This is just a snapshot of some of the local interest around central Brittany.
Josselin Chateau
Located just 3km from the medieval town of Josselin in Morbihan, La Bergerie is ideally positioned to explore the central, north and south of central Brittany.
Click maps to enlarge.
Guegon
The local village of Guegon lies just 1.5km west of La Bergerie. There is a post office, boulangerie, church, pharmacy, doctors, bar, hairdressers, creperie and mini-market.
Josselin
A five minute car ride or a leisurely bike ride or stroll along the tow path of the Nantes – Brest canal from La Bergerie is the local medieval town of Josselin.
With its shops, two large supermarkets, various bars and restaurants, cobbled streets, and stunning chateau next to the canal, Josselin is a must-visit on any tour of the Breton heartlands. From its medieval chateau, still lived in by members of the legendary Rohan family, to the doll museum, and from its attractive old town to canal-based fun or forest walks, there’s something to interest all members of the family.
Nantes - Brest Canal
La Bergerie lies just 500 metres from the 385km long Nantes – Brest canal. Perfect for leisurely walks or cycling, the tow path extends virtually the full length. Electric boats, canoes and kayaks are available to rent by the hour in Josselin.
Cycling
Brittany has a sort of love affair with cycling. The Tour de France frequently passes through and motorists are surprisingly tolerant of the packs of club cyclists that take to the roads at weekends and public holidays. Indeed cycling is one of the most popular sports in Brittany, both on and off road.
Whether you are looking for a challenging route or a leisurely peddle along the tow path of the Nantes – Brest Canal, the area around La Bergerie has plenty to offer.
Click on the button below for more information & maps.
You can rent a bike from nearby Josselin. It is advisable to book in advance during peak season. You can store your bike under cover at La Bergerie.
Lac au Duc
Just 20 minutes by car from La Bergerie, Lac au Duc is the largest natural lake in Brittany. Bordered to the west by a sandy beach where lifeguards are on duty in July and August, it offers a whole range of leisure or sporting activities: golf, swimming, paddle-boarding, sailing and fishing.
The forest of Brocéliande
Just thirty minutes away is the forest of Brocéliande.
Who has never heard of the legend of King Arthur? It is in the magnificent forest of Brocéliande, between moors and ponds, that it takes its source. The mere mention of this place awakens a marvelous world populated by the fairy Viviane, Merlin the enchanter or the knight Lancelot. A magical site to discover during beautiful hikes.
Local Markets
Many towns and villages have weekday street markets.
JOSSELIN: Saturday morning 08.00 – 13.00. A great market with everything you need. Very colourful and right in the centre of this medieval town.
PLOERMEL: Friday morning 08.00 – 13.00. Very nice little market with only food merchants, butchers, market gardeners, bakers, fishmongers … Very few clothing merchants. Very pleasant market.
AURAY: Monday mornings from 08.00 – 13.00. Large market selling everything from clothes and fresh food to bric-a-brac and live chickens.
SAINT JEAN BREVELAY: Friday evenings 16.30 – 19.00. Local producers market.
VANNES: Wednesdays and Saturdays 08:00 – 13.30. The market is mainly food and clothes but really nice to take in the entire atmosphere. Vannes is very historic and around every corner is something different.
LOCMINE: Thursday Morning 08.00 – 13.00. Locminé has been a trade and exchange place since the Middle Ages. The tradition remains every Thursday Morning around St Sauveur Church and the chapel of Notre-Dame du Plasker. All kinds of merchants : food, local and regional products, textiles, hardware, flowers.
There are many other markets besides the ones listed above.
further north
Moncontour
How not to fall under the spell of the Petite Cité de Caractère® in Moncontour?
Perched on top of a hill, surrounded by its ramparts, it deserves its title of “most beautiful village in France”. You will love strolling through its charming medieval streets, discovering its history marked by Chouans and canvas makers and strolling through its peaceful countryside.
Dinan
Just eighty minutes’ drive from La Bergerie, Dinan is the must-see medieval city of Brittany. 2nd in the ranking of the 50 most photographed cities in France in the world, the city has no less than 130 half-timbered houses and stunning views down to the Rance River.
St Malo
Walking through the cobbled streets of St Malo’s old town feels like you’ve stepped back in time. This popular tourist destination and busy ferry port offers visitors an authentic glimpse into Brittany’s important seafaring past. There be pirates…
Less than an hour forty from La Bergerie by car.
The Port of Dahouët and the resort of Le Val-André
Less than 90 minutes from La Bergerie, when you see Dahouët’s location, you can understand that it might have appealed to pirates and … Vikings. It’s said the latter caused terror along the coast from their hideaway here. Later, sailors from Dahouët headed for much more distant horizons; they counted among the first in France to make fishing expeditions to Newfoundland, from the start of the 16th century. The fantastic beach of Plage Val-André is a bustling seaside resort.
Mont Saint-Michel
An hour fifty from La Bergerie, recognised the world over, this stunning UNESCO world heritage site is a must-see.
further south
Auray
Fifty minutes driving brings you to the quaint town of Auray and the Port of St Goustan. Stroll along the cobbles or stop for a drink or a meal by the waterside.
Pont-Aven
An hour’s drive brings you to Pont-Aven which is best known for its association with the post-Impressionist painter Paul Gauguin. This attractive little village also has some lovely riverside walks, a mouth-watering food speciality and a colourful summer festival.
Rochefort‑en‑Terre
High above the River Arz, Rochefort-en-Terre has been voted one of France’s most beautiful villages and as a result is one of Brittany’s most visited sites. Make your way through the narrow streets, past ateliers and workshops, admiring the geranium-bedecked houses along the way. From April to September, the streets are illuminated from dusk until midnight.
At Christmas, there are Christmas lights, music, and stalls selling mulled wine.
Not to be missed!
Just forty minutes away.
Vannes
The walled town of Vannes is without doubt one of Brittany’s most attractive sights and a must-visit on any trip to the Gulf of Morbihan. Wander around the well-preserved medieval streets before enjoying a harbour-side lunch then taking a boat trip around the gulf. Kids will love the aquarium and butterflies. Just forty-five minutes away.
Sarzeau & the Chateau of Suscinio
Less than an hour’s drive from La Bergerie is the small town of Sarzeau with its stunning Chateau. You can take a walk around inside this impressive castle and take in the wonderful views from its rooftop. This formidable monument offers a view of the bay of Suscinio and the beach, which extends to the Pointe de Penvins and its chapel.
This whole area is very beautiful & well worth a visit.
CARNAC ALIGNMENTS
Explore the largest megalithic complex of this type in the world, a landmark of European prehistory.
The city has 3 sites in 1! There are of course the famous megalith fields, to be admired in the grazing light of the morning or the end of the day. There is the village, where everyone meets on market days. And Carnac-plage, oscillating between opulent villas, maritime pines and fine sand.
Just a must-see sixty-minute drive away.