Inland Brittany

Lesser known than its coastlines, Brittany's inland conceals unsuspected beauty. Mysterious, and rustling with legendes, the interior Brittany, named « Argoat », charms us with its extremely diversified landscapes, the metamorphosis of colours with the changing of seasons: golden yellow shades of cultivated fields, rich bronze tints of the woodlands, mauves of the  moorland's heather,  and all the different shades of green fern and moss. It is easy to see how the heart of Brittany makes that of an artist beat faster.

 Paths across the fields bear witness to great history and heritage. There, a chapel seems to have been forgotten by mankind in the middle of nowhere. Further on, in the mists over a reed-bordered lake, appear the outlines of a medieval castle. It's a land of fresh water, a Brittany hollowed out by many rivers. This Brittany never turns its back for too long on the sea, whose  powerful tides sometimes push up its salty taste far into the rias. 

 Even though lakes might not be the first thing to come to one's mind while thinking of Brittany, there are several lakes set in the heart of sumptuous sights, in between heath and clusters of tall trees. Rivers, canals, farmland criss-crossed by hedges and trees, favorable to biodiversity,  appeal more and more to nature lovers, delighted to travel throughout the length and breadth of the region along the well fit-out network of footpaths.

Thanks to the great variety of landscapes and the cultural wealth, Brittany is one of the most famous touristic regions in France. Crowds of people, very often concentrated in certain areas at certain times, have become a heavy danger to the whole ecosystem. To avoid the extinction of several species, and recreate a biodiversity in areas that were damaged by overpopulation and natural erosion, Brittany has decided to engage in sustainable development. In order to reconcile tourism with the environment, the Region finances the site remediation of six great protected beauty spots : La Pointe du Raz, the headlands of Erquy and Frehel, marshes of the lower valley of the river Oust,  Ploumanac'h, the Gâvres-Quiberon peninsula

 

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

 

Home | Rooms | Caravan Site| Enquiry | Deposit/Payment | Contact | Photography