Josselin is a must-visit on any tour of the Breton heartlands. From its medieval castle, 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.
The vibrant university city of Rennes, Brittany’s administrative capital, is worth a day or two of anyone’s time. Take a wander around the medieval streets of the picture-perfect old town and admire the impressive parliament building before relaxing in the Thabor gardens.
Bearing the pretty nickname ‘the beauty spot of the Côtes d’Armor’, Binic marks the entry point to the Goëlo Coast. The town’s port, quays and fine sandy beaches are all linked by the GR34 coastal hiking trail that makes its way along the picturesque, jagged shoreline.
According to legend, Pontivy was founded in 685AD by an English monk called Ivy who built a wooden bridge across the Blavet, giving the town its name – Pont d’Ivy. It was once the seat of one of Brittany’s most powerful families, but is now a quiet market town. The château, which retains many original features, is open to the public and often stages art exhibitions.
West of Mûr-de-Bretagne is the Lac de Guerlédan, Brittany’s largest lake, which offers extensive trails for walking and cycling. At the village of Beau Rivage you can hire a kayak or even try your hand at water-skiing. Less active sorts can take a leisurely boat trip. The Abbaye de Bon Repos is a must for lovers of contemporary art. The 12th-century Cistercian abbey hosts regular exhibitions.
Carnac is known throughout the world for its rows of ancient standing stones. The best place to start is the Maison des Mégalithes, where you can watch a film about the site . The town is split into two areas: Carnac-Ville, where you’ll find the Museum of Prehistory, and Carnac-Plage, a family seaside resort with five beautiful sheltered sandy beaches and lots of little shops to explore.