Have questions? We're here.
Wild coastline of Brittany

Treasures of Brittany Along the French Atlantic Coast

Saint-Malo-Nantes - Example 8 Day Cruise aboard Le Jacques Cartier
Talk with an expert
Build your ideal France trip. Call 1.406.541.2677
Start Planning My Trip
Enjoy unique and unforgettable moments on an 8-day cruise aboard Le Jacques-Cartier along the French Atlantic coast.
Set sail from Saint-Malo, the city of privateers, with delightful diversity of heritage and charming rampart walks. Explore the Ponant Isles, a large archipelago off the French coast. Washed by the English Channel and the Atlantic, they owe their name to their Western geographical situation: Ponant meaning literally where the sun sets. During the voyage, sail along the Hoëdic, Groix, Sein, Molène, Ouessant and Bréhat Islands, enjoying their wild and preserved coastlines. Visit Belle-Île-en-Mer, to the south of Brittany, where the Impressionist painter Claude Monet once lived and painted the island’s most remarkable site: the jagged rocks known as Les Aiguilles de Port-Coton.
 
Nantes, Château des ducs de bretagneMont Saint Michele off France's Northern CoastNantes, FranceBlue hour on the French coastNantes, Royal PalaceNantes CathedralWild coastline of Brittany
Highlights
  • Enjoy a themed cruise based on gastronomy
  • Discover the most beautiful coastlines of Western France around Brittany
  • Sail around Belle-Île-en-Mer and its stunningly beautiful natural sites
  • Explore Belle-Île-en-Mer and its stunningly beautiful natural sites
Places Visited
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
0

Full Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Saint-Malo | Embark

The mere mention of Saint-Malo’s name is enough to evoke the richness of its past. The fortifications stand as testimony to the Malouins’ determination to defend their citadel, fought over by France and Britain in turn. When we drop anchor here, immerse yourself in the diversity of its heritage: the time when privateers sailed the oceans in search of trade and victories; the legendary yacht races the port city is still famous for, such as the Route du Rhum; and the final resting place of the French writer François-René de Chateaubriand, who was born here and chose to be buried here anonymously.

Day 2: Brehat Island

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
The island of Brehat, which has banned cars from its streets, became France's first classified natural site in 1907. As it's 3.5 km long and 1.5 km wide, visit on foot for a change of scenery, one imbued with the maritime and military history which marked it from the Middle Ages. Its nickname is the Island of Flowers for the variety of its flora with agaves, echium, hydrangea, mimosa, mulberry trees, eucalyptus, aloes, camellias and the emblematic agapanthus. All year round, it enjoys the influence of the Gulf Stream which gives it a particularly mild microclimate, even in winter. It's also a paradise for birds, with 120 different species identified. 

Day 3: Ouessant

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Chart a course toward this sentinel island, the most westerly point of mainland France, recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1988. Some 7 km long, Ouessant boasts a wild and bitter beauty. Its landscapes, carved by the sea and the wind, are the home to thousands of sea birds. The island has been continuously inhabited since prehistoric times, with women dedicating themselves to farming while the men were fishermen and sailors. From Lampaul, admire the powerful lighthouses that adorn the Ouessant coastline, including the Créac’h lighthouse, which stands out from the rest with its black and white stripes.

Day 4: Glenan Islands | Concarneau 

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
The Glenan archipelago and its string of islets offer you a magical spectacle with their white sand beaches and emerald green waters. Located around 10 nautical miles from the French mainland, the Glénans are a succession of seven islets, coiled around an interior sea with a paradisiac decor. To the east, Penfret shelters the lighthouse. Further on is the largest island of Loch,  recognizable by its chimney stack. Then come Cigogne with its fort, Drenec, Bananec, Guéotec, and finally Saint-Nicolas. The daffodil is the emblematic flower of the Glénan Islands; these pretty white flowers decorate the idyllic landscape of the archipelago in springtime. 

An emblematic town in Brittany, it is hard to resist the delights of Concarneau. The "blue town” will astonish and surprise you with its charm and history.  Stroll along the streets of the Ville Close, with its remarkable walls and fortifications overlooking Concarneau Bay. Since the siege of the town by Duguesclin in the 16th Century, it has maintained its taste for adventure. The maritime history of the town and its canning industry is examined in the interesting fishing museum (Musee de la Peche). Also, do not miss the visit to Keriolet Castle, a neo-gothic gem built in the 19th Century by a Russian imperial princess.

Day 5: Groix Island

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
“Qui voit Groix voit sa joie” (“Whoever sees Groix will see its glee”) — this proverb will make perfect sense as soon as your ship starts following the coastlines of Groix Island. Located around four nautical miles from Lorient, Groix stretches eight kilometers long and is home to pretty low houses and colorful gardens. There is much contrast in the panorama: mainly wild and craggy landscapes to the west, and long beaches to the east, inviting conviviality and relaxation. At the beginning of the 20th century, Groix was the leading tuna port in France and the tuna-shaped weather vane, perched atop the church belfry, illustrates this history.

Day 6: Sailing Around Hoedic Island | Port Navalo

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Along its eight km of coastline and superb beaches, the island of Hoedic offers an enchanting and rare palette of colors and sensations. Authentic and faithful to its roots, it presents a universe that is both fragile and poetic. The island has steep shores, and upholds its motto: "Hoedic, come hell or high water." Secret and wild, the island saw its first tourists arrive at the beginning of the 1960's in second homes, which represent 80% of accommodation today. 

Port-Navalo is located at the entrance to the Gulf of Morbihan, at the extreme tip of the Rhuys peninsula. The view over Locmariaquer as well as over the Quiberon peninsula are exceptional. A charming village of traditional Breton houses, Port-Navalo has always been a resolutely maritime town, a traditional fishing port and a well-protected refuge from the Suroit winds. Do not miss the chance to stroll along the coastal footpath in search of viewpoints over this inland sea that is the gulf, crossed every day by all types of vessels including the famous sinagots with their red sails.

The following optional excursions will be available for an additional charge: Morbihan Gulf & Oyster Tasting, Medieval Vannes.

Day 7: Houat | Belle-île-en-Mer

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
The island of Houat is home to 400 inhabitants all year round. It belongs to Mor Braz, a vast body of water that includes the peninsulas of Quiberon, Rhuys and Guerande. Houat is immediately striking thanks to its immaculate appearance and its sandy creeks bathed by emerald waters. If you walk briskly, it's possible to get around the island in a couple hours, admiring its landscapes, which are a paradise for amateur botanists, honeysuckle, tamarix, everlastings, sea pink and more. 

Lying to the South of Brittany, Belle-Île is very aptly named. The largest of the Ponant islands, it owes its glowing reputation to its exceptional environment and generous natural attributes: pristine moors and dunes, headlands and cliffs cut into granite points, rocky inlets, and sheltered bays with sandy or pebble beaches. Aboard your ship, watch the wild coastline of Belle-île-en-Mer, this little speck of land surrounded by the ocean sparkling with colors in the morning light.

The following optional excursions will be available for an additional charge: Hiking At Pointe Des Poulains, Eden Garden & Panoramic Tour, Panoramic Tour Of Belle-ile-en-mer.

Day 8: Nantes | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Disembark in Nantes, one of the larger cities in France. On the banks of the Loire river, this charming city serves as an excellent starting point to explore the chateaux dotting the nearby countryside. 

Ship/Hotel

Le Jacques Cartier

Swimming pool
Le Jacques Cartier Restaurant
Le Jacques Cartier - Panorama View

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
Deluxe Stateroom
Select a Date
Deluxe Stateroom
19 m² area featuring a 4m² Private balcony, individually-controlled air-conditioning, King-size bed or twin beds, Shower
Prestige Deck
Select a Date
Prestige Deck 4
19 m² area featuring a 4m² Private balcony, individually-controlled air-conditioning, King-size bed or twin beds, Shower
Prestige Deck
Select a Date
Prestige Deck 5
19 m² area featuring a 4m² Private balcony, individually-controlled air-conditioning, King-size bed or twin beds, Shower
Prestige Deck
Select a Date
Prestige Deck 6
19 m² area featuring a 4m² Private balcony, individually-controlled air-conditioning, King-size bed or twin beds, Shower
Deluxe Suite
Select a Date
Deluxe Suite Deck 3
27 m² area featuring, 6m² private balcony, individually-controlled air-conditioning, King-size bed or twin beds, 1 sofa, shower
Deluxe Suite
Select a Date
Deluxe Suite Deck 4
27 m² area featuring, 6m² private balcony, individually-controlled air-conditioning, King-size bed or twin beds, 1 sofa, shower
Deluxe Suite
Select a Date
Deluxe Suite Deck 5
27 m² area featuring, 6m² private balcony, individually-controlled air-conditioning, King-size bed or twin beds, 1 sofa, shower
Deluxe Suite
Select a Date
Deluxe Suite Deck 6
27 m² area featuring, 6m² private balcony, individually-controlled air-conditioning, King-size bed or twin beds, 1 sofa, shower
Prestige Deck Suite
Select a Date
Prestige Deck 5 Suite
38 m² area featuring an 8m² Private balcony, individually-controlled air-conditioning, King-size bed or twin beds, Shower
Prestige Deck Suite
Select a Date
Prestige Suite Deck 6
38 m² area featuring an 8m² Private balcony, individually-controlled air-conditioning, King-size bed or twin beds, Shower
Privilege Suite
Select a Date
Privilege Suite Deck 6
32 m² area featuring an 8m² Private balcony, individually-controlled air-conditioning, King-size bed or twin beds, Shower
Privilege Suite
Select a Date
Privilege Suite Deck 5
32 m² area featuring an 8m² Private balcony, individually-controlled air-conditioning, King-size bed or twin beds, Shower
Grand Deluxe Suite
Select a Date
Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6
45 m² area featuring, 40m² private balcony, individually-controlled air-conditioning, King-size bed or twin beds, Bathtub
Owner Suite
Select a Date
Owner's Suite
45 m² area featuring an 30m² Private balcony, individually-controlled air-conditioning, King-size bed or twin beds, Shower

Notes

Please note:
Fares are based on double occupancy and are capacity controlled. Rates may increase at any time as the ship sells out and are subject to change without notice.
Included
  • 7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
  • 7 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Port Fees
  • Unlimited Wifi
  • Onboard Entertainment 
  • Captain’s Welcome Cocktail and Gala Dinner
  • Gratuities to Onboard Crew
  • “Open Bar” (pouring wines, house champagne, alcohol except premium brands...list available upon request)
  • 24h Room Service (special selection)
  • English-Speaking Lecturer 
  • Highly experienced and bilingual (French-English) expedition staff
  • Park Entry Fees into Protected Areas
  • Water sports activities (except scuba diving) using the ship’s equipment, when permitted by local authorities and confirmed by ship Master according to safety and sea conditions onsite. 
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Visa Fees
  • Optional Excursions - Ponant allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately six to two months prior to the cruise* departure. Please note that this is subject to change. Please contact us for more details.
  • Any ground services before and/or after the cruise other than the ones mentioned
  • Luggage Handling 
  • Laundry Services, Hair Salon, and à La Carte Spa Treatments
  • Pre or post cruise programs, overland programs or shore excursions 
  • Beverages other than the ones mentioned in inclusions
  • CDP recommends that every Traveler has full and adequate travel insurance covering the risks of cancellation, assistance being required, repatriation, damages to and loss of baggage, and medical expenses

Map

Inquire

* By providing your phone number, you consent to receive direct phone calls or SMS messages from our Trip Planners to get the process started. We do not share your information with third-parties.
Travel Agents

We Love to Talk Travel

Call 1.800.344.6118
or
Chat Now
Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
Lisa Bridge
More Reasons

Why Travel With Adventure Life

All News

Recognized By