Hope Cottage - Beautiful Gite near Kergrist, Pontivy, Brittany

Lac Guerledan - Hope Cottage - Chateau du Rohan, Josselin

The Location

Hope Cottage is situated near the village of Kergrist which is roughly an hour and a half from the ferry ports of St. Malo and Roscoff and the airports at Dinard (Ryanair), Rennes (Flybe – Air Wales) and Brest (Flybe).

The village is a typical Breton community which seems to be busy all the year round with numerous and varied events and festivals. It is famed for its three day Rock 'n' Roll concert in July and its illuminations at Christmas, and visitors are eagerly welcomed and accepted by the villagers who are pleased to share their Breton culture.

There are two Restaurant/Bars which both serve wonderful value home-cooked meals at lunchtimes, the price of which includes wine and cider. Share your experience with the locals whilst you enjoy. Both restaurants occasionally hold specialised themed evening meals which are well advertised.

We have one "General Store" run by Marie Christine that sells nearly everything you are likely to need: bread, cakes, cooked meats, some butchery, general groceries, beers, wines and spirits. It is the hub of village life and the gossip centre, so don't be surprised if you have to wait for service! The French just love to chat and nothing will stop them.

Opposite the store is the bar/tabac run by Marcelle. Her parents used to own our house (many years ago) and she was actually born in it!

In the village square stands the impressive church – a fine building. Half-way into Kergrist there is also the newly renovated Chapelle of St. Merec which has some beautiful stained glass – visits inside both can be arranged.

Picture of St. Merec Chapelle

Finally, it is worth a mention in passing of our proud aquisition, namely the wind farm. France is very keen on finding alternative energy sources and we have 11 wind turbines built within the commune (you will see many more turbines on the drive down from the coast). They are well spaced out and away from inhabited areas so there are no noise problems. The two that are visible from the garden, through the trees (and located about 1 kilometre away), are quite relaxing to watch. Ian and Fran, the previous owners of the property, gave them all names. The four nearest to Hope Cottage (1.5km) are Eeny, Meany, Miney and Mo. The three to the east (3.0km) are Wilson, Kepple and Betty and the four to the West of Kergrist (4.0km) are John, Paul, George and Ringo. You are free to give them your own names! More wind turbines can be seen on the distant horizon, and to the East of Pontivy.