Discover Bourseul, Côtes-d'Armor, Bretagne

When arriving in Saint-Méloir-des-Bois, you will be taken by the authentic and preserved aspect of this village from Brittany. The village boasts, since 2000, the certification of “Commune du Patrimoine rural de Bretagne” (Village of the Rural Heritage of Brittany), which shines a light on the existence of an architectural, landscape, ethnological and historical heritage which permits to understand the land and its inhabitants. From its environmental action (Agenda 21) and its preserved countryside, it is also crowned « Village Nature ». Finally, it won prizes for the quality of its flowers and obtained a third flower at the Flowered Towns and Villages contest in 2013. This short itinerary allows each and everyone to discover this charming village. (The proposed itineraries are given as an indication and don’t take into account the possible evolution of the ground or the environment. The use of these itineraries is, therefore, of the individual responsibility of the users, the Office de Tourisme disengages itself from any responsibility towards the use of the map and of potential incidents that may occur on the proposed circuits).

This educational path and its signs that you are about to discover were pade by Plancoët's Public School, through a Nature Régional Territorial contract "For the valorisation of the biodiversity and of the natural heritage of Plancoët." This Nature contract, that took place between 2011 and 2014, had as principal objectives to : - Getting to know and promote the regional biodiversity's quality and its relations with the geo-diversity through flora and fauna invetories (vertebrate and invertebrate) and through geological studies in order to categorise habitats and their evolution, their relations with the underground, the ground's nature and of the hydrogeology of the site... - Offer management solution for the site by concertation amongst the owners for its quality to be kept and its heritage to be valorised through a work of appropriation by the great public and educational initiative while taking into account local economical activities. http://bio-scene.org/content/tertre-de-brandefer (The suggested circuits are given as an indication and do not take into account the possible terrain or environment evolution. The users’ personal responsibility is engaged by the use of these circuits, the Office de tourisme disengages itself from any responsibility regarding the use of the maps and possible accidents that may occur on the proposed itinerary.)

Do you think you know Plancoët well enough? Let the town surprise you! You’ll be surprised by the maritime heritage, the edifices and architectural details of this lovely flowered village-centre between sea and countryside. The Breton origin of the name Plancoët means, according to Plancoët born poetes; Marie-Paule Salonne, “Land of the Wood” (The suggested circuits are given as an indication and do not take into account the possible terrain or environment evolution. The users’ personal responsibility is engaged by the use of these circuits, the Office de tourisme disengages itself from any responsibility regarding the use of the maps and possible accidents that may occur on the proposed itinerary.)

Nazareth district was attached to Plancoët as late as 1841. Before then, it was an important hamlet of Corseul, the Roman city. The central rue de l'Abbaye, with its preserved architecture, is one of the oldest streets of the town. This bank of the Arguenon River is the theater of the first steps of great Romantic author: François-René de Chateaubriand. François-René de Chateaubriand was born in St Malo on Septembre 4th 1768 and was buried, as he asked, at the Grand Bé, in front of St Malo, July 19th 1848. Feeble newborn, he spent his early childhood "at Plancoët's fresh air' where his grand-mother, Madame de Bedée placed him in a nanny's care. He stayed there for approximately three years, then it was Saint-Malo and Combourg, Dol, Rennes and Dinan's schools from where, adolescent, he comes to visit his family. He's the witness of his kin's happiness... This walk follow the circuit that Chateaubriand's mother and grand-mother took between la Bouëtardaye manor, the rented house of Rue de l'Abbaye and Nazareth church. (These suggested itineraries are given as an indication and don't take the possible evolution of the grounds or the environment into account. The use of these circuits is, therefore, left to the personal responsability of the users, the Office de tourisme disengages itself of any responsability towards the use of the maps and the possible accidents that might occur on the offered itinerary).

Go and discover a village-centre that will know how to surprise you From the centre animated by the shops and its Sunday market, to its buildings show casing the use of local granite, you'll wander to original natural spaces. There are no signs along this itinerary. (The proposed circuits are given as an indication and do not take into account the possible evolution of the grounds or the environment. The use of these itineraries is therefore left to the individual and personal responsability of the users, the Office de tourisme disengages itself from any responsability as to the use of the maps and the eventual accidents that may occur on the given itineraries.)

An island joins itself to land Island, isn’t really no more But the essential still remains... The sea is ever-present North, West,South,East, She left her mark on nature She left her mark on men Summer for her beaches Winter for her landscapes All year round for her breath of fresh air Saint-Jacut wants itself intimate and friendly, opened and secretive, above all ___ See you soon for a singular holiday. This great tour of the peninsula is meant for hikers; it can be discovered through two distinct paths of a 6km/3.7miles distance. Let yourself be energised and jump in a great bath of sea spray, sun and, according to the season, sea water. Have a nice discovery (The suggested circuits are given as an indication and do not take into account the possible terrain or environment evolution. The users’ personal responsibility is engaged by the use of these circuits, the office de tourisme disengages itself from any responsibility regarding the use of the maps and possible accidents that may occur on the proposed itinerary.)

Fital Vakanties’s criteria: - Accommodation: hotels *** (high capacity) - Type of clientele : seniors/groups - Length of stay: 8 to 15 days - Km/day: 45 to 60km, easy roads - Any type of circuit

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.

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 a sensational hour at the Piloting School in Rennes. Accompanied by an instructor, take control of a tourist airplane! Spend a sensational hour at the Piloting School in Rennes and take control of a tourist airplane while accompanied by an instructor,  Make the most of this activity for two and soar through the air. Learn the theoretical basics of piloting a tourist airplane from your instructor. You will be taught how to taxi, take off, turn and land. Before taking off, you will learn all about the plane as explained by your teacher. Then, led by your pilot-guide, take turns sitting at the helm of the plane and taxi on the runway towards the take-off point. Once in the air, you will feel the thrill of flying through the clouds and take in splendid views of Brittany’s landscapes. Treat yourself by choosing this activity for two and have a sensational experience at the helm of a tourist airplane!

Accompanied by your instructor, spend 15 exciting minutes at the Piloting School in Rennes. You will immediately take control of a tourist airplane! Accompanied by your instructor, spend 15 exciting minutes at the Piloting School in Rennes. Then, you will immediately take control of a tourist airplane. Led by your pilot-guide, taxi on the runway towards the take-off point. At take-off time, the pilot will take the controls then let you continue going upwards. Once in the air, you will feel the thrill of flying through the clouds. You can even do some turns, ascents and descents. Take in splendid views of Brittany’s landscapes and enjoy the unique experience of being at the controls. Start your descent towards the runway where your instructor will take back the controls for a short while to land before letting you taxi towards the airport’s parking lot. Treat yourself to this sensational experience at the helm of a tourist airplane!

Spend an unforgettable hour at the Piloting School in Rennes. Take control of a tourist airplane with an instructor. Spend an unforgettable hour at the Piloting School in Rennes and take control of a tourist airplane while accompanied by an instructor. Make the most of this activity and soar through the air. Learn the theoretical basics of piloting a tourist airplane from your instructor. You will be taught how to taxi, take off, turn and land. Before taking off, you will learn all about the plane as explained by your teacher. Then, led by your pilot-guide, sit at the helm of the plane and taxi on the runway towards the take-off point. Once in the air, you will feel the thrill of flying through the clouds. Take in splendid views of Brittany’s landscapes and enjoy the unique experience of being at the controls. Treat yourself by choosing this activity and have a sensational experience at the helm of a tourist airplane!

Take off on board an ultralight trike or autogyro and take in the breathtaking views over Mont Saint-Michel! TAKE OFF ON BOARD AN ULTRALIGHT TRIKE OR AUTOGYRO AND TAKE IN THE BREATHTAKING VIEWS OVER MONT SAINT-MICHEL! Mont Saint-Michel, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, rises up in the heart of a vast bay invaded by the biggest tides in Europe and offers visitors some spectacular scenery. In the company of a qualified pilot, fly away for a tour of this renowned site! Take in the views of its medieval architecture, the area’s flora and fauna and the beautiful coastal scenery. This is an out-of-the-ordinary way of seeing the Wonder of the Western World!

Fly over Mont Saint-Michel Bay on an ultralight trike or autogyro and explore its incredible scenery! FLY OVER MONT SAINT-MICHEL BAY ON AN ULTRALIGHT TRIKE OR AUTOGYRO AND EXPLORE ITS INCREDIBLE SCENERY! Mont Saint-Michel, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its medieval architecture and ideal location in the heart of a vast bay invaded by the biggest tides in Europe. In the company of an experienced guide, set off to discover this world-famous site. On an ultralight trike or autogyro, fly all the way around Mont Saint-Michel and take in the panoramic views of the bay and the cliffs of Champeaux. Discover the local flora and fauna and enjoy the adrenaline rush over this historical, cultural and natural site!

Small house with exceptional facilities and comfortable bedding Everything you need for a getaway or holiday, whether solo or with the family. For your peace and quiet, the 250m² garden is enclosed. Outdoor games: children's swing, table tennis, table football. Garden furniture and large awning. The ground floor features a living room with fireplace, 120cm television, comfortable sofa, fitted kitchen area and a toilet. Upstairs: a master bedroom with a 160*200 bed, complemented by a mezzanine landing with two good beds and a curtain for privacy. Shower room with washbasin and toilet. All the facilities of a 3 épis gîte. In the centre of Pontmain, 1km from the gîte, all shops and services. Departure point for walks. Pontmain, a Marian city, is a famous place of pilgrimage. The Chênedet leisure centre offers swimming, canoeing, tree climbing and the Ange Michel amusement park for all ages. At the gateway to Brittany and Normandy, 15 minutes from Fougères and 40 minutes from Mont Saint Michel. Business stays: 2 people maximum 1 and 2-night stays: arrival 4pm - departure 4pm From 3 nights: arrival 4pm - departure 10am

This manor is private and is not opened to visits. This is the native home to Chateaubriand's mother: Apolline de Bedée. François-René de Chateaubruand's parents actually married in Bourseul's church in 1753 and lived in this house for three years. The main house dates back to the end of the 16th, beginning of the 17th century. The chapel was built in the 17th century in place of the first one which was from the 14th century. They had as a servant, an Angolan nammed "La France" baptised and buried in Bourseul under the name of Eugène. "The good La France, my father's valet shared with la Villeneuve part of my affection." (extract from Memories of my Life)

You are arriving, after taking a path, by a stream in front of a rock. Imagine the young Chateaubriand coming here two centuries earlier to take a nap and let himself dream. Facing him, the marshes werein water which the warm summer days turned into mist, favourable to dreams. That's here that he had the vision of druidess Velléda, Romantic figure of the "martyrs". "Soldiers warned me that for a few days a woman exited the wood at the beginning of night, went up alone in a bark and crossed the lake, got down on the opposite bank and disappeared. Hidden amongst the rocks, I waited for a few moments without seeing anything appear. (...) I discover a skiff hanging on the top of a wave, a woman lead it; she was singing whilst fighting the storm, she looked like she was playing amongst the winds; one would have said they were under her powers, so much was she appearing to challenge them. (...) Soon she reaches the shore, soars to terra firma, goes deep into the woods. She passed by me without seeing me. She was tall of height, a black tunique, short with no leaves, barely served as a veil on her nakedness. She was carrying a golden sickle hung to a bronze belt and was crowned of a oak tree branch. The whiteness of her arms and of her skin, her blue eyes, her pink lips, her long blond hair floating freely, told of the daughter of the Gaulish, and contrasted by their softness to her proud and wilde gate. She sang with a melodious voice terrible words and her bare breast fell and rose as the waters' foam." (Extract from Martyrs)

A small chapel from the 13th century is replaced in the 19th century by the current church, still surrounded today by a enclos paroissial, (church presinct), financed by the “fabrique” (Group of religious people and clergymen who rule on the church’s goods and finances). Some of the paving stones are marked by the coat of arms of Saint-Méloir, of Tréal; by the baptismal font, and of Du Bois-Adam. The lateral door on the noon side is topped by a stoned Madonna with bird of the 15th century (cl. M. H. 1956). Inside, the golden copper monstrance was given to Saint-Méloir by Napoléon III when touring Brittany in 1858. Inside the church presinct, a yew tree can be found; a tree worshiped by the Celts for its virtues of immortality.

These four columns have been standing on the square since 1961 only. One of them, moved from the La Barbotais village in 1825, is meant to have been a milestone on the Etrat Roman road between Corseul and Vannes (Morbihan). Another one might have been used as an altar for sacrifices, recent research suggests, however, that it was reused as a font by the Church, a common practise to reuse pagan ruins. The last two could have belonged to a long gone Roman monument. The taller one bears theses writings : “IMP. CAES. AVONIO-VICTORINO. P.E.P.I.S.C.O.L.E.V.C”. One of the possible translations would be: ‘To the Emperor Caesar Avonius Victorinus, pious, fortunate, invincible prince, his ambassador dedicates and consecrates this monument.’ Not far from there, you can visit with your family, in Corseul, the Centre d’Interprétation du Patrimoine CORIOSOLIS and many remnants of these Gallo-Roman times.

The starting point is in front of the mairie. The village-centre is caracterised by a well united architectural style from the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. Fifty years back, the majority of these houses were shops (bars, grocery store...).

The bakehouse is an essential part of rural life; the more important villages used to have many across their territory. Batches were anticipated. The bundles of wood were prepared during winter at the "ragossage" (winter trimming of the trees, leaving only the trunk). Les "chauffous" (men heating the oven) kept the fire going for a full night, before the inside of the oven, whitened by head, was considered ready. The villagers then brought their loaves to share a convivial moment, explaining the French expression "Ramener ses miches." to bring ones loaves over", a familiar expression to say someone is coming over, "miches" (loaves) becoming therefore an argotic term for "bottom". This oven, from the village-centre, is still in working order. During village fêtes, the oven is sometimes used.

The French Revolution area was a trouble one for this Chouan village. Renamed, it even lost its statute of "commune" for a century. Nonetheless, the Republic is celebrated by this symbolic tree, planted at the two-hundredth anniversary.

The old presbytery consists of a hip roofed house, enclosed by a wall and a front porch.

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

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)

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.

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.

When on the Landouar square, go up on the left of the Grande Rue and go back to the office. The Grande Rue, (Main Street), was, for a long time, the only way called “rue”; the other were paths or roads. On this main road, rare houses show only their façades. Right or left the “rangées” (rows of houses) are aligned. At the end of the Impasse du Paradis (Heaven’s dead end) you’ll meet Saint Christopher, protector of the travelers. This granite statue from the 15th century proves how long he was celebrated in Jaguen territory.

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

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.

After the Plage des Haas, the costal path follows the abbey’s park. A gate allows you to access this private property and discover its remarkable edifice. History and legend tell us that in the 5th century, two twin monks, Jacut and Guéthenoc, arrived on this peninsula called « Landoac » looking for a fitting place to create a hermitage. A Benedictine monastery was established there and had a great influence on the region’s development and evolution until the French Revolution. Sold as Bien National (National Good), sold again many times, the abbey knows many vicissitudes and different uses (Border guard caserns, home to a wealthy foreign family...). In 1875, the monastery’s ruins are bought by the Congrégation des Sœur de l’Immaculée: a religious order from St-Méen-le-Grand (Ille-et-Vilaine), they’ll turn it into a nursing home for the nuns and a free school for the children of the area. The restoration starts right away. To finance the school, the nuns host, firstly the British tourists who came, under doctor’s orders, to take sea water and hot algae baths. They stream in right from 1876. That’s the start of the “guesthouse”. Along the years, the summer holiday goers keep growing in numbers; the nuns develop the hotel capacities of the Abbey and diversify the activities and the hosting: the Abbey is now a guesthouse and a high place of cultural and spiritual encounters. Please respect the environment and the quietness of the residents.

Opening 03/04/2020 > 27/09/2020 Huttopia Baie du Mont St Michel campsite welcomes you for a stay in the heart of Brittany on the edge of a lake in the midst of the countryside. Located near Saint Malo and Mont St Michel, enjoy a holiday of sightseeing, swimming in the pool, walks and family activities.