10 steps for a road-trip on the west coast in France

The Deux-Caps site (Cap Blanc-Nez and Cap Gris-Nez)

Ideal for a road-trip in France, the Opal Coast is surveyed every year by more than two million tourists, eager to discover this natural site classified since 1987. And for good reason! The two sets of cliffs, located just opposite the English coast, are separated by only ten kilometres as the crow flies, between Boulogne-sur-Mer and Calais. While the cliffs of Cap Gris-Nez are made of clay and sandstone, those of Cap Blanc-Nez are made of chalk. The site is also home to many migratory birds!

The Marquenterre Park

In the heart of the Baie de Somme National Nature Reserve, this 200-hectare protected area combines landscapes of dunes, forests and marshes. A preserved area that allows privileged observation of numerous animal and plant species, in particular some 300 species of migratory birds. Three routes and a dozen observation posts will enable you to meet waders, passerines and other birds of prey!

The valleys of the Côte d'Albâtre

Characterised by its high white chalky cliffs, which reach up to 120 metres in height, the Côte d'Albâtre in Normandy is punctuated by valleys, unique landscapes in France which are home to pretty beaches. These geological curiosities typical of the Caux region are well worth a visit, particularly those of Antifer, Yport and Vasterival, not forgetting the Moutiers valley in Varengeville-sur-Mer.

Honfleur

Its picturesque streets and slate-covered houses are the charm of this port town, which has seen many painters such as Monet, Courbet and Boudin. A museum is dedicated to Boudin, where you can discover the life and work of this precursor of Impressionism. Otherwise, simply stroll around the church of Sainte-Catherine and along the Vieux Bassin de Honfleur.

Cape Fréhel

Between the bay of Saint-Brieuc and that of Saint-Malo are cliffs of schist and pink sandstone, which overhang the sea by more than 70 metres. The walk takes place between gorse and heather, in the middle of seagulls, gulls and other cormorants. The site is in fact an open-air ornithological reserve, with a view of the emerald sea... Not far away, don't miss the Fort la Latte, one of the largest Breton castles, classified as a Historic Monument.

The Mont-Saint-Michel

Erected on a rocky islet, the Mont-Saint-Michel is an obligatory stopover during a road-trip on the Atlantic coast. In addition to visiting the Abbey, you can discover the bay of Mont-Saint-Michel, on foot or on horseback. If by chance the weather is not good, don't hesitate to have a look at the four museums on the site.

Guérande

This medieval city, a town of art and history in the heart of the Loire-Atlantique region, will be the talk of the town for your group of travellers: heritage lovers will discover its ramparts and its collegiate church, walkers will be able to stroll along its cobbled streets, while food lovers will go to the salt marshes to learn more about the harvesting of the salt.

The Pilat Dune

The second most visited natural monument in France, after Mont-Saint-Michel, the Dune du Pilat, the highest dune in Europe (over 100 metres high!), offers a breathtaking panorama of the Arcachon basin. The best time to go there is at the end of the day, to admire the sun setting on the landscapes below - the Cap-Ferret lighthouse or the Landes forest.

The port of Biganos

Here is a confidential spot but with authentic charm: in Gironde, this little corner of paradise is home to cabins of all colours, which painters have fun reproducing while photographers freeze them on glossy paper! A magnificent postcard landscape...

The Gavarnie cirque

This glacial cirque in the Pyrenees mountain range rises to an altitude of 3,000 metres and is home to one of the highest waterfalls in Europe (427 metres). Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it was described by the poet Victor Hugo as a "possible and extraordinary object"... and we're not going to say otherwise! Several tours are possible to discover it more closely.