Places To See

Picturesque Towns And Villages Of Brittany

If you love discovering local history, there is an abundance of fascinating medieval towns, villages and castles waiting for you to come and explore…Amble through cobbled streets and discover hidden alleyways with atmospheric bars and tiny shops selling beautiful crafts.

To name but just a few within driving distance:

Abbey De Timadeuc, Rohan.

A 5 minute drive from the Manoir, or a pleasant walk along the canal brings you to the wonderful Abbey de Timadeuc. The Abbey is home to an active order of Cistercian monks and is a very special place to see. The Abbey also has a working farm, and a small shop which sells some of homemade produce made by the monks, delicious cheese and handmade fruit jellies.

One of our neighbours the Abbey De Timadeuc.

Auray

This ancient place illuminates several periods of Breton history. Auray is said to have been the last place Julius Caesar reached in his conquest of Gaul. The Romans set up camp in what is now the St. Goustan quarter, still the oldest and most picturesque part of the town. St. Anne d’Auray to the northeast commemorates the feast of Brittany’s patron St.Anne on July 26th every year, when thousands of pilgrims gather for one of the region’s most spectacular pardons.

A view Of Auray.

Josselin

Josselin’s mightly castle (open for tours), mirrored in the waters of the Oust is an impressive sight. Its walls rise sheer from the rocky riverbank, culminating in three circular towers with witch-hat turrets. The old town of well-kept timber–framed houses lies behind the castle around the 12th Century Basilica of Notre Dame du Roncier.

The wonderful Chateau at Josselin.

Vannes

Vannes is one of Brittany’s best-looking towns. It has a long and prestigious pedigree and has played an important role in Breton history. The name stems from “Veneti”, the celtic tribe conquered by Caesar. There is plenty to see and Vannes also makes an excellent base for boat trips on the Golfe du Morbihan.

A view of Vannes.

Dinan

Wherever else you go in Brittany try not to miss a day out in Dinan, one of the best preserved towns in Brittany. The town stands high above the Rance estuary.

Don’t miss a day out in Dinan.

Pontivy

Like Josselin Pontivy was the seat of the Rohan family. Its squat chateau of rusty schist dates from about 1485, with its pepperpot bastions guarding a deep, dry moat. Now the castle is used for exhibitions and the tourist office stands just outside.

Pontivy’s old town around the Place du Matray is the same age as the castle. Quaint old half-timbering characterise the narrow streets. Less picturesque but equally as interesting is the newer sector to the south-west which was built by Napoleon, and he modernised the town in formal neo-classical style with wide, grid-like boulevards, landscaped parks, and grandiose administrative and military buildings.

The old quarter at Pontivy.

Port Louis

The ancient town has beautiful 18th century houses and a beach called the ‘Grands Sables’ which you access from the Patis through a little door in a wall. There are many interesting sites to see including the Citadel, which is a 16th Century Fortress which has been perfectly preserved and today houses the Museum of the French East India Company and a Boat Museum.

Boat Trips to Belle-Ile

Brittany’s largest island lies 8½ miles offshore, and is reached by ferry from the port of Quiberon. The island is very popular for day excursions and well worth a visit.

The harbour at Belle Ile En Terre.

Markets

A trip to the local market would make your holiday in Brittany complete -and there is a good variety to choose from. You are guaranteed of the hustle and bustle of a market somewhere nearly every day of the week. If you want to experience the real France –take the time to absorb all that local life has to offer when it comes to the tempting smells of fresh, local produce. It is here that you will also find the best local Breton oysters.

• Auray - Monday morning, Sunday
• Baud - Saturday
• Josselin - Saturday morning
• Malestroit - Thursday morning
• Port-Louis - Saturday morning, Tuesday evenings in July and August
• Pontivy - Monday
• Quimper - Wednesday, Friday afternoon, Saturday, Sunday morning
• Rennes Market - every day except Sunday and public holidays in the central food halls
• Vannes Market - Wednesday and Saturday mornings

Fresh produce at a French Market.

Also, throughout the year, there are regular antique markets, flea markets and the French equivalent of car boot sales ‘Vide Grenier’ (attic clear out). These are all great places to find interesting collectables or just something very different and French.