Brittany - you are very aware of the passing of time here
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The rocks themselves emerged from an ancient sea 500 million years ago, once higher than the Alps but worn down over time to mere 400m bulges, they now form the wolf shaped peninsular snarling at the Atlantic waves. Early men shaped the stones and erected them in intricate patterns at Carnac – for burial or orientation, the debate continues. It’s a land of legends, akin to Cornwall, still the domain of elves, witches and daemons with connections back to pagan times, still celebrated in the many fairs and pageants held today. The people, proud defenders of Celtic traditions, still wear traditional costumes, play pipes we associate with the Scots, indulge in tests of strength while story telling, music and dance are central to life and steps to revive the traditional tongue are underway.
This land is strangely familiar to us, a beguiling mix of our own Celtic regions, even its name means Little Britain and historically it has been a thorn in the side of France. Now a major agricultural area, benefiting from some hi-tec investments, from tidal power stations to space age telecommunications; however it remains unspoilt and has a warm climate throughout its long summers.
From its tiny coves, exceptional seafood and fortified towns it is indeed a land to explore slowly– this Explorer is designed for families who are perhaps making their first vehicle dependant trip, designed at a slower, gentler pace than our other Explorers, with plenty of time to wander and stop.
The campsites we use are top quality modern sites, however, that is not to say its easy; we will experience the wilder parts but your hardest choice will possibly be what wine to have with the seafood!
Summary
Start point |
St Malo (via fast ferry from Poole to St Malo).
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Finish point |
Cherbourg (return on ferry Cherbourg to Portsmouth)
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Number of days |
7 days, 8 nights.
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Approx. distance |
700 kilometres (not including travelling between ferry ports and start point for the expedition).
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Road conditions |
Mixture of rock tracks and local roads.
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No’ of vehicles |
Maximum of 6 guest vehicles plus a support vehicle.
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Accommodation used |
Accommodation will be in campsites with toilet/shower facilities where available. Occasionally we may use wild sites set in the Breton countryside.
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Specialist equipment - vehicle |
A well maintained and serviced 4x4 vehicle fitted with underbody protection. A CB radio must be fitted. Tyres of All Terrain or Mud Terrain tread patterns are most suitable. A winch is not essential and additional fuel cans are not needed. A vehicle fridge/coolbox is useful for cold drinks and keeping food fresh.
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Specialist equipment - camping |
Either roof (preferable) or ground tents are suitable. You will need good quality sleeping mats if using ground tents, along with sleeping bags. You should bring your own chairs, table, stove, pans, cutlery and utensils. Clothing can be light as the days will be hot, however you should bring some warm and windproof outer wear. Protection from the sun and UV is needed.
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Passport |
Required.
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Visa |
Not needed for citizens of the EEU.
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| Health |
No special requirements beyond small first aid kit and EHIC – European Health Entitlement Certificate (available from UK Post Offices). |
Cost of living |
Comparable or slightly less than the UK. You will be able to withdraw Euros from ATM’s and credit cards are widely accepted. |
Weather
Warm and sheltered inland but it can be cool up on the coast. Occasional storms can bring cloud and rain.
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Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
Average daily temp
Max O C
Min O C
Rainfall mm |
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5
0
78 |
5
0
60 |
10
5
62 |
14
7
56 |
20
14
40 |
23
17
32 |
27
19
28 |
28
19
25 |
17
15
29 |
11
12
70 |
10
8
79 |
5
4
80 |
Food and Shopping
Food is readily available even in small villages. Traditional dishes and superb ingredients make this a real gastronomic explorer as well! Meals can be cooked individually or communally, the choice is yours but at times during the expedition, OneLife Adventure will host group meals, with everyone helping on an informal basis. We can assist you with purchasing food in country, as necessary and will co-ordinate shopping for group meals.
Schedule and Pace
The route and timings are not fixed, we will be free to break journey, stop and explore, as you desire. I aim to be in the campsite by 16.00 on most days to allow us to relax and enjoy the experiences of the day. The daily distances driven vary due to the terrain and ground conditions but a typical day will be 2-3 hours driving in the morning, 1 hour for lunch and then a further 2-3
hours driving. This will include stops for breaks, photos and visits.
Outbound shipping
The crossing from Poole to St Malo is made by fast ferry and is included in the expedition price. You are free to specify your own preferred dates and times. There is limited availability on this route both out and inbound, so advise early booking. We are able to offer alternatives but surcharges may apply.
Note – This section of the expedition is unsupported by OneLife Adventure, the above information is to aid planning your arrivals and departures. The booking is made on your behalf and cost of the ferry is included in the expedition price. Accommodation, meals and refreshments you take during this transit stage are not included.
Inbound Shipping
The return crossing from Cherboug to Portsmouth is made by ferry and is included in the expedition price. Again you are free to break the return journey and specify the ferry dates and times allowing you to extend your holiday as you choose.
Note – As for the outbound journey, this section of the expedition is also unsupported by OneLife Adventure.
Cost
- £650 per person for the first 2 adults (based on 2 sharing). A single person supplement of £150 will apply.
- For each additional adult up to a maximum of 4 per vehicle add £100.
- Under 16’s go free - OneLife Adventure does not charge its young guests.
The expedition price includes flexible return ferry crossing from Poole to St Malo, all campsite/accommodation costs, full backup and guiding from the support team.
It does not include your fuel, food, snacks, drinks and personal spending.
OneLife Adventure Expedition Rating System
  BRETON EXPLORER
 Easy, short driving days, suitable for families and drivers with basic off road driving skills.
 Easy camping with occasional wild sites interspersed by sites with facilities, no technical needs, suitable for families and young children.
 Higher off road content, moderate driving days, suitable for families and medium
off road driving skills.
50% wild camping, some technical needs, suitable for families and young children used to camping.
 Longer days occasionally and high content of off road driving, recoveries likely and moderate levels of off road skills needed.
 80% wild camping +, weather or environment requires some technical clothing/equipment, suitable for experienced families with older children.
 Long days and long distances are the norm, likely to encounter severe hazards and will require teamwork to succeed, experienced drivers.
Extreme weather (hot, wet or cold), will require extensive technical equipment, irregular meals and physical discomfort will be the norm! Success is achieving the destination – Camel Trophy style.
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