Local gems. Personal favorites. New inspiration.
Written by Marie-Edwina Provost et Marine Prat,
Expert in creating custom travel itineraries in Western France.
Published on September 22, 2026
Our trip designers spend their days creating tailor-made journeys across Western France. They also have their own favorite places, local gems and personal tips — the kind of details that can make a journey truly special for your clients.
This month, Marine and Marie share a few of their favorites across Normandy, the Loire Valley and Brittany.
Let’s create tailor-made journeys inspired by local expertise. 👇
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Marie Edwina’s Loire Valley
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Living in Les Rosiers-sur-Loire, I’m lucky enough to have the Loire right on my doorstep. Come along with me for an afternoon bike ride along the river, one of my favourite ways to discover the region, as I head towards Saumur.
I make my way through the charming villages of Cunault, with its remarkable Romanesque priory church, then Trèves, dominated by its impressive medieval tower, the last remnant of a former fortress.
History and legend intertwine here: in medieval Arthurian romances, Trèves is said to have been one of King Arthur’s strongholds and is even linked to the birth of Lancelot of the Lake, adding a touch of magic to the ride!
I continue through Chênehutte, cycling between the river, vineyards and traditional Loire houses, before making my way back and rewarding myself to a well-deserved ice cream at the Royal Glacier, on its terrace overlooking the Loire.
The terrace is part of the former home of the Veuve Amiot, the famous Saumur sparkling-wine producer, making this the perfect place to end the day, with history, beautiful views and a little indulgence.
Marine’s Normandy
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Normandy is a fascinating region, shaped by centuries of major historical events. This is one of the reasons I love returning there. What makes Normandy particularly special is its ability to remain authentic while also being home to one of Europe’s most important economic centres, thanks in large part to the port of Le Havre.
Visitors often tend to discover the same famous places. Yet beyond Deauville, Mont-Saint-Michel and the D-Day beaches, Normandy has so much more to offer.
Take Cabourg and Houlgate, for example. These elegant seaside resorts are often overlooked in favour of Deauville or Trouville, yet they offer beautiful independent shops, charming local bookshops and a wonderfully authentic atmosphere. In Cabourg, you can stroll along the beach and discover the town’s legendary hotel, where Marcel Proust loved to stay.
Further inland, Normandy reveals another side of its character through its beautiful villages. One of my personal favourites is Beuvron-en-Auge, a wonderfully preserved village where you can wander among antique shops, meet local producers and discover some of the region’s finest specialities : cider, cheeses and other local delicacies.
Another hidden gem is Château de Fontaine-Henry, renowned for its extraordinary roofs, among the highest in France. Over the centuries, the château has witnessed remarkable stories and events that, in their own way, have become part of the wider history of France.
But perhaps the best way to discover Normandy is with a passionate local guide.
Someone who will take you beyond the well-trodden paths, introduce you to authentic villages and forgotten places, and share the stories and anecdotes that bring them to life.
Because discovering Normandy is not simply about visiting its most famous landmarks.
It is about taking the time to wander down a quiet village street, step into a local shop, meet a producer, taste a regional speciality and uncover the stories that most visitors never get to hear.
This is the Normandy I love to share.
Marie Edwina’s Brittany
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The best travel experiences often come from the places, people and stories you don’t find in a guidebook.
From Normandy’s charming villages to a bike ride along the Loire and the wild coast of southern Brittany, Marine and Marie-Edwina each have their own way of seeing Western France, and plenty of personal favorites to share.
Their local knowledge is what helps turn a tailor-made itinerary into a truly memorable experience.
Can I include some of the local favorites shared by our trip designers in a tailor-made trip?
Absolutely. These personal favorites can be incorporated into a tailor-made itinerary based on your interests, pace and the type of experiences you are looking for.
Can I discover Western France with a local guide?
Yes. A local guide can take you beyond the main tourist attractions, introduce you to lesser-known places and share the stories, traditions and local knowledge that bring a destination to life.
Which regions can I explore with France Trip Secrets?
France Trip Secrets creates tailor-made journeys across Western France, including the Loire Valley, Normandy and Brittany.
Can I cycle along the Loire from Les Rosiers-sur-Loire to Saumur?
Yes, it is one of our trip designer Marie-Edwina's favorite afternoon rides. The route follows the river through Cunault and its Romanesque priory church, then Trèves with its medieval tower, a village that Arthurian legend links to King Arthur and Lancelot. It continues through Chênehutte between vineyards and Loire houses. She ends with an ice cream on the Royal Glacier terrace, in the former home of the Veuve Amiot sparkling wine house.
What is there to see in Normandy besides Mont-Saint-Michel and the D-Day beaches?
Quite a lot. The seaside towns of Cabourg and Houlgate are quieter than Deauville and have independent shops and bookstores. In Cabourg you can see the Grand Hôtel, where Marcel Proust liked to stay. Inland, Beuvron-en-Auge is a well preserved village with antique shops and local producers of cider and cheese. Château de Fontaine-Henry is known for having some of the highest roofs in France.
What should I see in southern Finistère in Brittany?
Start in Pont-l'Abbé, capital of the Pays Bigouden, known for its traditional costumes, castle and old harbor. Lesconil has long sandy beaches and rocks shaped like animals. Le Guilvinec is a busy fishing port, and the Eckmühl Lighthouse in Penmarch gives a wide view over the Atlantic. Finish with Concarneau's walled town and Pont-Aven, the artists' village linked to Gauguin.
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- France Trip Secrets – Wellness stay in Brittany – ©Castelbrac: J-L T
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