Natural holiday ideas in Brittany, France
Country life in Brittany, France
Thursday, 02, Oct 2008 10:39
Home to some of the most striking natural habitats and forward-thinking ecologic developments in France, Brittany is set to offer visitors a wealth of experiences this autumn.
Situated on a peninsular stretching out into the Atlantic Ocean on the very tip of Western Europe, the French region is defined by its relationship to the sea - shaped by the swells, squalls, rain and storms of a relentless ocean.
But it is on land where the greatest treasures lay - waiting to be discovered by gallant visitors from around the world.
The natural heritage of Brittany is among the finest in France, and here travelbite.co.uk takes a look at the natural wonder of the region.
Natural Brittany
Spread over five 'departments' - in the west Finistère, Côtes-d'Armor in the north, Ille-et-Vilaine in the north-east, Loire-Atlantique in the south-east and Morbihan in the centre - Brittany is host to hundreds of bays and coves, sweeping mountains, pale sandy beaches and towering cliffs.
Among the most impressive sites, however, is the Conservatoire Botanique National; one of the first sites in the world to be devoted entirely to the conservation of rare and endangered plants.
Spread over 22 acres, the garden accommodates a 1,000 square metre greenhouse, offering four tropical habitats, with 95 per cent of the plants on display threatened from extinction.
The gardens are only open to the public in the summer months, so check before visiting, but prices are relatively cheap, at £4 per person.
Open throughout the year is the Domaine de Trévarez which is home to 700 species of plant, spread over an 85 hectare site.
The site is recognised as a specialist collection, of national importance - housed at a 20th century heritage site - well worth a visit at just £3.50 per person.
While much of Brittany was once an immense forest, only scattered remnants still adorn the countryside.
One of the finest examples is the 7,000 acre Forest of Paimpont - the modern name for the mythic Brocelïande.
Once covering the ancient province of Armorica, the forest is the source of many Celtic legends, including those of Merlin & Viviane, King Arthur, the Holy Grail and the White Lady. For those willing to indulge the Arthurian Centre presents guests with a chance to explore the setting for the mythic Lady of the Lake, as well as a host of other activities.
Merlin's Tomb, the Golden Tree, Fairy's Mirror and Cave of Barenton are also all to be found within the forest.
For those less inclined to awaken the myths of the past, the landscape within the forest offers a challenging walk; broken up by geological faults, valleys and ponds.
For the more adventurous, the Black Mountains shelter the valley of the Aulne river. The setting is perfect for hiking, as a selection of trails reveal tiny chapels, megalithic arrangements and abbeys.
At the very west of Europe, the La Pointe du Raz, celebrated in the work of Flaubert and Victor Hugo, also draws ever increasing numbers of tourists to it breathtaking panorama.
Here it is possible to stroll among wild heather and beautiful gorse bushes and enjoy the boundless view over the 'Baie des Trépassés' (The bay of the Departed), which has so often been disastrous to seafarers.
Eating in Brittany
Brittany has the second highest concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants in the whole of France, with a wealth of fresh, high-quality, local produce contributing to a rewarding local cuisine.
With such a reputation competition is fierce, but some of the finer restaurants are the Auberge Lucas, which serves a wonderful range of fish and meat dishes, in Cardroc, just outside Rennes, or the Hostellerie de la Mer, which is based on the coast at Crozon.
Brittany is also the second largest cider-producing region in France, producing both pear and apple ciders of the highest quality. A form of mead made from wild chouchen honey, and a clear fruit brandy, called lambig, are also popular locally.
Where to stay
Perhaps the best place to stay for ecologically minded visitors to Brittany is the eco-village Domaine de Crénihuel in Silfiac.
The 34 acre site has 55 suites, placing a heavy emphasis reducing the impact the complex has on the environment, as well as allowing access for the disabled.
For example, the swimming pool is heated by wood fire and oxygenated by natural plant life and porous rocks. Horse riding, walking, and cycling are also on offer along nine kilometres of dedicated routes.
The location was funded by cash from the European Union, and is not run for a profit. The cost of a room is also arranged on a sliding scale, based on an individual's ability to pay.
The La Maison Neuve also offers typical dishes, of the highest quality, cooked with ingredients from the farm amid a welcoming family atmosphere.
Set in a rustic location, with buildings composed of lime walls, exposed beams and fireplace, the location is also home to a farm, presenting an opportunity to get involved with feeding the animals.
More information
Reaching Brittany couldn't be easier either, with Flybe offering daily departures to Rennes, as well less frequent trips to Brest, while Aer Lingus offers a route from Dublin to Rennes.
Finally, Aer Arann also flies to Brest.
For those planning a trip to one of France's most inviting regions, Brittany Tourism also has a wealth of information available.
Chris O'Toole