Things to do in Brittany / Loire Atlantique

Guenrouet

2012-01-02T11:06:00.007-08:00

Just 15 minutes from our gites is the pretty village of Guenrouet. Perfectly situated on the edge of the Nantes Brest Canal it offers a great day out for all the family.

There is a wonderful outdoor swimming pool with slides for the children to burn off some energy. You can hire a boat to mess about on the canal, enjoy a round of mini-golf or simply explore on foot the beautiful scenery.

Relax by the river for a picnic or if you prefer there is a cafe and restaurant.

Etang Aumée

2011-11-16T22:58:00.000-08:00

Situated just 15 minutes from our gites is the beautiful swimming lake “Etang Aumée” A great stretch of sandy beach located in wooded surroundings. There are beautiful walking trails around the lake and lots of opportunities for a picnic. For the more active the Nautical Centre offers windsurfing, canoe hire and catamarans from 1 hour to all day.

Chateau de Suscinio

2011-09-13T08:06:00.000-07:00

On the beautiful Gulf of Morbihan, the Rhuys Peninsula has something to interest all the family. From the magnificent Château de Suscinio to golden beaches and from coastal paths to a noted Neolithic site, the peninsula is the perfect place for a relaxing day out. The 14th century Château de Suscinio, a former hunting lodge of the Dukes of Brittany is not to be missed. From 1471-83, the castle was home to the exiled Henry Tudor (later Henry VII of England) during the English Wars of the Roses. After falling into disrepair in the 16th century, the castle was bought and restored by the local government in the 1960s. There are guided tours in English in summer during which visitors can see the lovely tiled floor of the chapel; an unmissable “son et lumière” takes place in July and August.

The Botanical Gardens, Nantes

2011-07-16T05:18:00.000-07:00

The Botanical Gardens (Jardin des Plantes) is set over 7 hectares nestled in the city centre of Nantes. Laid out over 200 years ago, it is an elaborate and peaceful garden with greenhouses, ponds, rare plant collections, beds of medicinal plants covered walkways and an outstanding collection of camellias, rhododendrons and magnolias, greenhouses full of cacti...and children's playground.

Canoeing on the Ile aux Pies

2011-07-02T06:03:00.000-07:00

A great day of fun is to be had at the nearby Ile aux Pies (Magpie Island). This is a beautiful natural site for a walk or cycle but if you prefer messing about on the water, the canoeing is not to be missed. The "Canoë Apach'Bihan", situated near the island, hire canoes by the hour, day or half-day and there are plenty of sizes to choose from with 2 and 3 place canoes and even an 18 place canoe!!!

La Baule

2011-06-14T13:32:00.000-07:00

La Baule is a busy and chic holiday resort with the most stunning beach. The modern sea front is remarkably different from the beautiful old villas and townhouses which line many of the avenues approaching the promenade. As well as the amazing sandy beach, which is one of the longest in Europe, there is a beautiful golf course, a rich sailing heritage and countless shops and restaurants to discover. Easily reached from our gites in Brittany, La Baule makes a perfect day out.

Motor Museum - Loheac

2011-05-08T10:20:00.000-07:00

The Motor Museum displays more than 400 collector's cars; covering a century of car production with Ferraris, Alpines and lots more prestigious cars as well as some race cars of the 70s. The exhibition recounts the most important and exciting events of the motor industry. To complete your visit there is a real F1 starting grid, a space for scale models and collection of 50 animal drawn cars...

Markets

2011-04-10T06:33:00.000-07:00

Soaking up the sights, sounds and smells of a traditional French market is a must. There are markets to explore in the area surrounding our gites on every day of the week! The Monday market in Redon is a particular favourite for a range of artisanal products and the Wednesday market in Chateaubriant always has an agricultural atmosphere. Here are but a few of the markets: Monday Redon Tuesday La Baule, Le Pouliguen Wednesday Chateaubriant, Guerande, La Turballe Thursday La Roche Bernard, Le Croisic Friday Guemene Penfao, Le Pouliguen, La Baule Saturday La Baule, Guerande, Nantes (Flea market) Sunday Le Pouliguen, Penestin Remember to make and early start– markets start early and close between 12.30 – 13.00 pm!

Planète Sauvage

2011-03-23T10:06:00.000-07:00

Planete Sauvage is an animal reserve covering more than 320 acres, a preserved area that is home to nearly 2,000 animals and 200 different species.

The Safari Trail
Drive the 10km safari trail and get up close to some of the largest animals from the 5 continents. From your own vehicle or hope on the 4X4 off-roader guide, you will encounter some of the most well-known species. Lions, tigers, elephants, bears, giraffes... Herds of animals will pass close by, majestic, powerful and curious. There is a Bivouac encampment on route for a well deserved break! Meet the animals from the mini-farm and enjoy this spot’s natural open space. The final kilometres have many more magical encounters in store...

The Marine City
It’s a single step from land to sea. Head into the Village on foot... In the heart of the Village the Marine City and its dolphins and the sea lion show are not to be missed! Every day, you can watch displays at the times announced on site.

The Bush Village
Make sure you leave time to discover the bush village and the small animals that live in houses typical of the Sénoufo region. Have fun counting the monkeys along the jungle path and discover the world of crocodiles and snakes at the reptile ark and you mustn’t miss the monkey bridge!

A fantastic day out for all the family.

Damgan Beach

2011-02-24T08:22:00.000-08:00

Our favourite beach can be found at Damgan (just 37 miles from our gites), the beautiful sweeping beach offers 8 kms of sea and sand, perfect for swimming and relaxing. There is also a super childrens playground just behind the beach with swings and slides. A stroll along the promenade to the village offers you a good selection of restaurants, pizzerias and the all important ice cream shops! Damgan is easy to access and parking can be found overlooking the beach.

Adventure and Attraction Parks

2011-01-16T05:25:00.000-08:00

The area around La Cour Cottages offers some great attraction and adventure parks, here are a few:

"Les Naudieres" is a great attraction park offering a fun day out. Karting, 15 different huge bouncy castles, ball parks, pedalos and the luge and plenty more to keep the whole family amused from 2 to 102 years!

"Piriac Aventure" is a very large forest adventure and acrobatic park offering courses for mini-kids (2-5 years), kids (5-8 years), Juniors (8-11 years), Teenagers (11-15 years) and Adults (15 years +). Zip wires, tarzan jumps, monkey ropes, plenty of fun for all the family.

"Le Parc de Préhistoire de Bretagne" is situated just 2 km from the medieval village of Rochefort-en-Terre (the village is well worth a visit) and offers 25 hectares of wilderness and five lakes through which you will discover the prehistoric sites as you have never seen them before! The walks offer nearly 30 displays of dinosaurs and prehistoric characters.

"Acrocime" is a forest adventure and acrobatic park with different course to suit all ages. There are tunnels, bridges, swings, ladders, cable and zip wires…spend the day in the trees!

Les Marchés de Noël

2010-12-20T01:11:00.000-08:00

There are fantastic Christmas markets throughout the region during December. Our local market in Redon is charming and full of festive atmosphere and most of the surrounding villages offer celebratory markets throughout the month. Perfect for finding gifts and tasty treats of the season or just for milling around and soaking up the warming atmosphere.

The "Ocearium" at Le Croisic

2010-11-20T05:15:00.000-08:00

Le Croisic is nestled on a small coastal peninsula. A beautiful village to visit with breathtaking views over the Atlantic and small beaches and coves scattered across the coastline. As well as the village itself, children will love the nearby "Ocearium". This great aquarium offers lots to do and see including:

- The Nursery where in you will discover the beginnings of the fragile marine life including baby lobsters, baby rays and starfish.

- Les Manchots du Cap, don't miss the feeding time (3 times daily) of the penguins and Emperor Penguins.

- Nautilus where you will see turtles amongst the area devoted to the work of Jules Verne.

- The Tunnel through which you can wander and feel amongst the stingray, sea bass and sharks.

- The Ballet of Jellyfish an amazing display of these fascinating fish.

- The Sharks of Australia displays these impressively sized creatures

- L'île Vancouver where you can discover an array of fish, including beautiful starfish, from the diverse Canadian waters.

There is also a "touch pool" so you can get even closer to the marine world...always a hit with children!

Open from Februray through until end of December, this fascinating aquarium is definitely worth a visit.

Musee de la Batellerie

2010-11-07T02:53:00.000-08:00

The local town of Redon became a busy trading port thanks to it's position on the crossing point of the important River Vilaine and the Nantes Brest canal. The maritime port contributed greatly to the economic development of Redon and the surrounding area. Now not so reliant of it's port, a museum pays tribute to this maritime history. The museum is packed full of interesting memoribilia and photos of the former lives of sailors and the river and canal boats. Definitely worth a visit!

Mushroom picking

2010-10-14T03:23:00.000-07:00

It's definitely mushroom picking season! This weekend there is a guided mushroom tour in the beautiful forêt du Gâvre with the Horticultural Society from Redon. It's a must to ensure you know your mushrooms as a mistake can end with a very bad tummy ache!

Fete de la vache Nantaise

2010-09-12T07:35:00.006-07:00

A great weekend and a real taste of rural living. "La Fete de la vache Nantaise" was held in the nearby village of Le Dresny. A celebration of this beautiful breed of cow and many other local breeds. The show, which was held from Friday to Sunday, also included demonstrations of both old and modern farming techniques including traction by animals. There were also award winning pigs, sheep, goats and poultry to be admired, lots of information on sustainable farming and eco-habitats and plenty of opportunity to feel part of a great celebration of rural life.

Moto Cross, Conquereuil

2010-08-23T01:18:00.000-07:00

There is always a good selection of motor sports to be watched across the region. Yesterday, the neighbouring village of Conquereuil hosted a Moto Cross/ Quad bike/ Side Car rally.

As we haven't had any serious rainfall for around 3 months it was very dusty, in fact, the track had to be sprayed with water several times to keep it safe for the drivers. There were lots of events throughout

the day! Great day out!

Chateau de la Groulais

2010-08-14T09:38:00.000-07:00

Blain is a pretty little town only 15 minutes from our gites. Nestled on the Nantes-Brest canal it has plenty of history to be discovered as well as a small port. The 12th century Chateau de la Groulais is a short walk from the town across the canal, the Chateau offers interesting exhibitions as well as an old printing works which is fascinating. Each September there is a Medieval Festival held in the Chtaeu grounds. There is a weekly market and the town has a selection of restaurants. The Foret du Gavre is only 5 minutes away and is a superb natural area for cyclists and walkers.

Kervoyal

2010-08-07T07:53:00.000-07:00

In the south of the Morbihan area, at the mouth of the river Vilaine you will find a gem of a village, Kervoyal, in fact it is known as "The Pearl". A charming village with two beaches "la petite" and "la grande" The small beach has a small marina. The beach is great for beach games and messing about in the water. At low tide, the tide goes out far enough for beach cast fishing as well as fishing for mussels, cockles, clams, Oysters, shrimp and many others ... .Discover the last beach/dressing huts erected facing the ocean, relics from early in the last century. You'll find shops, creperies and restaurants ...In summer, there is a weekly market on a Wednesday morning.

Other interests in the area are the old windmill built in 1705, now private property, the last miller still living next to his windmill! Point Saint Saveur, where at low tide you can clamber over the rocks that have been eroded by the sea. There is also the quaint "Chapelle de Kervoyal" which was renovtaed from a garage in 1924 for a place of worship. Later destroyed during the Second World War it was rebuilt in 1952.

Kervoyal offers plenty to see and do and a great way to spend a day at the coast, only 40 mins from our gites.

2010-07-17T06:14:00.000-07:00

This week we have had a great week full of local celebrations to mark the 14th July.

Many of the local villages hold an evening including a meal, dancing and fireworks. This year we attended a celebration in the neighbouring village of Besle-sur-Vilaine about 3kms from our gites. It was a great chance to catch up with friends. The meal this year was beef tongue in a madeira sauce (being a vegetarian I opted for the vegetables only!) which was apparently delicious. The only slight hiccup was a passing downpour which sent everyone dashing indoors for cover (the salle de fetes is thankfully large enough to accommodate village fetes). Our spirits weren't to be dampened though as the traditional Breton band kept us all thoroughly entertained all night!

It was a great night and the fireworks were, as usual, superb. Roll on next year!

Fest Noz

2010-06-25T07:16:00.000-07:00

So what exactly is a Fest Noz?

The tradition dates back to the middle ages and was normally a communal event. Nowadays, everyone is invited and it normally involves plenty of eating, drinking and dancing. Traditional Breton music is played on violins, guitars, flutes and percussion as well as sometimes younger musicians playing rock with a celtic edge. The Breton dance isn't too complicated and everyone is encouraged to join in, simply link hands join the circle and follow the steps....

The Fest Noz is enjoyed throughout many villages and towns during the summer months, it's a great opportunity to soak up some Breton culture!

La Gacilly Photo Exhibition

2010-06-02T03:58:00.000-07:00

This weekend marks the opening of the 7th annual Photograhic Festival at La Gacilly. This amazing festival runs from 4th June through to the 30th September. The festival transforms the pretty Breton town of La Gacilly into an open air photographic exhibition. This year the theme surrounds "People and Nature".

To start the exhibition on Sunday 5th June there will be an outdoor cinema presentaion of the film"Oceans" by Jacques Perrin.

Don't miss this amazing exhibition, La Gacilly is only 20 minutes from our gites in Brittany.

The month of art in Redon

2010-05-14T11:33:00.000-07:00

Now in it's sixth year, the arrival of Spring brings "Le mois de l'art" in Redon. This year the month focusses on the young talent in the area. Throughout the month there will be exhibitions, street art, theatre, danse, concerts, traditional music... the list is endless and a full programme is available. A great month to be in the region to discover the cultural talent.

Rallycross at Louheac

2010-03-27T05:00:00.000-07:00

This weekend see the 13th "Rallycross" at Louheac. Rally cross is one of the many disciplines of motor sport here in France. There are 4 categories of cars eligible to race in Rallycross. 79 drivers are expected in the modern category at Louheac this year. The course is 1150m long and 16m wide and the races are short making it a great experience for spectators.

Birdwatching

2010-03-02T03:54:00.000-08:00

A truly amazing time to visit the area to catch sight of the many migratory birds that visit.

La Cour overlooks the most beautiful natural floodplain with it's rich watermeadows. During the winter months we are normally fortunate enough to have a full lake appear. This flooding not only provides the most spectacular view it also offers a plentiful supply of food for the visiting birds and wildlife.

La Cour Cottages

2010-02-08T03:46:00.001-08:00

2010-01-26T03:27:00.000-08:00

2009-12-30T06:07:00.000-08:00

The Christmas and New Year season is a great time to visit Brittany, France. There is an abundance of traditional Christmas markets and beautifully lit villages to visit.

Christmas in France is very much a time for families. Here in Brittany most of our friends still have their main Christmas celebrations on Christmas Eve. Although now not as popular, in the past many families attended Midnight Mass and then enjoyed a huge meal afterwards. Nowadays, although for many families the mass is important our friends spend "Le Reveillon" surrounded by their family in their own homes. The traditional foods include, Turkey, Goose, Foie Gras and, of course, the beautiful seafood available.

Epiphany (January 6th) is an important occasion and is celebrated with the traditional Galette des Rois. This puff pastry cake either plain or with a frangiapne filling is enjoyed by all the family. A coin or bean is hidden in the galette and the person to find it becomes the King or Queen and wears the crown.

2009-10-18T06:34:00.000-07:00

Le Mois du Marron (The Chestnut Month) in now upon us.

A fantastic annual celebration of the chestnut there are plenty of things to see and do in the Redon Area.

There is the Fête des Fruits de l'Automne (Autumn Fruits Fête) in nearby Peillac, 17th and 18th October 2009. An abundance of autumn fruits and popular songs, the "Fête des Fruits de l'Automne" is a key moment of the October events with a meal, a fest-noz, an organised walk/hike in the chestnut groves, and a variety of activities around traditional music and good food.

The 34th edition of the "Bogue d'Or" in 2009. The Bogue which celebrates traditional tales, songs and music of Britanny, has become an unmissable event in the Pays de Redon. There are competitions which will take place during the weekend of 24th and 25th October.

"La Teillouse"Big Fair with more than 200 streetsellers and stalls in the town centre of Redon on the 24th October 2009 is unmissable, always a great atmosphere.

These are just a few of the things to do. There are plenty of festive musical evenings, competitions, markets, exhibitions and events throughout October.

Redon is just 10 minutes from our gites... October is always a great time to visit the area.

Branféré Animal Park

2009-09-10T06:31:00.000-07:00

A superb day out...thoroughly recommended!

This charmimg animal park just 35 minutes from our gites is a great day out for all the family.

The park is set in the grounds of the beautiful Chateau and offers the most wonderful surroundings for the wildlife. You are able to walk around the park at your own pace enjoying the animals in a natural habitat. You can even wander with some of the animals, the wallabies and deers are free to roam and there is an area with llamas and pygmy goats where you can interact with them.

The plains of Africa area offers a beautiful setting to view the giraffe, zebra, ostrich and buffalo. There is even a restaurant with a terrace overlooking the plain in which you can enjoy the wildlife whilst relaxing over lunch.

The gibbons are a great sight happily playing in their family groups. There is an abundance of other animals but be sure not to miss the tapirs, red pandas or the otters!

The animals are not the only interest you will also find some amazing plant life and trees, some centuries old and a woodland trail with treetops rope bridges to explore.

There are events held during the day such as feeding, be sure not to miss the bird show it is wonderful.

There are plenty of restaurants and snack bars in the park or you are able to enjoy a picnic just outside the park in the gardens (you are able to re-enter the park).

Makes a wonderful day out for all the family!

Nantes Brest Canal

2009-08-27T05:20:00.001-07:00

The canal was originally built for Napoleon so he could avoid the many English ships just off the coast of Brittany. Finished in 1836 the canal was later used for the shipping of coal and slate.

The canal passes beautiful towns on route; the historic towns of Josselin and Malestroit predate the canal whilst towns such as Pontivy have grown and thrived because of the canal.

The central stetch of the canal makes it's way from the central junction of Pontivy to the former busy trading port of Redon.

Pontivy is a bustling market town with the beautiful 15th Century Chateau de Rohan. 30 km further along the canal is the magnificent town of Josselin and a further 25km south west brings you to Malestroit (see earlier posts on Josselin and Malestroit in "July" blogs).

The final 34 kms of this stretch ends in a wonderful junction of rivers and locks where the canal and the rivers Oust and Vilaine meet at the pretty old trading port of Redon. This formerly important port and religious town is now a beautiful place to visit and experience it's charm and wealth of history (see earlier post in "June" blogs for more details on Redon).

Redon is just 12 km from our gites.

2009-07-30T05:57:00.000-07:00

This weekend the 1st and 2nd August sees the 4th CELTIVAL event in the local town of Guémené Penfao.

The event is always a great success and this year includes:

Saturday 1st August

A market with products of the region and artisanal arts and crafts.

Traditional Breton games for adults and children.

In the evening there will be performances from the following groups:

Les Vivianes

Epsylon

Tornaod

Red Cardell & guests (Jimme O' Neill , Steff Melino , Gérard Blanchard et Dan Ar Braz)

Les Ramoneurs de Menhir with Louise Ebrel

Le Spectre d'Ottokar

All with a meal of traditional "Moules Frites" or mussells and chips...delicious!

Sunday 2nd August

The market continues in the morning.

At 11am there is a Parade in the streets of Guémené with 400 dancers and musicians followed by a typical rural feast

In the afternoon, there will be a music and dance spectacular.

The evening brings a concert from Gilles SERVAT followed by a FEST-NOZ with the groups, Avel-Breizh, I.M.G. and Carré – Mancho.

A great weekend and only 5 minutes from our gites in Brittany.

Parc Naturel Régional de Brière

2009-07-20T00:30:00.000-07:00

Parc Naturel Régional de Brière covers an astounding 100,000 acres and is one of the 38 regional natural parks in France.

This secretive marshland area was fiercely guarded by it's inhabitants who earnt their living from the peat, hunting and fishing. As times changed the inhabitants sought more lucrative work in the shipyards and cities. In 1970, the area was given it's protected natural park status. A wonderful legacy to these inhabitants, you can still see today the thatched cottages using their local reed around the park especially in the restored village of Kerhinet.

The park is a fabulous area to explore for nature lovers. It offers an abundance of recreation including rambling, cycling, canoeing, kayaking and of course, is a must for bird watching as it is an important winter haven for Ducks & Geese, Sandpipers & Wading birds. There is a list below of birds to see. As the wildlife is protected there is no shortage of other animals to spot.

You can take guided tours by traditional barge or foot or if you prefer explore by car. The main information point for the park is at La Chapelle des Marais and you will find museums dotted around the park. At the village of Ile de Fédrun you will find the Brides House which has a beautiful disply of wax bridal flowers. At Rozé you will find the Lock-Keepers House or Maison de l'Eclusier with a wealth of local history.

The Park Animalier at Rozé is definitely worth a visit giving you the opportunity to spot your own animals in the many hides.

Birds to be seen in the region
Common

Cetti's Warbler
Hobby
Black-winged Stilt
Avocet
Black Tern
Black Kite
Marsh Harrier
Little Egret

Few common
Whiskered Tern
Savi's Warbler
Fan-tailed-Warbler
Bluethroat
Nightingale
Bearded Tit
Little Stint
Wood Sandpiper
Whimbrel
Little Gull
Sandwich Stern
Gadwall
Garganey
Black-necked Grebe
Cattle Egret
Night Heron
Spoonbill
White Stork
Black Stork
White-fronted Goose
Brent Goose
Great reed Warbler

Rare
Peregrine

Merlin

Quaille

Spotted Crake

Corncrake

Short-eared Owl

Spotted RedshankRuff

Red Kite

Hen Harrier

Purple Heron

Great white Egret

Bittern

Bastille Day - the 14th July in Brittany

2009-07-15T07:16:00.000-07:00

The 14th July ....a great day in the calendar here in France! A national holiday since 1880, the date commemorates the beginning of the French Revolution when the Bastille was stormed on 14th July 1789.

Here in Brittany the day is well celebrated. There are parades, fetes, dancing and fireworks, in fact, the whole day is to be enjoyed. The local area around our gites in Brittany offers lots of events to celebrate the national holiday. This year, on the eve of the holiday there were fetes with a meal, dancing and firework displays in the local villages of Besle sur Vilaine and Guemene Penfao. On the 14th July, there is a great fete held every year in our adjoining village La Chapelle de Brain when there is a fantastic meal, disco, live music and a great firework display - a really super evening for all the family.

Josselin Brittany

2009-07-13T02:30:00.000-07:00

Josselin sits proudly on the River Oust with it’s majestic castle the impressive centrepiece. The castle emerges from the rock faces of the riverbanks and is definitely worthy of a visit. Having been abandoned after the revolution it was restored in the 19th century. The former stables now contain the Museum of Dolls with over 600 dolls dating back to the 18th century.

The town itself is scattered around the beautiful 12th century basilica of Notre-Dame-du-Roncier. The streets have an abundance of pretty, half-timbered houses and a selection of shops and restaurants. Make a visit on 14th July (Bastille Day) to enjoy the great Medieval Festival - dress up and it's free entrance! Only an hour from La Cour cottages it's a great place for a day out.

Malestroit, Brittany

2009-07-05T03:30:00.000-07:00

Near the Lanvaux moors, this little picturesque town is only 40 minutes from our gites.

Perched on the side of the Nantes Brest canal it offers beautiful walks and places to enjoy a picnic. The town itself has many half timbered houses with beautiful facades. On the main square of Place Bouffay you will find the church St Gilles dating from the 12th to 16th centuries.

The Musee de la Resistance Bretonne which is just outside the town makes an interesting and worthwhile visit. Dedicated to the history of the resistance in Brittany it vividly retraces the Breton resistance to the German invasion through presentations, models, displays and even a reconstructed street.

Chateaubriant

2009-07-03T06:22:00.000-07:00

An old fortified town with an imposing castle just 30 minutes from our gites Chateaubriant is a lively tourist destination. The town was part of a line of fortifications along the border with Anjou protecting Brittany from invasion.

A visit to the Chateau is a must with guided tours around the renaissance style castle.

The town itself is beautifully preserved with narrow streets and small shops. The weekly market held on a Wednesday is a great time to visit the town..a proper agricultural market.

The amazing glass theatre has a full programme of cultural events.

The beautiful church of St-Jean-de Bere has wonderful romanesque architecture.

There is a national horseracing track La Métairie Neuve where there are 15 racedays a year.

Held at the base of the Béré Church, the Agricultural Fair, started in the 11th century, is one of the main events of the town. Over 45,000 visitors every year pass through its gates during the second weekend in September. It is the showcase for the agricultural, industrial, commercial and craft industries of the region. The Fun Fair is also one of the most grandest in western France.

The Green Path which runs for 13 km along the former railway line between “Chateaubriant – Messac”, is an ideal spot for family walks and for sporting activities.It takes you all the way to Rougé, through a protected environment and far from everyday traffic.

There are numerous good restaurants in the town and of course, no visit to Chateaubriant would be complete without first tasting the world famous and well appreciated Chateaubriant steak. The Chateaubriant is a piece of beef fillet weighing about 300 to 400grams of which the tenderness and taste is second to none. The “Academie of Chateaubriant”, the gastronomical brotherhood, join together to promote the real Chateaubriant, the quintessential cut and the cooking of this piece of meat.

Rennes

2009-06-27T00:59:00.000-07:00

Just 40 minutes from our self catering cottages lies that capital city of Brittany, Rennes. The city has numerous examples of architecture, plenty of charm, history and culture - all testiment to it's role as the capital of the region.

The old town has a maze of narrow, winding medieval streets with beautiful half timbered houses. Luckily, the old town escaped the great fire of 1720. The huge fire which raged for over a week was started accidentally, it destroyed over 1,000 houses and was eventually put out by a rain storm.

Basilique St Saveur was built in a rococo style and Cathedrale St Pierre is famed for it's gilt carved wood alterpiece. The only remains of the citys 15th century ramparts can be found at the Portes Mordelaises, the citys main entrance. All the dukes of Brittany would pass through these gates on their way to their coronation at the catherdral.

The old square Place des Lices was used to host jousting tournaments and is today still used for markets.

The Palais du Parlement du Bretagne was one of the 13 provincial parliaments which made up the Kingdom of France. This was the first building to be built in stone in a city which had been built in timber. It's style was to influence the rest of the city and beyond. Unfortunately this building suffered a terrible fire in 1994. The restoration required from the water damage from the firefight was completed in 1999.

The magnificent Hotel de ville or town hall houses a tower with a great clock. Rennes has three museums definitely worth visiting, the Musee de Bretagne, the Musee des Beaux-Arts and the Ecomusee du Pays de Rennes.

The Jardin du Thabor are beautiful gardens are in the place of the 16th century Benedictine Abbey orchards. Over 25 acres of flowers, plants and trees, a French garden, a botanical garden, a rose garden and an aviary. Worth taking a leisurely stroll around.

With a big university population Rennes has a lively and cosmoploitan nightlife. During July, Rennes hosts an amazing arts festival Les Tombees de la Nuit when music, theatre, mime, dance, and interactive performances overtakes the city. Just sit on one of the numerous cafe-bar or rsstaurant terraces and soak up the free street entertainment and festival atmosphere.

With plenty to keep even the most active amused, the city of Rennes is a great place to visit.

La Gacilly

2009-06-25T00:33:00.000-07:00

A very picturesque village and merits a visit just for the sheer prettiness. Nestled next to the River Aff and it's streets decked with flowers.

It has a thriving cottage industry of arts and crafts and plenty of small artisanal shops.

Yves Rocher has a it's headquarters, a factory and shop here. Yves Rocher is a very successful cosmetic and toiletries giant who specialises in producing biological plant based products. You can take a tour of the biological gardens, factory or just do a little shopping.

Visit the Vegetarium – and absolutely original museum which takes an interesting and educational look at the planet and it’s vegetation.

During June to end of September La Gacilly hosts an amazing outside photographic festival - not to be missed.

There is boat hire available on the river. The small motor boats boats can be hired by the hour, half day or full day.

There is a good selection of bars, creperies and restaurants and a local market on a Saturday.

La Gacilly is only 30 minutes drive from our gites in Brittany.

La Roche Bernard

2009-06-24T03:32:00.000-07:00

The history of this town is firmly linked with it's enviable position on the River Vilaine. It had a flourishing ship-building industry and prospered from the trade of grain, wine, timber, salt and spices. Nowadays it has a marvellous harbour with plenty of pleasure boats. There are plenty of boats offering trips on the river.

The centre of the town the old district has a maze of quaint streets with houses dating bak to the 16th century. There are many restaurants to choose from and, of course, being so close to the river plenty of fresh fish to choose from.

There is a museum housed in the Chateau des Basses-Fosses offering a glance back at the rural and maritime heritage of the area.

The Pont du Morbihan is an amazing suspension bridge over the River Vilaine. You are able to use the footbridges to enjoy the river view some 160 feet above it!

Don't miss the magnificent viewpoint just outside the town on the road to La Baule. The rocky outcrop affords views over the river valley, the suspension bridge and the surrounding countryside.

A great day out by the river just 30 minutes from La Cour Cottages.

Vannes

2009-06-23T07:04:00.000-07:00

Vannes sits proudly at the head of the Golfe du Morbihan just 40 minutes from our cottages in Brittany and lots to see and do.

The beautiful old walled town has numerous picturesque pedestrianised alleys and streets making a scenic stroll a must. The Cathderale St-Pierre is unmissable with a mixture of architecture from the 13th-19th centuries.

Be sure not to miss the medieval "lavoirs" or wash houses at the Porte Poterne on the side of the stream that surrounds the ramparts. You can see them from a distance where the beautiful roofs are more evident from the town ramparts (Promenade de la Garenne).

La Cohue is where the market was held on the lower floors and law courts on the upper floors. Later it became the meeting place of the exiled Parliament of Brittany. During the revolution the building turned it's hand to being a theatre which it remained until the 1950's. It has now been beautifully restored and is a museum of art.

There are no shortage of elegant shops and cafe bars in the town. The many restaurants offer tantalising menus including excellent seafood crepes.

Five minutes from the centre you will find the Parc du Golfe which offers both a beautiful walk along the promenade and the departure of many boat trips into the Golfe.

There is also many tourist attractions on the site including:

Jardin aux Papillons - You can stroll amongst the colourful varities of butterflies in this tropical environment.

Aquarium Oceanographique et Tropical - An amazing selection of over 100 different fish from all over the world all housed in reconstructed natural environments. Also an aquarium with sharks!!

Rochefort-en-Terre

2009-06-21T06:45:00.000-07:00

A very picturesque village with instant appeal it is perched on a promontory surrounded by rocks, woods and ravines. The old town is bursting with character, well kept windowboxes decorate the 16th and 17th century granite facades of the old houses. These houses now offer a great choice of shop and restaurant for the many tourists who visit the village.

The church of Notre Dame de la Tronchaye The Statue of our Lady, displayed inside the church, was hidden from Norse invaders in the 12th century in the hollow of a tree.

The original castle was damaged in 1488 and was eventually destroyed during the revolution but at the start of the 20th century two American artists who were brothers decided to restore the castle. You can visit the castle today where it also houses a small museum.

Christmastime is definitely worth a visit. The whole village is decorated in illuminations.....quite a vision!

Rochefort-en-Terre is just 30 minutes from our self catering cottages in Brittany.

Fête de la Musique

2009-06-20T01:27:00.000-07:00

"Fête de la Musique" is a music festival which began in France but has now been adopted by many countries worldwide. It takes place on or around June 21st (Summer Soltice).

In 1976, American musician Joel Cohen was employed by a national French radio station where he introduced an all night music festival to coincide with the solstice. The then Minister of Culture took up the idea and the first festival was held in France in 1982.

The idea of the festival is to encourage musicians, amateur and professional, to perform in streets, bars, cafes anywhere! There are many free concerts organised from Rock to classic music.

This year our local music festivals are being held this evening (June 20th) in Guemene Penfao and then tomorrow evening (June 21st) in Redon. It's sure to be a great evening! So why not next year book your holiday in our gites in Brittany in June and come and enjoy a great festival!

Masserac

2009-06-19T08:02:00.000-07:00

Our gites in Brittany are situated just 1km from the village of Masserac. Masserac is a quaint rural village with a wealth of history.

According to the legend, Massérac was founded by the birth of a monastery in the IXème century by Saint Benoit on the shores of the Lake Murin (the location of the current hamlet of Paimbu). Benoit was born in Greece. After sharing his religious designs with his sister they left Greece in 812, also bringing with them nine companions. They arrived in Nantes where the bishop presented them to the Duke of Brittany who granted them the territory of Massérac. He left his sister in a monastery in Nantes and built ten small cells for him and its nine companions in Massérac, this was the beginnings of the abbey oratoire.

After the death of Benoit, on 1st October 845, his body was buried in the oratoire. The oratoire still exist today in the village and is open to vistors.

The parish of Massérac remained independent up until 897, when it was offered by Alain the Big, the King of Brittany, to the monks of the abbey of Holy Savior of Redon in thanks of their prayers for the cure of his son.

Today the village maintains it's rural charm and offers a Cafe Bar, grocery shop and boulangerie (perfect for croissants for breakfast!). There is also a Thalassotherapy and Natural Health Centre in the village offering a range of treatments.

The village is nestled next to the "Marais de la Vilaine" a wetland which is a protected natural environment. With an abundance of wildlife and flora it is the perfect place for walks and cycles rides down to the banks of both the Rivers Vilaine and Don.

The views from Valley View Barn and Wisteria Barn overlook this beautiful landscape.

La Baule

2009-06-19T07:43:00.000-07:00

La Baule which boasts the title of Europe's most beautiful beach seems an endless stretch of beautiful soft sand. On the stunning south west Brittany coast it is the most visited of the beach resorts and only 45 minutes from our gites in Brittany.

Behind the 7 kms of beach an elegant promenade stretches to the smaller, more traditional resorts on either end of La Baule, namely Pornichet and Le Pouliguen.

The resort offers every watersport you may want to try your hand at, as well as sophisticated shopping and plenty of restaurants to choose from including a good selection of seafood menus.

There is also an international golf centre. Just a few kilometers from the Atlantic, the Golf International Barrière La Baule extends over more than 220 hectares and was designed by Peter Alliss and Dave Thomas in 1976 with modifications by Michel Gayon in 1994 and 2000.

Lucien Barrière course - 18 holes - 6 622 yards - par 72The presence of several water obstacles makes these greens a delicate challenge. To your irons !

Diane Barrière-Desseigne course - 18 holes - 6 890 yards - par 72This course offers a clear contrast of styles between holes out in the wide open and those which weave their way around a 5-hectare lake.

François André course - 9 holes - 3 238 yards - par 36In a marvellous natural setting, this golf links is suitable for all levels whilst also respecting the standards of difficulty applicable to modern courses.

Training centre
Designed by Jack Nicklaus and open all year round. Leading french golfing training and instruction centre.Facilities : 55 tees on natural or artificial turf (including 10 covered tees), target green, putting green, approach zone, training bunker, coaching studio...

For all the family why not visit the nearby Monkey Forest Adventure Park. It is the largest rope course park in the region !
Trees, Adventure, Action is what you will get going through 10 tracks and 133 games.
Monkey Forest is also all about monkeys! There is a comical play about the monkeys, their rights and their danger all over the world because of forest devastation.
From 4 to 74 years old there is something for everyone including the bungee and the elastic jump !

Plessé

2009-06-17T05:34:00.000-07:00

This small, pretty town only 15 minutes from our gites offers a perfect day out.

The large beautiful lake "Etang du Buhel" on the edge of the town offers a great beach for swimming, childrens games, picnic tables, toilets, showers and also an area for fishing. A perfect place for a day out with all the family!

The "Ferme St Charles" cider farm is definitely worth a visit. It produces and sells a unique range of pear cider, apple juice, vinegar and cider jam! You will also find a range of other local artisanal products including honey, wine, basketware, pottery ...

There is also a karting centre at the town with a circuit of 775metres. Karts of 270cc, 2T 22cv and mini-karts for children from 7 years of age.

Plenty to do and see!

Guérande

2009-06-17T04:43:00.000-07:00

Completely encircling this ancient medieval town, the ramparts of Guérande, Loire Atlantique are a sight to see. Just 45 minutes from our gites in brittany.

There are four access gates into the town, one of which gatehouses, the former governor's house, homes a museum dedicated to the local history and industry.

The beautiful church of St Aubin proudly stands in the centre of the town. Built between the 12th and 15th centuries it displays imposing turrets and boasts a beautiful interior.

Explore the cobble streets of this ancient town which comes to life on a Wednesday and Saturday morning with the bustle of the local market.

There are some interesting little shops and a good choice of cafe bars and restaurants.

A little further south from Guérande are the working salt flats. Over 2,000 hectares of salt marshes, the salt is panned between June and September. You can drive through the saltmarshes to see the saltpanners at work and there are many vendors on the side of the road selling bags of the finished product. There is a fascinating museum "Maison des Paludiers" at the village of Saillé about 3kms south of Guérande. More information about the Guérande salt marshes.

During May and August the town holds medieval festivals with traditional music, dance and workshops.

Nantes

2009-06-15T06:46:00.000-07:00

Nantes a thriving city perched on the banks of the River Loire. The former capital of Brittany and now the capital of the Pays de la Loire it is steeped in history and culture. It has plenty of atmosphere, sophisticated shops, a great cultural buzz and a lively entertainment scene.

Since 2001 a huge project has been underway to regenerate the sites of the old shipyards on the "Ile de Nantes". The old shipyard sites now houses the amazing "Machines d'Ile" workshop and galleries. The creators have built an magnificent steel elephant. This gigantic animal, 12-metre high by 8-metre wide, lives in the largest warehouse. You are able to ride on the majestic animal when it goes out for its walk or you can watch the amazing spectacle. The elephant's statistics:

12 m high and 8 m wide
45 tonnes
Wood: American Tulip
Hydraulic workings lubricated by 4 tonnes of oil
450 HP engine
An indoor lounge with French doors and balconies
A terrace accessible via stairways
Route: Approximately 45 minutes
Speed – 1/4 km per hour

The workshop and galleries of other machines including the branch of Heron Tree are not to be missed. This is truly a unique experience!

Nantes boasts a stunning castle which was built in 1466 by Duke Francois 11. The enormous renovations (taking over 14 years) was completed in 2008. The Chateau also now homes a musuem and exhibitions.

The beautiful Cathedral of St Pierre-St Paul was constructed in 1434 and continued to be developed until 1891. A serious fire in 1972 caused massive restorationwork. It houses the spendid marble tombs of Francois 11 and his wife.

Offering more than 12, there are an abundance of museums to explore. The Fine Arts Museum houses both classics including works by Picasso and Chagall whilst the ground floor offers the modern and contemporary pieces. The Jules Verne museum (he was born in Nantes) offers a fascinating insight into his life and works.

The restored old town of Nantes is perfect for strolling around and discovering it's quaint streets. A must see is the magnificent art nouveau brasserie "La Cigale".

Nantes is only 1 hour from our gites in Brittany, perfect for a fascinating day out!

Guémené Penfao

2009-06-14T06:16:00.000-07:00

The lively town of Guémené Penfao is just 5 miles from our gites in Brittany. Nestled next to the River Don, the town offers plenty to do and see.

Take a trip and discover the beauty of the river banks by canoe, you can hire canoes and voyage out for a half day or full day. Transport is arranged to several points along the river. A great day of family fun!

Enjoy some breathtaking scenery on horseback, the Equestrian Centre situated in the valley of the River Don offers rides for children, adults and the handicapped.

Market day is on a Friday morning, the small market is situated around the beautiful church in the centre of the town. Why not try some of the local fresh produce. For all your other grocery needs, the local supermarket SUPER U offers a great selection including fresh fish and seafood and a boulangerie.

The swimming pool with jacuzzi and tennis courts are both open to the public.

The town offers several bars and restaurants, here are a couple of our favourites:

L’Intermezzo

Located in Guemene-Penfao, drive into the town passing SUPER U supermarket on your right. When you get to the T-junction with the Town Hall (Mairie) turn right towards Redon. Not long after you will see L’Intermezzo on the right hand side. It has an outdoor terrace and plenty of parking.

The restaurant offers a great selection of Italian food, pastas and fantastic pizzas from the pizza oven. They also offer daily menus with more traditional French food.

Le Saint Amable
Following the same directions as above a little further on the same road you will find the Saint Amable. Highly recommended this restaurant offers great lunchtime and evening menus normally set prices for particular menus.

Bilig Breizh
Located in the centre of Guemene-Penfao, drive into the town passing SUPER U supermarket on your right. At the T-junction with the Town Hall (Mairie) turn left, the restaurant is just after the roundabout on the right.

This is a traditional Creperie offering a great selection of (over 80!) savoury and sweet crepes with a good choice of toppings. Real, traditional Breton food!

Being only 10 minutes from La Cour, the town offers plenty of amenities.

Redon, Brittany

2009-06-13T05:30:00.000-07:00

Just 12 miles from our gites in brittany Redon is our closest large town. Three "departements" converge at Redon as well the River Vilaine, River Oust and the Nantes-Brest canal. It is a pretty "Ville fleurie" with an old quarter.

The rivers and canal have played an important role in the history of Redon and reminders of it's trading history can be found on the old quays. On the Quay Douguay-Trouin you will find the former homes of wealthy ship owners. Today, you can hire a boat to explore the river further.

The beautiful main street is lined with historic houses and pretty, quaint shops, cafes and tea rooms. There is a weekly market on a Monday which offers a good selection of artisanal products, local produce and superb organic bread from the boulangerie at nearby Renac.

The ancient abbey of Saint Saveur de Redon was one of the most important in the Breton middles ages. Today it is partly occupied by a college but you can still visit and see the beautiful mixture of architecture both Gothic and Romanesque.

There are plenty of lively bars and restaurants in Redon. Here are a couple of our favourites:

L’Akene - Redon
Located in the centre of Redon. Easiest to find on foot, park in any of the car parks in the town and head towards the old port quarter Vieux Quartier du Port. There is a little Irish bar on the corner, turn right at the next turning and you will find this small Creperie.
A traditional Breton Creperie with a great menu, they also offer daily specials. The creperie has been listed in the Routard guide.

Patates et Compagnie - Redon
Located in the centre of Redon. Easiest to find on foot, park in any of the car parks in the town and head towards the old port quarter Vieux Quartier du Port. You will find this restaurant located on the edge of the port side near the cinema (CINEMAVEL), it has a lovely terrace to take in the port views.
Offers a great menu with lots of different variations on potatoes, highly recommended.

At the end of October Redon celebrates the local chestnut harvest. There are market stalls selling every imaginable variation of the chestnut, dancing and music. A real delight!

There is also a great indoor/outdoor swimming pool, perfect for lots of family fun!

Come and discover the history and beauty of the "Pays de Redon". Our gites are situated just 12 miles from Redon.