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Brittany

Since it is the longest coastline in France, the Bretagne peninsula offers a variety of amazing landscapes. Each part of the coastline has its own identity, delicate blending of colours and shapes of the rocks and the sea.
Its clear water wavers between blue and green, its rocks of an warm orangy pink and the presence of megaliths have inspired and given their poetic names full of promises to these borderlines, each embodying a unique aspect of Brittany’s coastlines.
A custom's trail was used years ago to watch over these coastlines however today, it is used as a long footpath, over 1300 km to wander through splendid landscapes. On this path, GR34, from the port of Saint-Nazaire (southern Brittany) to Mount Saint-Michel ‘s doors (on the northern side), you can almost go right around Brittany by foot. Let its exquisite charm be bewitched.

The Emerald Coast’s landscape is rather ambivalent. In the West, the Cap Fréhel (Fréhel Head) starts a soft and quiet change in the landscape. In the east, the coast progressively opens up towards Cancale and the Mont-Saint-Michel bay and the highest rise of tide in Europe.
In between these two “frontiers” rises Saint-Malo, historical port of many discoverers. The Corsair Town built up its reputation with the “race-war” and the sea borne trading. Today, this legacy is still visible during festivities such as the Tall Ship Race or the Rum Race...
This world changes as soon as you cross the Rance river. Facing the so hard-working Saint-Malo, Dinard managed to keep an old time charm with its mansions along the seaside, its bathing huts and yacht clubs. Many imitated Dinard. And all around you will find other more modest but charming sea resorts . Lancieux, Saint Briac, Saint Lunaire, Saint Cast, Le Guildo, all have kept a family size, though the adventure is sometimes just a few yards away from the beach.

It is said that the Goëlo coast, the Sea has signed to love pact with the Earth. And from this day onwards, the sea penetrates deeply inside the earth, to the rhythm of the tide, the “Armor” –the sea- diving into the “Argoat” – the earth.
Earth and sea some days quarrel, some days swear fidelity to each other and the lights of the sky hail their passion and create ever changing landscapes

Divided between sea and rivers, the Goëlo coast spreads over 30 towns from Sant-Brieuc, Paimpol and the Bréhat island. And it separates the Gallo land from the Breton land.

During the V century, English communities from Devon came and organised this land.
In the middle of the XIX century Saint-Quay-Portrieux, small fishing village, became a holiday resort for rich families from Guimgamp who came there for medical reasons. A few decades later Saint-Quay-Portrieux had truly become to seaside resort – the Saint-Malo success had stimulated other villages to try this transformation- . With the coming of the railway, the Parisians also discovered the charms of the “North-Coast” and also writers such as Pierre Loti or painters such as Eugène Boudin.
In one of the first guide ever published “La Bretagne touristique” you could read this
“Bréhat is really the Beauty Island of the north coast of Bretagne, the painters’ and dreamers’ favourite spot.” (Beauty Island is the name given to Corsica)
Since then, the “North-Coast” has become the Armor Coast in 1990. Paimpol, Bréhat or Saint-Quay-Portrieux have kept their charm. Other sea resorts have come out recently : Plouha or Binic a friendly tiny port at the Ic mouth and which has become the favourite place for the “briochins”.

The Pink Granite Coast is a world apart.
The usual Breton landscapes disappear to give way to a symphony of colours. Unusual in these regions, they have made the reputation of this piece of land between Perros-Guirred and the Batz Island.
As the early as the beginning of the XIX century, many flamboyant mansions have been decorating this coast. As so, from the Trégastel or the Trébeurden beaches you can enjoy panoramic views of the Archipel-des-Sept-Iles (“Seven islands archipelago”) or of the Lannion bay.

The Pink Granite Coast, is also a natural reserve with an incredible biodiversity. The nearby rough rocks off the coast from Trébeurden or Millau Island are a good example. At sea, off Trébeurden, the first bird clinic was opened in order to save sea birds from oil slicks.
Is it luck or coincidence ? Writers spurred by an ideal about nature, often put down their luggage on the coast. Joseph Conrad lived many years on Ile Grande . Nature and “Celtic nationalism” are sung by The Scottish poet Kenneth White who lives not far from Sainte Anne de Trégastel.

Impossible to speak about the Pink Granite Coast without mentioning the chaos of the rocks. To watch them you only need to wander on the custom's trail from the Men Ruz lighthouse to the tip of Ploumanac’h.

The Legends Coast is also called the Abers Land. These funnel shaped Bretons fjords open out to sea, hack deeply into the coast and are a remarkable sight while the ebb and the flow rumble along them.

There are three of them in the North coast of the Finistère. L’Aber-Ildut, the smallest of the three, mark the divide between the Atlantic Ocean and the English Channel (La Manche). L’Aber-Benoît, eight kilometres long, goes through eight parishes and throws itself in the Channel, south of the Aber-Wrac’h. The ria, -another name for the Aber- reveals a lovely seaside landscape along the long GR 34 footpath. At the mouth of the Aber-Benoît, the sea reads the sky to its liking and paints itself in shades of turquoise or aquamarine.

The Aber-Benoît and the Aber-Wrac’h are divided by the pretty Sainte-Marguerite peninsula whose dunes are bordered with white strands. At Lannilis, between these two abers, the Devil’s Bridge (le Pont du Diable) is made of granit blocks and dates back from the Iron Ages. In the Aber-Wrac’s mouth , the lighthouse of the Vierge Island is the highest in Europe with its 82,5 meters high. Its visual range is of 52 kilometres and it is one of the rare lighthouse in Bretagne you can visit.

On top of the port of Landéda, a restaured semaphore offers a superb view over the bay and the Stagadon island. This peculiar coast will surprise you in many ways : after having admired the pretty Baie des Anges, strewn with tiny islands, let yourselves be carried inland. Both rural and maritime the Abers Land has an attractive back-country where the visitor will be able discover lost chapels, crosses pointing towards the heaven and water mills, some still functioning today.

In the old school museum of the seaweed capital, Plougerneau there is an exhibition dealing with seaweeds and their uses . When leaving the Abers land, you might be tempted to stop at the sea resort of Brignogan-Plages. It doesn’t matter if the weather is sunny or stormy, the landscape is always breathtaking with its hilly grounds and the many granite formations. The lovely Saint-Paul chapel grew up there, in the middle of a field of giant pebbles that might have been sown by some Celtic giant.

At the southern tip of Bretagne, on the Cornouaille coast, the Bigouden land stretches from Saint-Marine to the Odet river. Though the word can often be misused, it is not the case here, the Bigouden land is genuine Breton land.

Beaches follow fishing ports from La Pointe du Raz to Pont-Aven. At La Pointe du Raz, a magnificent scenery is displayed over the Baie des Trépassés (“Bay of the Deceased”) and the island of Sein.
Before leaving Le Cap de Sizun (“Sizun Head”), you must visit Audierne and its bay. The lovers of long fine sand beaches will be pleased. Further south, towards the Pointe de la Torche (“Torch Tip”) the coast is wilder, and here is the utmost meeting place of the funboarders. Nearby, the giant lighthouse of Eckmühl watches the seas on the Penmarc’h tip.

After the beaches and the sailing ports, you will find a succession of fishing ports : Saint Guénolé, Lesconil, Loctudy. As the first local handicraft port of France, Le Guilvinec offers day after day, the colourful and lively show of its trawlers coming back laden with lobsters, eels, hakes under the seagulls’ watchful eyes. Don’t miss the charming port of Sainte-Marine nor the tiny alleys bordered with white houses of the Island of Tudy.

It is the Odet river which divides the Bigouden from the Odet land. From the sea resort of Bénodet, you will notice at sea, the Glénan archipelago that looks like a tropical atoll (unusual sight under this latitudes !). The very many arms of the sea (or rias as they are known in this area) are typical of this coast.
The fortified and Art-and-History town of Concarneau and Pont-Aven the delightful painters’ town have forged their identity in their military and artistic past.
Riec-sur-Belon, famous for its flat oisters, Clohars-Carnoët or Moëlan-sur-Mer, starting points of many rambles -on land or sea- are among the many places to be discovered.

As its name says it, this coast is richly adorned with every sort of megalith monuments . Among the most famous are the Carnac lines, the dolmens and burial mounds of Locmariaquer and also the cairn in Gavrinis Island, pinnacle of Neolithic art. The Morbihan Gulf and the Quiberon Bay have joined the very selective club of the most beautiful bays in the world !

Many sandy beaches stretch along this seaside, around Larmor-Plage and Guidel. A few kilometres from there, a break can be taken in Lorient, large and important port city. Its quiet waters are particularly attractive for sea sports. In the middle of summer, its lively Interceltique Festival gather Celt musicians of all sorts coming from Scotland, Wales or Ireland. Lorient is also a step to go to the charming Groix Island, with its unusual convex beach and its picturesque villages.

Then, from Gâvres to Quiberon the longest stretch of dunes in Bretagne have very varied sceneries, abrupt sea cliffs on the wild coast are followed by long sandy beaches from Quiberon to Carnac and Trinité-sur-Mer. Off season, this coast shows a different face, and you must not hesitate to come and appreciate the tranquility found again.
From Quiberon, you can take a boat to the well-named Belle-Ile and discover the superb port of Sauzon. The lovers of this island will not miss to meet the two sisters Houat and Hoëdic and their strong personality.

On the Auray River, go and see two jewels, the two tiny ports of Saint-Goustan and Bono. The medieval city of Vannes and its rich architectural heritage is also well worth a sight. If you come by sea, the Roguédas Tower and its famous “pink house” helps you to find the narrows that leads you to the port. The Gulf (“mor bihan” meaning small sea in gaelic) strewn with tiny islands, benefits from a extremely temperate climate and an extremely rich bird colony. Its calm surface, as smooth as the one of a lake, must not make you forget of the powerful currents in some places nor of the numerous rocks among which boats must make their way : the Morbihan Gulf is a jewel that must be earnt.

The Rhuys peninsula, with its North coast on the Morbihan Gulf and its South coast on the Atlantic Ocean has to contrasted sides. The cliffs and huge beaches on the Atlantic Coast are tonic and invigorating. On the Gulf Coast, however, numerous paths allow you to wander from hamlet to hamlet, taking advantage of the local wildlife. For sailing fans or window-shopping worshippers, le Crouesty, largest sailing port of Brittany is an utmost stop.

t might have been named the Blue Coast or else the Amber Coast, however the readers of the ‘La Mouette’ (The Seagull was the name of the local newspaper at the beginning of the 20th century) decided otherwise during the newspaper’s name-finding contest.
On this coast the Bretagne looks southwards, its fine sandy beaches spreading from Piriac-sur-Mer to Saint –Nazaire. Between Le Croisic and Le Pouliguen though, the coast gets wilder, more secret and cut into bays. Strangely shaped coves and caves follow one another. From the numbers of colourful boats, nets and crates, it is obvious how important fishing is in this region. The trawlers in La Turballe go after anchovies as far as the Gironde estuary in winter and up to the tip of Brittany during the summer. The fishermen from Le Croisic track down sea spiders and lobsters. Le Croisic has a distinctive style with its lighthouse and old well-restaured houses.

The Guérande peninsula opens up onto La Baule’s huge bay, the ports of Pornichet and Pouliguen lay on each side. The well-known sea-resort of La Baule, (La Baule Riviera as it is known) unfolds as a huge crescent of golden sand, facing south towards the sea.
The medieval town of Guérande offers a totally different sight with its battlements of over one kilometre long. La Guérande owes its name to its well-known salt-marshes, indeed Gwenrann means “white land” in Gaelic Breton. This is the land of the ‘paludiers’, these men who gather the ‘white gold’ and have fashioned the landscape as a grid with canals and small salt-sea canals.

Saint-Nazaire, a shipbuilding yard town, has given birth to legendary steamers such as the Normandy and shows yet again, another side of this so contrasted coast.
In the early 60’s poster bills called this coast ‘the Brittany Riviera’ as it is true enough that from here starts the south : the vegetation starts looking like the one of the Mediterranean coast and the warmth of the red roof tiles slowly replace the blue slates.Lesser known than its coastlines, Brittany's inland conceals unsuspected beauty. Mysterious, and rustling with legendes, the interior Brittany, named « Argoat », charms us with its extremely diversified landscapes, the metamorphisis of colours with the changing of seasons: golden yellow shades of cultivated fields, rich bronze tints of the woodlands, mauves of the moorland's heather, and all the different shades of green fern and moss. It is easy to see how the heart of Brittany makes that of an artist's beat faster.

Paths across the fields bear witness to great history and heritage. There, a chapel seems to have been forgotten by mankind in the middle of nowhere. Further on, in the mists over a reed-bordered lake, appear the outlines of a medieval castle. It's a land of fresh water, a Bretagne hollowed out by many rivers. This Bretagne never turns its back on the sea for too long, which powerful tides sometimes push up the salty taste of the sea far into the rias.

Even though lakes might not be the first thing to come to one's mind while thinking of Brittany, there are several lakes set in the heart of sumptuous sights, in between heath and clusters of tall trees. Rivers, canals, farmland criss-crossed by hedges and trees, favorable to biodiversity, appeal more and more to nature lovers, delighted to travel throughout the length and breadth of the region along the well fit-out network of footpaths.

The Nantes to Brest canal

It is a lane trimmed with hundred-year-old trees that impassively reflect off smooth rivers. Vivid water runs along the banks to finally end in the Iroise sea, crossing granite villages on its way, and flowing past ancient abbeys and medieval strongholds, sites that have retained many tracks of their past. This green garden of Eden, free of all car traffic, exhales the perfumes of wild flowers and woods all through the seasons. Today, as in the past times of its splendor, the mythical canal from Nantes to Brest immutably follows its green lane over 360 kilometers. The historical wealth and the beautiful landscapes are beginning to be rediscovered, after several centuries of oblivion, by those who seek for nature and authenticity.

Nature has taken pleasure to draw wavy lines and curved courses, magnified by the mirrowing lights playing on the water's surface. Wherever man has interfered to allow merchand ships through, the curves suddenly change into straight lines. Whether you choose to be on the water or aside, you'll notice the natural borders that separate one land from the following. Discovering the canal from Nantes to Brest is possible on a small house boat, on foot or by bike. Some even combine the three of them, but that takes some organization! You can go from one end to the other walking or hiking, in one go, to then proudly say : “I've done the canal!”

You can also choose to leave the canal after a short section and continue your journey on one of the hiking trails nearby, which offer beautiful star-shaped tracks starting off from most picturesque sites. Today, this unique heritage is widely emphasized. A label called “Escales d'une rive à l'autre”, From one bank to another, indicatesthose places on the banks of the waterways that are willing to develop heritage and services. Numerous quality stopping points are now to be found along the canal's edge, ready to welcome the visitors for a truly relaxing moment. Climbing, sailing, angling, canoing and hiking: there is no way to get bored on the canal.

The Huelgoat Forest

In the very heart of the Armorique Regional Natural Park, the Huelgoat forest and its curious chaos of rocks, witnesses of the turbulent geological history of Central Brittany, continue to fascinate the visitors that set a foot into this stunning forest. Is it not bearing the devil's cave, only passage to hell? The silver river juts out of the lake into the forest, and legend has it that travelers, as a last chance, would be offered sweet, strong drinks in each of the 99 inns dotting his way. Mind the drunkenness: only the sober will find his way back and save his soul!

A kingdom of legends
As the western remnant of the vast forest that once covered the whole surface of Brittany, Huelgoat (upper forest in breton language), is the guardian of the celtic imaginary and fantastic world, in the same way as the Paimpont forest. The Artus' cave and the Artus' camp refer to the famous King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. The mysterious and seizing atmosphere that reigns in the Huelgoat forest has inspired many artists and writers: Charles le Goffic, Paul Sérusier, Maurice Denis and Victor Segalen have been charmed by this fascinating forest of majestic oak and beech trees, with giant blocks of granite covered in moss piling up at their feet.

A forest of immoderation
The strange play of the sun light through entangled branches and granitic outcrops suggests a world filled with fairies and giants. This forest is a world apart where even a child can rock the Trembling Stone, a block of over a hundred kilos weight, if only it finds the one spot capable of throwing the colossus off balance. The Huelgoat forest, crossroad of many roman ways out of the Monts d'Arrée, spreads over more than 600 hectars and boasts great hiking areas with numerous well-designed paths. Whether you be on foot, by bike or on horse-back, you'll always find the magic of this mysterious forest charm you.

The Brocéliande Forest

Despite this forest does not actually exist, it has been the subject of many discussions and inspired many authors. Brocéliande, at about thirty kilometers from Rennes, is the legendary side of the Paimpont forest, situated in the commune of Paimpont. The spirit of the knights of the round table are always around, and one would not be surprised to see Lancelot appear at the edge of the “Val sans retour”, the valley of no return. Is that the outline of Viviane you see over there, close to the Barenton's fountain? Magic is operating, undoubtedly due to some discrete fairy's spell. After all, who could tell what is possible or not in the heart of the land of Merlin the enchanter? Waters bear poetical names: there is no such thing as a still lake in Brocéliande, but a “Mirror of the fairies”. You get carried away easily by your imagination, and every step you take will lead you further into this fantasy world, filled with bubbling fountains, elfs and fairies. The unique charm of the Brocéliande forest lays in the way that the imaginary and the real, myths and history melt together. It is not surprising, under these circumstances, that christian and arthurian symbols might feature together on a stained-glass window of the church in Tréhorenteuc, showing the apostles gathered around the holy Grail.
Several times, the “Val sans retour” has been the victim of forest fires. It boasts the Arbre d'Or,( the Golden tree), a chestnut tree entirely covered in fine gold created by the artist François Davin in 1991, and surrounded by five black trees, reminders of the burned-out forest. Some of the forest's jewels are legendary, like the Fountain of Youth or Merlin's grave. Others are real, like the Guillotin oak, supposedly more than one thousand years old, or the one called “des hindrés”, whose circumference reaches 5 meters. The lake “Pas de Houx”, the biggest one in the forest, as well as the 13th century abbey at the shore of the Paimpont lake are not to be missed out. In the southern part of the forest, close to the “Pont de Secret”, the ancient forges bear witness to the metallurgic history of the site. Further north, the castle of Comper, that has once been owned by a companion of William the Conqueror, is now hosting the Arthur's Center's exhibitions. The impressing castle of Trécesson, in Campénéac, is equally a well-worth sight to behold. As if to recall the mysterious and legendary spirit of the place, a ghostly barn owl (called White lady in french) regularly haunts the surrounding misty moor

Situated somewhere between Mûr de Bretagne and Saint-Agnan, this splendid blue touch in the very heart of the Argoat is the quiet border between the Côtes d'Armor and Morbihan. While you gaze at the calm and glimmering surface of the Guerlédan lake, you will find it hard to imagine that this perfect setting may not have been orchestrated by nature itself. It is yet a totally artificial piece of work, whose construction goes back to the middle of the 20th. When the flood barrier was put into service in 1933 at the meeting point of the Blavet river and the canal from Nantes to Brest, the valley was flooded over 13 kilometers and several lock keepers' houses and gardens where swallowed up by the water. (but not the equivalent of the city of Ys, as it has sometimes been told!)

An ideal destination for water sports and hiking
With its 400ha surface and 45 meters depth, the Guerlédan lake is the biggest in Brittany. It offers a wide range of outdoor activities: water sports, recreation park, bathing and even some fit out beaches, like the one in the cove of Sordan. The oak, beech and spruce trees of the Quénécan forest shed shadow over the shores, where hiking through genuine nature becomes a real pleasure while you discover sites like the “Saut de Chevreuil” and the gorges of Stand Er Ihruen. Don't leave out any of interiour Brittany's secret charms and visit the peat bogs of Coron and Goarem-Tronioly, preserved sites because of their frailty and the wealth of the fauna and flora.

Shores steeped in history
The undulating landscape, digged out by streams on their way to the canal from Nantes to Brest, offers a multitude of heath and moorlands, heaps of granitic rocks, and stony ridges. The top of the Linscuis heath offers a sumptuous view of this mythical waterway that dates back to the XIXth century. Bearing witness to even farther past, an arrangement of megaliths counts back no less than 6000 years. Not far from there, going along the Blavet's banks, you will come across a superb Cisterian Abbey from the XIIth century, the Abbaye de Bon Repos. Art lovers should not miss the biennal event of contemporary art in the abbey: “Murmures”, since 2003, is a meeting point for contemporary art and heritage, artists and the local population.

ituated somewhere between Mûr de Bretagne and Saint-Agnan, this splendid blue touch in the very heart of the Argoat is the quiet border between the Côtes d'Armor and Morbihan. While you gaze at the calm and glimmering surface of the Guerlédan lake, you will find it hard to imagine that this perfect setting may not have been orchestrated by nature itself. It is yet a totally artificial piece of work, whose construction goes back to the middle of the 20th. When the flood barrier was put into service in 1933 at the meeting point of the Blavet river and the canal from Nantes to Brest, the valley was flooded over 13 kilometers and several lock keepers' houses and gardens where swallowed up by the water. (but not the equivalent of the city of Ys, as it has sometimes been told!)

The Guerlédan Lake

The Black Mountains
The black mountains, straddling two departments, the Morbihan and Finistère, probably owe their name to the forest that once covered their ground, or else the color of local rock, such as slate, quartz, sandstone and granite. Not just as high as the Monts d'Arrée, they shelter the valley of the Aulne river. This setting, ideal for hiking, conceals its secrets along its trails: tiny chapels, megalithic arrangement or abbey, are revealed to the sight of those who wanders along the paths. The Black mountains are the cradle of numerous legends: King Arthur himself is said to have led his army here. The artist Paul Sérusier, a friend of Paul Gauguins', has lived in Chateauneuf-du-Faou, where he created the decor in the churches' chapel.

A bucolic and ...surprising setting
In the heart of this rough region, the castle of Trévarez looks an exuberant sight! In the forefront of progress of the Belle-époque, it adorns a pink façade that clearly stands out with the local colors. Its beautiful english garden is open to the public.
An astonishing sight awaits the visitor in Gourin: a replica of the statue of liberty has pride in the very center of the village. There is a historical reason to its surprising presence: driven by hunger and misery, the inhabitants of Gourin once massively migrated to America. Ever since then, bonds have been kept up between the breton community of New York and the small village in Morbihan.
The capital of the Black Mountains also is the starting point for numerous trails, each revealing a glimpse of the well-preserved charms of this secret region.

Discovering the chapels
Before you'd leave the Morbihan's Cornouaille further south of Gourin, try and follow in the footsteps of Marion du Faouët, who was the chief of a gang of local bandits, in the middle of the XVIII century. The village of Faouët provides a host of waymarked footpaths leading to chapels and manors. Nestling in a green setting and overlooking the river, the Sainte Barbe chapel is a jewel of the XVth century flamboyant gothic style. Monumental, balustered stairs lead you up to the chapel and then descent to the fountain of devotion below.

The Monts d'Arrée
f you come walking on the ridges of the Monts d'Arrée for the first time, forget everything you know about Brittany and keep your eyes wide open. The sharp rocks pointing into the sky of Tuchen Gador stand in contrast to the rounded hills of the Mont Saint Michel de Brasparts with its lovely, solitary chapel. Looking out from this highest point of Brittany's mountains, the landscape unfolds as far as the eye can see, revealing an remarkable kinship with certain Irish and Welsh sceneries. Peat bogs, moorland and farmland criss-crossed by hedges and trees offer various shades of green, brown and ginger. The touch of vivid colors of mauve heather and yellow gorse awakens these bronze tints.
With its vaste, wild expanses and breathtaking panoramas, the Monts d'Arrée will definitely appeal to those who secretly dreamt of wide open spaces and trekking on horse-back or on foot. Nature lovers will find it a paradize for wildlife, with species such as the European otter and the beaver. A rare plant has also settled here: the pretty, carnivorous sundew traps any careless insect that would dare come too close. The shape of the landscapes completely change according to the light. Cheerful under the bright sunlight, the atmosphere suddenly becomes mysterious when the mists descend onto the Monts d'Arrée. Whenever a huge cloud darkens the regions' peculiar luminosity, the rugged landscape easily changes into unsettling shapes. It then becomes evident that this land should be a cradle of many legends ever since the beginning of time.
Kingdom of the Ankou (reaper of souls) and land of korrigans (mischievious goblins), these mountains, no higher than 384 meters, have this particular power: they throw wide open the gates to a world of make believe. Further below, the marsh of Yeun Elez, that has partly been flooded by an artificial lake, hosts a gate that should rather not be opened: the cold and misty gates to hell. At least that's what was told in past days, during the long winter nights around the fireplaces. The will-o'-the-wisps, these scary flames flittering about over the peat bogs, seemed to be a sure proof of the presence of evil spirits, ready to emerge from the fogs.

The English Channel - Atlantic Ocean link
A waterway, apart from busy roads, that links the English Channel to the Ocean: that's an open invitation for travelers to experience the ancient bargemen's life in an original way. The adventure begins in Saint Malo, the City of Corsairs. Starting off from the beautiful Emerald coast, you can go as far as to the dam of Arzal by following estuaries, coastal rivers and affluents. The varied landscapes you will come across are harmoniously combining rural and maritim influences.

Following towpaths or bobbing along the water, enjoy the delightful, green settings, adorned with richly flowered locks, mills and washing places. Bearing witness to the not long-gone past, they quietly relate the richness and constraints of vanished crafts. The Nantes to Brest canal experiences a second youth and leads you through another side of Brittany's nature that is well-worth discovering. Fit out with good shoes, hikers of all abilities will enjoy paths suitable for great walks. The banks along these waterways are peppered with villages and towns labeled “Escales d'une rive à l'autre” that offer high quality stopping points, including water sports activities and accommodations.

Discover the city of Rennes, a dynamic town with great architectural and religious heritage. In the north of Redon you will reach the Grand Site Naturel of the Oust valley with its rocky escarpments, ideal for climbing. Continue further in the countryside, and you'll be surprised to find a yachting resort on the crossroad of the navigable waterways of the West. This is where the Vilaine, river of the Dukes of Brittany, meets the Nantes to Brest canal and becomes maritim. Gliding on towards the sea, you'll arrive at La Roche Bernard, a small city of character which towers over the river from its rocky spur. The last rendez-vous before you'd finally reach the Atlantic ocean is the dam of Arzal, that holds back the fury of the Vilaine river. When the tides are high, you can observe migrating salmons and trouts swimming upstream over the fish-ladder.

Jugon-les-Lacs
Situated on the banks of a lake, Jugon-les-lacs is a small city of character, nestled in the hollow of a valley. In the age of the Dukes of Brittany, Jugon-les-lacs was a fortified town, surrounded by rivers and lakes. It's this hydrolic wealth that gave the city an important place in Brittany's history. As a consequence of the prestigious past, and much to the delight of lovers of old buildings, there is still a host of stone-built manors, castles and ancient mansions, such as the Sevoy house, that dates back to the XVIIth century. Coming to Jugon means discovering Brittany off the beaten tracks, peaceful and dynamic at once. The city bears the label “Station Verte”, which awards outstanding nature sites and well fit-out accommodations.

Nature as far as the eye can see
The 70 hectar huge lake, fed by several rivers, provides great opportunities for all kinds of water sport activities. Anglers will enjoy the numerous spots well-stocked with fish, whether it be in the Grand Etang or in the basin of Arguenon: carps, trouts, zanders and pikes are regularly rising to the bait. The region, that once was the county of Penthièvre, is a paradize for open air activities, and particularly for hiking. The GR (long distance trail) of Penthièvre leads you around a great number of sites well worth a visit.

An ancient heritage
Don't miss out the castle of the Hunaudaye, in Plédéliac, set in a place steeped in history. Built in the XIII th century on a site that had been occupied since the IVth, it towers on a strategic spot from where it was possible to keep watch over the frontier between the Pays de Lamballe and the Pays de Dinan, that were in conflict at the time. The abbey of Boquen dates back to the XIIth century, and it lays close to the antique roman way that once linked Vannes to Corseul.

The landes de Lanvaux
The ridge lines of the Landes de Lanvaux slightly overhang the valleys of the Arz and of the Claie, crossing the Morbihan from East to West. Woods now rank above the heath, and this huge plateau, mesuring sixty kilometers by ten, is a region to be discovered. Only a few steps away from the Gulf of Morbihan, this territory is profoundly rural and boasts a little-known facet of Brittany's inland. Lovers of green, peaceful nature will be delighted to discover the Landes de Lanvaux, going for long walks, or angling on the water's edge. Off the beaten tracks, it is in a quiet way that you will appreciate this land, that still bears memory to its past of resistance.

A place of Resistance
Headquarter of the breton Chouannerie (18th century French counter-revolutionary movement) led by Georges Cadoual, the Landes de Lanvaux have experienced several times of rebellion all through history. Every era has left its traces, and the surroundings still shelter roman and neolithic remains. In the recent past, Saint Marcel has equally been a high place of breton resistance. A couple of hours before the Normandy landing, two groups of paratroopers were dropped on the Landes de Lanvaux. After the battle of Saint Marcel, some were hidden in local farms. The German repression over what remains Brittany's greatest maquis, was terrible.

Exceptionnal heritage
Less known than the site of Carnac, the Landes de Lanvaux conceal nevertheless a remarkable megalithic heritage. The commune of Trédion, in particular, hosts a great number of listed monuments, such as the Babouin and Babouine, two famous standing stone with roughly sculpted faces, or the covered ale known as “la loge aux loups”, the wolf's lodge. The castle, that once welcomed Catherine de Medicis, is situated in a parc of 20 hectars open to visitors. The religious heritage is equally noteworthy. The surronding countryside is dotted with chapels and crosses.

The lake of the Duke
The biggest natural lake in Brittany, the Lac au Duc de Ploërmel, stretches out over 250 hectars. It is a perfect site for whoever likes to spend sporty holidays in a natural setting. Siuated on the course of the Yvel river in Ploërmel, it hosts a genuine sports and recreation park, where you can enjoy sailing and water skiing. Fit-out and watched-over beaches line the lake and warmly welcome those who prefer lazing about at the water's edge. And why not free your imagination bobbing along the still water of the lake, listening to a storyteller on an evening trip? There is no such thing as a monster hidden in the depth of this lake, ever since Saint Armel, a Welsh monk and dragon hunter, has stroke down the one that terrorized the region.
On the side of Lézonnet, the lake is a fishing reserve and a great spot to observe the beautiful surrounding nature. The ancient watchtower of the medieval manor seems to be the guardian of the peace that reigns on the area. Former city of the Dukes of Brittany, Ploërmel is a cradle of history. Several mansions in the city reveal a glimpse of its glorious past. The astronomical clock in Ploërmel is equally worth a visit.
On the marvellous, path between the lake and the golf you will enjoy a number of different species of hydrangea. In all shades from mauve to blue and bright pink, these flowers, symbolizing Brittany, spread their colorful petals along a beautiful trail that leads into the underwoods. The “vélo promenade”, marked-out, several kilometers long round tours, offer an easy and delightful way to discover the local heritage in the surrounding villages. The “Voie Verte” of the Morbihan, a 53 km long cycle track stretching from Questembert to Mauron, passes by the lake as well

Towns of Art in Brittany
Although more famous for its natural sites than for its urban traditions, Brittany nevertheless boasts great architectural heritage. The network of the “Cités d'Art de Bretagne” is made up of towns, several of which date back to the gallo-roman era.

* Small Towns of Character

* Towns of Art and History

* Historic Towns

They are set in remarkable sites and grouped together according to the territory: Marches de Bretagne, the country of Vannes (Vannetais), the Pays Gallo, Cornouaille, Léon, Trégor. Whether they be big cities like Nantes or Rennes, or small towns, with wide pedestrian areas, they all provide numerous encounters with the past and a glimpse of history around every corner. Stroll along the alleys and discover here a fountain, there the ramparts or an inner courtyard. They have been well restored over the last twenty years taking care in every little detail and working particularly on shop windows and signs. These sites, with their special settings and activities, are attracting self-employed craftsmen and artists, thus still increasing their cultural and touristic interest

BAZOUGES-LA-PEROUSE

Throughout its history, Bazouges-la-Pérouse has been a frontier town and meeting place. It developed on the fringe of two settlements, one of the Coriosilitae and the other of the Redones, and witnessed two waves of christianisation - Gallo-Roman and then Breton. The town probably underwent a period of decline in the early Middle Ages, enjoying a revival in feudal times as a fortified town, the imprint of which can still be seen today.

BECHEREL

Overlooking the upper valley of the river Rance, this historic fortified town, which once played a military role, retains traces of the different periods which shaped its turbulent past and gave it its remarkable adaptability. Linen and hemp were the source of Bécherel’s wealth between the 16th and 18th centuries. Today, this ancient urban settlement with its well-preserved architectural heritage has become France’s foremost Book Town.

CHATEAUGIRON

The chateau, close to the Breton capital which it once defended, was built in the Middle Ages and is a genuine fortress right in the heart of Châteaugiron. Nestling against the tall towers of its chateau, the town, founded during the same period, contains numerous houses with painted half-timbering. Today, a vibrant culture brings this rich, historic heritage to life.

CHATELAUDREN

Situated at the crossing of crucial transport routes in Brittany, Châtelaudren has always enjoyed the privileges of a town on a strategic site on the banks of the river Leff. Originally a stronghold, intensive mercantile and artisan activity in the town meant it became the historic capital of Goëlo. In the 20th century, due to the establishment of the “Petit Echo de la Mode” and its production of dressmaking patterns, Châtelaudren became second capital of French fashion.

COMBOURG

An ideal holiday base for touring Romantic Brittany, Combourg, with its “tranquil lake” is a charming place for a break. The chateau is a key to the town’s identity. The impressive and mysterious granite fortress blends in with the charm of the narrow streets and the warmth of the half-timbered houses.

GUERLESQUIN

The architectural fabric of the town, the monuments and old, distinctive houses built from granite, are to be found lining a long marketplace which for centuries has been the focus for commerce. The town has successfully exploited its historic role as a centre for fairs and markets, as its rich architectural heritage can testify.

JOSSELIN

A key staging post on the “Route des Ducs de Bretagne”, Josselin comes into view perched on a hillside at a curve in the road. At its feet stands an imposing chateau and impregnable fortress set into the rock. This is the seat of the Rohan family whose fate has been closely linked to the life of the town.

JUGON-LES-LACS

Enclosed by a valley and with a 4-km long beautiful lake as backdrop, Jugon is like an oasis in the midst of an ocean of green. Its architectural heritage featuring granite houses and a central marketplace is a reminder of the proud place Jugon held as Penthièvre stronghold during the time of the Dukes of Brittany.

LA ROCHE-BERNARD

Perched on its rocky promontory overlooking the river Vilaine, La Roche-Bernard has treasures to reveal to those who take the time. Careful listening reveals the river, lifeblood of the town, as it surges with the tide and close observation makes it possible to imagine its heyday of barons and sailing ships. Private mansions, old depots and salt warehouses wait to be discovered by chance down narrow streets, presenting their own testimony to its rich past.

LA ROCHE-DERRIEN

The town was founded in the 11th century on a rocky promontory overlooking the estuary of Le Jaudy. Derien, son of the Count of Penthièvre, built a fortified chateau protected by ramparts and controlled this important crossroads between Armor and Argoat. Successive pillaging and sieges associated with the wars of succession brought about the destruction of the chateau. The last ramparts were razed to the ground in 1420

LE FAOU

A gateway to land and sea, the port of Le Faou on Brest bay is a former staging post between lower Léon and upper Cornouaille. Due to its exceptional location, the town possesses a long history and rich heritage.

LEHON

Situated in the picturesque valley of the river Rance, Léhon has retained a historic and religious heritage which reminds us of its importance in medieval times. The Benedictine abbey founded in the 9th century by Nominoë, King of Brittany, the 12th-century chateau built on the promontory overlooking the bridge and the houses of the town continue to attract visitors who have flocked here since the 19th century.

LIZIO

Situated in the heart of a granite region dominated by the stately town of Josselin and set apart from the main arterial routes, Lizio was considered by many towards the end of the 1970s as nothing more than a pretty little Breton village destined for obscurity. But that was reckoning without the fierce determination of the local people who decided to boost economic activity through a policy of systematic restoration of its architectural heritage.

LOCRONAN

The blue-grey granite houses of Locronan, a small town nestling against a hillside, rise up around the solid and distinctive edifice of its square church tower. Originally founded on a sacred site and capital of Brittany’s sailcloth industry from the end of the 15th to the middle of the 18th century, this major Breton tourist centre, much loved by filmmakers, has not forgotten its historic dual role

MALESTROIT

A small island protected by a feudal motte and subsequently by a fortified chateau, Malestroit in the 15th century became one of the nine baronies of Brittany, encircled by fortifications traces of which can still be seen today. In the 16th century, the construction of two twin locks, among the earliest in France, linked Malestroit to Redon. Commerce boomed and the “Town of the Golden Bezants” rapidly expanded.

MONCONTOUR

Perching proudly on a rocky escarpment at the confluence of two small rivers, Moncontour-de-Bretagne is still encircled by imposing 13th- and 15th-century ramparts. A period atmosphere makes life here seem gentle and pleasant. Peace reigns in the present-day town enhanced by surrounding woodland and dazzling floral displays, all in striking contrast to the town’s turbulent past. The impressive Penthièvre fortress withstood countless attacks during the Middle Ages and even minted its own coins in the 14th century

PONT-CROIX

A bridge over the river Goyen flanked by a tidal mill and reached by steep, narrow streets heading up towards a summit crowned with remarkable religious monuments and a market place complete the picture presented today by Pont-Croix, originally a feudal motte and now capital of Le Cap Sizun headland.

PONTRIEUX

Like many Breton towns, Pontrieux is medieval in origin, owing its existence and its prosperity to its position at the head of an estuary, site of the first bridge over the river Trieux. For a long time the Trieux estuary at this point afforded the only link between the areas of Trégor and Goëlo. Today it offers a navigation route perfect for pleasure craft but once much exploited to great effect by the Vikings.

QUINTIN

Situated between Armor and Argoat, Quintin, ancient fortified town and centre of the Marian cult, boasts thirteen classified historic monuments and an architecturally rich urban heritage which is principally the legacy of two centuries of prosperity arising from the manufacture of Brittany hemp textiles. Established in the heart of the lovely “Le Gouët" river valley, this town in bloom openly invites visitors to explore.

ROCHEFORT-EN-TERRE

A town on a fortified site surrounded by deep valleys, Rochefort-en-Terre is a collection of several hundred houses set on an outcrop of schist. Famous for its 16th- and 17th-century residences and for its displays of geraniums, a unifying motif throughout the town, this small settlement is equally renowned for its chateau and collegiate church of Notre-Dame-de-la-Tronchaye.

ROSCOFF

On a peninsula in Morlaix bay lies a town of granite and floral displays with a privateer past and a historic, 16th-century heart. Its stonework still exudes the past wealth of rich merchants, of the famous “Onion Johnnies” and of numerous poets, painters and writers on whom Roscoff cast its spell.

TREGUIER

The historic capital of Trégor enjoys a particular prestige among the people of Brittany. As a centre of intellectual prowess, noble sentiment, careful reflection and critical appreciation down through the centuries it has inspired men of letters, law and the cloth, from Saint Tugdual to Saint Yves, Ernest Renan to Anatole Le Braz and Angéla Duval to Henri Pollès and Yvon Le Men.

Archeological heritage
The diversified and rich archeological heritage of Brittany is mostly known through the megaliths. Erected in the Neolithic age, imposing standing stones are raised in their thousands all over Brittany: gathering or burial places, astronomical landmarks or boundary stones marking the frontier between two worlds? Their meaning remains uncertain, just as the way to approach them. There is still a lot to be discovered, and excavation sites reveal their secrets in dribs and drabs.

In 2006, in Belz (Morbihan), a team working for the INRAP (National Institute of Preventive Archeological Research) brought to light an exceptional site of about fifty standing stones and a great number of remnants: bloks of granite, networks of ditches, wall foundations, pits and scatterings of tiny stones. The megalithic alignments in Belz, unlike the famous site in Carnac, is preserved in its original sedimental environment, which is of major interest to scientists. They will now be able to collect precious information concerning the setting up of this architecture, and its abandon. Remains of the gallo-roman era are equally frequent in breton soil, and excavations prior to any town and country planning projects, are very often fruitful. In particular, these discoveries bear witness to birth of cities like Vannes (Darioritum) or Rennes (Condate) during the Roman era.

The increasing interest in submarine archeology, enabling the discovery of ship wrecks that were thought lost, is certainly going to raise to the surface many treasures still. In 1995 for instance, off Saint Malo, the wrecks of pirate frigates dating back to the early XVIII th century werer found. An important research site has been going on there since 1999.

Lesser known, industrial archeology concerns the study of industrial heritage. This discipline has good prospects in Brittany, where there is a whole host of well preserved sites: a flurry of mills, smithies, but also factories linked to the coastal industries (canning factories) or to urban industry (cookie factories, potteries,...) Several Eco-museums have taken charge of the development of this heritage in connection with its natural, social and human environment.

Religious heritage
From the IXth century on, Brittany gradually became covered by a “white mantle of churches”, as was the rest of France. Although Brittany also has nine magnificent cathedrals, rebuilt from the XIIth to the XVth century, the region owes its originality to its charming and unexpected humble parish churches, nestling in clearings or offering a boundless view over the sea. Inside some of these tiny chapels, you will come across astonishing statues of saints, who are not all recognized by Rome, and for good reason: there are several hundred of them. Saint Anne, Patron Saint of sailors, and Saint Yves, Patron Saint of Brittany are the major ones. The seven saints that founded Christianity in Brittany are venerated during the Tro Breizh (Tour of Brittany), Brittany's most famous pilgrimage. Numerous breton “Pardons”, (chapel fetes or processions), honour the local saints. All Pardon festivals start with Mass, followed by a procession, and come to an end with a profane fete with music, dancing and traditional games.

As a consequence of the profound fervor of breton people throughout many centuries, the maritime and inland landscapes are dotted with a host of religious monuments. On and off the beaten tracks, calvaries and solitary statues will delight the walker. Abbeys also abound in Brittany. Particularly numerous in Finistère, parish enclosures are situated in the villages' very hearts. Uniting the world of the living and the world of the dead, they encircle the cimetery and include the church, the ossuary and the calvary. Sometimes austere but mostly built in a flamboyant gothique style, the calvaries are genuine books in relief, representing whole episodes of the Gospels, and at the time intended for people's education. Many of these specifically breton works of art have remained anonymous, whereas the modern glass stained creations are signed by contemporary artists.

Architectural heritage
The architecture is as diversified as Brittany itself. Indeed, the half-timbered houses in walled towns have not much in common with the small white houses with tiny little openings on the islands battered by gusty winds. Here and there, the sight of a rich-looking manor towering over a bay is equally characteristic for the region.

The influence of changing architectural styles, but also the geological structure of breton soil have contributed to the original aspect of the armorican peninsula's buildings. Although it is particularly marked by the abundance of religious monuments and military defenses, Brittany also boasts a fascinating variety as regards the civil habitat: ochre stone of Loconna, pink and grey granite, slate or blue schist endow breton towns with their very own charm.

The late persistence of the flamboyant gothic style has particularly influenced urban habitat in Brittany. The heart of breton fortified towns is usually designed around three monuments: the castle, symbol of the political and legal power, the church, symbol of the religious power, and the ancient covered market, representing commercial power. Although the famous half-timbered houses are frequent in many breton towns and cities, every city retains its very own character. You will come across houses with three or four storeys, lining the squares in Rennes, as well as small medieval houses, the so-called “maison à lanterne” in Morlaix.

In Landerneau, one of the last lived-in bridges in Europe overhangs the river, whilst the colourful façades in Spézet, at the foot of the Black Mountains, offer a startling sight. In the 1960-70's, a massive destruction took place. Nowadays, restoration is well on the way, much to the delight of lovers of this exceptional heritage to be rediscovered.

Great beauty spots
Thanks to the great variety of landscapes and the cultural wealth, Brittany is one of the most famous touristic regions in France. Crowds of people, very often concentrated in certain areas at certain times, have become a heavy danger to the whole ecosystem. To avoid the extinction of several species, and recreate a biodiversity in areas that were damaged by overpopulation and natural erosion, Brittany has decided to engage in sustainable development. In order to reconcile tourism with the environment, the Region finances the site remediation of six great protected beauty spots : La Pointe du Raz, the headlands of Erquy and Frehel, marshes of the lower valley of the river Oust, Ploumanac'h, the Gâvres-Quiberon peninsula and the bay of the Mont Saint Michel.

Ploumanac'h and the seven islands
Setting off from the long stretches of sandy beach in Trestraou, you can follow the customs trail to reach Ploumanac'h. This is the best way to get close by the pink granite chaos and its astonishing forms, specific for this exceptional coast that carries their name. The « dice », the « witch », « Napoleons hat », are the great classics, but the granitic heaps, some towering at 20 meters heights, are conducive to all kinds of daydreaming.
Ploumanac'h is an unforgettable site not to be missed out. Ever changing light keeps on re-inventing the perfect harmony between the limpid blue of the sea and the pink, even orange! of the granite rocks sculpted by erosion. Adding to the magic of the site, the Costaères castle, built on a simple little island by a Polish engineer in the late 19th century, silhouettes its gothic outlines against the horizon. It is the emblem of this coast and still bears the memory of famous hosts, like the writer Colette.
On the open sea, the seven îles bear Brittany's most ancient bird sanctuary. This group of rocky islands is a protected natural site since 1912. In 1977, it has been declared a Nature Reserve.
The Ile Rouzic shelters the unique colony of Nothern Gannets. Herring gulls, shags, Atlantic puffins, guillemots, ...they all nest in shady cavities and little creeks, and a herd of a dozen grey seals has settled down here, as well.

La pointe du Raz
This granitic outcrop in the western end of Europe is made of two rocky peaks (pointe du Raz and Pointe du Van), that had nearly become the victim of their own fame. The breathtaking panorama, celebrated by Flaubert and Victor Hugo, famous french writers of the 19th century, attracted millions of people treading the soil and heavily damaging the traditional vegetation. Luckily, thanks to a large remediation-program, the area has regained its former untamed glory. Undesirable constructions have now disappeared and visitors are welcomed in reasonable ways, avoiding danger to the environment. Thanks to this exemplary salvage operation, that falls within the frameworks of sustainable development, the site has recently received the label: Grand Site de France. It is possible to stroll anew along wild heather and beautiful gorse bushes and enjoy the boundless view over the “Baie des Trépassés”,( the bay of the departed) that has so often been disastrous to seafarers because of a dreadful conjunction of reefs and violent currents. In the heart of the moorland and in the shelter of rocky cavities, the fauna and flora have taken up life in perfect harmony again on the piece of land at the edge of the world. For those who don't resist the thrill of the search for the “last rock before the ocean”, guided tours are possible in complete safety. Dare if you're not dizzy...
On the open sea, a tiny spot of land in the middle of the wide ocean, the île of Sein, appeals as a shiny jewel, lit by the famous “Armen” lighthouse, among others.

Cape Erquy
This conservation area is equally taken care of by a protection program, aiming to restore the natural balance after it had been damaged by the huge number of visitors. Overwhelming pink sandstone cliffs are characteristic for this setting. Frequently used for house-building and street cobbling, the sandstone endows its very own charm to local buildings. Along the customs trail, the vegetation is very colorful: delicate mauve heath and bright yellow gorse live in harmony in the middle of the green landscape. Great efforts have permitted the fragile balance of the setting to be restored and nature has now taken over again. A variety of heathland can be encountered along the meanders of the paths surrounding the cape. All around, wild beaches with abounding vegetation delicately describe the curves between the two rocky peaks heading towards the sea.

Cape Fréhel
Harbouring the same splendid colors, cape Fréhel has no reason to be jealous of its “almost” neighbor cape Erquy. Emerald blue waves come lashing onto the steep cliffs, and pink sandstone gives shelter to an important ornithological reserve. The common guillemot even feels so much at ease, that the number of individuals rises steadily, which is exceptional. The Big and Small Hawk house, sort of high up rocky peaks, are perfect places of refuge for numerous nesting birds. Impressive caves and the astonishing forms of some of the rocks increase the gripping sensation for visitors. Setting off from the cape along the coastal path, you can join the medieval fort. Registered as a Historic monument in 1925, the Fort La Latte was built in the 14th century overlooking the ocean at a height of 60 meters. The fort is open to visitors as well as the lighthouse, from where you can even spot the Cannel-Islands when the weather is clear.

The seaside of Gâvres-Quiberon
The dune system of Gâvres-Quiberon is one of the biggest in France, and the most spread out in Brittany, with a 2500 hectars surface. This stretch of 35 kilometers long coast is named one of the “great wild spaces of Brittany”, where different landscapes lay in harmony. The “little sea of Gâvre”, paradise for shellfishing, empties out completely at every low tide. In the southern part, the Atlantic ocean rolls on to the peninsula. The surrounding dunes harbour a wide range of extremely rare plants, protected on a European level. The times when scrambling and 4x4 off-road motoring was possible here are definitley gone!
The famous bar of Etel, at the entry of the ria, is a moving sand bank that takes shape at the point where the tides meet the river. For this reason, the navigation is dangerous in this area. But there are many particularly appropriate spots for all sorts of sea-activities, as for example superb fine sandy beaches sprawling close to Saint Pierre de Quiberon.
The spectacular wild coast of Quiberon, with its high cliffs battered by the waves, well deserves its name. Creeks, riffs and caves have been sculpted into the rock by rough tides. Some areas are marked out as dangerous, and you ought to be particularly careful there: the elements reign supreme , and the tidal waves really are dangerous.
Only plants with specific characteristics to fit the conditions have been capable of developing in these areas. Sea-thrift, silene(catchfly) and sea-heather cover the rocks facing the sea-spray. Birds choose the sheltered reserves in the heart of the mild heathland and tidal mud-flats of the wild coast. Migrating birds particularly appreciate this setting as a stopping place.

The bay of Mont Saint Michel
Registered as a Unesco World Heritage Site in 1979, the bay of the Mont Saint Michel forms a natural border between Brittany and Normandy. This sumptuous setting harbours the “wonderful pyramid”, dear to the heart of Victor Hugo, of which it is now an indissociable part adding to the development of the site. Originally, there was just a granitic hill towering at a height of 80 meters, called the Mont Tombe. This monument, that has been built in parts with giant blocs of granite brought forwards from the Chausey islands, is indisputably an architectural feat. And the surrounding bay is not less than a natural masterpiece. The council of Mont Saint Michel lies in Normandy, but the bay sprawls out to Cancale. The river of Couesnon draws the border line between Brittany and Normandy. On days with clear weather conditions, the outlines of the Mont are visible from far away, an image that has attained worldwide fame.
Standing on top of the hill, in the abbey which is a perfect blend of flamboyant Gothic and Roman arts, you'll enjoy a gorgeous panorama over the bay, changing according to the weather and tides, steadily washing over and then uncovering the shore. Maritime landscapes made of dunes and herbs go along with bocage landscapes. When the sea grows to high tide, a bore (25 km wide wave) comes crashing into the bay between the peaks of Cancale and Granville “at the speed of a galoping horse”. In addition to the quicksand, it makes the bay a particularly dangerous place. Yet the bay presents a great interest, for being subject to the highest tides in Europe. For a visit in complete safety, it is reasonable to call on a registered guide.
Numerous hiking-tours are possible in the surroundings, offering just as many view points onto the Mont. Diverse aspects have destined it to be an exceptional bird sanctuary, especially in matters of nesting: the distinctive characteristics of the bay, the wealth of its various environments, marshes and salt meadows, as well as its position on the atlantic migration line. It is also an important passage for salmon and a favorite spot for flat fish of all sorts.
In order to fight back the natural silting-up that threatens the Mont Saint Michel, a remediation program has been launched, including the construction of a new barrage across the Couesnon river.
The project, that aims to regain the former maritime aspect of the Mont by demolishing the parking lots and the dike-road, should help to manage the crowds of tourists.
In the next couple of years, visitors will find access to the Mont by crossing a quiet footbridge.
So then the Mont Saint Michel shall rise again, as a dreamlike apparition, rid of the herds of noisy cars.

The lower valley of Oust
Unique setting of inland Brittany to have received the label “Grand Site”, the lower valley of the Oust river boasts a surprising variety of landscapes. Rocky cliffs overhanging the river, quiet marshland, woods and forests rub shoulders as you go along the trails. In sections where it is not stabilized in the hard shoulder of the canal from Nantes to Brest, designed and built under Napoléon I , the Oust river has chiselled imposing features on its way, like transverse valleys, sort of gorges framed by the cliffs, unusual for the region. The île aux Pies (the magpie island), set between Bains-sur-Oust and Saint Vincent-sur-Oust, is the most spectacular expression of this phenomena, with rocky peaks towering at 50 meters heights. It is not only a paradise for rock climbing, with a range of tracks for different abilities overhanging the river, but it is also an ideal spot for hiking and cycling because of a network of outmarked trails. Naturally going hand in hand with a well-preserved nature, the wildlife abounds in these humid and green landscapes. Marshland is a special home to a wide range of species: you can find yourself face to face with a grey heron, observe the teals or even kingfishers. The flora reveals just as abundant wealth, with luxuriant maritime pine and Wisteria. The Glenan mortar, well-known by anglers, is an ideal refuge for all kinds of fish species, and the local inhabitants owe their nick-name, “the yellow bellies”, to the eels.
Over the last few years, facilities have been set up and thought out to fit perfectly into the environment as well as suit the visitor's activities: landing stages, canoe stairs and picnic areas have been built in wood or stone, in order to preserve the natural aspect of the setting. Busy commercial traffic on the Oust came to an end in the 1920s , and the boats deserted the riverbed of the Oust for a long period. But the development of river-tourism has put new light on it, and boats are anew floating along the riverside. Today, efforts are made to encourage navigation, and the houseboats find landing stages in different places along the banks: Bains-sur-Oust, Saint Vincent-sur-Oust, Peillac,...
Such an enchanting setting is bound to appeal to story-tellers, and trails based on various themes are a playful way to discover a great number of legends and the secrets of the country.
Historical events are supposed to have happened here: in Bains-sur-Oust, a statue stands for the memory of Nominoë, who fought back the troops of Charles-le-Chauve, king of France, to then unifie Brittany and finally win its independence. The battlefield is situated in Ballon, in the east of Bains-sur-Oust.

Walking and hiking
Whether you are hiking along the Ille-et-Rance canal, cycling on the bike-rails of Médréac, following the coastal paths of Fouesnant-Les-Glénans, or hiking in the Monts d'Arrée, you'll find many ways to take in Brittany's fresh air and spirit.
Brittany's well-preserved nature reveals astonishing beauty for those who enjoy taking the time to look and observe, and to follow its rythm. Varied scenery passes by while you're travelling by foot, on horseback or on bicycle, on this unique network of close to 10000 kilometers of trails and paths . Walking and hiking is undoubtedly the best way of exploring the wealth of natural and cultural heritage. Discovering here a rare species of fern, there a parish enclosure, you follow in mind the heritage of the local men and women.
Don't wait, take a nosefull of fresh air.

Brittany by bycicle
Brittany is famous throughout the world for its cyclists. Plouay (Morbihan) has harboured the world's championship several times. Cycle-lovers won't fail to go for a visit to the velodrome.
No need to run a race, though, to appreciate the charms of the good old bicycle. You can take a breath cycling along the vélo-routes ( fit out and secure network) or dawdling along vélo-promenades, ideal for family trips (way marked, calm routes). Mountain-bikers are equally cared for. The “Voies Vertes” or Nature trails
Velo-routes are long to medium distance itineraries. They guide you across Brittany, France, and even parts of Europe and use different lanes (for non-motorised traffic only), among which the Nature trails named “Voies Vertes”.
The Nature trails take hikers right into the heart of Argoat and rural Brittany. These paths follow old railway lines, towpaths and wooded lanes, and are for non-motorised traffic only. Mostly tarmacked, they are perfect for easy cycling. In time, they will all be dotted with 'Relais-Rando', providing services for hikers.
Lane2 / Saint Malo – Rennes {105 km}
This pastoral way along the Ille-et-Rance canal gives acces to the emblematic cities of Brittany which are Dinan, Rennes, Saint-Malo
Lane 3 / Saint Malo – Presqu'île de Rhuys {150 km}
Using a former railway line, this trail links the legendary forests of Broceliande to Ploërmel (ancient residence of the ducs of Brittany)
Lane 6 / Saint Méen-le-Grand – Carhaix {111 km}
Out of the Monts d'Arrée, this ancient railway line has been laid out to guide hikers through undulating farmland, criss-crossed with hedges and trees, and dominated in the west by heath or wood covered escarpments. On the way, the 12 km long Guerlédan lake is a great playground for outdoor and water activities.
The Vélocéan / Morbihan-Vendée {100 km}
Take some extra time to continue your journey beyond the borders of Morbihan. Discover the salt marshes in Guérande and the nature reserve of Brière, and further on the Pays de Retz with the seaside resort Pornic.
For further information, visit RandoBreizh's web side

The velo-promenades, cycle circuits
Velopromenades are completely way-marked , circular trails. They vary in length from one hour to a whole day. They follow either small country roads with few traffic of motorised vehicules, or the nature trail network. Basic security rules are thus to be observed, for the sake of all users. Numerous service stations are scattered along the way, providing good reasons for a break.

For further information, visit the RandoBreizh website

Mountain bike stations (bases VTT)
The labeled stations offer circuits for all abilities (beginners, experienced bikers, familys, individuals,...)
The four “

Brittany by foot
When you choose a pedestrian hiking journey in Brittany, you are seeking the magic harmony between yourself and the surrounding nature. Awakening all senses, you experience the genuine meanings of preserved sights, that you might never have found in other ways. It's a way to take your holiday in your own two hands, as suggested Nicolas Bouvier: “Some think, they make the journey. But in actual fact, it is the journey that makes or undoes you.” Individually, in a couple, with the family or a group of friends, Brittany reveals its beautiful landscapes to whoever follows the way-marked trails all throughout the region. Over thousands of kilometers, trails guide you criss-crossing the country side from abers to rias, forests, moor- and farmland. Three types of trails are distinguished.
Grande Randonnée (GR) long-distance trails criss-cross Brittany from north to south, east to west, and also follow the coastline. They are ideal for hiking over several days, but as they continue straight, you need to find a way of getting back to the starting point. (Marking: white-red lines)
The most famous one is the “customs trail”, (or GR34), since it goes all the way round Brittany.
Grande Randonnée de Pays (GRP) long distance regional trails are regional circuits that enable hikers to get back to their starting point. (Marking: yellow and red line)
Promenades et Randonnées (PR) short distance trails are open to everyone for circular walks varying in length from one hour to a whole day.(recommended marking: yellow line)
(GR and GRP are registered trademarks of the FFR , the French Hiking Federation)

Brittany on horseback
“Naturally, on horseback”. The long standing tradition of horse-riding holidays is due to the great wealth of breton landscapes. Riding along the water's edge on sandy beaches, trekking through the moor in breton inland, or passing by touristic highlights, is galopping from one surprise to another.
The regional pony trekking trails Equibreizh provide way-marked circuits that stretch over 2600 km. Choose your favorite and benefit from maximum comfort and security. You can also take a break stopping in any place along the trails (accommodations, restaurants, etc) before saddling back up.

In the footsteps of the customs officers
The customs trail has its “source” in the port of Saint Nazaire and ends in the bay of Mont Saint Michel. Or is it the opposite way round? Anyway, between the two, hikers can go zigzaging along dunes, sandy foreshores, rocky escarpements, sinkholes, mud flats, jagged reefs and long stretches of sandy, or fine shingled beaches. These treks meander along the coast and offer about a hundred days of walking. Bordering capes and peaks, you can go all round Brittany. This is why it once played a decisive role in guarding the coastline from smugglers and wreckers. Now protected by local authorities, the custom trail has been redesigned for hiking and walking. Turned into the famous GR34, long distance trail, it now belongs to nature lovers, for those who look for adventure, experienced hikers or afternoon strollers.
Whether you're out for a small walk or a long journey, you will appreciate a taste of the salines in Guerande, and say hello to the sardiners in the somptuous bay of Douarnenez. Let boundless views over the seaboard astonish you, with ever changing colours and settings, rythmed by the in and out coming tides.

Thalasso - Sea water therapy
Ready for a break ? Need to take a deep breath? Thalassotherapy centers in Brittany invite you out to a true course of treatment in an enchanting seaside environment. From the English Channel to the Atlantic Ocean, via the Iroise Sea, Brittanys seaside offers a host of natural health-giving ressources: healthy sea air, sea water and sea water mud, sand and seaweed.
Modern Thalassotherapy, whose benefits are scientificly approved, is born in Brittany nearly two-hundred years ago. So, while teams of specialists take care of your health, forget all the tireness, and worry about nothing else but your own sake. Build up your personal fitness- programm, and after each treatment, take the time to go for a walk in the invigorating seaside, or to visit cultural sights.You feel new-born? This is the Thalasso- effect! Slim-programms, stop smoking, reeducation, phlebology, post-pregnancy cures, ..choose the one for you. Our 13 institutes welcome you for personalised, tonifying therapies, like nowhere else.

Association of restaurateurs
f nowadays Brittany is identified as being a full gastronomic region, partly because of the chef's medal sweep, the region has suffered from a poor image in these matters for a long time (maybe because of its numerous other assets?). Therefore, catering professionals and producers have decided to make a concerted effort to promote Brittany's gastronomic riches.

This determination has given birth to associations, still aiming to increase clarity about the current offer. Indeed, enjoying a regional dish and discovering local specialities are the delights of your vacations. But sometimes, whether you stay for a couple of days or only for one night, it is not easy to find through the restaurant's rich and divers offers. Needing only one glance to discover a good restaurant, or identify the one likely to respond to your cravings, is a pleasant asset.

Different labels are set up in the region in response to this justified concern of the clients. They also enable hard working professionals, committed to a quality charter, to be distinguished and to benefit from the network's dynamic.

seafood
Could there be anything simpler and more natural than a generous seafood platter, accompanied by a fine mayonnaise, bread and butter? To keep up its reputation, this great classic has a few rules to follow: freshness, variety of products, optimal cooking, and a pleasant presentation not to forget.

Emblematic specialty of Brittany, traditionally served on a bed of wrack, the seafood platter is full of tone. When you take the time to shell a langoustine, or to fish out the savoury flesh from a crab's pincer, you really feel you are on holiday, and you spend a relaxing moment with your friends or family.

Shellfish and seafood, just like vegetables, are bound to seasons. Knowing that freshness is one of the main conditions for them to be enjoyed, the variety of shellfish is obviously depending on the fishermen's catch. That's why the composition of a seafood platter is just as changing as breton skies. However, several restaurant owners have chosen to respect a “ fresh breton seafood platter charter”, in order to guarantee a good readability of their current offer. Membres of this charter are committed to proposing fresh products only.

The only exception to this rule concerns langoustines(Dublin Bay prawns), that can be served frozen during periods of shortage, provided that customers are duly notified. Furthermore, the platter must provide at least three prime category items (langoustines, rock or spider crabs, oysters, velvet swimming crabs, prawns and shrimps), and as many second category ones (different sorts of clams, winkles, whelks, galatheas, mussels, queen scallops).

Restaurants du Terroir
Because they are convinced that the discovery of a region can't go without getting to know its flavours and tastes and meeting local producers, restaurant owners bearing the label “Restaurant du Terroir” pay particular attention to the origin of the products they use for cooking.

Concerned with proposing an unforgettable flavour experience to their clientel, they are committed to serving at least one full local product's menu, including an appetizer, the main course and a dessert. As they largely agree to sustainable development, they support economy at local community level, respectful of the small producer's traditional know-how.

Enthousiasts of their craft, they regularly participate to training days and exchange with their peers to discover even more flavours of breton culinary heritage and to improve their skills. Always happy to inform you about the ingredients they use, they might even have some of them for sale, and can in any case point out excellent, direct selling producers. Independant gastronomic critics regularly visit the establishments already bearing or running for the label. They control, among other things, the setting's atmosphere.

When you choose a “Restaurant du Terroir” you are sure to get more than just a good meal, but a chance to meet the authentic, delightful part of today's Brittany.

Tables et saveurs de Bretagne
Until the recent years, existing talents were mostly ignored. For that reason, breton chefs decided to group together with one common intention: promoting the gastronomic riches of their region. In order to give concrete expression to this passion, an association has been created sixteen years ago: “Tables et saveurs de Bretagne”, with the support of the Regional Committee of Tourism, publishes a guide once a year, listing all its members.

To be allowed to integrate this “masters of taste” congregation, it definitely takes the personality of a chef, since at least one Michelin star is required, or else a double insignia of at least two out of the four reference guides, Bottin Gourmand, GaultMilliau, Champérard and Pudlowski (for who one plate is equivalent to a double insignias of the three other guides).

Breton chefs, regularly awarded, have nothing more to prove. Their cooking is in the image of Brittany: fiercely ancred down in the region but ready to assimilate influences from other places all the same, provided that they blend harmoniously with local products. Breton cooking has now risen to the status of art work thanks to a breeding ground of inspired chefs, aware of how much they owe to local producers, fishermen and breeders. The variety and the quality of breton products allow precise cooking, assorting flavours to bring out one another. Sublimated by delicat spices, the taste of fish delights the palates. The imagination at reign accurately assembles products from land and sea in astonishing harmony.

The crispy texture of a courgette holds against a delicat puree, grained against gelee, heat against ice, opposites attract each other much to the delight of gourmets. Forgotten vegetables make their way onto these original plates, whereas crunchy and spicy flavours find a concerted expression. Gastronomic Brittany, leaving behind its complexes but certainly not its roots, counts among the greatest.

Crêperies Gourmandes
As one of the major highlights in Brittany, a crêpes meal should not be left out. The whole family will enjoy buckwheat galettes in the traditional version “complète jambon”, or elegantly served with smoked salmon, and sweet crêpes ready to whet any appetite.

When you choose a Crêperie Gourmande, you get the guarantee to be welcomed by a crêpe specialist with veritable skill, favoring regional products. You will enjoy a wide choice of fillings to go with these crêpes and galettes made on the premises. The label “Crêperies Gourmandes” is supported by the Regional Committee of Tourism, and regularly, a “mysterious client”is sent out to make sure that the provided services are in accordance with the principal criteria of the label.

Quality of the products and service, the making of fillings, presence of tourist informations, the restaurant's frame and setting, the property of the place. So don't wait. Come in and enjoy the service provided by talented crêpe professionals and treat yourself to a meal that will delight even the most discerning of palates.

Cafés de Pays
Step into a Café de Pays, and you'll find yourself coming out with a thousand ideas about where to go for a visit or a walk. In a friendly frame, you'll be offered to taste typically breton products. Take some time and try a regional plate Assiette de Pays for lunch, and why not sip a glass of breton beer or cider?

The label Cafés de Pays is particularly attached to the popular tradition of breton cafés, that are not only meeting places but also provide room for creation and diffusion, particularly as regards music. In the same time, they encourage cultural happenings: performing arts, exhibitions, local history,...

Informal meeting places for visitors wishing to approach the region in authentic manners, respectful of local life, the Cafés de Pays are particularly pointed out. An outdoor sign and a special logo make it easy to recognize them.

Thanks to the quality control introduced by the network of the “Pays touristiques”, you can go in with complete confidence. And even though they are committed to a commun charter, the Cafés de Pays are attached to authenticity, and therefore boast their very own identity. Each and everyone of them is worth a sight.

Information on Brittany