Inland Brittany
Just a few places of interest shown here, as with the coastline Brittany has a large diversity of countryside covered with quite towns and villages, not to mention the lovely Breton People.
Landes de Lanvaux
The ridge lines of the Landes de Lanvaux slightly overhang the valleys of the Arz and of the Claie, crossing Morbihan from East to West. Woods now rank above the heath, and this huge plateau, measuring sixty kilometers by ten, is a region to be discovered. Only a few steps away from the Gulf of Morbihan, this territory is profoundly rural and boasts a little-known facet of Brittany's inland. Lovers of green, peaceful nature will be delighted to discover the Landes de Lanvaux, going for long walks, or angling on the water's edge. Off the beaten tracks, it is in a quiet way that you will appreciate this land, that still bears memory to its past of resistance.
A place of Resistance
Headquarter of the breton Chouannerie (18th century French counter-revolutionary movement) led by Georges Cadoual, the Landes de Lanvaux have experienced several times of rebellion all through history. Every era has left its traces, and the surroundings still shelter Roman and neolithic remains. In the recent past, Saint Marcel has equally been a high place of breton resistance. A couple of hours before the Normandy landing, two groups of paratroopers were dropped on the Landes de Lanvaux. After the battle of Saint Marcel, some were hidden in local farms. The German repression over what remains Brittany's greatest maquis, was terrible.
Exceptional heritage
Lesser known than the site of Carnac, the Landes de Lanvaux conceal nevertheless a remarkable megalithic heritage. The commune of Trédion, in particular, hosts a great number of listed monuments, such as the Babouin and Babouine, two famous standing stones with roughly sculpted faces, or the covered alley known as “la loge aux loups”, the wolf's lodge. The castle, that once welcomed Catherine de Medicis, is situated in a park of 20 hectares open to visitors. The religious heritage is equally noteworthy. The surronding countryside is dotted with chapels and crosses.
Webside of the Musee de la Resistance Bretonne: http://www.resistance-bretonne.com
Tourist information: http://www.landes-de-lanvaux.com/

The lake of the Duke

The biggest natural lake in Brittany, the Lac au Duc de Ploërmel, stretches out over 250 hectares. It is a perfect site for whoever likes to spend sporty holidays in a natural setting. Siuated on the course of the Yvel river in Ploërmel, it hosts a genuine sports and recreation park, where you can enjoy sailing and water skiing. Fitted-out and watched-over beaches line the lake and warmly welcome those who prefer lazing about at the water's edge. And why not free your imagination bobbing along the still water of the lake, listening to a storyteller on an evening trip? There is no such thing as a monster hidden in the depth of this lake, ever since Saint Armel, a Welsh monk and dragon hunter, struck down the one that terrorized the region.
On the side of Lézonnet, the lake is a fishing reserve and a great spot to observe the beautiful surrounding nature. The ancient watchtower of the medieval manor seems to be the guardian of the peace that reigns on the area. Former city of the Dukes of Brittany, Ploërmel is a cradle of history. Several mansions in the city reveal a glimpse of its glorious past. The astronomical clock in Ploërmel is equally worth a visit.
On the marvellous path between the lake and the gulf, you will enjoy a number of different species of hydrangea. In all shades from mauve to blue and bright pink, these flowers, symbolizing Brittany, spread their colourful petals along a beautiful trail that leads into the underwoods. The “vélo promenade”, marked-out, several kilometer long round tours, offer an easy and delightful way to discover the local heritage in the surrounding villages. The “Voie Verte” of Morbihan, a 53 km long cycle track stretching from Questembert to Mauron, passes by the lake as well.
For further information concerning the cycle tracks “vélo promenades” and “voies vertes”: www.randobreizh.com
Tourist Information of Ploërmel: http://www.tourisme.fr/office-de-tourisme/ploermel.htm





