WALKING The local area is especially attractive to those interested in walking as it boasts numerous scenic routes, either along the various rugged cliff top paths, the highest in Brittany, with wonderful sea views or, through the surrounding quiet country lanes. You can also take a short ferry ride over to the nearby island of Brehat, with it’s lovely stone built houses and stunning scenery. An environment with no cars or other motor vehicles, except a few tractors, makes this an ideal place to visit.
SWIMMING With several shallow sloping beaches nearby, there are ample opportunities to swim in relative safety in the sea. Alternatively, just 7 km along the coast, there is an outdoor seawater swimming pool, which is replenished at each high tide. Also, within easy reach, there is a very modern indoor pool with chutes and slides for the young at heart and ample space for the more serious swimmer.
GOLFING There are several golf courses in the local area, including the challenging 18 hole, par 72 des Ajoncs d’Or golf course which is just 15 minutes by car from the cottage. In addition to the main course there is also a separate small par 3 course, a driving range, pro shop and a modern bar/coffee lounge where you can relax after the game. There is also a club professional on hand who is available to give lessons, if required.
FISHING The area is very popular for sea fishing either off the nearby rocks or in one of the numerous boats, which can be chartered for those wishing to venture out a little further. Mackerel is the favourite and most numerous species in the area and can be caught with relative ease anywhere along the coast.
HORSE RIDING Only five minutes from the cottage there is the UNIVERS riding school, which cater for riders of all ages and ability. There are usually instructors available and `ride outs’ are either along the very quiet lanes and tracks or, along one of the nearby beaches.
CYCLING Cycling is a very popular activity, both trail/mountain biking and road. In 2008 one stage of the famous Tour de France finished in the area. During the summer months there are numerous competitions particularly trail/mountain biking for the more dedicated cyclists. For those whose main cycling interest is leisure, there are many quiet lanes and tracks in the area where motor vehicles are few and far between.
SAILING There are several small ports and harbours within easy reach of the cottage where boats can either be moored or hired and lessons can be booked. The new marina at nearby St Quay Portrieux is very popular and is just 7 km from the cottage.
BEACHCOMBING The local coastline is very rugged and the sandy beaches also have rocks and rock pools where children and the young at heart can explore and find small sea creatures left behind by the outgoing tide.
CANOE/KAYAKING The rugged and very scenic coastline makes the area a very popular one for those interested in this activity. Exploring otherwise inaccessible beaches and many small-uninhabited islands is one of the attractions. There are also several nearby estuaries and rivers to explore and equipment can be hired, if required.
SKATING/SKATEBOARDING There is a local skateboard park where the young can show their skills and if ice-skating is your thing there is a rink in St Brieuc, which is 25 minutes away.
VOLLEYBALL This is a popular activity during the summer months and at one of the nearby beaches there is a beach volleyball court. Each summer there is a French championship event just along the coast from the cottage.
DANCING When visiting the area during the summer months, a must do event is to visit one of the many organised local music and dancing evening events, known as Fest Noz. These events are popular with locals and visitors alike, where you can take part in traditional Breton dancing to live Breton bands. They are held in many local villages, usually in the evening, throughout the summer.
GASTRONOMIE Locally caught shellfish is a speciality of the area and can be bought at any of the local Poissonneries or, if you prefer, is included on the menu at many of the local restaurants. The bay of St Brieuc is especially noted for scallops and other shellfish and 7 km along the coast, in St Quay Portrieux, you can watch the fishing boats unloading their catch and purchase them direct from there if you wish.
