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Brittany
Here are some of the things we love about Brittany……. Regional produce and Markets
Activities
Days out for all the family
Click on http://www.infoparks.com/flashan/r_parcs/france/index.htm for more ideas.
The regions of Brittany
The Crozon Peninsula This is the place to find wild beaches and the highest cliffs in Brittany (over 100 m) at the Point of Finistère. Tremendous views may be had from ‘Menez-Hom’ at the beginning of the peninsula– the summit is 330m. The picturesque resort of Morgat has a beautiful crescent shaped sandy beach and a small harbour full of pleasure boats. There are excellent cliff top walks from here, and boat trips around the various headlands and the Grottes – multicoloured caves in the cliffs. Morgat is a great base for exploring the Presqu’ile ‘almost an island’ de Crozon and we have a property there which is within walking distance of the beach:
B221AB, two adjoining houses, ideal for 2 families, sleeps 12
Morgat and view from the cliffs
North Finistere This area, known as the ‘Cote des Legendes’, is an enchanting part of Brittany, steeped in folklore and history. The last refuge of the Druids before Christianity swept through Brittany, this part of the region has an abundance of intriguing churches to visit (don’t miss the colourful pardons and fêtes in the summer months) as well as more than 50 prehistoric standing stones, (including the tallest in France at 31 feet,) and dozens of springs with alleged magical healing powers. It is still home to a thriving seaweed industry - you can sample the local delicacy of ham smoked with seaweed, or even a seaweed beer! At any time the views along this coastline are quite breathtaking. In particular the tranquil waters of the Abers - three long tidal inlets slicing into the dramatic Brittany coastline - contrast spectacularly with the wild Atlantic waves, and as they are west-facing, the sunsets here are superb. There is also plenty of opportunity to enjoy the coast from the water with lots of sheltered beaches for swimming, Atlantic-facing beaches for surfing and numerous sailing schools. Details on boat trips to the many little islands off the coast may be obtained from the tourist offices. We have properties at Plouguerneau ideally situated for exploring this delightful area: R200 A, B, C are 3 luxury apartments sharing a pool, each sleeping 4-6 R207A is a colourful cottage, 2km from the beach, sleeps 6 And also at Landéda, R721A, a contemporary house for 7, is close to the Aber Wrac’h I The Abers Despite this being one of the less touristic parts of Brittany, it offers well organised and clearly indicated routes for exploration. The Grand Randonée GR34 (coastal footpath) is well marked and easy to follow. There are 12 circuits for mountain bikers and a variety of minor road routes for road cyclists - ask for details at any of the local tourist offices. All the main menhir sites are covered on the 10 mile Circuit de Menhirs - again, ask at the local tourist offices for information The Monts d’Arrée are in an area of Finistère that is almost untouched, although the suggestion that these are mountains may be a slight exaggeration – the highest point is 1085 feet. This is part of the Parc Naturel Regional d’Armorique, and there are some beautiful panoramas. The atmosphere is wild, with gorse, heather and jagged rocks. So… if you love spectacular unspoilt coastal scenery, peace and tranquility, myths and legends and fascinating religious and pagan artefacts, this is just the place for you.
South Finistere This area has many interesting towns to visit - Pont Aven, where Gaugin painted in the 1880s, is now packed with art galleries. It is a pleasant town with a small port, landscaped walkways crossing the tiny river and wooded gardens. Near Pont Aven we have one of our favourite cottages, our ref B721A, which sleeps 6: Le Pouldu with its picturesque port and pretty little sandy coves was one of Gaugin’s favourite places to paint. We have two properties here, both a short walk to the beach and each sleeps 12 people - B603A and B603B. In fact B603B appears in one of Gauguin’s paintings. Concarneau is the third most important fishing port in France as well as a lively seaside resort. Its fortified old town can be found on a little island in the harbour, and is one of the most photographed sights in France. The landing, sorting and auctioning of the fish is well worth watching if you are up and about between midnight and dawn. We have several properties in this area including: B700A, a newly restored farm cottage for 4 people B702A, secluded villa for 7, 4km beach B716A, quality villa, 2km town and beach B725A, prettily decorated house, sleeps 4
Beautiful beaches at Tregunc, near Concarneau - almost deserted!
The Morbihan This is in the middle of the five départements that form the region of Brittany. It is a truly historical region with second world war Atlantic wall fortifications on the coast, submarine pens at Lorient, fortresses of the Hundred Years’ War at Josselin and Pontivy and some of the best megalithic sites in the world - said to rival Stonehenge. The landscape is divided between coast and hills and valleys with ancient woodland full of Arthurian legend. Extending along the south of Brittany, 35% of the Morbihan coastline is taken up with dunes and sandy beaches. Inland you can wander along the Blavet river or the Brest - Nantes canal or discover the fine rural architecture and mighty fortresses of the area. Our properties here include: B90A, situated on a presqu’ile - a thin peninsula - facing Port-Louis Link to property B704A at Etel, over looking the River Blavet B705A on the edge of La Trinité-sur-Mer
The Loire Atlantique This is in the very south west of Brittany is warmed by the Gulf Stream and generally enjoys a milder climate than the rest of the region. It is well known for La Baule, a 5 mile crescent of white sand which competes with Biarritz as the Atlantic coast's most fashionable resort. The département has about 40 miles of coastline and oyster production is one of the main industries. Take a trip to one of the islands - Ponant, Houat or Belle-Ile to try the local speciality of bass in sea salt. Loire Atlantique is also a popular destination for canal boat rides and inland attractions include parks, gardens, rivers and forests as well as 9 golf courses. Our properties in the Loire Atlantique include: B502A at St Marc-sur-Mer, close to La Baule Link to property B503A at Pénestin has easy access to coastal paths Link to property
Côtes d’Armor Situated in north-east Brittany, this département has no large regional capital like Nantes or Rennes and many of the seaside resorts are less developed than on the southern coast of Brittany, although the spectacular pink boulders of the Pink Granite Coast or Côte de Granit Rose deservedly attract a lot of tourists. There are many picturesque little ports to be found, interspersed with huge expanses of sandy beaches, and the interior is green and peaceful, dotted with castles and manor houses. The Côtes d’Armor also has some of Brittany’s most beautiful towns - Dinan, Tréguier, Montcontour……Our properties in the Côtes d’Armor include; R38A - spectacular views of the sea and its little islands Link to property R206A - a short walk from a beautiful beach Link to property
Experience the spectacular panoramas of the Brittany coastline before you go - click on http://www.bretagnepanoramique.com/
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Brittany is increasingly accessible due to the range of inexpensive flights from local airports now available as well as the traditional ferry crossings to Saint Malo and Roscoff. We have coastal, rural and 
