Local Information and Places to Visit around Brittany
With many attractions in the area, from beautiful lakes to historic towns you will surely have a memorable experience!
(Pictured - Pleasure Cruisers on Lake Guerlédan - 15 Minutes from Le Boterff)
Local Services, Facilities and Attractions
There is so much to see and do we can't list everything here, but below is a selection of things to do in the local area, along with some practical advice to help you enjoy your stay. Some information may be subject to change, please check locally for opening times and availability. All of the attractions listed below can be easily reached in a day trip from Le Boterff.
Saint Mayeux and Saint Gilles du Vieux-Marché (Our nearest Villages)
The village of Saint Mayeux is just 1.5 km away (20 minutes on foot, 3 minutes by car). In the village can be found a Church, Post Office, Village Shop (Mini-market) and Bar. Fresh bread and Croissants can be ordered daily from the Shop. There is also a public Sports Field in the village. The Village Hall regularly hosts local events, such as communal meals and traditional music events. A great way to meet and mix with the locals.
The village of St Gilles du Vieux-Marché is just 2 km away. The Hotel de la Vallée in the centre of the village (Pictured above) offers a very good "Formule" menu at lunchtimes at exceptionally reasonable prices.
The beautiful Breton Church has undergone recent restoration.
St Gilles Vieux-Marché and nearby St Martin des Prés have both been awarded "Petits Villes Fleuries" for their attractive displays of flowers.
There are many local walks around the area to see Menhirs, small lakes and historic sites.
Mur de Bretagne and Corlay (Our nearest small Towns)
Mur de Bretagne to the south and Corlay to the north are both about 10 minutes from Le Boterff.
Mur de Bretagne has an "Intermarché" Supermarket, Petrol Station (open 24 Hours when paying by debit / credit card), two Boulangeries / Patisseries, Tabac, Boucherie, Florist, Pharmacy, Bank with 24 hour cash dispenser, Post Office and Tourist Information Office.
There is a Restaurant Gourmand (Michelin Star) as well as Cafés, Bars, Restaurants, a Pizza Take-Away and a Kebab Shop.
Mur de Bretagne is the gateway to the stunning Lac de Guerlédan (Pictured above).
Corlay has two small Supermarkets, a Petrol Station, a Boulangerie, Boucherie, a superb Pizza Take-away, Restaurant, Bar, Tabac, Hairdresser, Pharmacy, Post Office and Bank with 24 hour cash dispenser.
Nearby Larger Towns and Cities
The historic towns of Pontivy
(25 minutes), Loudéac (25 minutes), Rostrenen (25 minutes), Quintin (25 minutes) and Saint Brieuc (35 minutes) offer a wide range of shops of all types - including large hypermarkets, supermarkets, a variety of large stores and specialist shops.
Historic Pontivy (Pictured above) has a Castle overlooking the RIver Blavet and the Nantes-Brest Canal, there are Medieval Streets to explore in the centre of the town. All towns have superbly preserved historic buildings.
The bustling city of Rennes (Capital of Brittany) with superb shopping, Medieval Quarter, historic buildings, Opera House, Concert Halls, and much more, can be reached in about 1 hour 20 minutes.
Eating Out and
Take-Away Restaurants
It is so easy to relax into the French way of life and linger over a coffee, glass of wine or beer at a street Café whilst watching the world go by.
There are many Restaurants, Bars, Cafés and Crêperies throughout the area to suit all tastes and pockets, from Michelin starred restaurants (La Grand' Maison in Mur de Bretagne offers an unforgettable gastronomic experience) to simple cafés and bistros where you can enjoy local Breton specialities, such as fantastic seafood, crêpes, galettes (Pictured above) and cider, as well as French cuisine, and even Fish and Chips!
Most local restaurants offer superb value fixed price "Formule" menus, especially at lunchtime, where you can enjoy three or four courses, often with wine, cider, water and coffee included for between € 10 -
€ 14 per head.
There are take-aways at Mur de Bretagne (Pizzas and Kebabs) and Corlay (Pizzas).
Local Markets
Many of the nearby towns have traditional markets once or twice a week, where a large range of local food and drink can be sampled.
Mur de Bretagne has a lively market on Friday evenings in July and August with local food and drink, crafts and live music.
At Bon Repos (20 minutes) there is a Sunday morning market alongside the Nantes-Brest Canal (Foods and Crafts) from April to September. The adjacent café usually has live music.
A visit to Saint Brieuc Bay (around Erquy) to buy fabulous fresh scallops, mussels and oysters direct from the fish markets should not be missed.
Flea Markets (Brocantes) and Craft Fairs are regularly held throughout the area.
Sailing, Swimming,
Water Sports, Angling
The stunning Lac de Guerlédan (Pictured above), the largest lake in Brittany, is just 12km from Le Boterff. You can relax on the safe sandy beaches (ideal for children and families), swim, sail and enjoy many water based activities. Small Boats, Pedalos and Kayaks can be hired.
Les Vedettes de Guerlédan (Pleasure Boats with Restaurants) offer tours around the spectacular lake (with or without a meal) in the summer months.
Club Ski Nautique at Beau Rivage is open from May to September for water skiing, wake boarding lessons and tows.
To view a video of the Lac de Guerlédan see the links below.
The Lac de Bosméléac (20 minutes) also has a sandy beach, boats for hire and a Café.
There are several other smaller lakes in the local area to explore. Part of the lovely Nantes - Brest Canal is also nearby and can be reached in about 20 minutes.
There is an open-air pool at St Nicolas du Pelem (June to September) and indoor pools at Gouarec, Saint Brieuc and Quintin.
Several lakes in the area welcome anglers (including the Lac de Guerlédan, and Lac de Bosméléac). Permits are available locally.
L'Étang des Douvres, Corlay is open for trout fishing from March to September, max 5 trout per day. There is a Junior Angling School here.
Fresh water fishing is available at La Verte Vallée, Callac - Open March to December for Pike, Carp, Tench, Roach and Rainbow Trout.
Walking and Cycling
There are numerous walks, trails and routes through wonderful countryside and villages, around lakes and along former railway track-beds. The country lanes are exceptionally quiet making walking and cycling around the area pleasurable.
The delightful Nantes-Brest Canal (15 minutes) offers easy cycling and walking along the towpath.
To view a video of the Nantes-Brest Canal CLICK HERE
For Guided Walks the Maison du Patronomie at Locarn offers Nature Walks from June to September.
For keen cyclists you can try out one of the most challenging sections of the Tour de France 2018, by cycling up the "Mur" - the steep hill on the D767 from Mur de Bretagne towards Corlay.
Station VTT at the Lac de Guerlédan offers cycle hire with 12 cycle routes through magnificent countryside to suit different ages and abilities with 1/2 day, full day and week long escorted tours available.
The Rigole d'Hilvern starts at the Lac de Bosméléac (20 minutes away by car). It is part of the Voie 8 which runs from Saint Brieuc to Lorient. It is ideal for walking, cycling or horse riding.
www.cycling.brittanytourism.com has 10 great ideas for cycling in Brittany.
www.freewheelingfrance.com has maps of various cycling routes in Brittany.
www.velodyssey.com 1200km cycle route along the Atlantic Coast of Brittany. Start off in UK, get off at Roscoff and follow the Velodyssey cycle routes all the way down to Hendaye in the Basque region. The route nearest to Le Boterff is from Bon Repos along the old railway track bed to Mur de Bretagne, and then along the Nantes-Brest Canal to Pontivy.
Stunning Coastlines, Fabulous Beaches
and Historic Coastal Resorts to the North, South and West
Being centrally located in Brittany, all three of Brittany’s dramatic coastlines are easily accessible for day trips from Le Boterff. The North coast can be reached in about 45 minutes and the South Coast can be reached in around 1 hour. The rugged West Coast of Finistere can be reached in approximately 1.5 hours, all on quiet roads.
On the North Coast you can choose between the ruggedness of the Pink Granite and the Emerald Coast or holiday resorts with sandy beaches in Saint Brieuc Bay such as Binic,
St. Quay Portrieux and Pléneuf Val André.
To view a video of Saint Brieuc Bay see the links below.
On the South Coast there are many sandy beaches including Guidel Plage, Larmor Plage, Carnac Plage, and Quiberon.
Historic coastal towns and ports such as Dinard, Saint-Malo, Concarneau and Paimpol are all easily reached.
Around Brittany's rugged coastline there are many islands (some are inhabited and can be visited by regular boat serviced) and wonderful historic lighthouses.
The Golfe du Morbihan is a natural harbour and inland sea covering about 40 square kilometers between Vannes and Auray. It is exceptionally beautiful and a wonderful area for sailing and watersports.
Chateaux, Historic Towns, Castles, Abbeys, Monuments and Museums
Brittany has a wealth of historic towns and villages with superbly preserved medieval buildings. Locally, Pontivy, Quintin, Rostrenen and Saint Brieuc all have historic quarters. There are castles at Pontivy and Corlay.
The Medieval towns of Moncontour, Dinan, Josselin, Quimper and Vannes are superbly preserved historic gems and should not be missed.
The Abbey de Bon Repos near Saint Gelven (20 minutes) is a partly restored 12th Century Cistercian Abbey. Each Summer in late July / August there is a spectacular extravaganza depicting the history of Brittany.
To view a video of the Spectacular at Bon Repos see the links below.
Les Forges des Salles (20 minutes) is an ancient iron works with workshops and dwellings.
Beauport Abbey, near Paimpol is a partly ruined abbey of immense charm and tranquility in a superb coastal setting.
The Chateau de La Roche Jagu has a superb location on a high promentary overlooking the river estuary. It also has lovely gardens to visit. The Chateaux at Trévarez and Combourg are well worth visiting.
There are many Castles and Coastal defences, such as Fort La Latte and Port Louis.
There are several ancient monuments in the region to be discovered, most notably the prehistoric Megaliths (standing stones) at Carnac.
There are numerous fascinating museums around Brittany, reflecting many aspects of Breton life, culture and maritime history. The Submarine Base at Lorient and Poul Fetan, the "living village" museum of Breton life are just two examples.
More Attractions
Railways
The Trieux Steam Railway runs between Paimpol and Pontrieux through stunning scenery along the River Trieux. The Guerlédan Railway (20 minutes) is in the the process of restoration and development. Visitors are welcome to take a ride and enthusiasts are welcome to lend a hand!
Golf
There are courses at Pontivy, Saint Brieuc, Pléneuf Val André, St Quay Portrieux.
Cinemas, Concert Venues and Other Entertainments
There are cinemas at Saint Brieuc, Pontivy, Loudéac, Rostrenen and Quintin. Films in English (with French sub-titles) are regularly shown in Saint Brieuc.
Large concert / performance venues can be found at Pontivy and Saint Brieuc.
There are many Summer Festivals celebrating Breton Music, Culture and its maritime history.
Most towns and villages have their own Salles de Fetes where local events are regularly held.
A Selection of Other Nearby Attractions / Activities
- Indoor Play Centre - Pontivy
- Ten Pin Powling - Pontivy
- Jardin du Botrain - Mur de Bretagne
- Centre Equestre de Guerledan - Treffaut - Horse riding centre open all year
- Musee de l'Electricite - St Aignan - Electricity Museum near to the barrage at the Lac de Guerlédan open June to September
- Quad biking - Caurel - 4 Hectares of woodland terrain for adults and children, all equipment provided
- La Maison de L'Archeologie - Plussulien - Archeology exhibition
- Le Village Gaulois - Pleumeur-Bodou - Gallic themed activity park open April to September
- Kingoland - Family Theme Park near Locminé
- Zooparc de Trégomeur - A collection of mostly Asian animals and plants in a beautiful valley with natural style habitats
Brittany - More to Explore
Brittany is one of France's most rugged regions and is a fascinating mix of spectacular coastline, superb beaches, rolling countryside, ancient towns, magical islands and inland woods. It is a land rich in Culture, Tradition and History. Most roads around the region are quiet, so driving around is a much more relaxed and pleasurable experience.
When you journey through Brittany you'll discover a people whose language, customs and dress are a vivid reminder of their Celtic heritage. There is so much to see and do in Brittany for all ages there is never enough time to do it all!
Click below for the official Brittany Tourism Website.
A Selection of Videos
Le Boterff Gites and Camping EI
2 Le Boterff D'en Haut, 22320 Saint Mayeux, FRANCE
Tel: +33 (0) 2 96 57 97 70 Email: info@leboterff.com
Business Registered in France.
Siret Numbers: 893 222 547 00011 (Gites) 893 456 889 00011 (Campsite)