THE LIST OF PLACES TO VISIT IS EXHAUSTIVE, BUT HERE ARE A FEW
RECOMMENDATIONS FROM PREVIOUS VISITORS WHO HAVE STAYED AT LA
VILLENEUVE
Exhibition
Heather and Stephen Pickett with David (4 ½ ) and Sarah (22months)
Our favourite visit was to ‘L’Abeille Vivante’ exhibition at La Faouet. We were given English language cassettes to
guide us around the exhibits, which included working hives and machinery used in the production of honey. We also
followed a short walk through the woods to ‘La Chappelle Sainte Barbe’ – lovely views and a good place for a picnic.
NB The cider from the barn next door is excellent!
Horseriding
Ferme equestre de Kersperche – 5 minutes down road towards Moelan offers rides for all levels – 80ff per hr.
Boys (8 & 6) had ½ hour ride in Foret Dominiale at Clohars Carnoet. Good riding school (Lothea) Pleasant walk
down to River Laita. Large scale map – good investment to find different little beaches and ports.
Adventure Playgrounds
2, both north of Rosporden – 1 at Laz and 1 at Odet Loisirs, west of Coray. Both have bouncy castles, ball pools,
trampolines, swings etc. Leaflets about both in information pack in the gite.
Vannes
For excellent aquarium. 1 hr visiting around a compact but very high quality and colourful aquarium.
Concarneau
Tour round the walled city is interesting – they loan you a walk-man and you go at your own pace (free, but donation
is invited at end). However, the ramparts are not suitable for buggies (lots of steps) or un-restrained small children
(no walls or guide-rails).
Moelan Market - Tuesday a.m.
Not cheap but has a bewildering supply of cheeses, meats, ciders etc. Well worth a visit for authentic foods. Look
where locals are queueing.
Boat Trip
Boat trip Port Belon to Pont Aven interesting and relaxing and just the right length of time for Rosa at one hour each
way – Hugh, Lois and Rosa (4 ½).
Take the service du Rade (ferry) across the harbour at Port Belon for free to buy fresh fish daily.
Quimper
Busy, animated town with some beautiful buildings. Well worth a visit.
Parc Animalier at Quinquis
Small, manageable country park/farm. Pleasant walks through woods and plenty of animals to look at – deer, pigs,
goats, chickens, etc. Picnic tables at entrance and on walk. Beware of cheeky and greedy goats keen to gobble
your lunch! Ice-cream and souvenir shop on site.
Foret Dominiale at Clohars Carnoet
Good on very hot days. Walk straight along road after car park to the river. Also Les Roches Du Diable – rocks,
river and forest for energetic youngsters.
Port Musee at Douarnanez
1 hr away and not much walking. It’s a bit expensive (£7 per adult approx) to get in, but a great visit for children as
you can look round a dozen boats, have a free ferry trip and see the museum and shop.
Chateau and Parc at Trevarez
Spectacular grounds in rhododendron season. Chateau interesting, but access restricted to 3 rooms only. Quirky
humour in the grounds.
Pont-Aven
This picturesque little town, some 5 km north of Riec, is known principally because of it's artistic community. Paul
Gauguin stayed here many times and along with other artists set up the Pont-Aven School. The Gloonec Inn where
the artists stayed is still in use, and the town has a museum with temporary and permanent exhibitions of paintings
as well as photographic and documentary history of Pont-Aven. The surrounding countryside is full of charming
villages and Chapels where the artists drew inspiration for many of their paintings.