Brittany Holidays, Gites And Villas

Josselin

Lord Guéthenoc founded Josselin in the 11th century; it still has its splendid chateau, built on a rocky spur overlooking the Oust. The old fortress was rebuilt many times over the centuries. There is a striking contrast between the medieval facade on the riverside with its narrow towers and the Renaissance facade with fine sculptured dormer windows on the courtyard side. The "Musée de la Poupée" (Doll Museum), housed in the outbuildings of the castle has a fine collection of nearly 600 dolls.

Relax to the sound of piped music in one of the elegant open café’s or enjoy a stroll through the town centre among the half-timbered houses, the tourist office is located in a 17th C timber-framed residence. Whatever you do, don't forget to walk around the Sainte-Croix Chapel (1060) quarter where you will see 14th, 15th and 15th century houses. The "Bois d'Amour" (Lovers' wood) is also an ideal place for a walk as is the canal towpath. The Oust valley is a good spot for walking or cycling and it's a paradise for anglers. The Le Rouvray Leisure Centre Lake has a childrens playground.

Click here for the Josselin Tourist Information website.

Vannes

Ramparts, fortress towers and medieval wash houses are features of this ancient city tumbling down to its river port and is the acknowledged centre for the Morbihan Gulf region.

Its well preserved medieval cobweb of narrow streets is filled with riches of the past and shelters inviting markets shops creparies and restaurants. The ancient capital of Brittany offers culture, history and the gastronomic pleasures typical of all Breton towns plus the scenic stimulation of the Gulf de Morbihan itself.

Gulfe De Morbihan

From Vannes take any of the minor roads, like the D 101, west and it will undoubtedly lead you to a tiny harbour. It's in itself almost too pretty, renowned as one of the world's most beautiful bays. On a sunny day the vast expanse of water is dotted with little boats negotiating between the green and intriguing islands. If ever you ask how many islands there are in the gulf, you will always receive a different answer.

According to a legend there are 365 islands one for each day of the year. The two biggest islands are l'ILE AUX MOINES and l'ILE D'ARZ, where you can find a lot of megaliths. They are connected to the mainland by ferries, a
very cheap and versatile way of viewing the panorama. A recommended trip is to drive to Port Blanc to catch the ferry across to the Ile aux Moines the most beautiful 5 km, with mimosas, figs, palm trees, eucalyptus, beaches, cliffs, woods with romantic names, heaths and pine trees, and a steep path up to the old village. Picnic under pine trees, take a swim on a sandy beach and catch the boat back. Whatever your plans the Gulf is an experience not to be missed.

Carnac

Carnac is on the Ocean and has beautiful beaches. This tourist resort has a network of streets lined with maritime pines trees, hydrangeas and tamaris, and they are full of beautiful villas. Its beaches are sheltered by the Quiberon Peninsula and are ideal for relaxing, you will be captivated by the Légenèse, Ty Bihan, Saint-Colomban, or the south facing Grande Plage (Big beach). Carnac has a mild and sunny climate, due to the influence of the Gulf Stream. There is a particularly wide range of activities at the beach clubs, watersport centres, a thalassotherapy (sea water therapy) centre and you can go on cruises, rent boats, go deep-sea diving, play beach volley-ball, etc.

If you go on a walk or cycle around, you can explore the Part-en-Dro salt marshes, the Anse de Pô (Pô cove) taken over by oyster farmers, the old fishing village of Saint-Colomban and its flamboyant Gothic chapel. You can also stop by at the town of Carnac and admire the Saint-Cornély church, which is a very beautiful Renaissance building.

Carnac is also an extraordinary megalithic site, where the wealth of its historical past is united with the pleasures associated with its seaside resort. The Carnac alignment site is the biggest megalithic site in the world. It dates back to about 4,500 BC. More than 3000 Menhirs stand here

For the Carnac Tourist Information site, including some great photos Click here, view the English version by clicking the English flag.