Vannes and the coast
The pretty fishing port of Vannes (35 mins drive) is on the `Golfe Du Morbihan,` which features in the book `The World`s Most Stunning Bays`. The bay at Vannes is 15 miles square & littered with islands and white sandy beaches (try a trip with Navix Tours and visit two islands & tour the bay). The area is a protected bird haven-one of the biggest in France. You can visit the exhibition centre there and even watch the birds from the hides.

There are lots of good beaches nearby – Go to Carnac. For more on the coast go back to the contents page and press `beach`

To see Vannes the easy way then why not take the thirty minute tour on the little train that leaves from the port every hour, our kids loved it and we enjoyed it to. Alternatively, just take it easy and sit outside at one of the waterfront cafes and watch it all pass you by.

Rochefort-en-Terre
The well known town of Rochefort-en-Terre (20 mins drive) is a popular destination due to its attractive cobbled streets, numerous quality restaurants and varied shops. It is described as a `Petite Cite de Character` due to its fascinating 16th-18th century architecture and the fact that it won the prize for the best kept town in France. There`s a large fortified chateau, a traditional French museum and various art exhibitions. Don't forget to visit the dinosaurs at the prehistoric park near the town: Le Parc Prehistoire.

Redon
Twenty minutes drive south is the large town of Redon -described as the `Cité d’ art de Bretagne`. The town, which was founded in AD832, is situated at the confluence of two major rivers. It recently won the National prize for flower decoration so expect to see a hanging basket or two.

The town has a lot of ancient historic sites to see. Visit the seventeenth century salt warehouses or stop by the Benedictine abbey and listen to one of the unforgettable classical concerts that they have there.

Redon's main shopping street is pedestrianised and very pretty. There's also a huge hypermarket, so if you're after a huge choice of stuff to buy, this may be the place to visit. Don’t forget to go down to the river front for a coffee, or perhaps check out the tapas bar by the canal. There`s also a couple of brocantes and second hand shops on hand.

Josselin
About thirty minutes drive away Josselin is well worth the effort. This ancient town (founded in the 11th century) is built along the banks of a river and is dominated by its huge turreted castle. You can take a tour around it. Take a stroll around the towns narrow medieval streets and admire the half timbered old houses dating back to 1538. We definitely recommend lunch at one of the many restaurants on the river bank. Sitting outside on a hot summers day with a cold drink is a must.

Lizio
A pretty town close-by with several places of interest to see. There`s the metal working `poet` where there`s loads of fun sculptures where the children can press buttons and then watch them doing all sorts of things. There`s the insectarium full of creepy crawlies, a pottery, a museum devoted to `workers of the past` and even `The House of the Clowns` where regular shows and workshops for both adults and children. Should you be a beer drinker why not nip into the Lancelot brewery on the outskirts of the town for a tour and a taste.

La Roche Bernard
This really nice town is perched on a large rock overlooking the river Vilaine. The town was founded a thousand years ago by the Viking chief Bern Hart. Having sailed up the Vilaine and spotted this huge rock, he then settled there due to its defensive position. He carried out his fair share of pillage and then converted to Christianity and built a large priory. The town became an extremely important trading centre and boomed throughout the middle ages. Now it has a tradition as a place of hospitality and gastronomy. We recommend going down the river and sitting outside one of the waterfront bars with a cold drink and perhaps a crepe or two whilst watching the sailing boats rushing past.

A good option is to hop onto one of the yellow river boats and go for a cruise. Most serve lunch or dinner on board as well.

Rennes
The ancient bustling city of Rennes located at the joining of the rivers Ille & Vilaine is forty minutes drive. The city which was first settled in the 2nd century AD, is steeped in history and is the `county town` of Brittany boasting the regions parliament buildings. The city is quite large (but you can walk around it in half a day) and has all the diverse attractions one would expect, including parks, a zoo and various museums.

The heart of the town is hundreds of years old and pedestranised. The network of old winding lanes opens into breathtaking expansive cobbled squares filled with statues and fountains. Frequently, fetes, markets and bazaars occupy the squares and for nine days in July a major festival takes over the whole city filling the streets with dozens of performing artists.

The shopping quarter is split into two areas, one where the small specialist shops are gathered and another where the big department stores can be found (e.g Gallery Lafayette)

The restaurants are located around a few central squares where you can sit outside to eat or drink and watch the world go by. There’s a huge selection of food available depending on taste and budget.

Pontivy
Pontivy is an attractive bustling riverside town with a good selection of traditional shops and restaurants, a chateau, two large supermarkets, a hospital, and indoor and outdoor swimming pools; market day is Monday

St Nicholas des Eaux
This beauty spot is situated on the River Blavet and offers a range of activities including a river cruise, pedallos, and canoes to hire, fishing, cycling and riverside walks along the scenic towpath. There are a couple of restaurants, bars and an excellent créperie, all overlooking the river

Auray
Designated a town of 'art and history' Auray is a busy market town and tourist centre with many art and antique galleries. There`s a large selection of shops to check out (all small, and interesting) . Go down to Port Goustan where there is a picturesque harbour that looks like its straight out of a film set. Flower decked timbered houses and inns surround the quay side, its a great place to sit and enjoy the scenery. Don`t forget to have lunch on the quay side in one of the many great bistros.

Lorient
Further along the coast is the large city of Lorient set on the banks of the rivers Scorff and Blavet. Lorient is a major port both past and present, and home to the French navy’s submarine base. In August the “Inter-Celtic Music Festival” is held, which is the biggest in Brittany with musicians from all the Celtic countries. Just to the west is Guidel-plage another lovely sandy beach with restaurants close-by.

Quimper
Quimper lies a few miles inland from the sea at the confluence of the rivers Steir, Jed and Odet, and is a good town to visit. The medieval centre is in rue Kereon (Shoemakers Street ) which leads off from the main square beside St. Corentins cathedral. On this same street you will find an excellent tea shop La Macaronerie Rolland-Padou – wonderful macaroons, plus chocolates, cakes and tea! Quimper art gallery is worth a visit with work covering 16th to 20th century.

There`s a organic market every Friday afternoon 3pm – 7.30pm in the Kerfeunten car park.

St Malo
Take a trip up to St Malo and visit the ancient walled city.