Pontivy
is made up of two towns wrapped around each other. There is the
medieval old town with its tortuous streets and half timbered houses,
and the geometric Napoleonic town. Twice in its history Pontivy has
been known as Napoleonville (the town of Napoleon) The town is
situated in a very rural part of Brittany known as the valley of the
Blavet and the River Blavet runs through the town. The Nantes-Brest
canal also runs through Pontivy and if you are taking a trip on the
canal it is a good stopping off point. The town boasts a
magnificent 15th century castle where guided tours are available and
a 16th century church built in the flamboyant style.
The surrounding countryside is replete with small villages boasting
innumerable chapels of architectural and historical interest. There
are well laid out walks and cycle paths for the visitor to discover
the treasures of central Brittany.
A quiet country town some 20km south of Pontivy. The town has
a 16th century chapel which contains some important statuary and a
magnificent fountain. There is also the curiosity of the statue of
the Venus of Quinpily which is of unknown origin and has been the
symbol of considerable pagan worship.
Bon Repos
The
Abbey of Bon Repos is a very popular tourist site set as it is in
the heart of the beautiful rural countryside of central Brittany. The
Abbey which dates from the 12th century was built by Cistercian
Monks. There have been numerous rebuilds throughout the centuries but
it was destroyed during the revolution. The Abbey is currently
undergoing restoration once more and makes an interesting focal point
for the visitor to the area. Once a year it is host to the Son et
Lumiere, a spectacular show with hundreds of participants, about the
history of the Bretons, however the commentary is in French and there
are no English explanations.
Lake Guerledan situated in the heart of central Brittany is one of
the most beautiful tourist attractions of the area. There are
facilities for a wide range of water sports including; canoeing,
sailing, fishing, waterskiing or simply taking in the sunshine on the
shores of the lake. Its possible to tour the lake on one of the
cruise boats leaving from Anse de Sordan or Beau Rivage and in summer
evenings dinner cruises are available. There are a number of sites
around the lake including parking. Leave the car and walk around the
lake to take in the breathtaking views.
Josselin
This
picturesque town is situated 30km south of Pontivy. The town is
built on the banks of the River Oust and was the home of the Dukes of
Rohan. The magnificent castle was started by Jean II of Rohan in the
late 15th century. The castle is spectacular to view from both inside
and out. The old town with its half timbered buildings is centered
around the Basilica of Our Lady of the Brambles whose tower may be
climbed giving views over the town and countryside beyond.
Josselin is also home of the doll museum which has both
permanent and temporary exhibitions.
Kernescleden
This
charming little village with a population of less than 400 has one
of the most beautiful Churches to be seen in Brittany. At the
beginning of the 15th century the Rohan family built the church with
perfection as their watchword. The church which is well preserved is
currently undergoing further renovation. The most important features
are the 15th century frescoes which are an outstanding example of
French art of the period. The village is also home to the toy museum,
a collection of antique childrens toys.
Pontivy
is made up of two towns wrapped around each other. There is the
medieval old town with its tortuous streets and half timbered houses,
and the geometric Napoleonic town. Twice in its history Pontivy has
been known as Napoleonville (the town of Napoleon) The town is
situated in a very rural part of Brittany known as the valley of the
Blavet and the River Blavet runs through the town. The Nantes-Brest
canal also runs through Pontivy and if you are taking a trip on the
canal it is a good stopping off point. The town boasts a
magnificent 15th century castle where guided tours are available and
a 16th century church built in the flamboyant style.
The
Abbey of Bon Repos is a very popular tourist site set as it is in
the heart of the beautiful rural countryside of central Brittany. The
Abbey which dates from the 12th century was built by Cistercian
Monks. There have been numerous rebuilds throughout the centuries but
it was destroyed during the revolution. The Abbey is currently
undergoing restoration once more and makes an interesting focal point
for the visitor to the area. Once a year it is host to the Son et
Lumiere, a spectacular show with hundreds of participants, about the
history of the Bretons, however the commentary is in French and there
are no English explanations.
Lake Guerledan situated in the heart of central Brittany is one of
the most beautiful tourist attractions of the area. There are
facilities for a wide range of water sports including; canoeing,
sailing, fishing, waterskiing or simply taking in the sunshine on the
shores of the lake. Its possible to tour the lake on one of the
cruise boats leaving from Anse de Sordan or Beau Rivage and in summer
evenings dinner cruises are available. There are a number of sites
around the lake including parking. Leave the car and walk around the
lake to take in the breathtaking views.
This
picturesque town is situated 30km south of Pontivy. The town is
built on the banks of the River Oust and was the home of the Dukes of
Rohan. The magnificent castle was started by Jean II of Rohan in the
late 15th century. The castle is spectacular to view from both inside
and out. The old town with its half timbered buildings is centered
around the Basilica of Our Lady of the Brambles whose tower may be
climbed giving views over the town and countryside beyond.
This
charming little village with a population of less than 400 has one
of the most beautiful Churches to be seen in Brittany. At the
beginning of the 15th century the Rohan family built the church with
perfection as their watchword. The church which is well preserved is
currently undergoing further renovation. The most important features
are the 15th century frescoes which are an outstanding example of
French art of the period. The village is also home to the toy museum,
a collection of antique childrens toys.