Traditional Breton House 4 Bedroom Cottage (BF002014)

Eating Out

'Kerne Cidrerie - Pouldreuzic'
"Happily within walking distance from our house selling award winning cider. You will have to battle with the locals, who cart off trolleys of the stuff, as if it was going out of fashion. They also sell the most exquisite apple juice, apple based liqueurs, whiskies and other local products. There is an opportunity for degustation before you buy. "

'Restaurants'
"There are several bars and restaurants within the village only 2 mins by car. Hotel le Capricorne for instance is a Logis de France, as is 'Ker Ansquer' (www.keransquer.fr), a hotel/country house within walking distance. It is exceptionally good - 4 courses for 22 Euros at the time of typing (31/07/07). There are 2 good restaurants in Penhors Plage: Bar/Restaurant "Armen" which offers typically French food but also offers pizzas to eat in or take away. The other is a bit more upmarket: "Breiz Armor" located by the beach of Penhors. Superb dining with outstanding views of the 13 miles of seashore that is the Baie d'Audierne and not surprisingly specialises in seafood (www.breiz-armor.fr). Our favourite is Dom and Marie's the Café de la Marine in pretty Pont L’Abbé beside the harbour."

Local Area and Activities

'Audierne'
"An active fishing port specialising in prawns and crayfish but with a surprisingly sheltered 1km long beach reaching as far as the departure point for the boats to the Isle de Sein. Home of Aquashow: a super aquarium, a 3D cinema showing several underwater films, and a flying bird display. "

'Benodet'
"Has a long sandy beach and is undeniably good, especially for kids, for whom there is a lot laid on – including horse riding, windsurfing and ‘mickey club’ crèches. In spring and autumn Benodet is a strong contender to be rated the best spot for a family holiday in the whole of Brittany. Ste Marine across the river Odet by (passenger only) ferry is equally attractive. Visit on a Monday when the large outdoor market is in town."

'Boat Trips'
"Visitors shouldn’t fail to take a boat from Quimper and drift down the Odet “the prettiest river in France” to the open sea at Benodet."

'Canoeing/Kayaking'
"For enjoyable all day outings, try canoeing at Quimper. You can canoe up the river, picnic on the beach, or even swim from your canoe. The price includes canoe, paddles, and life jackets. A very enjoyable day, at 18 Euros for a double canoe."

'Children's Parks'
"The ‘Domaine de Bel Air’ Park at Landudec (www.parc-loisirs-belair.com) is excellent for under 12’s. In a wooded site: giant waterchutes, ball pools, bouncy castle, toboggan slope, foam mountain, trampolines, acrobatic roundabout, pedal go-karts, miniature golf, and a miniature Mississippi steamboat. A little train runs all around the park and picnic areas. "

'Children's Parks'
"For thrill seekers visit Benobo Parc (www.bonoboparc.com). This is situated behind the Geant supermarket and McDonalds on the ringroad in Quimper. It’s an adventure playground 100+ feet in the air through the trees. Don’t worry you have a harness and carabineers to keep you safe. A veritable teenagers paradise but something for all ages. Our 6 and 7 year olds adore the (low level) junior course. "

'Childrens Parks'
""Odet Loisirs" (www.odet-loisirs.com) set in 7 hectares of beautiful countryside. Young children and teenagers are well catered for. The main attractions are the 2 huge 175m zip slides over the lake!! There is a vast hedge maze. Bouncy castles, pedalos, toboggan (scary for adults), trampolines, bikes and go-karts amongst other attractions. Situated at Coray 15km w of Quimper off the D15."

'Concarneau'
"The view of the medieval walled town is one of the most photographed in Brittany and the tourist crowds flock in every summer. Its greatest asset is the beautiful Ville Close, the small, well fortified old city located a few metres off shore on a rocky island in the bay which also hosts the Musee de la Peche. "

'Douarnenez'
"The west side of town houses the remarkable Port-Musee. The entire waterfront is taken up with fishing and other vessels which visitors are invited to roam in and out of, up and down ladders and all over the decks, through oily metallic-smelling engine rooms and sleeping quarters divided by wooden compartments. Across the street the associated Boat Museum doubles as a working boatyard where visitors can watch and (or even join in!!) the construction of sea going vessels. "

'Fest-Noz'
"Fest-Noz – is Breton for “Feast Night." In July and August feast nights seem to happen almost daily in the surrounding towns and villages. They are all very different, but the common theme is a slap-up meal, wine aplenty and Breton dancing to a live band. There may be sideshows, a chance to sample some local produce, enter a crepe making competition etc etc. "

'Golf de Cornouaille'
"(www.golf de cornouaille.com). Part of the course's charm is the frequent choice between the safety shot and the daring strike. Undulating fairways are expansive and good use has been made of water hazards, bunkers and woodland throughout. Breathtaking views over the sea to the Isles of Glenan. The clubhouse and pro shop is an 18th century converted manor. Nr Quimper (18 holes 5,682m, Par 71). "

'Horse Riding'
"Finistere is good riding country, with many marked routes, through exceptional scenery. There are riding schools (amongst others) at Concarneau, Quimper, Plogoff and Douarnenez who cover a range of needs from lessons to trekking."

'Leisure Centres'
"Aquarrive in Quimper, or our favourite in Fousenant which has the longest water slide in Brittany. Tropical décor, water at 29 degrees, giant waterchute, water cannons, paddling pool and mini slides. Massage, jets, Jacuzzis, water gym for fitness and relaxation. A bizarre French rule forbids swimming shorts of any description so chaps will need to pack some speedos."

'Locronan'
"Locronan is a prime example of a Breton town that has remained frozen in time. From 1469 through to the 17th century, it was a successful centre for woven linen, supplying sails to the French, English and Spanish navies. The rich medieval houses of the town centre have never been superceded or surrounded by modern development. The town itself is genuinely remarkable, centred around the focal Église St-Ronan. "

'Pont L’Abbe'
"Pretty Pont L’Abbe is well worth a visit and a stroll around its attractive shops. A stroll through the woods along the banks of the estuary is another accessible pleasure."

'Pont-Aven'
"Not Brittany Ferries flagship but the small port of Pont-Aven. This is where Paul Gaugin came to paint in the 1880’s. Pont-Aven is very pleasant, with countless galleries making it easy to while away an afternoon, and the small neat pleasure port boasts a watermill and the odd leaping salmon. Just upstream of the little granite bridge the Promenade Xavier-Grall crisscrosses the tiny river itself on landscaped walkways offering glimpses of the backs of mansions dripping with red ivy. A longer walk leads into the Bois d’Amour wooded gardens which have inspired visiting painters poets and musicians. "

'Quimper'
"Quimper – a beautiful medieval city full of narrow cobbled streets and half-timbered houses. Pick up a guide and explore. The cathedral is a good starting point and don’t fail to visit the Halles St Francis – not just for the food but for the view past the upturned boat rafters through the roof to the cathedrals twin spires. For those who enjoy classical music festival (semaines musicales) during the first 3 weeks of August is a must."

'Sainte Marine'
"A less commercialised version of Benodet. A good main beach and it is possible to sail up the Odet to Quimper from here. "