Brittany

Note: Information about Brittany kindly provided by Channel France & Gites: Visit www.gitesandmore.co.uk for more.

Town names in Brittany:

• Many town names in Brittany start with Ple or Plu - this refers to a Christian settlement or Church location.
• The word "Ty" This often appears and is Breton for House. i.e. Ty Corentin, (Corentin's House) and Ty Punch (Punch of the House).
• The Breton language is very like Welsh. Welsh and Breton speakers can actually converse with each other.

Cheeses

Plancouëtin - very pleasant, smooth tasting cheese, semi firm seems to be the best known.
The following cheeses are produced in Brittany, although I have not heard of many of them apart from Carré Breton and Terroir! All the following are termed pressed, unheated cheese - bit like a Brie and Camembert. Chandamour which is a soft cheese and Saint Gildas de Bois have some mould to change the colour from white. All are made from Cow's Milk.

Calvados

A "digestif" in Brittany and Normandy. Calvados is made from distilled cider. If you want to find out about this and other apple based drinks go to the Pomypom Site. Click on their logo to get there.

Canals

Films and T.V.

Breton Produce

1. "Camus" Artichokes.
2. Cauliflower.
3. Coco de Paimpol - white haricot type bean.
4. Plougastel strawberries.
5. Shalots.
6. Redon chestnuts.
7. Reinette apples - sweet rosy red variety.
8. Roscoff Onions - these were the variety sold by "Onion Johnies" who travelled around England selling strings of onions from their bicycles.
9. Vraic potatoes - potatoes fertilized with sea weed.
10. Shell Fish - winkles (bigorneaux) whelks (bulots), oysters - in particular from Cancale although Belon and Paimpol also farm these, "langoustine" (large fresh water prawn - sweet tasting delicate meat),
11. Lobsters.
12. Crabs- spider (araignée in France) and Common crab - chancre in Jersey and tourteau in France).

Breton Specialities

1. Cider and drinks made from cider such as Pommeau which is sweet drink a little like an apple sherry.
2. Chouchen - "hydromel" which is made from honey.
3. Crepes Dentelles - very light crispy biscuit - a variety of which has been marketed extensively under the brand name "Gavotte".
4. Far Breton - a flan filled with egg custard and prunes.
5. Galettes - Buck wheat pancakes (black flour used for these savoury galletes) and crepes, pancakes made from white flour. The former are always filled with savoury filings and the latter are both desserts or have savoury filling. Galette Sausice are sold from vans or produced at fetes frequently and are barbecued sausages with a galette wrapped round them. You can purchase a "double" which is a double galette not sausage. Mustard and tomato sauce are available to be added.
6. Guémené Andouille (peppery pork sausage)
7. Kouign-amann - a buttery cake made from bread dough which can be plain or with almonds.
8. "Lait Ribot" is a sour full cream milk and frequently drunk when eating galettes or crepes.
9. Seawater beer.
10. Traou Mad - a flat biscuit.

Fougeres

Dominated by a castle built in 1000 and considered the biggest in Europe, Fougères was a strategic point of defence of the main routes between Brittany, Normandy and France. The castle is just a part of this beautiful town full of fountains and statues. Walk through the Le Val Nançon gardens and admire "l'Oeuvre à la Vie " , a modern sculpture made from glass which is a symbol of peace and represents all the cultures of the world. The sculpture was unveiled in May 2000.

Glass making has been an industry in Fougères region since the 16th century when Italian glass specialists came to the town. Shoe-making was another industry that developed towards the end of the 19th century and thus Fougères became one of the main French shoe manufacturing centres.

The Church of Saint Sulpice Fougères has a church - pictured here - with one of the oldest belfries in France and certainly the oldest in Brittany. The Church of Saint Sulpice has a statue to Notre Dame des Marais (Our Lady of the Marshes). During the first week-end of October the Pardon de Notre-Dame des Marais, à Fougères is held. There are many things for the tourist in the area and apart from walking around the beautiful town there are Les Halles which are full of shopping bargains. Close by is the Parc Floral de Haut Bretagne - well worth a visit. The gardens are superb.

Famous Fougères Residents:

Chateaubriand - famous writer often stayed here with his sisters,
Victor Hugo - visited and stayed in Fougères which was his mistress Juliette Drouet's home and started one of famous novels Quatre-vingt-treize". Juliette also accompanied him to Guernsey.
Balzac stayed here and wrote Les Chouans" in 1828. He left the town 3500 of his books.
Fougères born, Armand Tuffin de a Rouërie went to America where during the War of Independence he was known as le Colonel Armand, during the war of independence. He returned to Brittany and founded the Breton Association in 1791 he was involved in a rebellion which defended Breton rights. Sadly one his companions betrayed him and died of exhaustion at the Château de la Guyomarais on January 30th, 1793 while trying to escape.

Rochefort En Terre in the Morbihan Department of Brittany Rochefort-en-Terre is a beautiful, little town in the Morbihan department of Brittany. Towns close by are Malestroit, Josselin and Ploërmel. A day out driving down from the Channel coast takes you through the Broceliande and the Parc de Préhistoire de Bretagne at Malansac which is another beautiful town which neighbours Rochefort-en-Terre. Read more about the Parc further on in this article. So many, many half timbered and classically French houses, some covered in wisteria and others displaying summer flowers are a part of this stunningly beautiful town. The town centre is full of little alleys, steps and a cobbled walk way up to the Chateau which dominates the little town and the gorge on which it is situated. One can walk from Atelier to Atelier and enjoy the variety of crafts - a shop which specialises in bellows, art shops,and a glass blower.

There is the lovely Candle Shop run by Marie where some beautiful candles are sold. Some are replicas of tree people and others are covered with artificial pearls. A candle lovers dream! These are just some of the many shops to be found. There is a soap shop, a hand-decorated china shop, a glass blower and bag make.

The whole town is illuminated at night from June each year and it is famous for its floral displays. In1911 the then owner of the chateau, Alfred Klots encouraged the town to display geraniums everywhere on the houses and introduced a competition for the best display two years later. The town is judged one of the best floral towns in France. The Festival les Loustiks de l'Akoustik takes place on 27 August which is a street festival. On 21 August the Pardon de Notre Dame de la Tronchaye is held. In May there is the Festival of the 1920's. Travelling down to the area from the channel coast takes you through the Broceliande Forest which is the mystical heart of Brittany and some of the Broceliande magic seems apparent in beautiful Rochefort-en-Terre.

The Parc de Préhistoire de Bretagne at Malansac is very closely situated so a day out can include visiting the Parc to amuse the children and then beautiful Rochefort-en-Terre. The Parc is a visual illustration of the period of the dinosaurs and then the evolvement of man.

Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the parc which is an area where there is natural slate. Perhaps it is the slate that gives the wonderful, deep blue colour to the lakes set deep down in the rocky terrain.

The parc is picturesque but has enough scary, huge dinosaurs to delight the children. The whole visit is very educational.

Note: Information about Brittany kindly provided by Channel France & Gites: Visit www.gitesandmore.co.uk for more.

La Route de La Baie Cancale to Mont Saint Michel

This must be one of the most scenic of drives and we are only mentioning some of the attractions - you really need to visit and see for yourself! There is so much beauty, history and tradition that we cannot even attempt at describing all.

It is quite easy to negotiate the area by car around this impressive expanse of coast. The actual bay area would appear to start with Cancale but certain people would include Saint Malo, followed by Saint Columb as the starting point. You can also go around the bay by horse see.

Cancale The fishing port of Cancale is famous for its multitude of restaurants serving local oysters, fruits de mer of langoustines, crabs, lobsters etc. The town is visited by people from all over France who delight in the seafood on offer. Cancale descends a hill from the town centre with church and square with beautiful bronze statue and fountain of oyster workers. The port and seafront is extensive and this is where many restaurants are also found. Cancale has had for many years a thriving oyster producing industry and the beds run along the shore. Visit the Oyster Museum which will tell you the story of Cancale and also the oyster.

Saint Meloir des Ondes

This beautiful little town stretches from inland out to the water. One of its attractions is the the glassworks and studio of Martine Durand Gasselin. Martine's range of beautiful glass ornaments glasses, vases, paperweights etc is extensive. The colours are stunning.

Martine - trained in locations such as Copenhagen and Sweden - knows her craft thoroughly and has exhibited in major exhibitions in Europe and such far away places as Japan. Her work was on show during the Victor Hugo Bicenteniary and Liberation Day in Guernsey. She now employs several other "Verriers" - Glass Makers - to assist in producing the beautiful and original glass pieces she sells.

Apart from admiring the glass, you can actually participate and learn the art of glass blowing with "stages" courses available from at the time of writing this 25 euros for a quarter of an hour to 50 euros for a full hour. There are also longer courses. The apprentice has the fun of shaping ornaments and actually blowing the glass - all under the supervision of the Master Glass Blower pictured here.

To find out more about Martine go to http://www.idverre.net/durand-gasselin/

Many Channel Islanders know about Karting des Nielles which is actually situated fairly close to Saint Benoit des Ondes but comes under the St Meloir des Ondes area. The Go Kart Club offers a full sized track for adults, quad biking and a children's kart and quad bike track. This is great fun for the family and the children whiz around with confidence quite quickly.

Saint Benoit des Ondes

This pretty village is very close to Saint Meloir and overlooks the bay area and the sand dunes which stretch for miles and are reminiscent of St. Ouen's Bay in Jersey but on a huge scale.

Hirel

Continuing around the day Hirel has a wonderful sandy beach. In common with the next town around the bay it has thatched cottages - a particularly beautiful example of one is on the right. This town has a busy cockle industry.

Les Viviers sur Mer

Again this town borders the long stretch of sandy beach. Les Viviers sur Mer has a busy fish business, mussels being farmed in abundance. Each year the area holds a mussel festival held on the last weekend in July when masses of mussels are consumed and there is a variety of entertainment. Turn inland through the town and going towards Mont Dol you will be see more thatched cottages and there is almost an English Village feel with a stream with water lilies growing in the water. Visit La Maison de la Baie which is devoted to the history of the area.

Cherrueix

Cherrueix describes itself as "Capitale de Chars à Voille" and along with Hirel the beach is alive with action and the colours of the Sand Yacht sails. When it says Sand Yacht Capital it means what it says and is famous throughout the world. The Cherrueix Grand Prix attracts contestants from everywhere.

Mont Dol

Travelling along the bay from Viviers sur Mer and Cherrueix you will see Mont Dol towering on the inland side as Mont Saint Michel stands out in the distance on the sea side. To reach this spectacular village means going slightly inland.

The village is at the foot of the Mont Dol which was historically the site of a battle between the Devil and Saint Michael. It is worth driving up to the summit as the views are spectacular. You will also be rewarded by seeing the Capelle Notre-Dame de l’Espérance, la Tour Notre-Dame, pictured right and and an old mill. There is also le rocher des " griffes du Diable "which means the rock formation which it is said was made by the Devil's claw mark during his fight with St Michael. It is possible to climb to the top of La Tour Notre-Dame and enjoy the views of the bay and far off Mont Saint Michel. There are also binoculars, where after paying with a coin you can get a close up view of the bay.

Saint Broladre

This little village has an area that is unique in Europe and is the equivalent of an European corral reef although it is not made of corral and is visible on extremely low tides. The saint to whom the village is dedicated and named from is St Brelade!

Saint Marcan

Apart from being another delightful village, Saint Marcan has its own attraction - Le Petit Mont Saint Michel. This is a miniature version of the original and can be seen whilst walking along a cliff top walking area. There are other attractions at the venue including pedal cars, bouncy castles, trampolines and other games. There are also "fun bikes" to ride such as penny-farthings. Le Petit Mont Saint Michel is open at weekends and public holidays during April, May, June and September and open every day in July and August.

Roz sur Couesnon

The Couesnon is the river that runs through the immediate are and which feeds a number of canals.

The town descends a hill with the town centre at the top. There is a garden with a view (Panorama) with amazing views such as that left taken from Roz sur Couesnon which shows Mont Saint Michel in the distance.

Saint Georges de Gréhaigne

The town is the site of the Grotte de Notre Dame de la Liberation.
The grotto was built as a replica of the grotto at Lourdes. We gather that this was built in 1947 as the locals had committed themselves to this should they escape the consequences of the battle between the Americans and Germans.

Pontorson

Pontorson is in Normandy and heralds your arrival from Brittany and is really a town as opposed to the villages that make up the bay between Cancalle and Pontorson. Full of shops and restaurants, the town has much to offer to the shopper. There are numerous restaurants. Entering Pontorson from the western entrance of the Route de la Baie means crossing the River Couesnon, pictured right.

Mont St Michel The famous Mont Saint Michel is on the coast and is the focal point of the bay. The nearby town has a huge number of hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions which commence with a Reptile Farm so there is plenty to do apart from climbing up to the top of Mont Saint Michel. The climb is well worth while and the little streets going up to the top are magical and the views amazing. It is a busy place with shops and restaurants inside its walls. Work is being undertaken to return the Mount to its original state where it was totally surrounded with water and no causeway.

Note: Information about Brittany kindly provided by Channel France & Gites: Visit www.gitesandmore.co.uk for more.

Discover the Rance by boat

Cross the Rance between St Malo and Dinard - there are two "Vedette" companies operating. Otherwise why note hire a craft? Boats can be hired in Dinan. If you wish you can travel down the river by vedettes See www.crownblueline.co.uk and also our magazine article Crusing Holidays in France with Crown Blue Line for trips up and down the Rance from Dinan. The "barrage" de la Rance is a familiar site to visitors to the region. This was finished in 1966 and uses the power of the water flowing through to generate electricity. Part of the barrage lifts each hour on the hour to let passing boats through a lock. 16,000 pass through this lock annually. When driving from St. Malo to Dinard, it is as well to allow for anything up to a quarter of an hour wait whilst the boats go through on the hour.

There is a code of ethics applying to the River Rance which is called Le Contrat de Baie and this means that all usage and development of the Rance is strictly protected in order to encourage the wildlife and fauna there. Remember no litter and respect the area at all times.One can see a variety of beautiful water birds including, ducks, moorhens, kingfishers, herons and cormorants not to forget the frequent visiting seagull!

Events connected with the River Rance

La Route du Cidre Every year at the beginning of September a regatta sets forth to taste the new cider from various locations. Concept somewhat like the Route de Rhum. The boats are traditional and the crews attired in traditional costume.

La Fete de Margates On the Sunday of Pentecost there is a festival at the Plouer sur Rance slipway. Margate are like small squid which live in the River and this gives a chance to taste them and also enjoy music, as well as learning about fishing techniques and the environment. A jolly occasion as well as a chance to look at old boats.

Some delightful areas on the Rance are:

1. Dinan - sit in the riverside cafés and restaurants.
2. Langrolay-sur-Rance - launch boats from here, swim or just sit on the riverside.
3. St Sulliac - the perfect "chocolate box" Breton village with streets of stone cottages descending to the riverside.
4. Plouer Sur Rance - go down to La Cale which is a little beach where boats are launched.
5. Port Lyvet - Marina where you can dine at a riverside restaurant or walk along the tow path.
6. Taden- walk down the hill to the riverside and then chose whether to walk to Dinan or Port Lyvet. The most beautiful riverside scenery.
7. Jouvente and Le Richardais - some perfect riverside spots here.

Boats of the Rance

1. Le Chippe was a very small fishing boat designed for areas with sand banks.
2. Les Batteaux-carrelets - were big boats that moved around powered somewhat like a gondola and was used for fishing.
3. Le Doris - Dorey - a small boat, used by many fishermen.
4. Les petits canots de riviere - little row boats.
5. Les Gabarres de Mordreuc or the Bas-Champs were huge sail boats and were used to transport goods.
6. Les Flambarts normands brought calcaire stone for the many ovens a chaux from the Contentin.
7. Petits Cotres Borneurs used to transport a variety of goods from corn and potatoes to stones and flag stones.
8. Les Chalands de Rance were also sea boats although frequently towed along canals by horses. They were used for fishing.

Activities in Brittany

1. Angling - On the beach you can fish for sea bass, bream, turbot and sole or go out to sea for gurnard and sea bass. On the inland waterways fish for black bass, carp, perch, pike, trout and salmon. The sea waters and coast directly opposite the Channel Islands are of course part of the same stretch of water so the same tidal conditions apply i.e. it moves the tide comes in very quickly, so be careful to observe that.
2. Sailing - Most coastal resorts have Sailing Clubs and teach novices upwards how to sail.
3. Golf - Brittany has always been a popular destination for holidaymakers from the UK, yet it has for some time been welcoming goflers to its wealth of courses. There are 31 golf courses to enjoy in total in Brittany and each and every one is a delight.
4. Walking There are walks around the coast, walks through the beautiful Brittany countryside, walks on beaches and walks by rivers. If you want your walking more organised Contact : Fédération française de randonnée pédestre: tel. 0033 144 899 393 or go to their web site at http://www.ffrp.asso.fr/
5. Hot-air Ballooning
   1. Association Emeraude Montgolfieres Jean-Pierre Heleu
      10 rue des Rochettes 35870 Le Minihic Sur Rance Tel. : 02 99 88 64 42 Fax : 02 99 88 67 78
   2. Association Celtic Montgolfieres Martin Joslyn
      35235 Thorigne Fouillard Tel. : 02 99 04 52 16 Fax : 02 99 04 52 16
6. Microlighting - Microlighting and and other air born activities at the Aéro-club of Dinard/Pleurtuit. Tel. 33 (0)2 99 46 70 28.
7. Parachuting Club De Parachutisme Sportif D'ille-et-Vilaine Jacques de Certaines - 9, cours Kennedy 35000 RENNES Tel. : 02 99 59 22 36
8. Espace Escargots (Snail breeding farm) - yes really! - where you can see snails developing, sold and taste them. Depends on you and your children as to whether you visit this. Meals: You have guessed it! Open Year Round from Monday to Saturday 10h00-12h30 14h30-18h30. Visit website
9. Centre Aqualudique Aquabaie (St Brieuc) The biggest swimming pool in Brittany. Open everyday but will be exceptionally closed between 1st to 28th September. 4 euros per adult and 3 euros for children.
10. l'Ange Michel (St Martin des Landelles)Recreational park, not far from Mont St Michel, where one can take part in a variety of sports including horse and pony riding, go-karting, tobogganing, rodeo, bowling, billiards, quad bikes and trampolining. Enjoy the Bubble Pool, the Aqua park, bird and floral parks. You can drag the kids around Mont St Michel with the promise of this! Visit France for Families
11. Base Nature de La Ville: in St Brieuc - · Games for children in a farm with animals such as rabbits, hens, pigs and goats…
12. Labyrinthes (Mazes) Dinan has one of these made in a corn field as does St Malo - Labyrinthe du Corsaire at La Passagière, Route de Quelmar, which is said to be one of the biggest in Europe. Other entertainments for the children unless you lose them are bouncy castles, a mini farm and games. There is also a cafeteria.
13. Dinard: loads of activities go on here aimed at amusing children. Look at the pages on Music and Courses. There are various Beach Clubs for children from 3 to 5 and 5 to 14 with a variety of activities to keep them amused during the summer. -also Go to Brittany Beaches Kayaks, Windsurfing, Pedalos, Diving and Yachting. Hot Air Balloon flights are available. Go - Karting - many locations including Les Nielles at Saint-Meloir des Ondes close to Cancale on the road to Mont St. Michel.
14. Planète Sauvage (Port St Père): Visit Africa in France to be found south-west of Nantes. Enter by car or travel around by Safari Bus. All sorts of things interesting to children such as face painting. There is a Bush Village, Monkey Forest, Marine City, Reptiles etc. The animals are real! Visit website
15. La Ferme Fleurie is at St Juvat - is a restaurant where there are 300 farmyard animals. Meals served are traditional Breton dishes as well as more common ones. St Juvat is known as the Flower Town and in summer is glorious.
16. Radome the Telecommunications Museum (Plemeur-Bedou): Radome the Telecommunications Museum is just down the coast from Perros-Guirrec. . Very interesting history of communication from the first underground cable to the world of internet plus a virtual reality centre.
17. Le Petit Mont Saint Michel: Cliftop attraction in the Bay of Mont Saint Michel. his is a miniature version of the original and can be seen whilst walking along a cliff top walking area. There are other attractions at the venue including pedal cars, bouncy castles, trampolines and other games. There are also "fun bikes" to ride such as penny-farthings. Le Petit Mont Saint Michel is open at weekends and public holidays during April, May, June and September and open every day in July and August.

Zoos

1. Château et Parc Zoologique de La Bourbansais: Chateau with zoo and gardens. Visits to the Chateau are charged extra. Displays of falconry, horses and hounds and animal feeding such as giraffes. Lots to see and good fun. Many bouncy castles not far from the Chateau - perhaps a reward for good behaviour when viewing the interior of the Chateau! Visit website
2. Parc Ornithologique de Bretagne in Bruz: Collection of exotic birds living in bonatical and flower gardens. Displays of a great variety of budgerigars and parrots, multicoloured pheasants, ducks, geese, swans, birds of prey, touracos, emus and ibis. Visit website
3. Le Jardin aux Papillons in Vannes: Hundreds of exotic butterflies (from Papua, the Philippines, Madagascar…) are flying free in a tropical atmosphere. Visit website
4. Reptilarium du Mont Saint-Michel: Indoor centre 1000m2 of displays featuring 200 crocodiles, lizards and snakes in a setting with tunnels, ladders, glass pyramids…In 6000 m2 of landscaped gardens observe 300 tortoises of twenty different species in natural enclosures and ponds. Visit website
5. Parc Zoologique de la Bourbansais in Pleugueneuc: Historic estate of more than 100 hectares with animals from all 5 continents: giraffes, tigers, lions, ostriches, zebras, panthers, lynx, pumas, monkeys, dromedaries, kangaroos.
6. Parc de Tréffendel: It is a combination of leisure park, zoo and circus.
7. Parc Animalier et Botanique de Branféré in Le Guerno: Botanical safari park with animals from around the world. You can feed the animals at the "Meet the animals" corner. Visit website
8. Ferme du Monde in Carentoir: 400 livestock animals from all continents living in semi-wild: yaks, zebus, woolly pigs… At the children's farm you can stroke the animals or have a pony ride.
9. Le Grand Parc de Quebriac - Zoo, Water-park, Nature Museum, Daily Magic Show , area where children can play with animals,. Quebriac is close to Tinténiac and Becherel on the way to Rennes.
10. Terrarium et Vivarium de Kerdanet in Plouagat: Discover reptiles of France: pythons, boas, cobras… Visit website

Aquariums

1. Océanopolis in Brest: This is a huge aquarium and divided into 3 different areas - the Polar Area, Tropical Area and the temperate waters of Brittany and these are really comprehensive. The Polar area even has penguins and seals and the Tropical area sharks. Voyage through the oceans of the world with 10 000 creatures. New: display with penguins and polar seals … Visit website
2. Le Grand Aquarium - Just outside St. Malo. The aquarium is interesting and educational and there are lots of things apart from the fish to amuse children. Touchy feely area, if you are brave enough to stroke the fish. Tel: +33(0)2 99 21 19 00 Visit website
3. L'Aquarium d'Audierne: Large collection of fresh and seawater fish of the Breton coast. You can even dive into the giant pool and find yourself in the middle of a small armoured vessel, sunk decades and now inhabited by creatures such as bull sharks.
4. Aquarium de Vannes: Collections of tropical fish, but also piranhas, sharks…
5. Ocearium du Croisic - really in Loire Atlantique but very close to Brittany border - is an Activity Aquarium with 45 Aquariums ad attractions such as an underwater tunnel where one can see fish such as sharks and winged rays swimming around you. Use a microscope to look at plankton etc.

Leisure Parks in Brittany

1. Labyrinthe du Corsaire in Guidel: one of the biggest labyrinths in Europe: strategy games, bouncy castles, puzzles, obstacles… Visit website
2. Coëtarlann Aventures in Nivillac: Magnificient valley where it is possible move around from treetop to treetop supervised by professional staff.
3. Port miniature de la forêt de Villecartier in Antrain :1, 000 hectare forest where you can become a ship's captain for a day. You can learn to pilot these scale replicas of ferry-boats, tugs and paddle steamers. On the site: educational tours, pedalos and picnic area.
4. Domaine de Trémelin in Iffendic: Natural, wooded site covering 220 hectares around a lake with water sports and leisure pursuits for all: pedal-boats, boats, play areas, quad bikes, forest adventure park, small train, walks, bar, restaurant, Gites reception and summer events.
5. Jeux et sports traditionnels de Bretagne in Monterfil: Discover 25 of the 75 games and sports recorded in Brittany. Festivals, various activities and rallies for scholl or leisure groups…
6. Aquatides in Loudeac: 700 m2 of aqua-pool with Giant waterslides, swirling river…. And an adventure play area for the very young with fountain, paddling pool and mini pool.
7. Labyrinthe du Corsaire in St Malo: same as in Guidel
8. Labyrinthe Végétal de Paimpol: Discoveries, riddles, puzzles and surprises guide through this unique labyrinth.
9. Armoripark in Bégard: Safari park and garden, three water slides to enjoy at the outdoor and indoor pool, 130 m toboggan ride, bumper boats, pedal-boats, mini-golf and other open-air activities.
10. Centre de Découverte de Son in Cavan: In the heart of a wooded valley, follow a magical path, listening to and creating sounds.
11. La Recré des 3 Curés in Milizac: 12 hectares of park around a lake. An outing on the lake, dodgem boats, giant waerslides, trampolines, soft p[lay mountains, go-karts, mini-bikes and 3000m2 of indoor activities with adventure trails, scenic railway, mini farm and river splash.
12. Parc de Loisirs de Bel Air Land in Landudec: In a wooded site, giant water-chute, ball pool, bouncy castle, summer toboggan slope, foam mountain, trampolines, acrobatic roundabout, pedal go-karts, miniature golf, and a miniature Mississippi steamboat. A little train runs all around the park + picnic area.
13. Paradis aquatique les Balnéides in Fouesnant: The longest water slide in Brittany. Tropical décor, water at 29o, giant water chute, water cannons, paddling pool and mini slides. Massage, jets, Jacuzzis, water gym for fitness and relaxation.
14. Parc Odet Loisirs in Elliant: Seven hectares of walks, relaxation in a landscape valley beside a lake: ball pool, bouncy castle, trampoline, monkey bridge, cable slide, pedalos, rowing boats, giant billiards.
15. Parc Aquanature le Stérou in Priziac: 70 hectares of parkland with a herd of 140 deer wandering in this legendary landscape. Freshwater fish breeding, fishing, walking trails, guided tours, off-road driving, horse riding and carriage rides.
16. Piscine Municipale Vanocea: 650 m2 pool with a 65 m water-slide, diving pool, bubble beds, paddling pool, fun pool, fitness room and saunas.
17. Port Miniature de St Malo Beignon in Guer: On the edge of Brocéliane forest, set sail in scale modesl of a ferry, trawler, Mississippi steamboat and tug. Play areas, picnic sites, kayak and pedal-boat hire.
18. Univers du Poète Ferrailleur in Lizio: A local artist invented moving water and musical sculptures, automata, comical dream machines and startling fountains.
19. Le parc du Roi Morvan, in Lanvenegen. There are plenty of activities not only for children but also for adults.

Beaches of Brittany

Boat Trips around Brittany: Find out about the splendid Station Kid Resorts for Children. Go to Station Kid Page

Coloured flags are displayed to advise the cleanliness and safety of the beach

1. Green - Swimming supervised
2. Blue - Water is clean
3. Orange Dangerous to Swim but supervised
4. Yellow - Water is polluted

Dinard: 4 Beaches - Ecluse, Prieuré, Saint-Enogat, Port Blanc - are all under the surveillance of life guards during the season from 10 am to 1 pm and 3 to 7 p.m.

1. L'Ecluse - Les Ecureils, Les Pingoins for children from 3 to 14
2. Prieuré - Les Dauphins - children 3 - 14
3. Saint Enogat - Club Mickey

Clohars-Carnoët in Finistère: A place where you can find plenty of beautiful beaches, an old harbour where there is also a very good restaurant, "Chez Portier". Address and telephone: "Chez Portier", 75 rue du port, 29360 Clohars Carnoët. Tel: 0033298399066 Tourism office: 0033298399342

Saint Cast: Beach activities abound here and children can be left to play with supervision. Each afternoon a competition is organised with events such as races or sandcastle building. Activities open from July to August.

St Brieuc: Club de la Plage des Rosaires - Collective games, trampoline, beach games, bouncy castles, safe swimming. Jardins des Mer … Children from 4 to 8 years can learn all about the sea. Includes fishing, walks by the sea, commencing sailing.

Le Club Moussaillons et le Club Mousses: These are swimming clubs for children. Maison de la Baie is a nature park in Saint Brieuc Bay where the public can take part in bird-watching, observe wild life - animals and plants, learn about mussel farming and fishing. There are thousands of birds to observe. There are various courses organised as well as guided walks.

Note: Information about Brittany kindly provided by Channel France & Gites: Visit www.gitesandmore.co.uk for more.