Driving to France, Where to go????

irish bloke

Heading to France this wkend for 10 days and have nothing booked.
Can travel to either Cherbourg or Roscoff.

Know nothing about holidaying in France, only that its where my wife wants to go.

Just the 2 of us (mid 30's) and some sun would be nice.
More into resorts, beaches, restaurants then site seeing.

Dont want to drive for hours on end (i.e the south of France).

Dont mind trying a few places.

Anyone got any tips for me, sorry but im a complete novice here and the net is just bambooziling me with options...:o

two wheels good

Lots to see in Brittany and Normandy but south of Nantes will increase the possibility of sunshine.
If the weather is good enough in Brittany around Quimper and Vannes is very nice and the trips to the islands e.g. Belle Ile are great

Roscoff will reduce the journey time by a few hours.

Further South:
Motorway as far as Niort is free but I prefer the scenic back roads. Michelin maps are good for showing scenic routes

Lots of beaches and coastal sights around La Rochelle, - Ile de Re, Ile d'Oleron
Alternatively a route via the Loire, maybe see a couple of chateux (you don't have to go in!) at Saumur, Chinon etc

I often prefer browsing a guide book e.g. the Eyewitness series with many helpful photos. Check your local library

Don't forget mandatory hi-viz jackets, spare bulbs etc. No need to worry about breathalyzer 'til November.

One more thing - accommodation:
Campanile, Formule 1, Premier Classe, Etape are common hotel chains. Convenient, adequate but a bit soulless.
The local guesthouses and inns are much more charming. A half board option with dinner is usually good value on a one night stop
At this time of year you should have no trouble turning up without reservation.

irish bloke

two wheels good wrote: »

Lots to see in Brittany and Normandy but south of Nantes will increase the possibility of sunshine.
If the weather is good enough in Brittany around Quimper and Vannes is very nice and the trips to the islands e.g. Belle Ile are great

Roscoff will reduce the journey time by a few hours.

Further South:
Motorway as far as Niort is free but I prefer the scenic back roads. Michelin maps are good for showing scenic routes

Lots of beaches and coastal sights around La Rochelle, - Ile de Re, Ile d'Oleron
Alternatively a route via the Loire, maybe see a couple of chateux (you don't have to go in!) at Saumur, Chinon etc

I often prefer browsing a guide book e.g. the Eyewitness series with many helpful photos. Check your local library

Don't forget mandatory hi-viz jackets, spare bulbs etc. No need to worry about breathalyzer 'til November.

One more thing - accommodation:
Campanile, Formule 1, Premier Classe, Etape are common hotel chains. Convenient, adequate but a bit soulless.
The local guesthouses and inns are much more charming. A half board option with dinner is usually good value on a one night stop
At this time of year you should have no trouble turning up without reservation.

Great, thanks for that info, somewhere for me to start...