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Attractions

Local Attractions

Being perfectly situated to take advantage of all that South-West Brittany has to offer, La Maison Des Fleurs is ideally positioned for site-seeing trips to any of the following places.

If this is your first visit to South-West Brittany, I would suggest that you spend a day visiting Vannes (a Wednesday would be best as it is market day). You can park by the marina and walk up the hill through the old town. If you've never experienced a vibrant French market, the one at Vannes (one of the best in Brittany) will impress.

A day trip to Josselin (taking in Malestroit on the way back) is well worth while - at both places you can hire canoes (with or without tuition) - a bit too cold and wet for me but, I understand that children (of all ages), love it!

A visit to South-West Brittany wouldn't be complete without a good Breton meal - from the fish restaurants in Vannes and La Roche-Bernard to the cosy, home style restaurants in some of the smaller towns, you will find a wide variety to satisfy your every whim. Take it from me and try a bol or two of the local cidre!

La Gacilly

A picturesque ville fleurie with a stunning weir, an abundance of flowers decorate this village in summer, in June do not miss the flower festival and carnival which terminates at the small port. At the port, one can hire a small day boat and cruise along the river. Quaint cobbled streets house about 25 local artisans and artists from glass blowing to painting on leaves! The town also has a grand photo festival in the streets throughout the summer! There is a selection of Creperies and Restaurants for the gastronomic, La Gacilly is also home to Yves Rocher the perfume and make up people, incidentally Yves Rocher himself is mayor of this town and has been for many years!

St Just

St Just is a small village (6 kms from my Gites), with 2 cafes, a boulangerie and the obligatory grand church! On the outskirts of the village is an interesting calvert (like a religious grotto). But, more interestingly, there is a large megalithic site (similar to Carnac or Stonehenge) with standing stones, dolmens and other very interesting formations over a large heathland area, there is also a brand new maison des megaliths (museum).

Redon

Redon is situated on the confluence of 3 rivers and the Nantes/Brest Canal, there is a large port always full of boats on the main river, The Villaine which flows down to the south coast of Bretagne! This is the closest large town and is about 10kms from my Gites, here you will find an abundance of cafes, restaurants, creperies, stores and boutiques, also here you will be able to do your everyday shopping at the Hypermarkets. A walk in the Old Town of Redon is a must, as is a visit to the 12th century Saint Sauveur Abbey by the market square which holds a large market every Monday morning! In October there is also a large chestnut festival.

Josselin

A visit to this Petites Cites Caractere is a must, the 14th century Chateau overlooks and dominates the canal in Josselin, there are guided tours of the chateau which also houses a Musee des Poupees (doll museum). The old suburb of Josselin dating from the 16th century, contains many wooden framed houses and stone built houses of character. Take a slow stroll along the canal to build up an appetite before lunch at one of the many restaurants.

For more images of Josselin, take a look at our Gallery Page.

Rochefort-en-Terre

Rochefort-en-Terre is a Petites Cites Caractere famous for its 16th and 17th century buildings, church and cobbled streets, about 20km from my Gites. There are numerous artisans, small shops and restaurants, and is a strong competitor for the Village in Bloom competition being a past winner in 2004! Situated 2km away is the Park Prehistorique de Bretagne, containing life size models of dinosaurs in a wooded parkland with 5 spectacular lakes - the kids will have a whale of a time!

Vannes

Situated on the Gulf of Morbihan, about 1 hours drive from my Gites, this has all the features of a city as well as a fishing and pleasure port, a grand castle and abundance of cafes and bars, Take a walk along the cobbled streets with interesting boutiques abound, and stumble upon a restaurant or creperie at lunch time before spending the afternoon at the Jardin de Papillons (Butterfly Park) and/or the fascinating Aquarium within easy reach of the city centre! Or take one of the several boat trips around the Gulf of Morbihan perhaps stopping at one or two of the islands.

La Roche-Bernard

La Roche-Bernard is situated between Vannes and Nantes about 40 minutes from my Gites, This striking position at the confluence of river and sea offers a unique and relaxing mix of scenery, national heritage and, not least, gastronomy! Take a breathtaking view of the fairly new Morbihan Bridge opened in 1996, and of the thriving yachting port where upwards of 500 private pleasure craft are moored on a year round basis. At the port you will find restaurants and often restaurant boats offering the catch of the day to while away the hours at lunch time - or take a walk up to the square with further restaurants and bars!

Carentoir

Situated near to La Gacilly and about 20 mins from my Gites, a visit to the La Ferme du Monde (Farm of the World) is a must for small children and parents alike, enter into a world of animal breeding and rearing. Here, animals from the 5 different continents all live in semi-liberty in 25 hectares of meadows and woodland. Entirely created and maintained by handicapped workers. Another must is a visit to the Etang de Beauche (lake Beauche) just off the town centre, with beautiful walks surrounding this lake, there is a small sandy man-made beach ideal for families and is very popular with my clients being, not too far away! There is also fishing here along with a hotel with restaurant, bar and ice creams! About 10 minutes away in Quelneuc there is an Adventure Parc with paintballing for the teenagers!

Malestroit

Malestroit is a Petite Cite of Caractere with an abundance of restaurants and bars on the square and tucked away in the quaint side streets. The river Oust flows interestingly through the town, do spend some time watching the boats making their way through the lock and get to talk to the owners! A visit to the Musee de la Resistance (History Museum) at St. Marcel, (nearby) which is unique to Bretagne is a must. During the war, the Resistance were prevalent in Brittany and known as Les Maquis who played a major role in the liberation of Brittany. A visit to this museum (1500 square metres) and its landscaped grounds will be one of many highlights of your holidays in this area. In July and August don't miss the start of the guided tour in a genuine US army half-track, and take part in this fascinating excursion through time. There are six halls showing and describing the life and the commitment of the Bretons during the second world war, The restaurant in St Marcel called Le Relais du Maquis carries their name and also serves some of the best food in the area!

Jill Harrison - 30th January 2008