley.Great for photos and a gentle wander.---🍽️ Food & Drink OptionsDinner at the vanMost FP hosts sell something you can use for dinner:CiderCheeseApple juiceHoneyCharcuterieThis is the classic FP experience.Or eat out (if you prefer)Clécy has a couple of simple, friendly restaurants:Le Normandy (traditional, hearty)La Route du Cidre (local dishes, rustic)But honestly, this is a night where cooking at the van feels right.---🌅 Evening PlanSlow wander around the farm or nearby lanes.Watch the light change over the hills.Quiet, peaceful night — a perfect contrast to the coast.---🧭 Next Morning (Day 5)Easy breakfast at the van.Short walk before leaving.Depart mid‑morning for your next 2‑night base:The Pink Granite Coast (Perros‑Guirec / Ploumanac’h)Drive time: ~2h45–3h00
Perros-Guirec, France
Perros-Guirec, France
🟦 Day 5 (Arrival Day) – 13:00 Arrival, Coastal Walk, Relaxed Afternoon🐾 1. Dog Walk Straight Away – Ploumanac’h Lighthouse Loop (45–75 mins)Start from the Ploumanac’h end of the GR34.Easy, stunning walk among the pink granite boulders.Views of the lighthouse, coves, and turquoise water.One of the most photogenic walks in France.Perfect leg‑stretch after the drive.🍽️ 2. Lunch Options (if you want to eat on arrival)Le Mao (Ploumanac’h) – casual, sea views.La Table de Mon Père (Perros‑Guirec) – more refined.Or a simple baguette + cheese picnic on the rocks.🏖️ 3. Afternoon OptionsChoose depending on energy:Option A — Beach Time (dog‑friendly outside peak zones)Trestraou Beach (Perros‑Guirec)Saint‑Guirec Beach (Ploumanac’h)Option B — Explore Ploumanac’h HarbourSmall cafésQuiet lanesLovely evening light🌅 4. Evening PlanSunset walk on the GR34 (the rocks glow pink).Optional dinner out:Le Coste Mor (Perros‑Guirec)Le Mao (Ploumanac’h)Or cook at the van and enjoy the sea air.---⭐ Day 6 – Full Exploration Day (Walking + Beaches + Small Towns)This is your “proper” full day on the Pink Granite Coast.---Morning (09:30–12:00) — GR34: Ploumanac’h → Trestraou WalkThis is the signature walk of the region.5–6 km round tripEasy, well‑marked, dog‑friendlyPink granite boulders, coves, viewpointsLighthouse, tidal pools, seabirdsOne of the best coastal walks in FranceTake your time — this is the highlight.---Lunch (12:00–13:00)Pick one:Picnic on the rocks (best option if weather is good)Café on Trestraou BeachCrêperie in Ploumanac’h---Afternoon (13:00–16:00) — Choose Your StyleOption A — Boat Trip to the Sept‑Îles Bird ReserveDogs usually allowed on deck (check locally).Puffins, gannets, seals.Beautiful coastal views.Option B — Explore Perros‑Guirec TownHarbourShopsIce creamEasy walkingOption C — More GR34 WalkingHead the opposite direction toward Trégastel for quieter paths.Option D — Beach TimeRelax on Trestraou or Saint‑Guirec.---Late Afternoon (16:00–17:30) — Gentle Walk + RelaxShort stroll around Ploumanac’h harbourOr a final wander on the GR34Perfect for the dog and a calm end to the day---Evening (18:30 onwards)Dinner out if you want a treatOr a quiet night at the vanSunset on the rocks is a must if the sky is clear---
France
Arrival Plan (around 14:00–15:00)1. Settle in at your France Passion hostTypical hosts in this area offer:Cider tastingsFarm shops with local produceLarge grassy parking areasEasy access to walking tracksChoose one with a bit of space for the dog to stretch.---2. Dog Walk – Rural Lanes Loop (45–75 mins)Most FP hosts here sit on quiet country lanes or near forest edges.A typical walk:Start from the farmFollow a loop of quiet lanes and farm tracksPass hedgerows, small chapels, and fieldsVery low trafficEasy, relaxing, and perfect after the driveIf you want something more structured:Option B — Bois de Coat‑Mallouen (Forest Walk)10–20 minutes from many FP hostsWoodland paths, streams, shadeGreat for dogs30–90 minute loops available---🍏 Food & Drink OptionsDinner at the van (recommended)This is a classic FP night — simple, quiet, local.Many hosts sell:CiderApple juiceCheeseHoneyJamsVegetablesEggsPerfect for a relaxed, local dinner.If you prefer to eat outNearby towns have simple, friendly restaurants:Guingamp – small squares, creperies, bistrosCarhaix – Breton dishes, crêpes, galettesBut honestly, this is a night where staying put feels right.---🌅 Evening PlanSlow wander around the farm or nearby lanesSit outside with a drink from your hostEnjoy the quiet — this is one of the most peaceful nights of the tripEarly night or stargazing if it’s clear
France
France
🟦 Day 8 (Arrival Day) – 13:00 Arrival, Harbour Walk, Explore Auray/Vannes🐾 1. Dog Walk Straight Away – Saint‑Goustan Harbour Loop (45–60 mins)If you’re staying near Auray:Park near the old harbour of Saint‑Goustan.Walk the riverside path, cross the old stone bridge, loop through the cobbled streets.Beautiful, historic, quiet — perfect after the drive.If you’re staying closer to Vannes:Walk the Promenade de la Rabine along the marina.Easy, flat, dog‑friendly, with great views of the boats.---🍽️ 2. Lunch Options (if you want to eat on arrival)Auray / Saint‑Goustan:Le Chasse‑Marée – seafood, harbour viewsLe Café des Artistes – casual, great atmosphereVannes:Le Roscanvec – refined Breton cuisineCrêperie Dan Ewen – excellent galettesOr grab a baguette and picnic by the harbour.---🏙️ 3. Afternoon OptionsChoose depending on where you’re staying:Option A — Explore Vannes Old TownHalf‑timbered housesCathedralRamparts and gardensLovely cafés and squaresOption B — Explore Auray & Saint‑GoustanCobbled lanesRiverside viewsArtisan shopsQuiet, atmospheric, very “old Brittany”---🌅 4. Evening PlanSunset walk along the river or marinaOptional dinner out:Le Chasse‑Marée (Auray)Le Roscanvec (Vannes)Or cook at the van and enjoy a peaceful evening---⭐ Day 9 – Full Exploration Day (Islands + Walking + Towns)This is your “proper” full day in the Gulf of Morbihan.---Morning (09:30–12:00) — Coastal Walk: Pointe d’Arradon or Port‑NavaloOption A — Pointe d’Arradon (easy, beautiful, dog‑friendly)4–6 km coastal loopCalm waters, boats, islandsOne of the best shoreline walks in the gulfOption B — Port‑Navalo (more dramatic views)At the entrance to the gulfWatch the tide race between the ocean and the inland seaGreat for photos and breezy dog walksBoth are excellent.---Lunch (12:00–13:00)Pick one:Picnic on the coastCrêperie in ArradonSeafood in Port‑NavaloMarket food in Vannes (if it’s a market day)---Afternoon (13:00–16:00) — Choose Your StyleOption A — Boat Trip Around the GulfMany boats allow dogs on deck1.5–2 hour loop around the islandsCalm waters, beautiful sceneryA highlight if the weather is goodOption B — Explore Vannes Old TownIf you didn’t do it yesterday, this is the time.CathedralRampartsMedieval streetsGreat cafésOption C — Beach Time (dog‑friendly zones vary)LocmariaquerArradonConleau Peninsula (Vannes)Option D — More WalkingGR34 sections around Arradon, Larmor‑Baden, or BadenQuiet, scenic, perfect for the dog---Late Afternoon (16:00–17:30) — Relax + Short WalkGentle stroll along the marina or riverIce cream or drink in a harbour caféSlow, easy end to the day---Evening (18:30 onwards)Dinner out if you want a treatOr a quiet night at the vanSunset over the gulf is beautiful from Arradon or Port‑Navalo
France
🐾 Arrival Plan (around 14:30–15:00)1. Settle in at your France Passion hostTypical Loire Valley FP hosts include:Wine domaines (Saumur, Chinon, Bourgueil)Troglodyte farms carved into the limestone cliffsGoat cheese farmsSmall vineyards with tasting roomsMost have big, flat parking areas with vineyard views.---2. Dog Walk – Vineyard Loop (45–75 mins)Most FP vineyards sit on quiet slopes with easy walking:Follow the vineyard tracks (wide, grassy, low traffic).Gentle hills, open views, very peaceful.Perfect after the drive.If you prefer something more structured:Option B — Loire Riverside Walk (Saumur or Montsoreau)Flat, scenic, dog‑friendly.Views of the river, boats, and châteaux.30–90 minute options.---🍷 Food & Drink OptionsWine Tasting (highly recommended)Many FP hosts offer:Chenin Blanc (dry or sparkling)Cabernet Franc (light, elegant reds)Crémant de Loire (excellent sparkling wine)Tastings are usually relaxed, friendly, and inexpensive.Dinner at the van (recommended)Pick up:A bottle from your hostGoat cheese (local speciality)Fresh bread from the nearest villageTomatoes, salad, charcuterieA perfect Loire Valley evening.If you prefer to eat outNearby towns have great options:Saumur – riverside restaurants, wine barsMontsoreau – small, charming, quieterChinon – medieval centre, excellent foodBut FP nights are often best enjoyed on site.---🌅 Evening PlanSlow wander through the vines or along the river.Sit outside with a glass of local wine.Watch the light turn golden on the limestone cliffs.Very peaceful, very “Loire Valley”.
France
France
Day 11 – Arrival Day (13:00) – Forest Walk + Explore Mortagne🐾 1. Dog Walk – Forêt de Réno‑Valdieu (45–75 mins)Wide forest tracksShady, quiet, perfect after the driveEasy loops of 3–5 kmVery dog‑friendly🍽️ 2. Lunch OptionsMortagne‑au‑Perche:Le Tribunal – excellent local dishesLa Terrasse – simple, friendlyOr a boulangerie picnic.🏙️ 3. Afternoon – Explore Mortagne‑au‑PercheCobbled streetsOld mansionsArtisan shopsGreat charcuterie and bakeriesVery calm, very Perche🌅 4. EveningRelax at the campsiteShort walk around the lanesOptional dinner outOr cook at the van with local produce---⭐ Day 12 – Full Exploration Day (Villages + Forest + Food)Morning (09:30–12:00) — Bellême + Forest WalkBellême is one of the prettiest towns in the Perche.Wander the old streetsCoffee in the squareWalk into the Forêt de Bellême (45–60 mins)Very peaceful, very dog‑friendlyLunch (12:00–13:00)Picnic in the forestCrêperie in BellêmeBoulangerie lunch in MortagneAfternoon (13:00–16:00) — Choose Your StyleOption A — La Perrière (Hilltop Village)Tiny, artistic, beautifulLovely viewsSlow wandering, great photosOption B — Manoir de Courboyer (Perche Regional Park HQ)Historic manorGardensEasy walking trailsDog‑friendly groundsOption C — Longer Countryside WalkQuiet lanesRolling hillsHedgerows and fieldsVery relaxingOption D — Food & Produce TourPick up:CiderPerche charcuterieLocal cheesesHoneyPastriesEvening (18:30 onwards)Dinner out in Mortagne or BellêmeOr a quiet night at the vanEarly night or stargazing---⭐ Day 13 – Slow Day (Markets + Countryside + Proper Rest)This is your “deep exhale” day — no rushing, no big drives, just enjoying the Perche.Morning (09:30–11:30) — Market or Food TourDepending on the day of the week:If it’s a market day (Mortagne or Bellême):Fresh breadLocal cheeseCharcuterieCiderPerfect for stocking up before heading homeIf not:Visit a local producer:Cider farmGoat cheese farmHoney producerSmall organic vegetable farmLunch (12:00–13:00)Picnic from market produceOr a simple café lunch in MortagneAfternoon (13:00–16:00) — Final Walk + RelaxChoose one:Option A — Forêt de Réno‑Valdieu (longer loop)1.5–2 hoursQuiet, shaded, perfect for the dogA proper “stretch the legs” walk before the final driveOption B — Countryside Lanes LoopRolling fieldsHedgerowsVery peacefulOption C — La Perrière (if you didn’t go yesterday)Beautiful, tiny, artisticLovely final afternoonEvening (16:00 onwards)Pack a littleRelax outside with a drinkEnjoy the quiet countrysideEarly night before the drive to Calais
France
France
France
12 Jun 2026 - 26 Jun 2026