Kerry’s guidebook
Places to visit
Below are a few of the many places to visit in Brittany.
A more comprehensive list and map are available in theapartmentholiday rental for you to read through, as well as official Tourist Information Books. French and English and many advertising pamphlets.
The nearest Tourist Information Office is located in Pontivy on the 'Duchesse Anne' a beautiful barge on the River Blavet, the Tourist 'Boutique' is located opposite where you can buy regional products etc.
Lac de Guerledan, is 12kms long and covers an area of over 400 hectares in the heart of the Quénécan Forest.
The lake is artificial and was created to power the Guerlédan Dam, 40 meters high, it took 7 years to construct (1923-1930) cutting the Nantes/Brest canal in half and submerging 17 Locks and several houses.
A 40 km track will take you around the lake, with 7 possible departure points at (1) Saint-Aignan (Barrage (Dam); (2) Anse de Sorden (Saint-Aignan with beach and the Merlin Restaurant); (3) Bon Repos (Saint-Gelven with Abbey, Cafe and Restaurants); (4) Tregnanton (Saint-Gelven); (5) Beau Rivage (Caurel with beach, water-sports and Creperies); (6) Landroanec (Mur-de-Bretagne with beach and the Manoir de Porz Braz) and (7) Anse de Guerlédan (Mur-de-Bretagne, near the Cornec Forest).
Lac de Guerledan offers Swimming, Boat Hire, Water Sports including water-skiing, canoeing and kayaking. Walking and Trekking.
Landroanec (11kms) offers boat hire and Beau Rivage (Caurel - 16kms) offers Canoe, Kayak, Boat Hire and Water Ski-ing.
The Crêperie du Vieux Moulin (Beau Rivage) offers fresh crepes, pizzas and ice-creams when you are hungry or Les Vedettes de Guerlédan (Beau rivage) offers a 3h cruise lunch, or a 1h30 cruise only.
39 habitants recommandent
Lac de Guerlédan
Lac de Guerledan, is 12kms long and covers an area of over 400 hectares in the heart of the Quénécan Forest.
The lake is artificial and was created to power the Guerlédan Dam, 40 meters high, it took 7 years to construct (1923-1930) cutting the Nantes/Brest canal in half and submerging 17 Locks and several houses.
A 40 km track will take you around the lake, with 7 possible departure points at (1) Saint-Aignan (Barrage (Dam); (2) Anse de Sorden (Saint-Aignan with beach and the Merlin Restaurant); (3) Bon Repos (Saint-Gelven with Abbey, Cafe and Restaurants); (4) Tregnanton (Saint-Gelven); (5) Beau Rivage (Caurel with beach, water-sports and Creperies); (6) Landroanec (Mur-de-Bretagne with beach and the Manoir de Porz Braz) and (7) Anse de Guerlédan (Mur-de-Bretagne, near the Cornec Forest).
Lac de Guerledan offers Swimming, Boat Hire, Water Sports including water-skiing, canoeing and kayaking. Walking and Trekking.
Landroanec (11kms) offers boat hire and Beau Rivage (Caurel - 16kms) offers Canoe, Kayak, Boat Hire and Water Ski-ing.
The Crêperie du Vieux Moulin (Beau Rivage) offers fresh crepes, pizzas and ice-creams when you are hungry or Les Vedettes de Guerlédan (Beau rivage) offers a 3h cruise lunch, or a 1h30 cruise only.
At the western edge of Lac de Guerlédan and over looking the Nantes/Brest Canal the 12th century Cistercian Abbey has a tumultuous history and was burnt down in 1795 by Royalists.
In 1986 the Association of Friends of Bon Repos Abbey was founded and part of the abbey has been restored to house exhibitions of Contempory Art.
In August every year the historic show, 'son et lumiére' (sound and light show), recounts Brittany's history with costumed actors, horses and dogs, and a fireworks display.
There is also a farmers' market every Sunday between March and October, a cafe/bar that serves food as well as a restaurant within the grounds of the abbey and a gift shop.
From here you can also walk along the Nantes/Brest Canal in either direction, or take a walk into the Quénécan Forest.
39 habitants recommandent
Abbaye de Bon-Repos
Bon ReposAt the western edge of Lac de Guerlédan and over looking the Nantes/Brest Canal the 12th century Cistercian Abbey has a tumultuous history and was burnt down in 1795 by Royalists.
In 1986 the Association of Friends of Bon Repos Abbey was founded and part of the abbey has been restored to house exhibitions of Contempory Art.
In August every year the historic show, 'son et lumiére' (sound and light show), recounts Brittany's history with costumed actors, horses and dogs, and a fireworks display.
There is also a farmers' market every Sunday between March and October, a cafe/bar that serves food as well as a restaurant within the grounds of the abbey and a gift shop.
From here you can also walk along the Nantes/Brest Canal in either direction, or take a walk into the Quénécan Forest.
The savage coast of Quiberon is a must, especially when the weather is rough, the sea is spectacular and the white sandy beaches are a sunbathers paradise.
There is an excellent restaurant along the coastal road, Le Vivier 56170 Quiberon, that offers a tantalising selection of fresh mussels.
Quiberon itself is a bussling seaside town with a history of sardine production and has a host of restaurants, shops and a delicious ice cream parlour.
From Port Maria at Quiberon you can take a boat trip and discover the islands of Belle-Ile-en-Mer, Houat and Hoedic.
Continuing south fom Quiberon, you will find parking and a walk to the end of the peninsula where flora and fauna are now protected and the vast Atlantic stretches beyond.
On either side of the peninsula road to Quiberon are the endless beaches of Gavres, Etel and Carnac.
33 habitants recommandent
Presqu'île de Quiberon
The savage coast of Quiberon is a must, especially when the weather is rough, the sea is spectacular and the white sandy beaches are a sunbathers paradise.
There is an excellent restaurant along the coastal road, Le Vivier 56170 Quiberon, that offers a tantalising selection of fresh mussels.
Quiberon itself is a bussling seaside town with a history of sardine production and has a host of restaurants, shops and a delicious ice cream parlour.
From Port Maria at Quiberon you can take a boat trip and discover the islands of Belle-Ile-en-Mer, Houat and Hoedic.
Continuing south fom Quiberon, you will find parking and a walk to the end of the peninsula where flora and fauna are now protected and the vast Atlantic stretches beyond.
On either side of the peninsula road to Quiberon are the endless beaches of Gavres, Etel and Carnac.
One of the recommended 'Petite Cité de Caractére' VANNES in Morbihan (61kms south east) is a beautiful walled city of cobbled streets and medieval gates. The Cathédrale Saint-Pierre at its heart blending Romanesque and Gothic styles, and the 'Place des Lices' square is lined with colourful half-timberd houses. The natural harbour, to the south, features many restaurants and boats that cruise the Golfe de Morbihan, where you can find many megalithic monuments.
376 habitants recommandent
Vannes
One of the recommended 'Petite Cité de Caractére' VANNES in Morbihan (61kms south east) is a beautiful walled city of cobbled streets and medieval gates. The Cathédrale Saint-Pierre at its heart blending Romanesque and Gothic styles, and the 'Place des Lices' square is lined with colourful half-timberd houses. The natural harbour, to the south, features many restaurants and boats that cruise the Golfe de Morbihan, where you can find many megalithic monuments.
Perros-Guirec is a popular resort with 3 sandy beaches, where you can take take the coastal path to Ploumanac'h renowned for its unusul rock formations including Napoleaon's Hat, a witch, a rabbit and many more, all changing colours with the light.
169 habitants recommandent
Perros Guirec
4 Rue de Pleumeur la ClartéPerros-Guirec is a popular resort with 3 sandy beaches, where you can take take the coastal path to Ploumanac'h renowned for its unusul rock formations including Napoleaon's Hat, a witch, a rabbit and many more, all changing colours with the light.
Pontivy (10kms to the south) is a quiet market town where the River Blavet and Nante/Brest Canal meet, where you can hire Kyaks and Canoes.
According to legend Pontivy was founded by an English monk called Ivy in 685AD, who upon building a wooden bridge across the Blavet, Pont d'Ivy, gave the town it's name.
Pontivy began to develop in the 12th century and became the seat of one of Brittany's most powerful families, the family Rohan, which is why, when you enter the territory of Pontivy, it is signposted Pays des Rohan (Land of Rohan) due to the diversity of heritage bequeathed by the Rohan family.
The main structure in Pontivy is the 1485 chateau which retains many original features and is open to the public.
Pontivy, known as Napoleonville during the periods 1804-14, March-June 1815 and 1852-1870 was once the strategic location along the River Blavet for Napoleaon Bonaparte, militarily during times of war, and commercially during times of peace.
The medievil origins of the town can be found at the Place de Martray and Rue du Fil (towards the centre) with its cobbled streets and half timbered buildings.
The Basilique Notre-Dame de Joie, constructed in Gothic style in the early 16th century was transformed in the late 18th century, thanks to the Rohan family, to meet the growing population of Pontivy. It retains original features dating from 1533 and 1725 and is home to a series of statues of saints.
Pontivy has many retaurants, bars and creperies and many designer shops along the main Rue Nationale.
Pontivy has a large outdoor swimming pool called "The Beach" (rue de la Cascade) that borders the River Blavet and a large indoor swimming pool with water-slide called "Spadium" (Parc d'activitie de Pont-er-Mohr, rue de Lattre de Tassigny) that offers many activities from Aquagym to an Espace ZEN (Beauty Centre).
There is a Bowling Alley (Le Kilhous - ZA Gohélève) that aslo offers Laser Games, Snooker, Arcade Games and a Bar.
51 habitants recommandent
Pontivy
Pontivy (10kms to the south) is a quiet market town where the River Blavet and Nante/Brest Canal meet, where you can hire Kyaks and Canoes.
According to legend Pontivy was founded by an English monk called Ivy in 685AD, who upon building a wooden bridge across the Blavet, Pont d'Ivy, gave the town it's name.
Pontivy began to develop in the 12th century and became the seat of one of Brittany's most powerful families, the family Rohan, which is why, when you enter the territory of Pontivy, it is signposted Pays des Rohan (Land of Rohan) due to the diversity of heritage bequeathed by the Rohan family.
The main structure in Pontivy is the 1485 chateau which retains many original features and is open to the public.
Pontivy, known as Napoleonville during the periods 1804-14, March-June 1815 and 1852-1870 was once the strategic location along the River Blavet for Napoleaon Bonaparte, militarily during times of war, and commercially during times of peace.
The medievil origins of the town can be found at the Place de Martray and Rue du Fil (towards the centre) with its cobbled streets and half timbered buildings.
The Basilique Notre-Dame de Joie, constructed in Gothic style in the early 16th century was transformed in the late 18th century, thanks to the Rohan family, to meet the growing population of Pontivy. It retains original features dating from 1533 and 1725 and is home to a series of statues of saints.
Pontivy has many retaurants, bars and creperies and many designer shops along the main Rue Nationale.
Pontivy has a large outdoor swimming pool called "The Beach" (rue de la Cascade) that borders the River Blavet and a large indoor swimming pool with water-slide called "Spadium" (Parc d'activitie de Pont-er-Mohr, rue de Lattre de Tassigny) that offers many activities from Aquagym to an Espace ZEN (Beauty Centre).
There is a Bowling Alley (Le Kilhous - ZA Gohélève) that aslo offers Laser Games, Snooker, Arcade Games and a Bar.
The village of POUL-FETAN (51 kms direction Quistinic) is well worth a visit, it is a village of yesteryear and exists in harmony with nature and traditon
Thatched cottages sit in the midst of fields of millet, buckwheat and hemp and rural Breton workers adorned in traditional costume reveal the labours of a by-gone time.
The Tavern of Poul-Fetan offers a tasty local produce menu, or try some bread, cooked in a wood-oven in the traditional way, sample the delicious pastries like Kouign-amann (sounds like qwen-ar-man) or Gateau Breton (a biscuity butter cake).
38 habitants recommandent
Village Poul-Fetan
Poul FétanThe village of POUL-FETAN (51 kms direction Quistinic) is well worth a visit, it is a village of yesteryear and exists in harmony with nature and traditon
Thatched cottages sit in the midst of fields of millet, buckwheat and hemp and rural Breton workers adorned in traditional costume reveal the labours of a by-gone time.
The Tavern of Poul-Fetan offers a tasty local produce menu, or try some bread, cooked in a wood-oven in the traditional way, sample the delicious pastries like Kouign-amann (sounds like qwen-ar-man) or Gateau Breton (a biscuity butter cake).
Auray is a pretty town of tow halves on an estuary of the Golfe de Morbihan east of Vannes.
In medieval times the top half of Auray had a castle which existed up until the 16th century but still has some historical sites such as the Renaissance style entrance to the Church of Saint Gildas with its 17th century altarpiece. The Town Hall has an imposing 18th century belltower and 2 small chapel. The tourist office itself stands behind a 17th century facade of a small chapel.
The Port of Auray, SAINT GOUSTAN, is on the lower level beside the estuary, and can be reached by foot, or by car down some fairly narrow streets.
Saint Goustan is a beautiful little port of cobbles and half timbered houses and restaurants, and has an air of contented relaxation.
134 habitants recommandent
Saint-Goustan port
Auray is a pretty town of tow halves on an estuary of the Golfe de Morbihan east of Vannes.
In medieval times the top half of Auray had a castle which existed up until the 16th century but still has some historical sites such as the Renaissance style entrance to the Church of Saint Gildas with its 17th century altarpiece. The Town Hall has an imposing 18th century belltower and 2 small chapel. The tourist office itself stands behind a 17th century facade of a small chapel.
The Port of Auray, SAINT GOUSTAN, is on the lower level beside the estuary, and can be reached by foot, or by car down some fairly narrow streets.
Saint Goustan is a beautiful little port of cobbles and half timbered houses and restaurants, and has an air of contented relaxation.
The Golfe de Morbihan (The Gulf of Morbihan) is a natural harbour in the south of Morbihan, Brittany, the Breton name 'Ar Mor Bihan' (the little sea) aptly desribes this beautiful location. The gulf contains about 40 islands, depending on the tide, many being privately owned except for two, Île-aux-Moines (Island of the Monks) which can be reached via ferry from Lamor Baden and Île-d'arz by ferry from Vannes.
The small uninhabited island of Gavrinis, which has an ancient buriel chamber from around 3500BC can be reached by ferry from Lamor-Baden.
The Golfe de Morbihan has a beautiful rocky landscape and is a regional natural park of marshes, flora and fauna and is well worth a visit.
180 habitants recommandent
Gulf of Morbihan
The Golfe de Morbihan (The Gulf of Morbihan) is a natural harbour in the south of Morbihan, Brittany, the Breton name 'Ar Mor Bihan' (the little sea) aptly desribes this beautiful location. The gulf contains about 40 islands, depending on the tide, many being privately owned except for two, Île-aux-Moines (Island of the Monks) which can be reached via ferry from Lamor Baden and Île-d'arz by ferry from Vannes.
The small uninhabited island of Gavrinis, which has an ancient buriel chamber from around 3500BC can be reached by ferry from Lamor-Baden.
The Golfe de Morbihan has a beautiful rocky landscape and is a regional natural park of marshes, flora and fauna and is well worth a visit.