Discover Pontivy, Morbihan, Bretagne: breton gem

Awarded 4 flowers by Village Fleuri, the town of La Vraie-Croix is also known for winning the Grand Prix National du Fleurissement (an award given out every year to one or several villages in France with 4 flowers), and the Prix Européen du Fleurissement (for all of Europe). It is also invited to attend the Floralies International, a prestigious floral event held in Nantes in May 2014. La Vraie-Croix was formerly known as Langroez and used as a resting place for the Knights of Malta during the Crusades.

To the north of Questembert, the town of Molac is perched on a hill overlooking the Valley of Arz. The town's architectural heritage reflects its history, which is thousands of years old. The trail heads toward the River Arz and takes the Voie Verte (Green Lane), the old railway. It crosses the Grées (shale-like hills) of Lindeul. Finally, it penetrates the vast forest of Lanvaux. Please follow the yellow marks.

From Rosporden to Roscoff, Green Way n°7 opens up a world of possibilities. It has a sandy surface that’s fairly flat throughout, with plenty to look at and discover along the way and it’s open to everyone from hikers to cyclists and those out for a stroll, creating a friendly, accessible atmosphere. Please note: a route of 1.9km surfaced to make it suitable for those of reduced mobility covers part of the Green Way, but also the banks of the River Isole, accessible on foot, by bike, with a pushchair or other non-motorised scooters. Starting point: the car park of the municipal campsite in Scaër.

This town is named after the sweet chestnut tree. In the Breton language, it is called Kisten Berh, which means “land of the chestnuts”. In the 12th century, the name “Questembert” was found in writing; however, over time, the spelling changed.

The name "Questembert" comes from the Breton word "Kisten Berh", which means "Land of Chestnuts". Near the centre of town, this trail takes you along the hollow ways towards the creek of Cohignac and then St John's Chapel. In springtime, asphodels bloom on the banks and in the woods, showing off their elongated stems and handsome spikes of white flowers. They are locally known as "popinettes", hence the name of the trail. From this trail, you can reach Berric by following the marked paths (3km). Yellow marks

Rochefort-en-Terre is very lucky to have a rich architectural heritage. Thanks to the local government’s desire to maintain and protect the site, this village is now classified as a Petite Cité de Caractère (an award honouring the remarkable architectural heritage and landscape of small villages in France). Rochefort-en-Terre is also part of the Plus Beaux Villages de France (Most Beautiful Villages in France) and Villes Fleuris (an award recognising a town’s respect for the environment, protection of a social and community network, and quality of its tourist facilities) with four flowers thanks to the combined efforts by the community and residents. Starting from Place du Puits, take Rue des Scourtets, and then, Chemin des Douves, located to your right. Walk along the strongholds and fortifications built during the 14th and 16th centuries.

In the heart of the Black Mountains, the Penn ar Pont circuit will take you to Nantes-Brest canal, an integral part of Brittany’s history. You’ll notice the remains of a slate quarry, whose tunnels are now home to some of the largest bats in Brittany, the Greater Horseshoe Bat. You’ll pass two locks before leaving the tow path and heading in to the countryside around Châteauneuf, with its woodlands and streams. The path then joins up with another trail ‘In the footsteps of Paul Sérusier’, which is dedicated to the painter who lived in Châteauneuf du Faou. You’ll cross a street named after him and discover this painter’s ’green valley’.

In the heart of the Black Mountains, the Penn ar Pont circuit will take you to Nantes-Brest canal, an integral part of Brittany’s history. You’ll notice the remains of a slate quarry, whose tunnels are now home to some of the largest bats in Brittany, the Greater Horseshoe Bat. You’ll pass two locks before leaving the tow path and heading in to the countryside around Châteauneuf, with its woodlands and streams. The path then joins up with another trail ‘In the footsteps of Paul Sérusier’, which is dedicated to the painter who lived in Châteauneuf du Faou. You’ll cross a street named after him and discover this painter’s ’green valley’.

Go horse riding in the heart of the mythic Brocéliande Forest! Spend one hour with your guide riding along the paths of the legendary sites. GO HORSE RIDING IN THE HEART OF THE MYTHIC BROCÉLIANDE FOREST! After leaving the equestrian centre, go on a one-hour horse ride and discover the local flora and fauna in the most famous forest in Brittany.  Witness nature flourishing in this magical forest with your small group as you appreciate the scenery of Neolithic standing stones and deer as described in Celtic and medieval stories and legends. Follow the trail of the Knights of the Round Table on this relaxing and original horse ride!

Spend half a day horse riding and exploring the Brocéliade Forest!  Discover the legendary sites in this mythical forest with your guide and enjoy a picnic.  SPEND HALF A DAY HORSE RIDING AND EXPLORING THE BROCÉLIADE FOREST! Enjoy a horse riding excursion and discover the legendary sites in this mythical forest with your guide. Your excursion starts at the equestrian centre where you will leave in a small group. After a few hours of exploring the heart of nature, pause for a picnic that you will all share. This horse riding adventure is ideal for revitalising yourself all while discovering the fascinating surroundings of Merlin the Wizard.

The story and name of the town are linked with this tall chapel, which was originally built to house a relic of Christ's real cross. The chapel is classified as a Historical Monument.

The chapel is the town’s most unusual monument and located above a public road. Legend has it that a knight, coming back from the Crusades, carried a real piece of Christ’s cross. After stopping in the village of Hôpital, the knight fell asleep at the foot of a hawthorn. When he woke up, he realised that the piece of the cross had been stolen from him. He left the village without ever finding it. Shortly after, the people of the village noticed, at the top of a hawthorn, a crow’s nest lit with a supernatural light: the light came from the piece of the cross. The piece was brought to the church; however, it disappeared the following night. It was found once again in the crow’s nest. The people decided to build a chapel here with the choir located in the same place where the fragment of Christ’s cross had been found. A reliquary cross holding the piece of cross is kept inside the southern transept. The granite chapel dates back to the 16th century; however, it was restored at the end of the 20th century (1974-1986) by Bâtiments de France. The chapel, along with the crypt, were both classified as Historical Monuments in 1926. The chapel was built above a one-way public road, going from the square towards the street. This particular location allows pilgrims to pass underneath the relic situated in the upper chapel. An archway, located on the eastern side, overlooks a type of vaulted crypt lit by two stained glass windows. The altar from Saint Just chapel (located about 3km away from the village) is situated here, along with a statue of Mary, font and lintel. On the opposite side, a similar archway holds a beautiful portal made of four pointed arches. Previously, this solemn entrance lead to a staircase, which climbed to the upper floor. The chapel also has another defining feature: two staircases on each side of the upper chapel, allowing pilgrims to easily come and venerate the relic. The panelled vault is painted sky blue and dotted with gold stars. The choir, marked off by a wrought iron gate, is completely covered with carved wooden panels. The altar has the same decorative design. The pews are covered in plant motifs. The entire decor was created by Rector Tanguy, who also did all of the church’s woodwork. The two stained glass windows on either side of the choir illustrate the legend of the relic in the nest and the reliquary of La Vraie-Croix. Turn around and you can see the reliquary cross kept inside the southern transept. It contains a piece of Christ’s cross. It is only 20cm high; however, it is a true cross-shaped masterpiece made of bronze and silver with a wooden core.

The jardin de curé (kitchen garden) is made up of four square vegetable beds edged with boxwood (sign of eternity). Beds were also placed along stone walls. Fruits, vegetables, flowers, herbs, and medicinal plants are all grown together in order make the most out of these kitchen gardens. A learning garden was also set up here. Things to discover nearby: Public fountain At the edge of town, the fountain takes on a very monumental aspect. It is surrounded by a stone wall. Its basin is sheltered underneath a platform supported by four small columns.

The building situated in front of the chapel is the old rectory. Here, Rector Tanguy set up a carpentry workshop where he made the woodwork for the current church (1891-1892). Once connected to the chapel, the building now holds the multimedia library, renovated in 2012 with a new green roof, which overlooks the adjacent jardin de curé (kitchen garden).

This building, with a turret at the rear, was used as a dairy during the 1950s before being turned into housing and assembly rooms. During the 12th and 13th centuries, it was home to the monks of St John of Jerusalem, whose mission was to welcome and care for pilgrims travelling to The Way of Saint James or Jerusalem.

Previously, another church, whose patron saint was Saint Sauveur and Saint John the Baptist, was found here. In the late 19th century, it was destroyed and replaced by the current church kept by Saint Isidore, the patron saint of farmers. The nave and tower were built by Rector Tanguy between 1891 and 1892. He also made the woodwork, side altars, confessionals, pulpit and tribune. The new building was solemnly blessed on 25 June 1893. The right altarpiece was restored in 2012.

The fountain is shaped like a small temple with four columns covered by a stone roof, giving it a monumental appearance. It is a beautiful example of a structure built during the 16th century in Brittany. It is classified as a Historical Monument. The fountain is surrounded by concrete slabs. In front, a basin that was used as a washing place.

To the left of the path, a rocky cliff towers over the creek of Ferrières. One of the rocks overlooks the hillside. A large block sits at the top with rounded basins and rills hollowed in the granite. Legend has it that it was a place of human sacrifice and that the blood of the victims flowed like a waterfall down the rock.

Welcome to the only commerce of the village. This artisanal crêperie, certified "crêperie gourmande" distinguishes itself by an authentic cuisine, exclusively realised from fresh products by the hostess : artisan crêpier. Her original preparations, the quality of the setting and the warm welcome makes this crêperie one of the best of the area. Two dining rooms and a south facing terrasse. Some specialities: galette with scallops and leeks fondue, crêpes with caramelised apple, salter butter caramel and vanilla ice cream, kig-ha-farz (to order, some Sundays) Details on : www.creperiesucrésalé.monsite.orange.fr

Plancoët was the safest ford down on the ria. It is also there that the strength of the river could be used. As early as 1223, writings mention mills, like those you can see on each side of the bridge, turned into houses today.

Plancoët is also a port at the back of a ria. In the middle of the 19th century, the light boats were numerous to dock there and load or unload grains, apples, wood, « marne » ou « tangue » of the sea (mud to spread on the fields, used as a fertiliser on the crops) The arrival of the train in 1879 meant its decline.

Going down the steps you arrive in a valley away from the main road. In Chateaubriand's time, these houses were the only ones in the hamlet. Nazareth district was an craftemen's district. The façades gave out on the street; the shop was held at the ground floor (the old shop windows can be made out on the façades) and the people lived on the first floor. At the back was a back-shop, a work-shop, sometimes an oven, a garden for the food missing and at the bottom of the valley, water, the essential element to every and any craft. "My grand-mother lived in the only street of the hamlet de l'Abbaye, a pretty small house of which the gardens went down in terraces to a valley and at the end of which a small fountain, surrounded by willow trees, could be found. (extract from Memories of my Life)

Restaurant, brasserie, fish of the day and home-made desserts. Daily specials and pizzas available to eat in or take away.

L'amour à la plage is a restaurant and beach bar on the bay of Pont-Mahé, which welcomes you in a chill atmosphere for a moment out of time. Refined home cooking.

Take the pedestrian crossing towards Célac pond. Walk around it on the left and climb up towards the campsite entrance. Go straight until you come to the Fountain of Hulo, further down the RD. Go around the campsite and continue through the moorland of Kerjumais. Cross RD1 towards the playing fields of Galinio. Continue close to the orchard and go down through the woods via a nice hollow way.

Stay in Rochefort-en-Terre, in the Heart of Brittany: Accommodation & Must-See Attractions Rochefort-en-Terre, ranked among the "Most Beautiful Villages in France," is a charming destination in Brittany, perfect for a getaway blending nature, heritage, and local craftsmanship. With its cobbled streets, half-timbered houses, and picturesque ambiance, this village captivates visitors seeking authenticity and relaxation. Accommodation in Rochefort-en-Terre – Domaine de Kerioche The Domaine de Kerioche – Terres de France welcomes you in a peaceful and green setting, surrounded by nature. The residence offers fully equipped and comfortable accommodations, ideal for family vacations, friendly getaways, or business seminars in the heart of Brittany. Located near the historic center of Rochefort-en-Terre and the Moulin Neuf Lake, it is the perfect retreat for relaxation and outdoor activities. Places of Interest The Village of Rochefort-en-Terre: Ranked among the most beautiful villages in France, known for its flower-adorned houses, local artisans, and medieval charm. Rochefort-en-Terre Castle: A medieval fortress turned into an artistic residence, offering stunning views over the town. Moulin Neuf Lake: A natural area perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, pedal boating, and tree-top adventure courses. La Gacilly: Discover the artisan village and its famous outdoor photography festival. The Carnac Alignments: Experience Brittany’s prehistoric heritage with these impressive megalithic stones, located less than an hour away. Book your stay at Domaine de Kerioche at Rochefort en Terre and immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of Rochefort-en-Terre and its surroundings!

This area by the lake is heaven for fishermen, numerous to come to tickle black-basses and pikes. Everything is laid out: parking-lot for cars and recreational vehicles, picnic tables, bridges and wild landscapes.

The small manor Des Portes is rebuilt in the 19th century by the Danican family, St-Malo shipowners. In 1978 it becomes the municipal town-hall after having been bought a few years earlier. The park, surrounded by high stone walls is a leisure area nowadays. It houses a few children's games and an agreable camping site, most of the year. It is also a place where the flowers abound, the village actually obtained a regional prize for its flowering and is proud to have the 1flower label.

The sports field (foot-ball, tennis...), strawberry fields and a camper-van area can be found there.

The "Les Cottages de La Baule" estate offers accommodation for sale and covers around 3.5 hectares. It comprises around sixty plots, a large heated swimming pool and a children's play area. The Chalets FABRE cottages are timber-framed, with single-sloped roofs and a contemporary design. They blend in perfectly with their wooded surroundings, surrounded by shady, leafy paths. The cottages are set in leafy, wooded surroundings, offering peace and quiet. Nature at the gateway to the city! Several Domaines close to La Baule are also being marketed on the southern tip of Finistère, in Morbihan and in Vendée. All our other destinations are available at natureetresidencevillage.com/nos-programmes/

Enjoy a comfortable stay in a large family house (140m2) located 300m from the sea on a fenced and wooded. The rental sleeps up to 10 people. On the ground floor: a bright living room with lounge / living room and fully equipped kitchen, a double bedroom, a toilet, a bathroom, a garage. Upstairs: 4 bedrooms (2 rooms with twin beds, 1 bedroom with a double bed, 1 bedroom with a 180x200 bed and a cot), a toilet, a shower room. Equipment comfort: nursery equipment, washing machine, dishwasher, freezer, TV, DVD player, internet access. Outside, you can enjoy equipped with a garden terrace, sunbathing, barbecue, swings, table tennis, petanque.