IN AUTUMN AND SPRING.....
These Seasons are the perfect time to visit Southern Brittany as the weather is warm and there are plenty of activities to choose keep you occupied during your holiday:
On land: golf, fishing, rambling, horse riding, cycling, clay pigeon shooting, archery, tennis, mushroom hunting, trips to nearby medieval towns and castles, exploring local markets, bargain hunting at antique fairs and flea markets.
Watersports: dinghy sailing, sand yachting, canoeing, windsurfing, kite surfing, sea kayaking, scuba diving, surfing, motor or sail cruising.
Something a bit more challenging?: paint balling, quad biking, tree walking, and go karting.
The choice is yours
Beaches
Beautiful white, sandy beaches beckon visitors to enjoy many activities such as swimming, sand yachting, windsurfing, kite surfing, sailing or surfing. The Côte Sauvage, Quiberon, Carnac, Etel, Locmariaquer, Larmor Plage have some of the best beaches in the area and they are all within easy driving distance.
Golf
If golf is the sort of hobby that drives your passion, you'll be spoilt for choice here in the Morbihan. There are five 18-hole courses within 40 minutes drive. There is also a 9-hole course just 10 minutes away.
Visit: www.formule-golf.com to find out how you can play at different courses throughout the week at very reasonable rates. All the courses are pay and play and we will happily arrange tee times for you.
We also offer Autumn/Spring golf breaks with half board and pre-booked tee times for groups of 2 - 20 people. Please contact us for more details.
Walking
There is no better way to enjoy the picturesque beauty of the area other than soaking it up through leisurely walks. There are many beautiful walks and footpaths in the area – from strolls along the riverbank to country, forest or coastal hikes. We can provide footpath maps and guidebooks for you to get the best out of your walk/ride. The area is also perfect for dog walking.
Cycling
You can hire bikes locally and explore the well-maintained River Blavet towpath. As it is flat, you can cycle along the riverbank for many miles with great ease. Alternatively, for a more energetic ride, the area is criss-crossed with empty country lanes and cycle routes.
Canoeing
All levels of people are welcome to take part, from beginners to experienced canoeists. The River Blavet is ideal for kayaking and canoeing. Canoes can be hired at Pontivy, Plumeliau or Pont Augen. Don’t forget that Sea kayaking is also available at various places on the coast - a great way to explore the inlets and estuaries of the Morbihan.
Boating on the River Blavet – pedalos are available for hire at St Nicholas.
Boat cruises on the River Blavet start at St Nicholas or Pont Augen. The cruises last about 1 hour with a fully guided tour.
Fishing
The River Blavet boasts some of the best coarse fishing in France. Daily or weekly fishing permits can be bought locally and are valid throughout the Morbihan area. It is an ideal river for fishing due to easy riverside access and also very few boats use the Blavet.
Tennis
There is an indoor tennis court at St Barthelemy (tuition available if required).
Horse Riding
There are local stables about 15 minutes drive away offering pony trekking and horse trails.
Sailing
To reach Le Golfe du Morbihan takes around 45 minutes. The Morbihan is an enormous inland sea with many islands – some have villages and communities of their own, others are completely uninhabited. Why not think about hiring a dinghy or small motor cruiser for the day from one of the many rental outlets around the Morbihan and explore what Morbihan has to offer.
Again La Trinite sur Meris also about 45 minutes away and is also home to many of the world’s top racing sailors and there are regattas and sailing events taking place throughout the year.
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.
Sand Yachting
Sand yachting at Quiberon – less than one
hour away.
Surfing
Surfing on the Cote Sauvage, 45 minutes away. Some of the best surf in Brittany is found along this rugged coastline with big Atlantic rollers sweeping in from the west.
Picturesque Towns and Villages
If discovering local history, and how life was there is an abundance of fascinating medieval towns, villages and castles waiting for you to come and explore and delve deep into the past. 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:
Auray
World famous for its pilgrimages, the most popular being the Pardon of Ste Anne on 25th and 26th July. The Pope, Jean Paul II in 1996, with over 100,000 faithful, visited Ste Anne here to honour his presence.
Baud
Baud is a sweet little town, which is situated on a hill overlooking the picturesque Elvel Valley.
Guemene-sur-Scorff
Guemene-sur-Scorff has kept the appearance of a small town. This is due to its very particular architecture. Guemene was created in 1050 and in the 14th century became the fief of the Rohan Guemene.
Hennebont
Hennebont was built around a bridge, hence the place name "Hen Pont" meaning 'Old Bridge'. In the heart of the town lies the Parc Botanique de Kerbihan, which brings together vegetable essences from five continents.
Lorient
The heart of Southern Brittany between the Laita and Etel Rivers, where the Scorff and Blavet rivers meet. Lorient has the second-biggest fishing port in France.
Plouay
Home of the Grand Prix de Plouay one of the get-togethers of international cycling and each year brings in more than 200,000 visitors.
Pontivy
Owes its name to the monk ivy, the founder of the town in the 7th century and who had a bridge built over the Blavet: le Pont d'Ivy.
Pont-Scorff
Pont-Scorff and its green surroundings are full of history and culture, with its picturesque narrow streets and its vast choice of handmade crafts.
Port Louis
The ancient town has beautiful 18th century houses and a beach called the 'Grands Sables' to which you access from the Patis through a little door in a wall.
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
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.
