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Stop in France between Caen and La Rochelle

4 replies

EdenGlen · 29/07/2025 09:27

Hi,

We are going to France in a couple of weeks with our 10 and 13 year olds. We are spending a couple of days in Normandy and then driving across to La Rochelle.

Any recommendations for stops along the way. Either short stops or somewhere we could spend a couple of hours to break up the journey?

Thanks!

OP posts:
boulevardofbrokendreamss · 29/07/2025 10:27

I’d just drive and get there tbh. Le Mans if any interest is also a nice town / village

beetr00 · 29/07/2025 11:01

chatGPT suggests these @EdenGlen Could use for planning.

  1. Bayeux
Why visit: Home of the famous Bayeux Tapestry, which tells the story of the Norman conquest of England.

Bonus: Beautiful cathedral and charming medieval streets.

  1. Mont-Saint-Michel
Why visit: One of France’s most iconic landmarks, a tidal island with a stunning abbey.

Tip: Time your visit with the tides for the full experience.

  1. Villedieu-les-Poêles
Why visit: Known for traditional copper crafts and bell-making.

Vibe: Quaint artisan town in the Normandy countryside.

  1. Rennes
Why visit: Capital of Brittany, known for its half-timbered houses and vibrant student culture.

Don't miss: Parc du Thabor and the Saturday market at Place des Lices.

  1. Dinan or Saint-Malo (if detouring a bit west)
Dinan: A perfectly preserved medieval town with ramparts and cobblestone streets.

Saint-Malo: A walled port city with a dramatic seaside setting and pirate history.

  1. Angers Why visit: Historic city with a beautiful castle and tapestries, plus Loire Valley wine.

Tip: Check out the Apocalypse Tapestry in the Château d’Angers.

  1. Saumur
Why visit: Fairytale-like château and vineyards along the Loire River.

Activities: Visit troglodyte wine cellars carved into the tufa cliffs.

  1. Chinon
Why visit: Charming old town and impressive castle with links to Joan of Arc.

Wine: Great place for tasting Loire reds.

  1. Poitiers
Why visit: Rich Romanesque architecture and the Futuroscope theme park.

Highlight: Notre-Dame la Grande, especially lit at night.

  1. Marais Poitevin (Green Venice) Why visit: A network of canals ideal for peaceful boat rides through marshlands.

Nature lovers: Great stop for a relaxed afternoon in nature.

  1. Niort Why visit: Often overlooked, it has a beautiful riverside setting and a medieval keep.

Worth a stop: For a scenic café break or market shopping.

boulevardofbrokendreamss · 29/07/2025 12:01

A lot of these are the wrong direction or days out from LR

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

beetr00 · 29/07/2025 13:10

boulevardofbrokendreamss · 29/07/2025 12:01

A lot of these are the wrong direction or days out from LR

google maps thinks otherwise, I'm sure @EdenGlen will research.

It's sometimes nice to stop rather than drive to get there, depending on preference ofc🙂

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