18 – 24 September 2012
The beautiful unspoilt northern coast of Brittany between Roscoff and St Malo enjoys an exceptional climate due to the Gulf Stream. Alongside the rocky coastline through deep-cut inlets and in the inland wooded valleys, we will discover some extraordinary gardens in secret locations. Most gardens have been extended beyond their original farm or manor house walled area by their present owners inspired by the climate, good soil and the ability to acclimatise plants from other parts of the world.
Our base is the contemporary, stylish Hôtel les Costans situated above the town of Perros-Guirec has impressive views to the seven islands off the coast which are home to colonies of seabirds. Delicious local dishes can be enjoyed in the excellent hotel restaurant each evening.
Travel by train from London St Pancras is proposed.
Itinerary
DAY ONE – TUESDAY 18 SEPTEMBER
Morning departure from London St Pancras by Eurostar changing at Lille for Rennes by TGV. Transfer to comfortable, contemporary-style Hôtel les Costans at Perros-Guirec with views to the islands on the northern Brittany coast. Aperitif and short talk on the week’s programme before enjoying dinner together in the hotel’s excellent restaurant.DAY TWO – WEDNESDAY 19 SEPTEMBER
Morning visit to a private manor house garden, Le Jardin du Pellinec. Inspired by the gardens at Kerdalo, the seven acre garden on the Pellinec estuary was started twenty years ago. The microclimate has encouraged Monsieur Jean to grow a huge diversity of plants laid out in visual harmony. At lunch-time we arrive at the castle and gardens of Domaine de la Roche Jagu. Situated high above the tidal River Trieux, the garden and surrounding forests were devastated by the hurricane of 1987 resulting in extension restoration. We return to the hotel and enjoy dinner togetherDAY THREE – THURSDAY 20 SEPTEMBER
Morning visit to the legendary gardens at Kerdalo created by Prince Peter Wolkonsky on his retirement achieving one of the finest gardens in the region. Originally a manor farm in its enclosed valley with natural springs, the formal garden develops into the wooded valley with a lake, pools and grotto with a rich collection of trees and shrubs. We lunch in the garden. Since the Prince’s death in 1997, the gardens are looked after by his daughter and husband, both Kew trained. In the afternoon we visit their personal garden, Crech ar Pape overlooking the bay with a formal plan with intimate atmosphere well planted with good colours and shapes. Enjoy dinner together in hotel restaurant.DAY FOUR – FRIDAY 21 SEPTEMBER
Morning visit to an innovative garden of a farmhouse well-protected with woodland. A remarkable and unusual contemporary garden with vistas, pools and topiary. In the garden of temptation, serpents of clipped box climb up the apple trees! We are welcomed by the owner and his capable gardener who will accompany us. Afternoon visit to les Jardins de Botrain created around a farmhouse with ‘rooms’. The owners will show us their special collections. Return to the hotel late afternoon. Enjoy dinner together in hotel restaurant.DAY FIVE – SATURDAY 22 SEPTEMBER
We head west to Roscoff to visit the botanical gardens with an amazing collection of southern hemisphere plants. The enthusiastic head gardener will give a fascinating guided visit. The gentle microclimate influenced by the Gulf Stream and excellent growing conditions result in a superb variety of plants laid out on a hill-side overlooking the bay. Lunch-time in a chosen creperie in Roscoff. In the afternoon we take a boat to the Ile de Batz to visit a coastal garden laid out by Georges Delaselle in the early 1900s to acclimatise plants from many parts of the world in a delightful setting protected from the wind. The walk from the jetty through the village and along a peaceful lane is delightful. We return to the hotel for dinner together.DAY SIX – SUNDAY 23 SEPTEMBER
Visit to the small estuary town of Tréguier with its cathedral, attractive half-timbered buildings. Lunch-time in Tréguier. The gardens of Kestellic on the banks of River Jaudy enjoy a mild microclimate. We have a guided visit to discover a wealth of plants from all over the world. Delightful views from the manor house up the river to Tréguier. Dinner together in the hotel restaurant.DAY SEVEN – MONDAY 24 SEPTEMBER
Depart after breakfast to take the TGV train from Rennes to Lille, continuing to London arriving mid-afternoon.
Tour Costs
Train, Hotel and Itinerary costs £1570pp
Accommodation based on 2 people sharing
b&b with private shower/bathroom
Half board + 1 lunch
Single supplement £150
To extend your stay £125 pp day/sharing hb
Taxi available to station at Rennes
Activity Level:
Relatively level waking, gardens extensive.
Additional Information:
Possible to arrive by car ferry in St Malo or Roscoff and add a few days in this beautiful region.