Tourist Attractions in Britanny
Listed here you can find information on some popular attractions & acticities both locally & further afield in Brittany.
Le Mont St-Michel
The most visited attraction in France, Le Mont St-Michel is an island which rises off the NE coast of
Brittany and is joined by a causeway (above right) to the mainland. On top of the 80m high island is a
fascinating monastery.
Location: To reach Le Mont St-Michel, follow the D976 north from Pontorson in NE Brittany.
Recommendations: There is a large car park at the end of the causeway, but in peak season you should get
there very early, alternatively you can arrive later in the day as the crowds die down. If you want to
avoid the cost of the monastery, go up the steps on the right just after the drawbridge for the walk along
the Chemin des Ramparts. Don’t venture onto the sands around the island at low tide – the incoming tide moves
at an incredible pace in this area and can spell serious danger!
Oceanopolis
Océanopolis is a huge, exciting exhibition of all things connected with the sea. You’ll need
a full day to make the most of your visit, with aquariums, live shows and over 1000 species of living
creatures. Discover the world’s oceans in the 3 pavilions: Polar (with penguins, seals and real ice floe),
Tropical (underwater views of sharks and coral reefs) and Temperate (many aspects of the sea around Brittany
including seals and jellyfish). Prices are very reasonable.www.oceanopolis.com Oceanopolis is located in Brest on the north west coast of Brittany, Follow the N165-E60 towards the centre
of Brest and you’ll find Oceanopolis on the waterfront, between the Port de Commerce and the Port de
Plaisance, near the main railway station.
Its an excellent place for a rainy day but get there early then you can finish your day with a few hours on the adjacent beaches or marinas, or take a boat trip to the Ile d’Ouessant, situated one hour to the west of Brest. Once there you can get around by bike or minibus.
Le Grand Aquarium - St Malo
Le Grand Aquarium in St Malo allows you to spend the day learning some fascinating facts about some of the slimy under water creatures. There is a warp around shark tank where they can be viewed up close. For further information look at www.aquarium-st-malo.com
Château de Combourg
The pretty lakeside village of Combourg is dominated by the boyhood home of Romantic writer Viscount
René de Chateaubriand (1768-1848), the thick-walled, four-tower Château de Combourg.
Topped with "witches' cap" towers that the poet likened to Gothic crowns, the castle dates mainly
from the 14th and 15th centuries. For details on all castles in the Brittany region go to casteland.
La Bourbansais (zoo)
Between Dinan and Combourg is the château La Bourbansais, built in the 1580s. Most of the interior
furnishings date from the 18th century, including the fine collection of porcelain and tapestries.
Its extensive gardens contain a small zoo, a playground for children, and a picnic area. A pack of
hunting hounds perform a popular 20-minute show called La Meute from April through September.www. labourbansais.com
Basilique St-Sauveur, Dinan
The Church's style is a mixture of ages ranging from the Romanesque porch to the flamboyant Gothic facade and Renaissance side chaples. The old trees in the Jardin Anglais (English Garden) behind the church provide a nice frame. More spectacular views can be found at the bottom of the garden which looks down to the plummeting Rance valley to the river below.
Dinan Railway Museum
The Musée du Rail, railway museum, is situated in the left wing of the station. On show are 1:87 and 1:43 scale models of train networks, a reconstruction of the 1889 Vignier signal box, a video and shop. It is a veritable paradise for young and not so young.
Vapeur du Trieux
Climb aboard the steam train [La Vapeur du Trieux] that runs between Paimpol and Pontrieux.
Remembrance Museum, Léhon
The museum holds an exhibition of over 3000 wartime objects - from a packet of cigarettes to an aerplane motor. There are more than 30 mannequins in original uniform as well as artillery and vehicles. The reconstructed blockhaus is fully equiped with standard issue furniture, radio room, firing chamber with a complete 47mm skoda, one of the few left in Europe.
Paimpont & Brocéliande Forest
Brocéliande forest is the mythical heart of Brittany and the setting for the legend of the wizard Merlin. Visit the Fountain of Eternal youth, the Valley of No Return & Merlin's spring. The Hotié de Viviane which overlooks the valley offers a panoramic view of the landscape. There are well signposted trails for walkers & cyclists.
Jugon les Lacs
Jugon les Lacs is one of the 'petits cites de caractere de Bretagne'. It is situated in a small valley on the shore of a 4km long lake. It can be an action packed or leisurely day, whichever you prefer. The area offers angling opportuinites and sells half day fishing permits for €30.Fishing is mainly for carp, trout, pike & zander. If you like water sports you can avail of the sailing & canoeing or take out a pedalo. There are 10 different bike tracks varying in length & difficulty to suit everyone of every age & ability level. Montain bikes can be hired on site. A swimming pool overlooking the lake is the ideal way to spend a few hours and is open to everyone. www.jugon-les-lacs.com for further information.
Chateau de la Hunaudaye
Built 800 years ago, in 1220 by Olivier Tournemine, on an old marsh at the edge of a forest. The castle was destroyed between 1341-1364 and rebuilt during the 15th century. During July & August children can get involved in an adventure called 'what a strange story', featuring witches, fairies & spells.
www.la-hunaudaye.com
Farm d'Antan, Plédéliac
Relive the lives of previous generations by visiting the restored farmhouse, cow byre, pigstye, stables & hen houses. As part of your tour you will watch a video depicting a typical day on the farm in 1924. You can also make a basket or try your hand at spinning wool.www.ferme-dantan22.com
The Bicycle - Rail at Médréac
The bicycle-rail makes it possible to pedal along a section of the old 'Brohiniere-dinan-Dinard' rail line. Two courses are offered, one 10km and the other 14km. A motorised coach is also available for rental.
Cobac Park
Loacted about 25 minutes drive from Dinan is Cobac Park, a pleasure park with 30 attractions on 12 hectares
www.cobac-parc.com |
