The Area

Brittany is known as the green region of France with a varying landscape of forests, lakes, rivers and wide open verdant green spaces. A vast array of fruit, vegetables and salads are produced locally and all the shops are proud to boast "product of Bretagne".

Culture and tradition are still very important to the Bretons, who are very proud and happy to show off their region to visitors.

Whether your interest is walking, horse riding, fishing, sailing, water sports, cross country cycling (bike hire available), tennis, swimming or golf Brittany is the perfect place for an enjoyable holiday. Perhaps you have a more sedate pastime such as bird watching or painting - again, this is the perfect location. Maybe your preference is for lying on a beautiful sandy beach soaking up the sun – there is something for everybody.

Able to boast over six hundreds miles of coastline as varying as the countryside, Brittany has it all. The North - or Emerald coast (45 minute drive) - is very rugged with lots of beautiful coves interspersed with fantastic sandy seaside resorts. The Western or Pink Granite coast (1.5 hours drive) is on the open Atlantic and is truly spectacular. To the South is the beautiful Golfe de Morbihan (45 minute drive) which boasts some amazing beaches overlooking myriad small islands, some of which can be reached by ferry. Many of the small coastal villages are fishing ports and offer a huge variety of truly fresh fish. A visit to the Quiberon peninsula is a must to see the miles of beautiful sandy beaches. On one side the 'Savage Coast' is famous for its water sports whilst just a couple of hundred metres across the peninsula the sea is calm and tranquil.

Full of history dating back many thousands of years Morbihan has many historic chateaux towns such as Josselin, Auray and of course the walled city of Vannes. Be sure to visit Vannes on a Wednesday or Saturday morning to experience the wonderful market.

Pontivy - the nearest large town (15 km) has a magnificent chateau overlooking the town. Formerly known as Napoleonville this was a garrison town used by Napoleon. He had the Nantes – Brest canal constructed to supply his troops and this, with the River Blavet, flows through Pontivy. There are a large number and variety of shops, bars and restaurants available as well as the Monday market.

A mere fifteen minute drive away from Hope Cottage lies the spectacular Lac de Guerledan. It is an artificial lake, created to produce electricity by flooding a valley. The lake is over twelve kilometres long and has had several sandy beaches created around its edge. Some of these beaches have bars, restaurants and cordoned-off swimming areas. There are also designated areas for water skiing and you can hire rowing boats, motor boats, canoes and fishing equipment. You can also take a cruise around the lakes. Trips are on a regular basis and in the summer it is possible to take an evening dinner cruise. It is possible to walk or ride around the lake and in 2005 the tourist authority created circular cycle routes that start and finish at the lake. Bike hire is also available from there.

At the Northern end of the Lake are the remains of the Abbaye de Bon Repos, which was built in the 12th century by Cistercian monks. It was destroyed during the French Revolution and is currently being slowly restored by volunteers. On a Sunday morning there is a street market there where you can buy traditional Breton food and products.