|
|||
 |
|||
|
||||||
Brittany Destination Guide - MorbihanView rental properties in MorbihanSome say that Morbihan has an island for every day of the year. Arguments over what exactly constitutes an island, however, will leave many arguing long into the night. In the meantime you can attempt to figure out the secret behind the region's baffling standing stones. Their sheer number makes Stonehenge look like a small group of rocks. One thing is certain, however - the favourable climate and rolling landscape makes Morbihan a great place to visit. Little Sea The name of this department is Breton for ‘little sea’. It covers the middle to the South of Brittany and, thanks to the Gulf Stream, enjoys a more favourable climate than the other three Breton departments. The summers are warm, the winters are mild and lush green flora flourishes. What is an Island? Morbihan is steeped in mystery. No one is sure how many islands there are: Figures range from 43 to 365 depending on your interpretation of what an island is. Does land that becomes cut off at high tide count? How to get there There are regular UK crossings to both Roscoff and St Malo. Caen and Cherbourg in Normandy are nearby ports with regular crossings. Ferries are convenient for those who want to bring their cars. It is also cheaper if you are booking for larger numbers or out of season. These days you don’t have to spend hours crossing the Channel as there are now super fast services heading to Brittany. Flying is still an option. Ryanair flies to both Dinard and Brest directly, while Aurigny Air offers flights to Dinard from Manchester, East Midlands, Bristol, Stansted, Gatwick and Southampton, although there is a change at Guernsey.
Towns of MorbihanVannes – almost on the sea. Vannes is the capital of Morbihan and has a history going back to 54BC, and was occupied by the Romans. In the Middle Ages it became an important fortified town and was the home of the Dukes of Brittany. The mediaeval town centre is very attractive, with half-timbered houses and plenty of shops, bars and eateries. The archaeological museum, in the old Brittany House of Parliament is worth a visit, and there are plenty of other attractions, including water taxis to the Gulf islands.
Lorient – the city of five ports. Lorient at one time was the main port for trade with the far East (L'Orient). It is located where the Blavet and Scorff rivers meet at the Bay of Biscay. It's ports, rebuilt after World War II, include a Naval submarine base, naval shipbuilding yards, a major commercial fishing port (Lorient Kéroman) and the pleasure boat harbour. The University of South Brittany is here, as well as several other colleges. The shopping here is very good, there are many attractions in the town and there is quick and easy access to very beautiful countryside. The Interceltic Festival takes place at Lorient in August. The Isle de Groix lies just off the coast, a small inhabited island with beaches and cliffs which has a nature reserve.Ile de Groix – miraculously preserved. The isle de Groix lies about 6km off the coast of Lorrient, between sheer cliffs and sandy beaches. The island is known familiarly as the island of greks, the local name for large coffee pots favoured by the islanders. Groix is a land of contrast. In the early 20th C. it was the biggest tuna port in France, but it now relies on its wildlife and scientific heritage, and tourism accounts for much of its income. The giant rocks of Groix, its fields, valleys and scattered hamlets have all remained untouched and unspoiled in rare and precious authenticity. Pontivy – the town with two faces. Pontivy lies in the lovely Blavet River valley, with the river and the Nantes-Brest canal to enjoy. It's history has twice been named Napoleonville. Here can be seen the more modern Napoleonic architecture, as well as the mediaeval old town with it's half-timbered merchant's houses. Kercledennes – home of the toy museum. Not far from Pontivy is this charming little village with a population of less than 400, with a beautiful church built in the early 15th century by the Dukes of Rohan. A further attraction in the village is a toy museum. Josselin – the waterway from Nantes to Brest. Josselin, 30km south of Pontivy, was the home of the Dukes of Rohan, one of whom started the construction of the spectacular castle in the 15th century. The Basilica of Our Lady of the Brambles has a high tower from the top of which is a stunning view. The old town features old half-timbered buildings. Carnac – necropolis or temple of the sun. Carnac is famous for the huge number of menhirs, dolmen, tumuli and cromlecs in the area, some dating back to about 1000 BC. Over three thousand standing stones are arranged in parallel lines culminating in a semi-circle around Menec. The site is fenced in summer to allow vegetation to regrow, but can be accessed in winter months Carnac is sheltered by the Quiberon Peninsular so has a mild climate in which to enjoy it's beautiful sheltered beaches. (One of the most elegant beaches in Brittany is in carnac) Locmariaquer – port of the gulf of Morbihan. Situated at the neck of the Gulf, this lovely sea side village and oyster port is one of the main prehistoric sites, with huge menhirs. Beautiful beaches and lots of boat trips as well.
|
