The beautiful Blavet Valley and surrounding area offer plenty to do and see. With numerous historic towns and chateaux, vast sandy beaches, water-sports, museums, churches and markets, and with an abundance of footpaths, including the many kilometers of towpath, the area provides something to do and see for everyone.
Here is a sample of what the area can offer:
Poul Fetan (5 km) a thatched medieval village and working farm, with traditional baker, potter and the opportunity to experience the Breton way of life from yester-year;
Beaches: This part of Brittany is lucky enough to have many wonderful sandy beaches, the nearest being at Port Louis, where an ancient fort can be found fronting the beach; others can be found at Guidel or Carnac;
Historic towns:
Josselin is a most attractive market town with many historic buildings and cobbled streets. The Chateau, with its three towers, dominates the town and overlooks the river;
At Pontivy you will find a lovely medieval town with its fortified 15th century chateau and regimented streets laid out to Napoleon's plan;
The historic walled town of Vannes, ancient capital of Brittany,, with its architecturally rich heritage is a fascinating place for a day out, especially on market days;
Auray is a beautiful coastal town with plenty of quaint side-streets. At the nearby historic port of St Goustain, seafood enthusiasts can indulge their appetites at excellent quay-side bars/restaurants, or taste freshly-baked pizzas and salads, whilst overlooking the Harbour;
Carnanc is one of the most important megalithic sites in Europe, known for the very high number of over 3,000, impressive, prehistoric monuments stretching for 3.75 kms.
Art and festivals:
Many festivals are held across Brittany throughout the summer, where one can hear local Celtic music being played, watch traditional Breton dance and partake of local food and drink.
In August, the Lorient Inter-Celtic festival is held; this is the largest traditional music festival in Brittany, which is held each year, for 10 days. Celts from all over the world descend, with 700,000 festival visitors brought together to enjoy a really convivial atmosphere;
Just 1 km away, at Quistinic, the Pardon des Chevaux is held. This takes place annually at the end of July. A festival dedicated to celebrating the life of the horse, where the horses are blessed at a church service, followed by an all-day-long celebration when locals get together in true Bretton style to enjoy themselves with music and a glass or two of cider;
Chapels of Art:
The villages along the river are renowned for their historic chapels. The most attractive is, without doubt, St Gildas in Bieuzy-les-Eaux. Named after the Irish monk who came here in the 6th century, the chapel is tucked underneath a rocky outcrop on a grassy bank next to the river. From July through until mid-September, about 25 of the valley's chapels, which date from the 15th century, host contemporary art exhibitions;
Markets:
The best place to experience local produce is at one of the many markets; Everyday a market can be found not far away; the ones at Hennebont, Aurary and Vannes, are well worth a visit.
See our own website for further information of things to do and see
