Commissioner Dupin Part 2 – Searching for clues in northern and western Brittany
9-day trip to Brittany: Rediscover Dupin's Brittany: Pointe du Raz, Crozon, Brest, the Pink Granite Coast, Saint-Malo, and Mont-Saint-Michel. Varied coastlines, charming towns and pure enjoyment.
Itinerary
The wild coast, charming fishing villages, mysterious rocks and culinary delights – Brittany inspires with its diversity and character. Together with our tour guide, we will discover the original locations of the famous Dupin crime novels and experience the most beautiful aspects of this fascinating region.
Day 1: Arrival in Orléans
Our first stop takes us to Orléans. We check into our rooms at the Novotel Orléans Saint Jean de Braye and enjoy a 3-course dinner together in the hotel restaurant in the evening.
Day 2: Rennes & arrival in Quimper
Around noon, we reach Rennes, the capital of Brittany. On a tour of the old town, we will immerse ourselves in a labyrinth of narrow streets and magnificent half-timbered houses – Dupin also searched for clues here. We will then continue our journey westward. Our destination is Quimper, the heart of Cornouaille, where we will stay for two nights at the Hôtel Escale Océania. Dinner at the hotel.
Day 3: Quimper, Douarnenez & Pointe du Raz
In the morning, we explore Quimper with its Saint-Corentin Cathedral and picturesque alleys, where Dupin liked to wander. Then we head to the fishing town of Douarnenez – known from the fifth case, Breton Flood – with its rich sardine tradition and the island of Tristan. In the afternoon, we breathe in the fresh Atlantic air at Pointe du Raz, one of the most spectacular stretches of coastline in France, before strolling through the perfectly preserved granite houses of medieval Locronan. In the evening, we enjoy typical Breton delicacies: galettes, crêpes, and cider at the Crêperie du Frugy.Day 4: Crozon Peninsula
The wild beauty of the Crozon Peninsula is on our agenda today – mentioned several times in Bretonische Flut (Breton Flood). Rugged cliffs, beautiful bays, and fine beaches form the backdrop for our stages. We enjoy magnificent views, especially at Pointe de Pen-Hir and Pen-Hat beach. At lunchtime, we stop in the fishing village of Camaret-sur-Mer, where the boats rock in the harbor. Towards evening, we reach Brest, the lively port city in the west, and check into the Hôtel Océania Brest Centre Ville. Dinner at the hotel.
Day 5: Pointe Saint-Mathieu & Côte des Abers
We continue along the northwest coast to other Dupin locations. The Saint-Mathieu lighthouse and the ruins of an abbey sit dramatically atop the cliffs. At Pointe de Corsen, the westernmost point of mainland France, the feeling of standing at the end of the world is palpable. On the way, we visit a soap factory – just like in the novels, where Dupin's secretary Nolwenn made this discovery. The drive along the Côte des Abers offers us more spectacular views. Back in Brest, a rich seafood platter awaits us at the Maison de l'Océan restaurant.
Day 6: Monts d'Arrée & Pink Granite Coast
Today, our route takes us to the “heart of Brittany” – the Monts d'Arrée, the setting for Breton Pride. Mystical hills, heathland, and moorland characterize this region. In the afternoon, we reach the Pink Granite Coast, famous from Breton Light. The bizarrely shaped, pink shimmering rocks offer a natural experience in a class of its own. In the evening, we arrive in Saint-Malo, where we spend two nights at the Hôtel Océania. For dinner, a Breton menu awaits us at the Brasserie O de Mer.
Day 7: Saint-Malo, Cancale & Mont-Saint-Michel
Saint-Malo – the corsair city – invites us to take a tour of the mighty city walls in the morning. Then we head to Cancale, the setting for many Dupin scenes, where we visit an oyster farm and sample fresh oysters. In the afternoon, a highlight awaits: Mont-Saint-Michel, world-famous abbey and UNESCO World Heritage Site. After a stroll through the medieval streets, we enjoy an unforgettable view of the bay from above. Back in Saint-Malo, we round off the day with dinner.
Day 8: Return journey via Auxerre
We say goodbye to Brittany and drive to Auxerre in Burgundy. We check into our rooms at the Mercure Auxerre Nord and enjoy a fine dinner in the hotel restaurant.
Day 9: Journey home
After breakfast, we embark on the last leg of our journey. We return home with many memories of Dupin's search for clues, wild coastlines, and culinary experiences.
Our hotels
Orléans – Novotel Orléans Saint Jean de Braye
Quietly located 4★ hotel on the outskirts of Orléans, surrounded by greenery. Comfortable rooms in typical Novotel style, restaurant with terrace and outdoor pool. Dinner in the hotel restaurant.
Quimper – Hôtel Escale Océania
Popular 3★ hotel directly opposite the old town of Quimper. Modern rooms, friendly service and a bar to round off the day. Dinner in the hotel restaurant and in a traditional crêperie.
Brest – Hôtel Océania Brest Centre Ville
Centrally located 4★ hotel in the heart of Brest. Soundproofed, modern rooms, hotel restaurant, and bar. Dinner at the hotel and a maritime treat at the Maison de l’Océan restaurant.
Saint-Malo – Hôtel Océania
Prime location right on the beach, just a few minutes' walk from the historic old town. Modern 4★ rooms, elegant bar, and small wellness area. Dinner at selected restaurants in Saint-Malo.
Auxerre – Hôtel Mercure Auxerre Nord
Quietly located 4★ hotel in the middle of a spacious green area near the city. Comfortable rooms, restaurant with regional cuisine, and outdoor pool. Dinner at the hotel restaurant.