|
|
 |
 There is a huge choice of white, sandy beaches, all within easy driving distance, where you can enjoy a full range of watersports.
The nearest recommended sandy beach for children is just 30 minutes away at Port Louis.
Some of the most popular beach areas include Carnac, La Trinite Sur Mer, Larmor Plage, and St Pierre-Quiberon.
Quieter beaches, where you will find nature reserves, big sand dunes and wide open spaces include the long dune belt from Gavres to Penthièvre.
Apart from busy areas, such as Carnac in the height of the season, the beaches never get crowded and are very unspoilt and clean.
 For surfing enthusiasts, the big Atlantic rollers sweeping onto the Cote Sauvage are hard to beat.
For windsurfing and kite surfing, the Penthievre area and the beaches east of Port Louis are very popular. Penthievre is also home to a couple of highly recommended sand yachting centres.
There is a naturist beach at St Guildas de Rhuys.
Walking/Running
 Brittany has more waymarked paths than any other region of France and there are many beautiful walks and footpaths in the area – from strolls along the river bank to country, forest or coastal hikes.
We can provide footpath maps and guide books to help you get the best out of your walk.
We also offer discovery walks of the region, with a local guide. You choose the locality/theme - countryside, coastal paths, forest trails. Suitable for all ages and levels of fitness. Half or full day. Picnic on request.
For joggers and runners, the area is also ideal. The roads are so quiet that you can often run for miles without seeing a car.
There are many excellent circular runs leading from Le Gohic including 6km, 10km and 12km circuits. The towpath along the River Blavet is also perfect for running - flat, quiet and perfect in the early morning air or the cool of the evening.
 Enjoy long leisurely cycle rides beside the beautiful River Blavet. It is possible to cycle for many miles - with no hills at all, along the safe, flat and well maintained towpath. A great way to discover the area. Very popular with family groups and ideal for all age groups and levels of fitness. There are also over 100km of marked cycle trails in the Blavet Valley,
For a more energetic ride, explore the local country lanes and cycle routes. Cycling is very popular in Brittany; the roads are very quiet and well maintained, and there are many off-road cycle tracks in the area.
The nearby Camors Forest also many off-road routes, criss-crossing over 650 hectares of woodland
We can provide maps and advice on where to find them.
French drivers are normally very courteous to cyclists, making cycling on the roads safe and pleasurable.
We have five bikes (and a baby bike seat) available which you are welcome to borrow (free of charge) plus there is a bike hire shop nearby.
Golf
 If golf is your passion, you are spoilt for choice here in the Morbihan. There are five 18-hole courses within 50 minutes drive. There is also a 9-hole course just 20 minutes away.
Click on a name for more information about that particular course.
9 hole course:
Rimaison - 10 miles
18 hole courses:
Val Queven - 23 miles
St Laurent - 26 miles
Ploemeur-Ocean - 27 miles
Baden - 28 miles
Rhuys-Kerver - 45 miles
Visit www.formule-golf.com to find out how you can play at different courses throughout the week at very reasonable rates. All the courses are pay and play and we will happily arrange tee times for you. St Laurent was a chosen venue for the French National Open in 1995. In the grounds at Le Gohic, we have set up a golf practice net for guests to use.
 The River Blavet offers some of the best coarse fishing in France. Very few boats use the Blavet and there is very easy riverside access.
In the area, there are over 28 fishing rivers and streams, practically unused and all available to anyone with a permit. These can be bought locally and are very inexpensive. They are valid for one day (10€), a fortnight (30€) or a year (68€).
A permit allows you to fish anywhere in the Morbihan. Potential catches in the Blavet include: bream, pike, perch, sander, roach, carp and dace. In the nearby River L'Evel there is trout and salmon. In the Tarn, Sarre or Brandfort - trout.
Bait is available locally and we can buy your permit for you, ready for your arrival.
Fishing from a sea-side beach does not require a permit.
There is also a good selection of bases along the coast where you can go sea-fishing for the day.
 From beach rides to treks through the forests, Brittany offers over 2,000 kilometres of bridle paths (signposted with orange markers).
There are three local stables within 15 minutes drive of Le Gohic, offering pony trekking and horse riding.
The stables near Bieuzy Les Eaux are particularly good with children. Even the smallest child is encouraged to help with tacking up and grooming afterwards.
Hennebont is home to the National Stud, Les Haras National dedicated to the breeding of pure blood stallions. There is also a horse museum, exhibition centre and tours around the stables. Throughout the summer, there are spectualar shows and displays - a must for any horse lover.
Watersports
 Brittany is an ideal location for water sports and activities, thanks to its 3,500 kilometres of coastline, dotted with creeks, inlets, estuaries and bays, plus its many rivers and lakes.
There are 340 sailing and water sports centres in Brittany and the choice of watersports is huge: dinghy sailing, sea kayaking, windsurfing, jetskiing, kite surfing, canoeing, body surfing, canoeing, sand yachting, scuba diving, waterskiing, parascending, motor or sail cruising.
Boating
Le Golfe du Morbihan is an experience not to be missed. This enormous inland sea has hundreds of islands - some have villages and communities of their own, others are uninhabited nature reserves. Hire a canoe, dinghy, day sailer or motorboat and explore this wonderful playground. You can also take a cruise around the islands, getting on and off as you please.
We also offer skippered boat charter if you don't have the necessary experience to hire a boat yourself.
La Trinite sur Mer is home to many of the world’s top racing sailors and there are regattas and sailing events taking place throughout the year. Enjoy a good lunch overlooking the water whilst watching the quayside activities.
 Canoeing
The River Blavet is ideal for canoeing and kayaking. Canoes can be hired at Pontivy, Plumeliau, Pont Augan or Lochrist. Suitable for beginners and experienced canoeists alike. It is also possible to hire a qualified instructor.
At Lochrist, there is a canoe centre which has mini rapids and obstacle courses, great fun for all the family.
Sea kayaking is available at various places in the area. One or two-person kayaks can be rented by the hour, half day or day. This is a great way to explore the rivers, inlets and estuaries of the Morbihan, as well as to see more of the fabulous coastline. The kayaks are extremely comfortable with back rests and are very stable, suitable for all ages.
Boat cruises on the River Blavet start at St Nicholas or Pont Augen. The cruises last about 1½ hours with running commentary.
 Sand yachting on the Quiberon Penisula where you will find a good choice of schools and hire centres. A session lasts about two hours, with full instruction if required.
Diving
There are a selection of diving centres around the coast. Those awarded the
"Plongée Label Bretagne" offer taster sessions, photographic and ecology courses, visits to shipwrecks, etc.
 Boat Trips A popular day excursion is a boat trip to one of the offshore islands of Belle Ille, Ile de Groix, Ile d'Houat or Ile de Hoedic. All are reached by a short ferry ride from the Quiberon or Lorient.
Hire bikes are available on some islands.
 Surfing Surfing on the Cote Sauvage, 45 minutes away. Some of the best surf in Brittany is found along this rugged coastline with big Atlantic rollers sweeping in from the west.
The Quiberon Penisula is popular for all types of surfing: body surfing, kite surfing and windsurfing. Equipment and tuition is available at a variety of centres.
Tennis
There is an indoor tennis court at St Barthelemy (ten minute drive away). There is a minimal charge. Tuition is available if required.
At Baud's sports centre, there are 2 outdoor courts and another four courts at Camors.
Pottery painting
A fun activity for all ages - about 15 minutes drive away. Choose an article from a large range, paint the design of your choice (allow about 2hrs), then collect your finished masterpiece at the end of the week. Click here for more information: The Clay Barn
Clay pigeon shooting
There is a clay pigeon shooting centre just ten minutes away from Le Gohic. Suitable for groups of 2 - 20. With or without instruction.
Archery
At Bieuzy Les Eaux, ten minutes away, there is an archery centre. Instruction and equipment provided. All our guests who have tried this sport have had a very enjoyable time. Lasts about two hours.
Go Karting
There is a go karting track about 10 minutes away where you can enjoy organised grand prix racing or ten minute sessions at your own pace.
Quad biking
Quad biking is available near Auray. There are two circuits - one for adults, one for children. Trails through woodland, escorted or unaccompanied.
Brittany has over 4,000 chateaux, manors and stately homes and Le Gohic is very centrally situated for visiting the abundance of fascinating medieval towns, villages and castles in the area.
A few of the best are Auray, Vannes, Rochefort-en-Terre, Josselin, Malestroit, La Gacilly, Hennebont, Quimper and Pontivy - all within easy driving distance.
Wander the cobbled streets and discover hidden alley ways with atmospheric bars and tiny shops selling unusual gifts and crafts.
Auray: An lovely old town with lots of little shops and restaurants, and an excellent market on Monday mornings for food lovers. The picturesque old port of St Goustan, down by the river, has some very good restaurants on the water's edge.
Josselin: Josselin is a beautiful medieval town set on the river Oust, boasting a 'wow' factor château coupled with a pretty town square with many restaurants and cafes overlooking the Basilica de Notre Dame du Roncier. Very good medieval festival in mid July.
Vannes:Vannes is a big town, situated on the edge of the Golf du Morbihan. The old quarter has lots of good restaurants and smart shops hidden down cobbled alleyways. Excellent market on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Famous jazz festival, end of July.
Your trip to Brittany would not be complete without a visit to a local market – and there is a good variety to choose from. You will find a market every day of the week. If you want to experience the real Brittany – take the time to linger and enjoy the sights and smell of the fresh, local produce on offer. It is here that you will also find the best local Breton oysters, cheeses, crepes, cider, honey, charcuterie, patisserie and locally grown fruit and vegetables.
Auray - Monday
Pontivy - Monday
Etel - Tuesday
Vannes - Wednesday & Saturday
Quimper - Wednesday, Friday afternoon, Saturday, Sunday morning
Carnac - Wednesday
Hennebont - Thursday
Malestroit - Thursday
Locmine - Thursday
La Trinite sur Mer - Friday
Baud - Saturday
Josselin - Saturday
Port-Louis - Saturday. Tuesday evenings in July and August
Rennes Market - every day except Sunday and public holidays in the central food halls.
Also, throughout the year, there are regular antique markets, flea markets and the French equivalent of car boot sales 'Vide Greniers' (attic clearouts). These are all great places to find interesting collectables or just something very different and very french.
Eating Out
One of the pleasures of visiting France is, of course, the food. There are plenty of restaurants in the area covering all tastes and price brackets, from little, local creperies, to pizzas cooked in wood-fired ovens to Michelin two star restaurants such as L'amphitryon.
Fruits de mer - with over 750 miles of coastline, it is hardly surprising that seafood is Brittany’s main speciality, and a traditional ‘fruits de mer’ platter (freshly caught oysters, clams, mussels, scallops, lobster, winkles, crab and prawns) is one of the great classics of Breton gastronomy.
Galettes and Crepes- Galettes are savory pancakes made with buckwheat and served with ham, cheese, eggs or fish. Crepes are sweet with sugar, lemon, chocolate, ice cream etc.
Both galettes and crepes are traditionally eaten with cidre, normally served in a small teacup-like bowl.
Creperies are very popular with the locals and even the smallest village will have one.
Two of the puddings to try are Far Breton – a type of custard pudding
Kouign Amann– a sweet Breton butter cake
- Carnac with 3,000 prehistoric megalithic stones hewn out of local granite 6,500 years ago
- Poul-Fetan working farm museum
- Village de l'An Mill medieval village
- Camors Adventure Park
- The Postcard museum at Baud
- Aquarium in Vannes
- Butterfly park in Vannes
- The Victor Pleven – the world’s biggest trawler and cod fishing boat, in Lorient
- Brittany’s prehistorical park at Malansac
- Hennebont's National Horse Stud
- Lac de Guerledan
For groups of 4 - 30 people, we can put together an activity holiday package to suit all interests and levels of ability in your group. Choose from self catering, half board or a mixture of both. Available for two days or more.
Here is a list of some of the activities available:
On land: Golf, fishing (coarse, fly or sea), rambling, horse riding, cycling, table tennis, badminton, clay pigeon shooting, archery, tennis.
Cultural: Trips to medieval towns and villages, chateaux, gardens and museums. Bargain hunting at antique fairs and flea markets. Visting the neolithic stones of Carnac. Boat cruises around the Golfe du Morbihan.
Nature: Bird watching, mushroom hunting.
Watersports: Dinghy sailing, sand yachting, canoeing, windsurfing, jetskiing, kitesurfing, sea kayaking, scuba diving, body surfing, motor cruising, keelboat cruising, waterskiing.
Something different: paint balling, quad biking, tree walking, go karting, cross cars, laser games.
Autumn and Spring are great times to visit Southern Brittany; it is less busy, the ferry and air fares are cheaper, the weather is still warm and sunny and there are plenty of things to do. Let us know when you expect to arrive and we will have your cottage warm and cosy, with a bottle of wine, ready for you beside the crackling log fire. Christmas
Christmas at Le Gohic is very special - ideal for anyone who wants to get away from it all and enjoy the peace and quiet of the countryside.
Walks in the crisp fresh air, roaring log fires and long, leisurely meals prepared with fresh produce from the local markets.
Or why not pre-order a professionally catered meal, delivered to your door. From a gastronomic feast to a traditonal french Christmas buffet, the choice is yours.
Your cottage will be decorated with fresh mistletoe, holly and pine garlands, fairy lights, christmas trees and decorations, ready for your arrival.
The photo below shows the cottage, La Mairie, dressed up for Christmas 2007.
There is a host of party games, videos and DVDs for you to enjoy, and the games room will keep the children amused for hours, so you can sit and relax with a glass or two in front of the log fire.
 |
