Saint-malo, Ille-et-Vilaine, Bretagne

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.)

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).

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.)

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).

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.)

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

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!

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!

Gite in Pontmain that can accomodate up to 4 people

When in rue du Châtelet, (the Office de tourisme is 150m farther on the right), go down left (on your left again you’ll see the port). Retrace your steps and follow the street to the Office de tourisme. The second half of the 19th century saw the creation of two ports in St-Jacut: one for summer and the mackerel fishing season: la Houle Causseul; the second one for winter, protected from the dangers of the sea: le Châtelet, where you can find a remarkable salt storage room. Both retain their authenticity. Even though it looks modest, St-Jacut was, in the 1930's, the second largest port of the Côtes-du-Nord, (Côtes d'Armor's former name)

It’s the « maqueriau » (mackerel) port where Saint Awawa was prayed to for fish. At the Houle port (10), go up the street and turn left after the residence and keep going.

Walk past the camping site and take the path through the dune above the beach. The name of this point is a reference to the judiciary powers of St-Jacut’s abbot in medieval times, abbot who had the “droit de gibet” (right to hang people) there. Today the only executions are the 14th of July fireworks. From this point, a very beautiful view of the maritime marshes of Beaussais, of Lancieux and the Châtelet harbour, is enjoyed. Continue towards the end of the bay and walk on the dike to the Zone Artisanale.

The name « plage du Rougeret » was given at the beginning of the last century. It isn’t because of the swimmers’ skin reddened by the sun (as the bodies were covered up then) but from wild grasses that had red flowers and are now extinct but were then all over the coast.

One of the Jaguens' favourite beaches during winter since it is protected from westerly winds. This beach is so named due to the numerous springs that, in olden days, "pissed" there in every season.

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.

The Grande Rue (Main Street) was the only road named rue for a long time, the other ones were paths or roads. On this main artery, rare houses only show their fronts. On the right and on the left, "rows" of houses are in line. The row is the base of social life in this maritime village. Families live next to each other in solidarity. The houses are adjoining for their inhabitants to face cold better. The fronts are facing the south, and there are few windows north to bring light. Therefore, the Main Street is made of a line of houses' sides of which the walls were, in olden days, almost blind. The "aires" (frontyards), facing the south, were used for every task regarding fishing. Stone basins are used for the preparation of "affare"; bait for mackerel made of shells and shrimps. It's also where fishing tools are made or prepared: nets, catching cages, baskets. Some walls contain animal bones in their apparatus. Stronger than wood and rust proof, they were used to hang fishnets to dry.

Grand Rue is the centre of the peninsula. That's where you will find most of the shops and restaurants. The Office de Tourisme is 250m away towards the Mairie. Less than a century ago, the village de l'Isle (Island village) was limited to this artery going from the abbey to the cross's junction. It was a very busy street, centre of every encounters; on each side of which stretched perpendicularly the famous "rangées" (rows), line of semidetached houses, facing south and blind north. This configuration allowed the fishermen's families to live from little. On the façades, behind the granite low walls, the fishnets and fishes were dried. (The rows are privates properties. Please respect the tranquillity of the inhabitants)

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.

There used to be only the one street in the village, on each side of which were perpendicularly aligned houses called “rangées” (“rows”). These small, one storied, adjoining fisher houses were all walled to the North in order to be protected from winds and opened to the South to benefit from the sun. Their closeness facilitated the Jaguens’ common life. The rows are private. Please respect the inhabitants’ quietness At the end of the row, go down the street to the stele de la Banche.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.