Places to Visit
Beaches and coastal walks
Several books with coastal walks can be found in the bookshelf. The whole coast from Val-André to Cap Frehel is particularly beautiful with a variety of wide, golden sands or coves. Don't miss visiting and walking the cliffs above Erquy. Plage de Lourtuais (half of which is a nudist beach in summer), Plage de Portuais, Plage Gwen and Les Hôpitaux. Also well worth a visit (especially those with younger children) is Sable D'Or Les Pins where you can also hire bikes and there's a range of childrens' activities, including several bouncy castles and carousels, etc (summer season only). Also, there is a lovely riding centre for all ages from toddler up at the Centre Equestre Les Cognets Tel: 02 96 72 47 00 on the road between Plurien and Sable d'Or.
Places and fun!
There are festivals and events all through the summer. Keep a lookout especially for events at Plurien and at the Haras national, the National Stud at Lamballe which often has night-time events featuring their magnificent Breton horses. Mini-golf opposite the campsite at Pleherel on the road towards Cap Fréhel. Go-karting, near Lamballe. There is a large rural country fair in Hènansal on the 15 August. Also keep an eye out for the Fête de Chasseurs held near La Bouillie in July.
Erquy
Erquy is an interesting port with both beach and fishing harbour. Going east and further afield, there are lovely areas such as St Jacut de la Mer, where there are famous mussel beds and tides that go out for miles - watch out for getting stranded (we speak from experience!) Make sure you get a copy of the tide timetable from the Erquy tourist office as tides are significant in planning walks, swims and sunbathing.
Pléneuf-Val Andre
Going west, Pléneuf-Val Andre is always a lively seaside town during summer months. Music festivals, casino, shops and great seafront walk. 15 minutes drive.
Port Dahouet
West of Val-André (5 minutes drive) is Port Dahouet - a thriving fishing port and swish marina with an old mill and steep climb down to a shell cove. Plenty of places to eat (eg. Le Zef or Le Giros) and a lovely coastal walk. Also, an interesting "brocante" (antiques) opposite the car park by the port.
Château Bien Assis
Château Bien Assis ("Well-sat castle") is the only nearby château open to visitors, a short cycle or 10 mins drive on the coastal road towards Pléneuf. Erratic opening times, but usually open Sunday mornings during the summer.
Fort La Latte
A magnificent old fort, 25 mins from Ville Cario, on the road out of Sable D'Or Les Pins, direction Cap Fréhel. Check opening times out of season. Note: A poster depicting the fort in above the piano in our sitting room.
St Malo
Fifty minutes away, St Malo is old port, with an aquarium, lively nightlife, interesting shops and a fab walled inner city with ramparts you can walk around.
Matignon
Matignon is 15/20 minutes away and is a nice town, particularly worth visiting on market day (Wednesday morning).
Lamballe
Lamballe is 20 minutes away and is a fantastic historic town and also home to the National Stud, a must for Breton horse lovers. Great cafes and shops. Often performances and events in the main square in the summer including large, open air festivals and hog roast. Close by (10 minutes drive) is the GP Circuit open air Grand Prix racing cars for hire. Great for older kids and racy, competitive adults, but also possible for 6 years + if accompanied by a willing adult!
Moncontour
Moncontour is 40 minutes inland, towards the south-west. Historic (13th-15th Century) well-preserved medieval town with ramparts. Annual festival every other August. Good restaurants.
Dinan
Dinan is 45 minutes away, and is great medieval town with castle, art galleries and shops in winding, often steep back streets. Very busy in summer. Best parking is in the (rather well hidden) underground car park, entrance directly on your right as you enter the main town place. Well worth the rather steep walk is a trip down to the river port. Alternatively, a little white choo choo chugs through the town and harbour in season. Good crêpes and galettes.
Sports & Casinos
Indoor swimming pools
Indoor swimming pools at Val Andre, Lamballe and St Cast
Golf
Superb golf courses at Val Andre (Green Flag course ie championship) and Sable D'Or Les Pins; also a nice 9 hole at Crieneire on the road D786 6kms from St Alban roundabout, direction St Brieuc.
Horse Riding
Horse riding in Erquy and Pléneuf-Val Andre
Tennis
Clay tennis courts (public outdoor and indoor) in Erquy.
Watersports
Kayaks, windsurfing and sailing at Erquy www.everquy.org Hire and lessons available.
Casinos
There are two great casinos nearby, at Sable D'Or (which also has a reasonably priced brasserie, restaurant less so, plus weekend entertainment with a live band and dancing at weekends), and another at Val Andre (great value and good restaurant overlooking the seafront). Both are very welcoming and no need to dress up. Usually open until 3.30am in high season. Take your passport if you want to gamble!