Explore Guidel Wonders at Camping Pen Er Malo

Starting point: place de la Mairie Tro Kreiz Ker, meaning a tour of the village in Breton, will take you along the edge of Gestel, through villages and woods, along paths and trails between towns. Along the route, discover its history and development, its church and its crosses, small architectural curiosities, the wooded domain of Lain and the garden of the senses. You are walking in natural, private sites. Remain on the marked paths, respect nature, infrastructures and cultivated areas. For your comfort and safety, wear suitable hiking clothing. "Certain allergenic species may be present along hiking trails, such as grasses, birch, alder, mugwort, ragweed, and olive trees. To plan your outings, you can consult the pollen monitoring data for the Lorient Agglomeration area and the recommended precautions to take via this link: https://www.lorient-agglo.bzh/actus/suivi-des-pollens/ "

Start: Domaine du Lain (access Rue de Lesbin and Allée du Lain near the church). Wander through woods and shady paths, from the Domaine du Lain to the Etang du Verger, along the river Scave and the Moulin de Kerrousseau stream. Discover the natural, historical heritage of these protected areas. On the way back, stroll through the estate’s gardens and admire remarkable trees that are more than a hundred years old. You are walking in natural, private sites. Remain on the marked paths, respect nature, infrastructures and cultivated areas. For your comfort and safety, wear suitable hiking clothing. Certain allergenic species may be present along hiking trails, such as grasses, birch, alder, mugwort, ragweed, and olive trees. To plan your outings, you can consult the pollen monitoring data for the Lorient Agglomeration area and the recommended precautions to take via this link: https://www.lorient-agglo.bzh/actus/suivi-des-pollens/

Start: Kerruisseau village car park Close to the town of Quéven, this walk takes you along paths circling the Val Quéven Golf Course, through woods and fields, and alongside streams. You can discover the historic Kerrousseau estate, situated on a promontory overlooking the lush Scave Valley. You will be hiking across natural and private land. Please stay on the marked paths and respect nature, the facilities, and cultivated plots. For your comfort and safety, ensure you have appropriate hiking gear.

Starting point:Stadium car park Starting from the historic town of Pont-Scorff, walk along the wild Scorff estuary, follow the Saint-Urchaut stream and the old railway line. On the way back, stroll through the narrow streets, discover the Cour des Métiers d'Art and its crafts people, contemporary art spaces and landscaped gardens. You are walking in natural, private sites. Remain on the marked paths, respect nature, infrastructures and cultivated areas. For your comfort and safety, wear suitable hiking clothing. Certain allergenic species may be present along hiking trails, such as grasses, birch, alder, mugwort, ragweed, and olive trees. To plan your outings, you can consult the pollen monitoring data for the Lorient Agglomeration area and the recommended precautions to take via this link: https://www.lorient-agglo.bzh/actus/suivi-des-pollens/

Leaving from the port of Doëlan, explore the most beautiful scenery in this cove and discover all that this site with its many stories has to tell. Between sea views and protected paths, the port of Doëlan lets you discover its past. To help you on your walk, the Yellow No. 1 signposts will also be able to guide you.

Starting point: Old train station of Quéven, near Anatole France primary school. A Natura 2000 site, the Scorff estuary is a haven of peace just a stone's throw from the city of Lorient. Through woods, salt marshes, and reedbeds, let yourself be guided along the wild banks of the Scorff and Scave rivers, between fresh and salt water. A walk in the heart of nature with enchanting landscapes. You will be hiking on private natural sites. Stay on the marked trails, respect nature, the facilities, and cultivated fields. For your comfort and safety, equip yourself with appropriate hiking gear

Starting point : Church car park The Cléguer walk will talk you along the river Scorff, a coastal river that rises in the Côtes-d’Armor department and passes through the Morbihan. Between the town and Bas Pont-Scorff, you will pass through some remarkable nature, between woodlands and fields. Chapels and mills will tell the history of its inhabitants. You are walking in natural, private sites. Remain on the marked paths, respect nature, infrastructures and cultivated areas. For your comfort and safety, wear suitable hiking clothing. "Certain allergenic species may be present along hiking trails, such as grasses, birch, alder, mugwort, ragweed, and olive trees. To plan your outings, you can consult the pollen monitoring data for the Lorient Agglomeration area and the recommended precautions to take via this link: https://www.lorient-agglo.bzh/actus/suivi-des-pollens/ "

Discover the GR 34 and its customs house. Yellow signposted walking loop No. 1

Starting point: Saint-Mathurin Ploemeur lakeside car park Close to the urban centre of Lorient and the sea, this walk is ideal for families: it will take you over 89 hectares of natural environments, along paths built in the 1970s around two lakes. You will appreciate the contrast between the shady green alleys and the mirror of the sea reflecting the blue sky. You are walking in natural, private sites. Remain on the marked paths, respect nature, infrastructures and cultivated areas. For your comfort and safety, wear suitable hiking clothing. Certain allergenic species may be present along hiking trails, such as grasses, birch, alder, mugwort, ragweed, and olive trees. To plan your outings, you can consult the pollen monitoring data for the Lorient Agglomeration area and the recommended precautions to take via this link: https://www.lorient-agglo.bzh/actus/suivi-des-pollens/

Departure: Jean Le Goulias carpark behind the church Tro glas Kaodan by Kergoff, “Caudan’s green belt” in Breton, is a variant of the circuit that does not go through Kerbéban.It will take you along hidden paths between towns and villages, along the Plessis stream and through the woods. An unexpected nature walk, revealing the ancient history and transformation of Caudan since the 1939-1945 war. You are walking in natural, private sites. Remain on the marked paths, respect nature, infrastructures and cultivated areas. For your comfort and safety, wear suitable hiking clothing. "Certain allergenic species may be present along hiking trails, such as grasses, birch, alder, mugwort, ragweed, and olive trees. To plan your outings, you can consult the pollen monitoring data for the Lorient Agglomeration area and the recommended precautions to take via this link: https://www.lorient-agglo.bzh/actus/suivi-des-pollens/ "

Urban development usually gives rise to clean travel, using more and more green spaces and nature. Here, a stabilized path runs along Pont er Ber stream which rises in this area and joins the river Scave, one of the main tributaries of the river Scorff. Majestic birch trees with pearly white bark grow alongside willows, a reminder of the wetland which with the Pont er Ber, plays a fundamental role in the water cycle. The wetland acts like a sponge, storing rainwater in winter. It limits flooding and returns the water to the river during dry periods. Acting like a natural filter, the soil and plants that develop here help to improve the quality of the water by eliminating pollution.  

A comparison of aerial views of the town of Gestel in 1950 and in 2020 reveals how much the place has changed. In 1960, the village boundaries were drawn around the church and the town hall, the roads and the railway, surrounded by meadows and cultivated fields surrounded by embankments. Then, like communes near the main traffic routes, bordering Lorient and the seaside, Gestel grew rapidly, especially in the second half of the 20th century. Ranging from 400 to 500 people between 1793 and 1968, the population rose rapidly after 1975. It passed the 1,500 mark in 1982 and currently has 2,700 inhabitants. The various phases of construction can be seen in the architecture of the areas passed through. From 1960 onwards, many housing estates with detached houses with large gardens grew up on this side of the railway. Urban renewal continues today on the outskirts of the town with a variety of individual houses on smaller plots, and private and collective social housing for single-parent families and individuals.

Passing along the raised railway tracks and using the stone structure to cross it, it is easy to see how much this infrastructure has divided the rural territory of Gestel in two. On this side, the open landscape, with its meadows where cows graze and vast cultivated plots, offers a panoramic view of the countryside. It is a sign of farming and how it grew over the second half of the 20th century. While the patchwork of fields and hedges is still visible, smaller plots once surrounded with wooded embankments planted with apple trees, have been merged into larger fields, and the embankments flattened to make way for large farm machinery. Agriculture is no longer the primary activity in Gestel, which mainly has secondary and service jobs, although a third of the territory remains listed as Useful Agricultural Surface. The town is committed to limiting future urban growth, to preserving land and farm buildings, to encouraging diversified agricultural activities, farm sales, tourism, etc.

The name of Gestel supposedly comes from the Breton “Guestel” or “Yestel” which means “house of deer”. Modest in size with 625 hectares, in the 14th century, Gestel was part of the nearby parish of Quéven before becoming a part of the parish of Lesbin Pont-Scorff in the 15th century. Since the third quarter of the 17th century at least, it has had its own church and minister who exercised his functions without the title of rector. In 1790, Gestel was promoted to the status of a commune attached to the canton of Pont-Scorff and on 26th January 1820 became an independent parish. In 1814, the roads converged in a star towards the church and cemetery, surrounded by a few buildings. The village stretches to the north-east with a dozen buildings along the road to Pont-Scorff. There are also about fifteen small hamlets.

Probably dating from the end of the 17th century, the second cross, also on a monolithic base and an ashlar plinth with a step, is also chamfered and ringed. The crosspiece has a carved Christ on the front and a skull and crossbones on the back. Passing through the villages of Kerlédan and Penfrat, you will perhaps see what remains of the old stone farms of the 18th and 19th centuries, a house with living rooms upstairs, a barn with its cart door, an oven, a well and a trough. Under the Ancien Régime, Penfrat was the seat of one of the three seigneuries of Gestel. It belonged to the du Plessis family, also found in Kerouarc'h and Kermartin in Guidel. There are no remaining signs of this past, except perhaps the path to the windmill which you will take shortly. Less common than water mills, windmills located on the heights, were the property of the nobility.

In September 1863, the railway arrived in Gestel with the opening of the Lorient-Quimper section of the Savenay - Landerneau line. Passing through the town, it gave Gestel a railway station. From then on, farmers of the area used it to supply the markets of Lorient with fresh produce: butter, eggs, apples, etc. The single-story building is in keeping with the style used in sixteen of the line's stations, alternating red brick and white tufa stone. It also has a goods shed and a platform shelter built with the same materials. During the Second World War, a second track was created to transport construction materials to Kerlin Bastard airport, now known as Lann Bihoué. These additions were spared by the Allied bombing. The track to Lann Bihoué, repaired urgently and then restored in 1955, was removed in the 1980s and redeveloped as a hiking trail, the one you are on now. The arrival of the TGV Atlantique and the electrification of the line in 1991 and 1992 also brought much change. The overflow tracks were removed, the station and its hall destroyed, and all freight traffic has ceased. Gestel is now a small SNCF stop served by the local TER Bretagne train.

From the end of the Middle Ages, villages started to emerge with the gradual setting up of traffic routes. These routes linked the villages to the fountains, fields, manor, town, and created links between villages.  The pathways were created by peasants who dug a trench and used the soil and stones to build the embankments, comprised of dry stones. Planted with trees, they took on their name of sunken paths, as they were eroded over time and dug out by the rains.

Kergornet chapel was a flamboyant Gothic style edifice from the third quarter of the 15th century, destroyed by bombing in 1944 and rebuilt in 1952. It was built thanks to the generosity of the nearby lords of Vergier and Kermorvan, and its nave was enlarged in 1649 by lord Le Lain. A square bell tower was added in 1786, to the north semi-transept in the 19th century. The present building, which has been reused, retains some of these elements, such as a niche in the interior ogee or the coats of arms of the founding lords on the west elevation, symbolised by a greyhound wearing the shield and a dog wearing a helmet. The largely original north porch gives an idea of the architectural quality of the primitive building: a door flanked by pinnacles and surmounted by an ogee adorned with cabbages, corbels adorned with grimacing masks, men's and women's heads. The Christ on the cross, dates from 1662. Below the village, the devotional fountain is a triangular wall topped by a cross, and is extended by a wash-house which was refurbished in the 20th century. Kergornet was a very popular place of pilgrimage. On May 1st, wet nurses came to pray to the Virgin and Child to have good milk. Its 17th century statue, now kept in the church, shows Mary breastfeeding the infant Jesus; a fairly common representation in Brittany, although few examples have survived over the centuries.

The church of Notre-Dame des Fleurs was built in 1959 reusing the columns from the choir and aisles, the base of the choir and the sacristies of a building destroyed during the war in 1944. The latter was built in 1896 on the site of a Latin cross church from the third quarter of the 17th century which included a porch on the south side and an ossuary for human bones. We do not know its former name, but we do know that in 1773, the new master of Lain, Julien-Louis Monistrol, had his private chapel blessed. The enclosure from this period remains, formerly around the cemetery, the monumental sculpted cross with Christ dating 1660 and some ruins, around the building and in the presbytery garden: tombstones and fragments of columns. Inside the church, you can also see a 17th-century Holy Family. This carved representation of Joseph, Mary and Jesus, from a long-gone altarpiece, is quite rare in Brittany. Also not very common, this 17th-century nursing Virgin called N.D. de Kergornet, coming from the chapel of the same name, very famous for its pardon when nursing mothers would come on 1st May to pray to her for Good Milk. With the railway, this pilgrimage, as well as the one to Notre-Dame des Fleurs, was very popular. The moment of the arrival of a train has been immortalized on a 20th-century postcard: a crowd of pilgrims disembarks from the carriages to join the festivities. Adjacent to the church, the presbytery of the ternary type, was built in 1828, as carved on the lintel over the main door. An inscription on the outbuilding used as a woodshed and built at right angles to the north reads “LA MAISON ND DES FLEURS FAIT PAR P. REMONT”. This priest's house replaces an older building, listed on the 1818 land registry with an oven on the western gable. It was extended by one bay in 1892.

Heading up the rue de Quéven, on the right you can see a washhouse fed by a spring now hidden in a covered semi-circular structure. Once used as a watering place for the inhabitants, this fountain, forming a stream that joins the Lain, was probably extended by a washhouse at the end of the 19th century or at the beginning of the 20th century, a favourable time for these constructions, partly financed by the State in order to develop hygiene. Consisting of two basins, a small one for rinsing and a larger one for washing, this structure of cement and stone, has undergone several transformations. In 2020, the site was refurbished with shale paving and landscaping. Higher up, you can see several two-story houses, built in front of the old station between the last quarter of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century. These houses are of the ternary style, i.e. formed of three bays, and have the same characteristics: symmetrical rectangular bays in segmental arch ordered with a door and two windows on the ground floor, three windows on the first floor. Two of these buildings have six bays and several doors, one of which is a carriage door. These were old hostels built to accommodate travellers, recalling the impact of the arrival of the railway on the town. New visitors also led to the opening of many inns and a post office at the corner of the streets of Kergornet and Moustoiric. This is when Théophile Viollet du Breuil, inspector of the Ponts et Chaussées, in charge of the railway line, bought the Château du Lain in 1871.

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

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.

"Les Ventripotes" offers a choice of burgers, sandwiches, foccacia, poke bowls, ice creams and waffles to eat in or take away.

A place not to be missed, with 100% Breton charm, this crêperie with character welcomes you on its terrace in summer and by its open fireplace in winter. On the menu: crêpes, galettes and ice creams made with fresh local produce, in the traditional way.

Situated on the harbour, lovely sea views from a magnificent terrace. Bar with live music during the summer. Ideal for a break with friends or family.

Located on the port of Piriac, La Vigie restaurant and its team welcome you to a warm and friendly setting. La Vigie brasserie offers refined traditional cuisine, prepared mainly from fresh produce, which you can enjoy in one of our two dining rooms with sea views or on the terrace overlooking the harbour. Discover the menu, with specialities that vary with the seasons, from seafood in summer to calf's head in gribiche sauce in winter. But all year round, La Vigie's fish sauerkraut is a must. You can choose your meal à la carte or from our menus. Each day, we offer a different starter and main course according to the chef's inspiration. Come and share a moment of conviviality with your partner, friends or family, as we are members of the famille plus charter. The wine list offers a wide choice of wines selected by us.

In a warm and modern atmosphere, the chef offers you by the fireplace : A traditional restaurant for lunch and dinner Pancakes and afternoon tea You can also enjoy LAB 1852's range of 6 craft beers.

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!

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!

Charming little stone house in the center of Piriac, well decorated, ideally situated to discover the little town bursting with character.

The Les Flots Bleus campsite welcomes you for nature holidays in a friendly, family atmosphere. Between Brittany and Pays de la Loire, don't hesitate to book our mobile homes or a pitch for your tent, caravan or motorhome. Our major advantage is our location, since Camping Les Flots Bleus is 200m from the sea and 500m from the centre of Piriac sur Mer. And last but not least, come and relax in a calm and peaceful place, with no entertainment and no swimming pool, on a human scale... We look forward to seeing you!

Comfortable house, very nice, well-situated, close to the center, shops and beaches.