press pack 2019 www.brittanytourism.com

Top Canadian Meet Up water - part of brittany’sIn the footsteps of explorers and sailors inDNA Brittany 2

Pink Granit coast ploumanac’h editorial Water – part of Brittany’s DNA With its 2,730 kilometres of coastline, Brit- tany’s heart beats in time with the tides, which are among the highest in Europe. So, as you’d expect, water is a defining feature of Brittany: the sea, of course, which has inspired sailors and explorers for hundreds of years, but also the rivers and canals that criss-cross the Breton countryside. A land of nature and wild scenery, where the air is filled with the scent of sea spray, fields and gar- den, Brittany is a haven for carefully-protected biodiversity. Brittany is celtic through and through, and is proud of its identity, drawing energy from a unique historic heritage. Constantly reinventing its traditions, Brittany has become ’s nu- mber one region for festivals, watersports and walking. Brittany is well-connected and harbours another great treasure : the people who live there. Historically, Brittany was the home port of many explorers and it’s still as outward-looking today. Bretons of every generation have a great sense of hospitality and love letting their hair down. You don’t have to be born here, you can become Bre- ton by sharing the passion.

contents 04 The Route du rhum 05 events in brittany 06 alone on an island 07 island hopping in brittany 08 6 breton seaside crafts 09 maritime experiences 10 breton chefs, modern-day adventurers 12 enjoy life in the countryside 14 the well-being and detox trend 16 pedalling through the salt-spray 18 brand new and by the sea 20 brittany: here we are 22 map of brittany 4 The Route du Rhum transatlantic yacht race

la route du rhum la route du rhum Skippers with unique track-records The event that get hearts racing! Around 100 skippers will start the race on 4 November. These modern-day explorers have It’s nearly time for the 11th Route du Rhum, so the corsair city of Saint-Malo their own personal stories and reasons for is getting ready to watch around 100 boats set sail for Guadeloupe: a hugely racing, but they’re all passionate about this popular event that sets the city of Saint-Malo buzzing for a fortnight. unique race. Bob Escoffier, who has lived in Saint-Malo for 33 years, is the oldest skipper in the race. He’ll be starting for the fifth time. Morgane Ursault-Pou- pon, aged 32, was born in the year that her father, Philippe, won the Route du Rhum. After years spent cruising the oceans on the family yacht Fleur Australe, this will be Morgane’s first attempt at the Route du Rhum. After chalking-up about 15 years of experience on luxury yachts, traditional sailing boats and multihulls in the Caribbean, Gilles Lamiré first entered the world of offshore racing in 2006, in that year’s Route du Rhum. A massively enthusias- tic sailor, he finished third in the last race.

There’s just one line-up, one departure day and time – 4 November 2018 – when ocean racing fans will turn up to witness an exciting chapter in yacht racing histo- ry. Every four years, this iconic single-handed transatlantic race gets hearts poun- ding on land and at sea. With a line-up of 91 competitors, more than two million visitors and a stunning overall victory by Loïck Peyron, the 10th race in 2014 set the tone. The 2018 race will definitely stay faithful to tradition and keep the Route du Rhum legend alive. On 24 October 2018 at 17:00, the Route du Rhum Village will open: a 1,200 sq.m. site with almost 300 exhibitors, at the foot of the ramparts of the corsair city. For 12 days before the start of the race visitors can get a closer look at the skippers and boats and see ‘behind the scenes’ of this legendary transatlantic race. On the programme are entertainments from visiting Caribbean groups, sea shanties and beginners’ watersports lessons for children and adults. Events in Brittany 5 to go with the flow

La Route du Rock Festival photo la Gacilly saint-malo - August 2019 La Gacilly - June to September 2019 Every August, pop is in the air around Saint-Malo. The Whether the shots are in black and white or in colour, Route du Rock is back, entirely dedicated to American green is always a major player at the Peuples & Nature and British rock bands and attracting around 15,000 festi- Photo Festival in La Gacilly. Focusing specifically on the val-goers to the pirate city. environment, this is an arts event that fully intends to become part of the landscape.

This exhibition counts several hundred large format photos, Every year since 1991, party pirates partaking in the Route du taken by well-known artists and amateur photographers alike. Rock festival have opened wide their treasure troves to reveal Installed in the open air throughout the quaint cobbled streets some of the real gemstones of British rock. Since 1993, and the of the charming village of La Gacilly, this exhibition needs no concert by a group of illustrious unknowns from Oxford, AKA special effects. Created in 2004 by Jacques Rocher, now pre- Radiohead, the Route du Rock has gone from strength to stren- sident of the Yves Rocher Foundation, the aim of the festival is gth and has become somewhat of a benchmark when it comes to make the public think about the future of the planet. Whether to British and American pop and rock. Nowadays, the recipe for the focus is thousand-year-old forests, oceans or civilisations, success is as clear as the lines on a sheet of music paper: musi- there will always be a photographer on hand to expose the cal interlude on the beach below the ramparts in the afternoon, dangers they face. Ethereal but thought provoking, each year followed by a warm-up at the Palais du Grand Large, topped off the festival puts the spotlight on Mother Nature herself, so di- with a musical climax in the fortress built by Vauban in Saint- gnified, photogenic and proud, inviting us to reflect on the fra- Père-Marc-en-Poulet. gility of the world in which we live. FIND OUT MORE FIND OUT MORE www.laroutedurock.com www.festivalphoto-lagacilly.com

Festival Chants de marins (Sea shanty festival) paimpol - 2 to 4 August 2019 Every two years some 130,000 festival-goers transform the quays of Paimpol into a sea of happiness. Every two years, throughout August, hundreds of traditional sailing ships call into Paimpol harbour, sea shanties sound out from the quays and international stars are also ready to climb aboard for this sea shanty festival. It’s amour at first sight in Côtes d’Armor, which rises to the occasion every time by raising anchor and setting a course for new horizons. From the Black Sea to the Baltic, the banks of the Nile to the Cape of Good Hope, this event has drawn in the crowds for the likes of Marianne Faithfull, Carlos Núñez, Touré Kunda and Goran Bregović. Sea shanties were originally sung by sailors to help them pace their work on board ship or wind down when they reached port. The shanties tell tales of travel, adventure and camaraderie, themes that now run rife throughout this festival in Paimpol. FIND OUT MORE www.paimpol-festival.bzh/fr 6 A Robinson Crusoe experience in Brittany alone on an island

On the isle of Callot : away from it all… There’s no better way to recharge your batteries than to cut yourself off from the outside world. On the Isle of Callot, facing Carantec (Finistère), this former school- house reopened in the summer of 2018 as a charming holiday home. The white colours and pale wood of the furniture, which remind you of its former purpose, add to the serene atmosphere of the place. At high tide, when all the visitors have gone, the is- land offers a peaceful setting, with rushes, heather and fine sandy beaches. Try a spot of fishing on the River Brivet and in the Brière Marshes for guaranteed peace and quiet in a natural setting. There are small and cosy fishing huts available, with nets so that you can try to catch pike, eels or carp. Listen to the silence! FIND OUT MORE Callot School Gîte: www.baiedemorlaix.bz - Pêcheries en Brière : www.insolite.voyage.fr

The Île Louet lighthouse cottage The Île Louet lighthouse stands on a rocky islet, 350m off the Carantec coast in the Bay of Morlaix, in northern Brittany. The former lighthouse-keeper’s cottage has been renovated to sleep up to 10 people. From the terrace, with its sunken barbecue, the panoramic view of the Breton coastline is a real treat for any would-be Robinson Crusoes. The accommodation is simple, but it’s a unique experience and a chance to really get away from it all! FIND OUT MORE www.morlaix bay.bzh/fr/inspire/ile-louet-live-on-a- island-like-robinsoncrusoe/

The Petit Bé Fort in Saint-Malo The Petit Bé Fort and its neighbour, the Fort National, are on the Emerald Coast between Saint-Malo and Cap Fréhel. Built by Vauban in the 17th century, these fortresses are separated from the mainland at high tide and have been carefully and lovingly restored. Etienne Marcel, a native of Dinard and a Vauban enthusiast, sees himself as the ‘servant of the fort’: he spent 33 years working on the Fort National, then in 1991 he kicked off the renovation of Petit Bé, which had been left abandoned for 150 years. The building is available to individuals and companies for special events. FIND OUT MORE www.petit-be.com/ Island hopping 7 in Brittany Brittany’s islands are all different. They offer breathtaking scenery, charming little ports and miles of footpaths to explore. Just follow the guide from one island to the next along the Brittany coastline… a real change of scene!

Northern Brittany by kayak Camino Kayak offers guided kayak trips over several days to explore Brittany’s islands. For six days you can be completely independent and explore the Pink Granite Coast and the Sept-îles Nature Reserve, the Sillon de Talbert (a sandy pebble bar) or Bréhat, the island of flowers. As you paddle round a headland you could easily come across seals, puffins or gannets. A really special break in the heart of Brittany’s natural environment. From €590 FIND OUT MORE www.caminokayak.com/

Southern Brittany on a yacht Bretagne Croisières offers three-day sailing trips to explore three islands or six-day packages to explore five islands. You’ll step aboard a 15-metre yacht for an all-inclusive cruise, with private cabin and bathroom. This is a unique opportunity to explore the beautiful islands of southern Brittany: the pretty harbours, beaches and coves on the isle of Groix, the clear wa- ters of Glénan and Belle-Ile-en-mer, or the isles of Houat and Hoedic, two ‘sister islands’ that were once linked. Today, each one has its own special charm. A partir de 392€ FIND OUT MORE www.bretagne-croisieres.fr

The Gulf of by catamaran Step aboard the Iroise Catamaran for a five-day, four-night cruise. A qualified skipper and a guide will be with you throughout the holiday. The boat has four double cabins and a comfortable saloon/ dining-area. You’ll explore the islands in the Gulf of Morbihan: the aptly-name Belle-île – which means ‘beautiful island’ – with its peaceful beaches and spectacular cliffs, colourful harbours and green landscapes. Then there’s the Île aux Moines (monks’ island), with its old village of little streets bright with camellias and mimosas, and picturesque fishermen’s cottages. And finally there’s the isle of Houat, a natural paradise with its leafy trails, beaches and crystal clear waters. With its microclimate and relaxed pace of life, the Gulf of Morbihan is the perfect place to recharge your batteries. From €930 FIND OUT MORE www.voileetrandonnee.com/ 8 6 Breton seaside crafts

1 Accessories from boat sails In Brittany, boat sails are getting a new lease of life thanks to some creative brands. Sails are transformed into bags, curtains, sofas, clothing… all hand-sewn in craft workshops. Each one is unique and has been on a voyage from sail to style! www.ventdevoyage.com/ www.bocarre.fr/ www.727sailbags.com/fr/ 4 La Belle Iloise 2 Sailor sweaters and tops It’s in the can! La Belle Iloise cannery opened in 1932 in Quiberon to process freshly landed fish from the nearby port. Today, depen- ding on the fishing season, sardines, tuna and mackerel are still hand-pro- cessed using traditional skills. You can watch the ‘sardinières’ at work on a guided tour of the workshops in the present-day factory. www.labelleiloise.fr

5 The power of seaweed in Roscoff Traditional striped sailor sweaters Europe’s largest concentration of and tops are a ‘must’ in every Breton seaweed is found around Roscoff, with wardrobe. They’ve been reinvented as more than 800 different species, inclu- a new fashion accessory by several ding 12 that are regarded as edible. This young Breton designers. The indis- has been a goldmine for the Algoplus pensable Armor Lux, who’s always on company, founded in 1993 by Monique trend, has been joined by some new Poulet and Michel Perzinsky, two kids on the block who care about people with a passion for the sea and those important little details. a belief in the food value of seaweed. www.armorlux.com/fr/ Today, seaweed is added to recipes www.owenpoho.com for rillettes, soups and even mustard. www.maisonbalancines.com You can take a guided tour of this factory, which craft-produces marine food items, and learn about seaweed 3 Tour a salt marsh gathering and processing. Obviously, a in Guérande tasting is also on the menu. Guérande is all about salt. This www.algoplus-roscoff.fr flagship product of French gastro- nomy owes its fame to the skills of the 6 salt workers. These skilled craftsmen Giants of the seas follow a 1000-year-old tradition in in Saint-Nazaire gathering, selecting and hand-sif- The legendary Normandie and France, ting this precious mineral resource, the gigantic Queen Mary 2 and Harmo- produced by the ocean and the wind, ny of the Seas… All these liners were on 2,000 hectares of marshland. Head ‘Made in Saint-Nazaire’. On a tour of to Terre de Sel, a subsidiary of the the shipyards, you can see the gigantic cooperative, ‘Les Salines de Guérande, gantry crane in action lifting ship sec- for a guided tour through the heart of tions as big as apartment buildings. It’s the salt marshes. an impressive sight! www.terredesel.com www.leportdetouslesvoyages.com 6 Breton brittany experiences 9 Maritime experiences seaside crafts Come and meet the Bretons and learn about their passion for the sea!

A spicy corsair trip in Cancale Bay One is an epicurean sailor, the other is a director of the School of Corsair Cookery (‘école Cuisine Corsaire‘), who trained at the Roellinger school. Jerome and Emmanuel pool their knowledge to create a Corsair sailing trip that combines the pleasures of sailing with fine food. Guests board the Ausquemé, a Breton heritage sailing ship, and enjoy a four- hour trip in Cancale Bay. While Jerome teaches a few traditional sailing and fishing techniques, Emmanuel takes you on a culinary discovery voyage, with a menu of 12 dishes, all of them featuring Roellinger spices and seafood. An unforgettable experience.

Go wild – explore the beauties of Molène archipelago Are you ready for an unforgettable trip to discover the Molène archipela- go and the Iroise marine park? Here nature remains untamed, battered by heavy swells and strong tidal cur- rents, with a landscape shaped by the wind. During an extraordinary journey with Christel and Lucky, both nature and sea lovers, discover the wild beauty of the island of Molène and the many treasures that surround it. On board their motorboat you’ll leave Le Conquet for a day of unforgettable encounters with bottlenose dolphins and grey seals. Breathtaking panoramas framed with impressive offshore lighthouses contrast with colourful flowered houses and the authentic streets of Molène’s village.

In the wake of the first sailors aboard La Recouvrance Yann Fournier and his crew will meet you at the Château de Brest Marina for a trip back in time, in the very heart of one of the widest bays in the world. Get ready to hoist the mainsail, swing the halyard and haul in the sheets! From April to November, this famous schooner takes up to 25 apprentice sailors for a half-day, full day or a sunset cruise. The boat can also accommodate 12 passengers for cruises of two to five days to the British coast or the coast around Saint-Malo.

Find out more about brittany experiences www.tourismebretagne.com, chapter Brittany Experiences 10 A passion for spices Breton chefs, modern-day adventurers

Brittany, on the spice route The view across to the Isle of Groix from the walls of the lo ship-owners and corsairs. Those same ‘spice-hunters’ were citadel of Port-Louis is crystal-clear. The history of this responsible for building the ‘Malouinières’: sprawling country peaceful little spa resort in southern Brittany is closely lin- houses brimming with history, some of which are now open ked with that of the spice trade. to visitors. In 1664, Colbert chose this site, on the Blavet estuary, to set The citadel of Port-Louis is now the home of the Museum of up the French East India Company that he had just founded the French East India Company, which traces the adventures of to develop trade with Asia. On the other side of the harbour, these splendid ships. Criss-crossing the seven seas during the naval shipyards were built, around which the town of 17th and 18th centuries, they sought out the treasures of Asia. grew up. For the next 40 years, Port-Louis and Lorient acted Among the museum’s collections are models of the vessels, as transit points not just for spices but also for the tea, fabrics, prints, old maps, Indo-European furniture, Chinese porcelain silk and porcelain that made the fortune of the East India Com- and Indian cotton. It’s a fascinating voyage that takes you from pany. Wars with Holland, Spain and England destabilised the Lorient to Pondichery and then to Canton, Africa and the Mas- maritime trade. Eventually, in the early 1700s, the Company carenes. You can explore the museum on your own or with a veered towards bankruptcy, ending up in the hands of the so- lecturer-guide on a commentated tour. called ‘Messieurs de Saint-Malo’, the nickname given to St-Ma- FIND OUT MORE www.musee.lorient.bzh

A passion for spices the “Kari gosse”, a curry that is pure Breton Its recipe has been a closely-guarded secret since the 19th century. It was passed by a shipwrecked Indian sailor to Mr Gosse, an apothecary with a store in Auray in Morbihan who welcomed the Indian to his home. Xavier Pézat, his descendant, continues to make it, in some secrecy. The ‘Kari Gosse’ is a pure Breton curry powder characterised by its distinctive fragrance with notes of clove, and its beautiful ochre colour. The blend also includes ginger, turmeric, chilli, cinnamon and pepper and is a perfect accompaniment to any shellfish dish, especially lobster. On sale at some pharmacies in Auray and Lorient A passion for spices 11 Breton chefs, modern-day adventurers

Didier Corlou, a nose for spices He is said to have a ‘nose for spices’, and Morbihan chef, Didier Corlou, cer- tainly uses his sense of smell as well as every other sense to create his own blends. Didier Corlou has been an expat in Vietnam for 25 years, where he runs five highly-acclaimed restaurants. In Vietnam he found the perfect environment to ex- press himself and create new flavours. A confirmed globetrotter, he never stops searching mountains and plateaux in Vietnam to hunt down the best producers of cassia cinnamon, star anise, black cardamom, turmeric, Vietnam pepper and talauma. The Breton chef has begun marketing his spices in France, a range that incudes Ha Long, Hanoi, Tangier, December and Siam Curry, to which “a dried green lemon leaf brings freshness and exoticism”. FIND OUT MORE www.epices-corlou.com

Luc Mobihan, an inspired Saint-Malo chef Luc Mobihan takes his inspiration from islands all over the world, from Bréhat to Corsica or the Seychelles, following his own preferences and favourites. He loves to travel to these places, recharge his batteries, immerse himself in their traditions and bring them to life in the Saint-Malo menus he offers, with clever touches of citrus fruit and lemongrass. In his restaurant, Le Saint Placide, he creates a refined cuisine, which he describes as ‘personal’. The restaurant is a real gourmet’s ‘cabinet of curiosities’, a result of all the journeys, experiences and skills of Luc and Isabelle Mobihan. FIND OUT MORE www.st-placide.com/

Olivier Roellinger spices, the gold standard Two of the most recent creations from Olivier Roellinger, unrivalled master of the art of spices, are a ‘Cajun powder’ – a tribute to the Acadians who reinvented the cuisine of Louisiana – and a ‘Breton gomasio’, a blend of Breton buckwheat, Egyptian sesame, nigella, Indian coriander etc. Roellinger’s inspiration is simply flawless. The famous Breton chef grew up in Cancale Bay and set up his laboratory in his Saint-Malo homeland, where he works on his famous powders. Most of the raw spices, roasted and ground on- site, come from organic farming or fair trade. Olivier Roellinger chooses the spices himself in their country of production, carefully selecting the rare bulbs, leaves, flowers and barks that go into his blends. The range is impressive: the chef-explorer has more than 80 blends on his shelves in their instantly-recognisable red and blue jars. Olivier Roellinger ground spices are available at the Epices- Roellinger stores at Cancale, Saint-Malo, Paris and on the website.

FIND OUT MORE www.epices-roellinger.com 12 Enjoy life in the countryside on the canals, rivers and marshes With its valleys and farmland, forests and marshes, canals and lovely rivers, the Breton countryside is truly stunning.

Take time out in the Lamour Valley Overlooking the Leff valley at Piélo, 10 minutes from Saint-Brieuc, the Mai- son des Lamour makes you want to slow down. These former farm buildings are surrounded by 30 hectares of garden, woods and river and offer five charming B&B rooms and three cottages, all designed as “guest rooms”. The overall style is vintage French, with lots of nice little details: bird-cages, zinc watering-cans, old family portraits, a chemist’s weighing-scales transformed into a bedside table, etc. The Maison des Lamour is a farmhouse inn with the “Char à Banc” label, where a traditional meat stew with cabbage is always simmering on the hob. It’s also a grocery and curiosity shop. From €130 for 2 people (including breakfast). FIND OUT MORE www.lamaisondeslamour.com

Sail a traditional barge on the Canal du Blavet For a really retro experience, sail the Canal du Blavet on a “cahotier”, a tradi- tional boat found on Brittany’s canals. The boat is moored at the Boutique de l’Écluse, a restored lock-keeper’s cottage at Saint-Nicolas-des-eaux. Cast off for a peaceful cruise or stay at the quayside for a holiday with a difference. The Boutique de l’Écluse also rents out boats and electric bikes and has a charming grocer’s shop, where the counters are full of local produce, bread, sandwiches, etc. Cahotier price: from €150 for a weekend (staying at the quayside) or €1,475 per week (cruising) FIND OUT MORE www.aventurefluviale.bzh

Bird-watching in the Brière marshes White plumage, black wing-tips, red legs and beak… you can’t miss the white stork in the Brière marshes, the second largest marshland in France From the top of the pylons where it makes its nest, the stork has unrivalled views over the water meadows, its favourite haunt. Bluethroat, black tern, Savi’s warbler and spoonbill are other typical species that breed in this Regional Natural Park. There are eight signposted routes that allow you to see them close up. FIND OUT MORE www.parc-naturel-briere.com/fr/tourisme/activites 13

Scandi-chic at the Pertuis du Rofo At the Pertuis de Rofo, the Nordic Lodge offers both space and comfort. This is not just a cabin, it’s a small house, with 37 square metres of floor space, perched eight metres high, overlooking the beautiful Vilaine Valley in southern Brittany. The cabin is reached via a 20m long wooden footbridge. The lounge area and two bedrooms are elegantly decorated with Scandinavian accents. As you enjoy the view from the 20 sq. m. terrace, nature really is at your fingertips! From €195 for 3 people per night (including breakfast). February to September. FIND OUT MORE www.hebergement-insolite-bretagne.fr

From canals to chapels, in the and Blavet area Rent an electric bike from Pontivy Tourist Office and cycle along the towpath of the -Brest Canal. Going to Rohan, you’ll pass 54 locks. At the Etangs du Roz, one amazing work of engineering follows another: it’s quite spectacular. Dotted along the route you’ll see some remarkable trees (black walnuts, Turkey oaks, sycamore maples etc.), and the prettily-renovated lockkeepers’ cottages are good places to stop for a rest. From July to September, during the ‘Art in the Chapels’ festival, there are four trails to take you around 12 of the sacred buildings dotted along the Blavet Valley. Some of these are amazing, such as Saint-Gildas chapel, which seems to be wedged under an immense rock, in Bieuzy. FIND OUT MORE Pontivy Tourist Office / Art in the Chapels: www.artchapelles.com

From dinan to Saint-Malo… the river Rance is the link In some places it’s a winding stream, in others it’s canalised, then later on it’s a great river flowing into the sea: the river Rance offers a wide range of landscapes for a really pastoral break. Its source is to the south-west of Dinan, and it flows into the Channel between Dinard and Saint-Malo. Dinan, a medieval town, was originally a trading port linked with Saint-Malo. But from the 11th century the port began trading with northern Europe (England and Flanders), then with Spain and the Americas. The atmosphere is subdued in the early hours of the morning but much livelier on the café terraces during the day and in the evening. These days, the harbour is a great starting point for a walk to explore the centre of town, its little back streets, half-timbered houses, ramparts - and of course its castle. FIND OUT MORE www.dinan-capfrehel.com 14 The well-being and detox trend

Experience Europe’s biggest tides High tide, low tide... Brittany’s tides are the most spectacular anywhere in France! Take this opportunity to fill your lungs with fresh sea air. Families can have fun discovering the secrets left exposed by the outgoing tide. Couples will love going for walks through the stunning scenery and unwinding in the seawater spas. Saint-Malo is famous for having the highest tides in Europe. On the scale of tidal coefficients from 20 to 120, they regularly reach 110! When that happens, you can see the waves coming up higher and higher all along the ramparts! A unique experience!

A relaxing gourmet break with Yoga Brunch Bretagne Yoga, vegetarian cuisine and a relaxing setting. “Yoga Brunch Bretagne” sessions began in 2017 in Saint-Malo and are rolling out to Rennes and La Trinité-sur-Mer from this autumn 2018. Once a month, a yoga teacher and a well-being chef combine their talents to offer mornings of total relaxation. They start with a yoga session, followed by relaxation time. An organic vegetarian brunch is then served, with a new culinary experience on offer each time. A tasty and relaxing break. FIND OUT MORE www.billetweb.fr/yogabrunchbretagne

The digital detox cure Say goodbye to wi-fi, mobiles, texting, e-mails, social networking, online chat… It’s time to switch off and take a digital detox break, as offered by France is Fun, in Finistère. The programme includes yoga, Pilates, a detox cookery workshop, a nature walk and beginners’ stand-up paddle boarding (€760 for 5 days and 5 nights). In the Morbihan Department, Relaxocéane is launching “Island Immer- sion” days. The idea is to let yourself get cut off by the tide on the island of Berder, at Larmor-Baden, to reconnect with the real you (€60 for the day). FIND OUT MORE www.franceisfun - www.relaxoceane.fr

Watch bottle-nosed dolphins in Cancale Bay A peaceful village, a little beach bathed in turquoise waters and, in the distance, the unmistakable silhouette of Mont-Saint-Michel ... It’s at Port-Mer, in these magical surroundings, that Gaël from the Al-lark Association will be waiting to take you on a sea trip to meet the bottlenose dolphins. 300 bottlenose dolphins that pass through the bay. This is an experience you won’t forget in a hurry. After a few hours sailing and a little patience, you’re treated to a show less than 10 metres from the boat. The cetaceans leap out of the water, performing their loveliest moves. You’re suddenly swept away from the real world. But we’re not here to frighten them; the aim of the Al Lark Association, which guides these excursions, is to study the behaviour of bottlenose dolphins. We’re a long way from any ‘sea world’ pools – and that’s what makes it so special! €From 55 FIND OUT MORE www.tourismebretagne.com/s-inspirer/vivez-une-experience-bretonne/participez-a-l-observation-des-grands-dauphins 15

Discover Brittany’s finest sunsets When the sun’s going down, it lights up the landscape with such incredible shades that it’s impossible not to fall under Brittany’s spell. Enjoy a unique sunset by taking a boat trip at cocktail time. From June to Sep- tember, you can view Saint-Malo from the sea while giving your taste buds a treat on the Breton sailing boat Le Renard. Seen from offshore at sunset, the Vauban forts of Grand Bé, Petit Bé and Fort National offer a constantly-changing spec- tacle. Or why not gain some height to admire the sun as it disappears over the horizon? After you’ve climbed the 290 steps of the Eckmühl Lighthouse, and liste- ned to stories about the workings of this guardian of the seas, you’ll be rewarded with a unique view over Audierne Bay. This is also the time when the lights of Cornouaille’s other lighthouses perform their brilliant ballet. FIND OUT MORE www.tourismebretagne.com/s-inspirer/selon-mes-envies/les-plus-beaux-couchers-de-soleil-en-bretagne

Forest immersion and the art of ‘hygge’ Brittany’s landscapes are ideal places to practise the new trends in well- being. Forest immersion is very popular in Japan and is said to recharge your batteries due to the energy flows that pass through the trees. You can try it yourself in the forests of Brocéliande, Huelgoat, Carnoët, Quénécan, Camors, Fougères and others. The Danish art of hygge is all about the well-being that come from the small pleasures of everyday life. Stroll on the beach, listen to the waves, breathe in the scent of maritime pines, eat a butter and sugar crêpe… Pure happiness! 16 Cycling in Brittany pedalling through the salt-spray! Brittany is a magical place for organising cycle tours. There are iconic routes in every corner of the region, by the sea or along the canals.

For athletic cyclists, the Tour de Manche is a must. This route runs along the north-eastern coast of Brittany, offering a variety of maritime and countryside landscapes: Dinard, Cap Fréhel, Saint-Brieuc Bay, the Pink Granite Coast, Morlaix Bay etc. New discoveries come thick and fast. If you prefer a quiet ride, or your family wants to pedal along safely and gently, head to the Green Ways (Voies Vertes), safe routes that are suitable for everyone. Pedal beside the Nantes-Brest Canal, a waterway that passes through contrasting natural landscapes, from the gentle countryside around Nantes and the Redon Marshes to the Monts d’Arrée range, passing close to historic towns. FIND OUT MORE www.tourdemanche.com Saint-Mathieu de Fine-Terre Abbey (VIe) & saint-mathieu lighthouse (XiXe) Plougonvelin 17 18 brand new and by the sea

Childhood dreams at the ‘Cabin at the end of the world’ Relive your childhood in 3-star comfort. At the ‘Cabane du bout du monde’ (‘Cabin at the end of the world’) in Lam- paul-Plouarzel (Finistère), having fun is a way of life. You reach the cabin via a walkway or a climbing wall – your choice – and once inside you’re surrounded by wood, including the furniture, the children’s toys and the stove. It’s all very warm and cosy. To get out, you simply take the wooden slide down to a delightful leafy garden! From €300 per week and €160 for a weekend stay (excluding school holidays and the summer period) FIND OUT MORE www.cabaneduboutdumonde.fr

The Pavillon de la Plage, facing the sea in Trébeurden The Pavillon de la Plage has a dream location on the Pink Granite Coast in Trébeurden. This 20th-century building has been completely transformed into a delightful hotel. Each of its 20 rooms has a unique decor inspired by its view: the Castel Peninsula, the Isle of Milliau, the Pointe de Lan Kerellec, etc. Fine materials and delicate furnishings provide an atmosphere of elegance. There’s also a ‘back from the beach’ area where you can rinse yourself off after a swim in the sea. From €90 per night FIND OUT MORE www.hotel-trebeurden-plage.com

brand new and by the sea A new life for the Château de Nessay at Saint-Briac-sur-Mer The Château du Nessay, firmly anchored on its peninsula at Saint- Briac-sur-mer, is opening a new chapter in its history. This elegant 19th-century building, which was once a family home, has been transformed into a hotel- restaurant with 17 bedrooms and 4-star facilities. Each room has its own special style, but they all have sea views. There is also a restaurant offering family cooking, a bar and a well-being centre, all open to non- residents. FIND OUT MORE www.lenessay.com view from the château de Nessay saint-briac-sur-mer 19

brand new and by the sea Le Grand Bé, a luxury hotel steeped in history at Saint-Malo Sheltering within the ramparts, this former taxation office has been transformed into a luxury 4-star hotel. Le Grand Bé has 56 rooms, including eight suites with a terrace. There are delightful views over the rooftops of the inner town. The refined, designer decor is in harmony with the spirit of Saint-Malo and illustrated by contemporary artists. Hanging in the central atrium is a huge fish-trap, which lends the place a certain grandeur. Additional services include a well- being centre, a ‘bistronomic’ restaurant and a co-working room. Prices: from €125 to €450. FIND OUT MORE www.legrandbe.com 20 Brittany here we are

Roscoff Lannion

guingamp saint-malo Morlaix brest saint-brieuc dinard

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0h55 1h10 Paris brest 1h50 rennes 1h30

1h05 nantes

getting to Brittany Located at the western tip of Europe and France, Brittany is easily accessible by car, by plane or train.

Since the opening of the TGV Atlantique high By plane, Brittany is served by five airports : speed rail service in July 2017, it only takes 1 hour Rennes, Brest, Dinard, Lorient and Nantes, with and 30 minutes to get to Rennes, Brittany from direct flights from the United Kingdom, Ireland, Paris city centre by train ! Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Italy and Canada. A similar direct rail service exists from Paris- Charles de Gaulle airport (2h38min). map of brittany heritage & leisures

Document published by Brittany Tourism

2019

Front cover: Ronan Gladu Contents: Emmanuel Berthier p4: Xavier Bouquin (top left) ; Alexis Courcoux (top right & bottom) p5: Yannick Le Gal (top left) ; Jacqueline Piriou (top right) ; Emmanuel Berthier (bottom) p6: OT Baie de Morlaix (top) ; Anne Darling (middle) ; Alexandre Lamou- reux (bottom) p7: Emmanuel Berthier (top) ; Yannick Derennes (middle) ; Yannick Le Gal (bottom) p8: LADT Locquard (left) ; Stéphanie Biju (middle) ; La Belle Iloise (right) p9: Simon Bourcier (top) ; Emmanuel Berthier (middle) ; Nicola sJob (bottom) p10: Morbihan Tourisme - Y. Zedda (top) ; Maisons de Bricourt (bottom) p11: Simon Bourcier (top) ; Stéphanie Biju (middle top) ; Saint-Placide (middle bottom) ; Maisons de Bricourt (bottom) p12: La Maison des Lamours (top) ; Aventure Fluviale (middle) ; Simon Bourcier (bottom) p13: Nordic Lodge (top) ; France Vélo Tourisme (middle) ; Emmanuel Berthier (bottom) p14: Yannick Le Gal (top) ; Yoga Brunch Bretagne (middle top) ; Emmanuel Berthier (middle bottom) ; Yannick Derennes (bottom) p15: Emmanuel Berthier (top) ; Ronan Gladu (middle) ; Simon Bourcier (bottom) p16: Alexandre Lamoureux (gauche, droite) p18: Cabane du bout du monde (top) ; Pavillon de la plage (middle) ; Julien Pignol (bottom) p19: Adrian Kilchherr (top) ; Le Grand Be (bottom) Backcover: Emmanuel Berthier

Press contact Florence Gaulupeau + 33 (0) 2 99 28 44 41 [email protected]

brittany tourism 1 rue Raoul Ponchon 35069 Rennes cedex, France Tel. +33 (0)2 99 28 44 30 [email protected] - www.brittanytourism.com

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