France - west coast and Pyrenees

[will_]

Planning a summer trip from Santander to Caen. I've done a couple of days in the Pyrenees and with more time there appear to be plenty of decent roads to explore (although tips are welcome).

Never done the west coast of France though - any tips for things to do or, more importantly, great roads to drive?

All help much appreciated.

[Zed 44]

Think you're missing out on the best roads. I'm working on the details of a Pyrenees trip right now. Far better to get the boat there and back (cheaper) and enjoy the Pyrenees.

I used to work along the west coast of France for 15 years on and off between the Spanish border and Brittany and apart from the Western Pyrenees around Biarritz, Bayonne up to Bordeaux and Brittany, I think the Landes and the Vendee are not worth a visit unless you want a beach holiday. Just my opinion.

[will_]

Zed 44 said:

Think you're missing out on the best roads. I'm working on the details of a Pyrenees trip right now. Far better to get the boat there and back (cheaper) and enjoy the Pyrenees.

I used to work along the west coast of France for 15 years on and off between the Spanish border and Brittany and apart from the Western Pyrenees around Biarritz, Bayonne up to Bordeaux and Brittany, I think the Landes and the Vendee are not worth a visit unless you want a beach holiday. Just my opinion.

Thanks, but I have a wedding on the way back up and it has taken all my persuasion skills to get me down to the Pyrenees in the first place. I have about a week or so to criss-cross the best roads which I think should be sufficient (albeit that if you have a workable route which you are willing to share that would be great). The west coast does look a bit flatter but there must be some decent uncluttered twisties...?