HIKES IN THE COUNTRY
Our cottages and guest rooms are not far from the Forest of Brocéliande
While staying in our delightful Maison d’hôtes, do not miss the often-unsung marvels of up-country Brittany
Lamballe
Beginning in town, take a trip along the Gouessant out into the heart of the country to find old out-door laundries, ending up at the lake of la Ville Gaudu. From here on a well signposted path continues towards the château of La Moglais, and a little further on the Potters’ Heath, a protected natural wildlife habitat. For further information www.lamballe-tourisme.com
Jugan les Lacs & the Hunandaye Forest
In the hollow of a verdant valley lies Jugan les Lacs, classed as a “Petite Cité de caractère”, with its lakes Jugon and Arguenon. For amateurs of aquatic sports it offers a wonderful landscape in which to row, canoe, or sail, as well as its fishing, cross-country biking and walking. The State-owned Forest of the Hunandaye with its mediaeval château completes the tour. For further information www.jugon-les-lacs.com
The attractions of the country around Guerlédan
Take a boat along the Nantes-Brest Canal, and happen upon the Guerlédan lake tucked under the Forest of Quénécan, where you can enjoy a number of sporting activities – or simply go for a wander along one of the many signposted walks, discover the Gorges of Daoulas and Poulancre, and the upland heaths of Liscuis. For further information www.guerledan.fr
The Forest of Brocéliande
Merlin the Magician, the fey Viviane, King Arthur … the Forest of Brocéliande is home to all these tales. Story-telling walks, exhibitions and events that sharpen the imagination thrust us into the twilight zone. For young and old alike. For further information www.pays-broceliande.com
Gardens to visit
Whether in the English fashion, or symmetrically ‘à la française’, baroque, or creations of inspired gardeners, our region boasts many gardens to satisfy garden lovers and pastoral ramblers alike, whatever the season.
The Gardens of Kerdalo
Designated “an outsanding garden”, Kerdalo was laid out by a painter and offers a different tableau with every season. From April to September Kerdalo 22220 Trédarzec
The Gardens of Montmarin
A romantic park, with terrace dropping down through terrace to the Rance. A magnificent landscaped view over the Rance estuary. 35730 Pleurtuit, very close to Dinard and St Malo For further information www.domaine-du-montmarin.com
The Gardens of Botrain
22530 Mur de Bretagne Laid out around a magnificent manor house is an unusual themed garden for a visit not to be missed. From Easter to the end of September. For further information www.lesjardinsdubotrain.com
The Gardens at the Château de la Ballue
Close to Mont St Michel, a garden inspired by the Italian Baroque overlooks the Couesnon valley. A maze and a succession of ‘green rooms’ play a game of hide-and-seek. 35560 Bazouges-la-Pérouse For further information www.laballuegarden.com
The Water Garden
In her poetic garden, Marie-Mad Jegard grows aquatic plants and shrubs. Here you can see her plants thriving in their natural habitat and many fully mature. 22980 Saint-Michel-de-Plélan (near Plélan le Petit) For further information www.lejardindeau.com
The House
Clare Oberon, landscape architect, opens to visitors the garden in which she presents the works of her imagination. 22270 Megrit (near Plélan le Petit) For further information www.landscapes-et-cie.com
La Roche Jagu Estate
A mosaic of different spaces and landscapes, the site of many artistic productions, the park has been designated “an outstanding garden”, at once a garden of flowers, a mediaeval vegetable garden, a rose garden, crossed by water courses and fountains - in short, much to stimulate the curiosity of visitors. 22260 Ploézal For further information www.larochejagu.fr