From sandy beaches to craggy granite shorelines, the North Coast of France has always got some new and interesting view just around the corner. Pretty anchorages nestle next to busy harbour towns and winding rivers disappear deep into the countryside. The Bretons know their traditional boats too, so everywhere we go Amelie Rose is welcomed with open arms. The Bretons also really know how to put on a great festival. There’s generally at least one big one running each year, and they are an experience not to missed. At the heart of their excellence lies the organisers’ view that the boats and crews are the stars of the show and so we are always treated like royalty, with fantastic Breton food and drink often laid on for free.

From St Malo in the East to Douarnenez in the South West the North Brittany coastline is a spectacular granite rockery (pink in some places), interspersed with beaches and vistas of green hills rolling down to the sea. Studded along this natural beauty are some of the Channel’s most welcoming harbours. Our favourites include the ancient walled harbour town of St Malo, the stunning Baie de Morlaix and the home of one of our favourite French Festivals, Douarnenez.

What makes cruising this coastline even better is the chance to immerse ourselves in the wonderful Breton culture. The language, food and drink are all uniquely Breton and no trip is ever complete without sampling the lovely local cider (says Nick). Added to this we often get the chance to pop into our other cruising favourite the Channel Islands either on the way there or back so it really is the recipe for a perfect cruise.