08 – 14 May 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 Hotel les Costans, situated above the town of Perros-Guirec and with 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 and some may wish to take the ferry crossing to St Malo or Roscoff.
Itinerary
DAY ONE – TUESDAY 08 MAY
Morning departure from London St Pancras by Eurostar changing at Lille for Rennes by TGV. Transfer to comfortable, contemporary-style Hotel les Costans at Perros-Guirec with views to the islands off 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 09 MAY
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 extensive restoration. We return to the hotel and enjoy dinner together.DAY THREE – THURSDAY 10 MAY
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.DAY FOUR – FRIDAY 11 MAY
Morning visit to the 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. Lunch-time in nearby Guingamp. Visit to the small estuary town of Tréguier with its cathedral and attractive half-timbered buildings, returning to the hotel late afternoon.DAY FIVE – SATURDAY 12 MAY
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 13 MAY
Optional boat excursion to view the seabird colonies on the seven-island ornithological reserve (puffins, penguins and at least 15 varieties of marine birds). 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.DAY SEVEN – MONDAY 14 MAY
Depart after breakfast to take the TGV train from Rennes to Lille, continuing to London and arriving mid-afternoon.
Tour Costs
Train, Hotel and Itinerary costs £1540pp
Accommodation based on 2 people sharing
b&b with private shower/bathroom
Dinner on 6 evenings/1 lunch
Supplement – single use of double room £150
To extend your stay £125pp day/sharing hb
Taxi available to station at Rennes
Activity Level:
Relatively level walking, gardens extensive.
Additional Information:
Possible to arrive by car ferry in St Malo or Roscoff. 90 minutes drive to Perros-Guirec.