MORE INFORMATION ON HOUSE AND SURROUNDING THINGS TO SEE & DO*

Things to see and do is a good guide but some prices and phone numbers may be out of date

Why not stay in Peaule in the south of Morbihan; where you will be ideally placed to enjoy the most marvelous and comprehensive range of holiday activities that one could find anywhere. Added to this, the region boasts of hotter summers and milder winters: from April the sun shines for more than 7 hours per day with around 2050 wonderful hours of sun per year. The average summer temperature is an ideal 25 Centigrade.

By pressing the button at the bottom of the next page, you will find detailed descriptions of the house, its gardens and the immediate area. You will also find a large number of suggestions regarding places to visit and things to do. A good many distances between relevant towns and villages have been included..... to help you get your bearings.
If you can take a few moments to scan quickly through these suggestions, you will be amazed that so much is available for the tourist.

The house is equipped with all modern conveniences. There is also  a telephone to allow incoming calls.

The living room area has comfortable seating, a marble coffee table and both a wide screen TV and CD stereo system to enable you to relax and feel very much at home. Satellite tv with access to the 4 main English channels will normally be available too.

The kitchen has all the cooking equipment and dining materials that would be required for a family or families of up to 8 in total. 

There are 4 bedrooms. 

There are 3 bathrooms.  The one downstairs and the one on the third floor have  a toilet, wash basin, bath and shower (fitted within the bath).
The one on the second floor has a toilet, wash basin and electric shower. It is accessible from the landing and from one of the double bedrooms.

The house is surrounded on all sides by gardens, with trees of various kinds. These include cherry, apple, pear, hazel, holly and oak trees. One has complete privacy in the main garden, with  a marvelous view down over the valley beyond. The ancient stone well, and winding path lined by tall oaks, add to the ambience of French-country living.  Also, in the main garden, there is a specially constructed picnic-dining area. This garden dining area has a very large cement/hardwood table and benches that would comfortably accommodate  a group of ten. It has the added character of  a mature privet hedge canopy that provides excellent shade and traps the heat

The journey into the village (Peaule) is 15-minute walk or a quick 2km drive along good roads.

Peaule is a moderate-sized village with a small supermarket (including a butcher, fishmonger and cold-meats counter), bank, garage, filing station, newspaper shop, pharmacy, bakery, post office, unisex hairdresser, Inn/restaurant, several cafes and more. There is a  large and very beautiful old Church that is usually surrounded by a splendid range of potted flowers.

Just 15-20 minutes drive would take you to a number of different beaches in the South-most region of Brittany. Most notably, these would include the beaches at Billier (20km), Penestin (e.g. Loscolo, 20km), Pennlan (20km) and at Damgan (23km).

However, if you like the idea of someplace new every day, then you simply couldn't beat this location for choice. To remain with the beaches for a moment; if you wanted to make a day of it then you might, for example:

• Travel some 35-50 miles to the wonderful array of clean sandy  beaches that are dotted around the northern side of the Gulf of Morbihan: Carnac (with the World's oldest menhirs) and Quiberon (that would not be out of place alongside Cannes and St. Tropez). One could take this same route day-after-day for weeks and still have somewhere fresh to visit each day.

• Travel some 25 miles south to the famous La Baule, with its hugely long sandy beach, thousands of hotels, hundreds of millionaires, tens of casinos and much more besides. On the way back you could Visit the wonderful ancient Garrison Town of Guerande.

When tired, if ever, of the beaches, then you have a fantastic range of things to choose from in the area. These would include the following: -

• Visit an ancient French town to shock and excite all of your senses  as you appear to step back in history: you will find several such towns within 15 minutes drive, including Rochefort en Terre and La Roche Bernard.

• Take to the fresh water on the marvelous La Vilaine River that runs nearby; or take to the sea, in the Gulf of Morbihan or along the coast of the Loire-Atlantique. Some of the fish to be caught, luck being in, include:  turbot, trout, sole, mackerel, bar and mullet. You will be able to book  a place on one of the enormous number of boat trips that head out on the river or sea, or both.     

• Take a relaxing boat trip on the Vilaine River.    The Yellow Pleasure Boat. Stops on the River Vilaine.
  ph +33 (0) 2 97 45 02 81 to depart from Arzal (12km).

• Go walking/trekking. The town of Peaule has a number of designated routes for walking.

• Visit one of the weekly markets. Brittany has a vast number of markets and there isn't a city, town or hamlet that doesn't add to the variety of colours, scents and skills that give each area and its products their identity and their particular appeal. Examples include:
  La Roche Bernard: Thursday morning.
  Penestin:    Sunday morning.
  Vannes:    Wednesday and Saturday morning.
  Redon:    Monday. Friday and Saturday morning in the food market. 
  

• Go shopping in the large and beautiful city of Vannes (38km or some 30 minutes drive away).

• Go golfing in Caden (9km), Limerzel (7km), Missillac (22 km), Ploermel (45km/ph +33 (0) 2 97 73 64 64)   and Saint-Gildas-de-Rhuys (45 km).   The later is  a links course that "sits easily among the dunes along the shore..... and is divided almost in two by a natural pool that is inhabited by little wading birds and other waterfowl". Ph +33 (0) 2 97 45 30 09.
  These courses are open to golfers with a handicap. Green fees vary between 180 and 250 FF.
  Formulae Golf, Blue Green or Golfy Club: offer passes or cards entitling players to entry at reduced rates.

• Go cycling. According to bike hire statistics, Brittany is France's foremost cycle loving region. People come from all over the world to explore Brittany by bike, along an 1,800 mile network of trails. Contrasting landscapes and a surprisingly rich architectural heritage, make this peninsula an ideal place to explore at leisure on a bike. A stunning view or quiet, remote spot - or simply the need for a breather - offer the perfect excuse to pause on your cycle ride through the fresh, invigorating air of the Breton countryside.

•  

• Take a sauna in nearby La Roche Bernard (11km).
  ph: +33 (0) 2 99 90 60 39

• Treat your body to a little seawater therapy at the 'Domaine de Rochevilaine' in Pointe de Pen-Lan (16km). It is not by chance that Brittany has more centres for thalassotherpy (treatment using salt-water) than any other region. Appropriate forms of treatments are available for most disorders. Seaweed extracts are used, in the form of baths or applied to the skin, for their mineral and anti-stress properties. Bubbling baths and power-assisted showers, sometimes underwater, are used for their relaxing and toning effects on those with circulatory problems. Every client has a personal treatment programme, for general fitness , rehabilitation, circulation or beauty care. Thalassotherapy is about well-being, and as such, is for people of all ages. From young mothers to stressed-out executives, they say they have a package for you. Breton thalassotherapy centres are state-of-the-art with unrivalled facilities.
  Activities and Prices (98) were described as follows:    Pool/Sauna 100FF; Pool/Gymnastic 130FF; Massages 200-300FF; Jet Shower 100FF. Other activities, including Yoga, may be available; and special promotions too.
  ph +33 (0) 2 97 41 44 85

• Visit the ancient paper making factory at Le Guerno (7km) and see how it used to be made. Paper was invented in China in the second century, and if you stop to think of its uses, you will agree that it is one of the most fabulous creations of man. Le Moulin de Pen-Mur keeps this tradition alive in their craftsmanship of paper from natural fibre cloths following 18th century methods.
  In visiting, you'll discover paper being made on restored machines from the past that work in the original manner.
  April 1 to Sep. 30 every day 10-12 and 14-18 (Sunday morning  only to June 30.)
  Oct 1 to Mar 31 every week end and holidays 10-12 and 14-17h30m.
  Phone:   +33 (0) 2 97 41 43 79    Fax:    +33 (0) 2 97 45 60 78

• Visit the 'Prehistoric Park' near Malansac (16km).   See the many life-like prehistoric exhibits that include the obvious: Diplodoccus, Tyrannosaurus, Triceratops, Archaeopteryx and Stegosaurus. Exhibits of early-man, including an explanation of how menhirs were probably pulled into place, are also on view.

• Visit the Zoo at 'Parc de Branfere (6km). See the splendid range of animals kept in semi-wild conditions around the chateau de Branfere.
  Ph +33 (0) 2 97 42 94 66.

• Visit the Tropical Floral Park at St Jacut les Pins ( 15km). Spend a few very memorable hours under the palm trees and move among the exotic animals and plants.  ph +33 (0) 2 99 71 91 98.

• Go pony trekking.   There is no shortage of pony clubs, with lessons provided for children from the age of 5.

• Take the children to the farm (Ferme du Menguen) near Sarzeau (40km) which includes a museum of farm life.... where you will see ancient machinery and learn how cider was made. Animals include goats, donkeys, turkeys, pheasants, deer, bores, chinchillas and bees.
  May, June and September: 14.30 - 18.00
  July and August: 10.00 - 19.00.    25 and 30FF.
  ph +33 (0) 2 97 41 98 96. 

• Head for nearby Damgan or Penestin and seek out your favourite water-pursuits. You will find a school of sailing offering tuition and rental services.

• Take a day and tour around the breath-taking castles.
  The "Dukes of Brittany Trail" is an ideal invitation to discover, not only many of the chateaux, but also the quaint little market towns such as Rochefort-en-terre and La Roche-Bernard, or "Towns of art and history" like Auray and Vannes.
  Chateaux de Rochefort-en-Terre (15km) Ph +33 (0) 2 97 43 31 56; Chateaux de Josselin                 (55km)Ph +33 (0) 2 97 22 36 45;
  Chateaux de Pontivy                 (90km) Ph +33 (0) 2 97 25 12 93.

• Visit the Chapels and Churches. The religious heritage of the area bears witness to the traditions of the Breton faith and the skillfulness of the old craftsmen.

• Take time out as you travel around to see and discover the many mills (moulin) in the area. In the old days these mills (run either by water or wind) were used to grind the corn into flour. Inside, or nearby the flour was then cooked to make bread. Unfortunately the mills, like the bread ovens, are mostly privately owned. So, if you spot a chance to visit, take it!

• Visit the Museum in Vannes: 'La Cohue' (inc. paintings, sculptures, engraving, furniture and art objects + exhibits from the Parliament of Brittany that was based in Vannes from the 17th century).

• Visit the War Museum of the 'Resistance Breton' at St. Marcel, Malestroit  [30km/19 miles away].Exhibits include:
  - armoured cars and cars used by the liberators.
  -  weapons, uniforms and documents. 
  - an 'ingenious wood/gas cars'.
  - a recreation of an American Camp.
  - a Sherman tank.
  -  recreation of the interior of a blockhouse and of  a road under 
     occupation'.
  Open all year (not Tue. off-season) ph +33 (0) 2 97 75 16 90.

• Visit the Maritime Museum in La Roche Bernard (9km/5miles).
  Ph +33 (0) 2 99 90 83 47. Picture of the Maritime Museum.

• Take "The Megalith Trail" that visits some forty of these monuments, the oldest of which has stood for 6000 years. The World's oldest Menhirs and dolmens (the Breton names for upright stones and table stones respectively) are to be found here.   

• Visit the 'Village of Arts and Crafts' at La Gacilly (30km). This is literally a village of arts and crafts with no less than 30 different enterprises where you can discover the 'savoir-faire' of the artisans. Included, for example, are: Glass making, Glass engraving, Wood-turning, Sculpturing, Painting and Antiques. Each enterprise has its own phone number; but the 'Arts and Crafts Village' has a web site at:         
  Outline Map of Village.

• Attend one of the many Breton Festivals and get caught up in the spectacular beauty and exuberance of the occasion.
  Traditional Costume.
  For details of Festivals and Events: ph +33 (0) 2 98 93 91 58

• Do some birdwatching. Birds enjoy the protection of Brittany's many ornithological reserves. 80% of French species are found in Brittany -  a treat for the birdwatcher. The Iroise reserve is in the Molene archipelago, and the Sept-Iles, in the Cotes-d'Armor, and is the most interesting. Here you will find gannets, razorbills and black and Troil guillemots, all within range of your binoculars. There is a huge concentration of species in a spectacular setting.
  Birdwatchers also have a field day identifying birds when the tide goes out (see just below).

• Wait for the tide to go out and head for the beach again! At low tide, the foreshore swarms with life. All long beaks and slender leg birds invade the uncovered stretches, looking for the small molluscs they devour by the thousand. The various gulls are joined by oystercatchers, plovers, turnstones and redshanks, all experts at handling molluscs.
  The sand is covered in thousands of delicate footprints and the air alive with the staccato cries of hungry birds. Curlews neatly poke their long curved bills into the mud to dislodge buried creatures. It's a paradise for clam-diggers. The small waders also hunt for lugworm (that well-known favourite of anglers) whose presence you can detect by the convoluted sand-casts they produce.

• Look out for those "Vide Grenier" (attic/garage sales) or "Brocante" (miscellaneous market stalls with second-hand , antique and crafts items). Buy a little keep-sake of your holiday in Brittany. Picture.

• Don't make the mistake of missing "woodland Brittany". There are many secrets worth discovering.The "bocage", or mixed woodland and pastureland, divides up the Brittany peninsula like a draghtboard and shelters crops from the wind. If you explore inland Brittany you will find that this is far from the only form of landscape. The heathland has its own particular charm too. You can also explore the marshland aboard a flat-bottomed boat and marvel at the delicate ecology. You might even be brave enough to set off through forests of centuries-old trees to look for creatures from Breton Folklore.

• Visit the exhibition "L'abeille Vivante" in Le Faouet (~150km) if you or your children have a very special interest in the Worlds of bees and ants. The bees can be observed in transparent hives. You will also be able to show the children a giant ant hill.

If you would like to find out more about the various towns in this region then you can use the following phone numbers: -

I hope that you'll agree with us that the area makes an excellent location for a pleasurable holiday; one that can be restful, adventurous, invigorating and thoroughly exciting ...as you choose. 

Just want to say hello, or comment on the site, or make inquiries: then you can e-mail us at: dot.lucas@btopenworld.com Please feel free to write in English or French or ; and be assured, that we will not attempt to press or persuade you in any way.  

Thank you for taking the time to read this. Please visit again!