KELTIC VAN: Exploring Plougonven, Finistère

Leaving from the old railway station of Coatélan, this circuit follows along the Morlaix-Carhaix Green Way (‘voie verte’), passing along the River Jarlot, ideal for a tranquil start. When you come out of the Green Way, you’ll be in the middle of Plourin countryside.

In the heart of the Douron Valley, classed as a Natura 2000 site, you’ll find a walk that takes you over various bridges: a Celtic bridge, a railway bridge, and a modern 4-lane bridge. You’ll certainly be tempted to sop and admire the wildlife in the valley and the river or simply spend time strolling in the shade of the trees, lulled by the sound of the river.

This little outing in the countryside around Plourin will take you through the ages: a Celtic bridge marks the start of a beautiful rise in one of the loveliest sunken paths in the region. This route was once followed by ‘pilhaouerien’, rag-and-bone men who travelled through the countryside gathering fabric to feed the region’s paper-mills.

This walking circuit through Queffleuth Valley offers the chance to see how the landscapes have evolved since the 19th century, as well as how they’ve been used. Follow in the footsteps of Potic the Pilhaouër (the rag-and-bone man) through the Arrée Mountains. Along the way, you’ll discover mills, rivers, woodlands and irrigated meadows. This walk includes 6 sections that allow you to learn as you walk with your family. Here, everything possible is done to protect the biodiversity of flora, fauna and wetlands. You can ask for the booklet of this walk at Tourist Offices throughout Morlaix and its surrounding towns.

Starting in Morlaix's port, begin your walk by strolling on the docks and discovering the "Manufacture des tabacs". Then, the trail takes you on the heights of Porz an trez, and across the wooden valley of Pennélé, important place of Morlaix's history. This lap come to Morlaix's river by the old monastery of "St François", and its gothic chapel, from the XVIth century. Then, you'll take an old track projecting over the river, and coming back to the port. This trail is available in the FFRandonnee's topoguide "Le pays de Morlaix à pied" (ref. 298).

A walk around the lands that once belonged to Conomor, a medieval ruler also known as the Breton Bluebeard, who fought Juduël in a bloody battle at Brank-Hallec in 554AD. In more recent times, this area has been famous for Trédudon-le-Moine, France’s first Resistance village.

The Deer Circuit

From the car park at Porz ar Villiec beach, take the GR34 coastal path leading to the Pointe du Château. Follow the path around this coastal point (accessible to those of reduced mobility) and past the ‘Hôtel de la plage’, the 12th-century St-Jacques Church and then you’ll reach the port. The pathway continues along the coast to the bottom of the bay. The second part of the circuit takes you through the countryside of Locquirec, before meeting the Moulin de la rive beach. Here, you pick up the coastal path once more (known as the Customs Officers’ Trail) and head to the white sandy beaches, before climbing one last point to complete your walk.

Park in the centre of La Feuillée. The old Rosporden/Plouescat railway line covered 132 km and 24 stations, and the ‘Train Patate’ (Spud train) ran along these rails from 1912 to 1932 transporting passengers and goods, often including a lot of potatoes – hence its name. It will take you to the top of the Arrée Mountains, from where you can follow several sunken pathways, all as beautiful as each other, until you head back to La Feuillée.

Large car park near the old train station of Plouescat / Rosporden. You’ll start your circuit by passing in front of the archaeological site ‘Ti Ar Boudiged’, with a prehistoric stone slab sating back to 3000BC, before following part of the ancient Roman Road. Further on, a pretty stone bridge takes you across the River Elez. Next, there’s Ménez Du hill, from where you can see the crests of the Arrée Mountains, from Roch Trédudon and as far as Mont St Michel, before following part of a former railway that will take you back to Brennilis.

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!

Stay in Audierne, Bay of Douarnenez: Accommodation and Must-See Attractions Audierne, nestled in the stunning Bay of Douarnenez, is the perfect destination for a getaway combining nature, relaxation, and exploration. This Breton gem will captivate you with its authentic charm and variety of activities. Accommodation in Audierne Audierne offers a wide range of accommodations to suit all budgets: seaside hotels with breathtaking views, cozy guesthouses, and traditional cottages. There are also vacation rentals ideal for families or groups of friends. Must-See Attractions Bay of Douarnenez: Perfect for swimming, fishing, or boat trips. Audierne Harbor: A great spot to sample local specialties and enjoy the lively quayside. Esquibien Lighthouse: Enjoy stunning views over the Atlantic Ocean. Pointe du Van: A natural site with breathtaking panoramas. The Fishing Museum: Learn about the region’s maritime history. Book your stay in Audierne and experience an unforgettable getaway in the Bay of Douarnenez!

The Castle of la Hunaudaye was built around 1220 by Olivier de Tournemine then rebuilt at the beginning of the 15th century. During the Middle-Ages, la Hunaudaye was one of the most important seigneury of Penthièvre and its castle established the power of its owners, the Tournemines. Said Tournemines were also the lords of Plancoët and Montafilan (Corseul). Even if the Arguenon River can't be seen from the top of the towers, it is close by, 2km away. The castle was actually built to protect the banks of the Arguenon River and protect Penthièvre on its west border. In the area, the roads allowed the merchants to take part in the local fairs (St-Jean). The mills along the river allowed farmers to grind grain and trample clothes. Today, the old medieval roads are paths to access the fields, the fairs have disappeared and the mills wer flooded by the construction of Pleven dam. In spite of the French Revolution's destructions and the castle being turned into a stone quarry, the defensive system remains imposing. The castle was recently restaured making its visit much agreeable.

This village already existed during the Middle-Ages. It was kept busy by the markets held every Monday. The Tournemine family had an auditory there, a building to give justice in during the market day. Today there are no traces of this medieval past, but the traces of the old window of the old chapel. This chapel was destroyed during the 1950's since it threatened to fall down. During works old graves were found around the chapel.

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.

This delightful area allows you to enjoy the quietness of the lake. You can picnic, fish or practise rowing here.

In Brittany, geology is mostly granitic. This type of under-ground carries an impermeable ground. Therefore, the Arguenon River has important meanders (unlike rivers and streams running on limestone in which water infiltrates much more easily). Therefore there are not many water tables in Brittany. That is one of the reasons that lead the Conseil Général to vote in 1972 the building of a dam downstream from Pléven and Plorec village-centres. Little by little a 200ha lake formed, surrounded by forest. The dam capacity is estimated to be around 11.5 million m3. It's currently, in the Côtes d'Armor, the largest water reserve for human consumption. The pumper water is distributed by a 356km network of pipes to all the municipalities of the Syndicat Mixte Arguenon Penthièvre (S.M.A.P.), about 115 communes, over 200,000 inhabitants during summer. Consequently, the Arguenon river provides a third of les Côtes d'Armor in drinkable water. But, with the lake an other source of revenue appeared : leisure activities. The lake is indeed a high place for green tourism and nature sports afficionados: bathing lake, all terrain bicycle station, hiking paths. Forbidden to all motorised vehicles, the lake is a place of quietness for all those who seek relaxation.

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.

Mottes are the ancestors to castles. The never ending wars opposing Bretons and Franks and then Normands, lead to the construction of wooden castles on top of a "fortified motte". About fifty of them still remain in the Pays de Dinan (touristic area of Dinan). The motte was the sign of the lord's power, the larger it was, the more it dominated its fields and lands. It is thought that these fortresses which protected the landscapes of the Arguenon River are abandonned for a more modern structure: la Hunaudaye Castle.

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)

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.

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.

Restaurant and bar.

Ideally located restaurant, in the heart of Piriac and next to Saint Michel beach. The terrace offers a lovely view of the ocean.

Situated in the historic market town on a pretty pedestrian square, the crêperie offers traditional cuisine: crêpes, galettes and salads. A large terrace where children can stretch their legs in complete safety. Recommended by the Label Famille Plus.

Opening 30/04/2020 > 30/09/2020 Lovers of nature, water activities, the ocean, and tranquillity will be right in their element at Huttopia Douarnenez campsite, ideally located at the tip of Brittany. Relax and enjoy the breathtaking views from the pool over Douarnenez bay.

Stay in Audierne, Bay of Douarnenez: Accommodation and Must-See Attractions Audierne, nestled in the stunning Bay of Douarnenez, is the perfect destination for a getaway combining nature, relaxation, and exploration. This Breton gem will captivate you with its authentic charm and variety of activities. Accommodation in Audierne Audierne offers a wide range of accommodations to suit all budgets: seaside hotels with breathtaking views, cozy guesthouses, and traditional cottages. There are also vacation rentals ideal for families or groups of friends. Must-See Attractions Bay of Douarnenez: Perfect for swimming, fishing, or boat trips. Audierne Harbor: A great spot to sample local specialties and enjoy the lively quayside. Esquibien Lighthouse: Enjoy stunning views over the Atlantic Ocean. Pointe du Van: A natural site with breathtaking panoramas. The Fishing Museum: Learn about the region’s maritime history. Book your stay in Audierne and experience an unforgettable getaway in the Bay of Douarnenez!

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.

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

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.

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!