Treasures of the Celtic Sea

In the evocation of its name, Saint-Malo plunges you back into the richness of its history. The ramparts bear witness to the determination of the Malouins to defend their citadel, which was in turn besieged by France and England. During your stopover, plunge into the heart of the diversity of its heritage; from the time of the corsairs criss-crossing the oceans in search of trade and victories, to the legendary maritime races, such as the Route du Rhum, which still make the city famous, via the final resting place of Chateaubriand, which chose to rest there anonymously.

Guernsey, a unique and unforgettable stopover. This island in the Channel Islands will seduce you with its mild, iodised climate and its green, flowery landscapes. Don’t be surprised to come across dolmens and menhirs here and there, which bear witness to the island’s long history and rich heritage. The pretty capital St Peter Port is characteristic of the delightfully British atmosphere that makes up the charm of the island. The memory of the great writer Victor Hugo is very present, as he lived in exile in Guernsey for some fifteen years. His home, Hauteville House, preserves his memory intact. The incredible richness of the decoration illustrates the bubbling creative genius of the great man.

Nestled in the clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean on the southwestern tip of Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly, form a small British archipelago, whose climate, scenery and way of life are unlike any other and seem straight out of an Enid Blyton book. Everything here is like a tropical paradise. Long sandy beaches, lush green meadows and many almost exotic flowers, while the ruins of ancient castles sit enthroned on hilltops. A true haven of peace that inspired King Arthur’s legendary Avalon, they are now classified as a site of remarkable natural beauty and their steep coastlines are home to a varied and exceptional fauna.

Considered the most beautiful village in Ireland, Kinsale will captivate you with its stunning natural scenery and rich cultural heritage. Nestled at the end of the Bandon estuary in County Cork, this charming little port is home to picturesque lanes lined with colourful houses, art galleries, theatres and a 17th century castle. Not far away, perched on a rocky headland, stands the Kinsale Lighthouse, which is still in operation today and offers magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean.

In the North West of England, the vibrant and engaging city of Liverpool flourishes on the banks of the Mersey River. This former industrial stronghold has been given a new lease of life thanks in particular to the very successful development of its docks, which have been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004. The city, birthplace of the Beatles, offers inexhaustible resources to its visitors. If the walk from Pier Head to the Albert Dock is not to be missed, you will also be seduced by the quality of the museums and the richness of its architecture. But most striking of all is the cheerful and open-minded attitude of the locals: what John Lennon called “positive energy”.

The Irish capital stretches from the banks of the Liffey River to Dublin Bay on the east coast. You can experience the friendly atmosphere in the pedestrian precinct of Temple Bar. Its cobblestone streets are filled with creative shops, old-fashioned pubs and cultural centres. Next to Trinity College, famous for its 18th-century library, you can stroll along Grafton Street, where you can enjoy warm buttermilk scones and jam in its famous tea rooms. Nearby, the majestic O’Connell Bridge leads to the O’Connell Avenue, where the contemporary light sculpture Spire stands.

Capital of the Isle of Man, Douglas is a good base for visiting the archipelago as a whole. From here, you can easily set off on the country roads, which are mainly made up of moorland and sparkling green meadows. The town is not lacking in attractions, starting with its pleasant promenade which runs along the seafront for 3 kilometres. The architectural heritage, mainly in Victorian style, gives the coastal city a certain cachet. Finally, the Manx Museum, which recounts the island’s fabulous history, is a great addition to the visitor’s experience on the island.

The capital of Northern Ireland occupies the tip of the loch of Belfast, in the north-east of the Emerald Isle. The Titanic Belfast is dedicated to the famous transatlantic liner, whose reconstructed interiors invite you to embark on a Belle Époque cruise. In the historic centre you can also step back in time, from the majestic Edwardian columns of City Hall to the impressive neo-Gothic towers of Queen’s University. And the carved wooden facades of Victorian pubs are sure to make you want to push open the door to enjoy a chilled pint of beer or cider.

In the heart of the Clyde Valley, the bustling city of Glasgow contrasts with the rugged beauty of the surrounding countryside. Scotland’s most urban city has a wealth of attractions from its rich artistic and architectural heritage. The city’s checkerboard layout makes it easy to wander through the main pedestrian streets, with its lively streets lined with beautiful Victorian monuments and the collections of its many museums and art galleries. The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is exemplary in this respect. You can end your tour with some shopping, as Glasgow is also known as a shopping mecca!