The canal from Nantes to Brest

45 minutes drive to the town Josselin

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The Canal de Nantes à Brest, a marvel of river engineering, crosses Brittany from one end to the other, linking the towns of Nantes, on the Loire, and Brest, on the Atlantic Ocean. Here's a description of this emblematic canal:

1. An engineering masterpiece: Built in the early 19th century, the Canal de Nantes à Brest is an engineering feat of its time. It stretches for some 360 kilometers, crossing a variety of landscapes, from verdant plains to wooded mountains.

2. A historical link: The canal played a crucial role in the economic development of Brittany, facilitating the transport of goods - notably wheat, salt and manufactured goods - between the interior and coastal ports.

3. A peaceful waterway: Today, the Canal de Nantes à Brest is a tranquil waterway, lined with majestic trees, towpaths and picturesque villages. It offers boaters and walkers a peaceful escape through the Breton countryside.

4. A haven of biodiversity: The canal is home to a rich diversity of plant and animal species, including aquatic birds, fish, amphibians and mammals. Its wooded banks and locks provide a natural refuge for wildlife.

5. A picturesque route: The canal's surroundings offer many leisure activities, including hiking, cycling, fishing and canoeing. Visitors can also discover the region's historical and cultural heritage by exploring locks, bridges and traditional villages.

The Kerné Uhel lake

1h drive

Lac de Kerné Uhel is a haven of peace nestled in the heart of an unspoilt natural landscape. Here's a description of this enchanting place:

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1. A natural gem: Lac de Kerné Uhel is a freshwater lake surrounded by greenery, set amid wooded hills and verdant meadows. Its picturesque natural setting makes it an ideal destination for nature lovers and those seeking tranquillity.

2. A place to relax and enjoy: Lac de Kerné Uhel offers a multitude of leisure activities for visitors. Whether it's a leisurely stroll around the lake, a family picnic on its shady banks, or a quiet fishing session, there's something for everyone.

3. Rich flora and fauna: The lake's surroundings are home to a diversity of plant and animal species. Visitors can spot waterfowl, dragonflies, frogs and perhaps even turtles basking in the sun. The surrounding woods are also home to deer, foxes and other wildlife.

4. A popular place to walk: Well-maintained hiking trails surround the lake, offering visitors the chance to explore the surrounding area on foot or by bike. These trails wind through the forest, along the lake shore and offer panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

5. A haven for relaxation and contemplation: Lac de Kerné Uhel is an ideal place to escape the stresses of everyday life and recharge your batteries in contact with nature. Its peaceful, serene atmosphere invites contemplation and meditation, offering visitors a genuine moment of disconnection and well-being.

Watching migratory birds in Fresnaye Bay

45 minutes drive

Watching migratory birds in the Baie de Fresnaye is a remarkable experience, offering birdwatchers the opportunity to discover a rich diversity of avian species.

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1. The migratory show: Every year, thousands of migratory birds stop off in the Baie de Fresnaye on their journey from their breeding grounds to their winter quarters. It's an impressive sight to see these birds fly over the sparkling waters of the bay in a fascinating aerial ballet.

2. Species diversity: Baie de Fresnaye is home to a wide variety of migratory birds, from waders and birds of prey to ducks and terns. Among the most common species are oystercatchers, curlews, black-tailed godwits, sandpipers and common terns.

3. Preferred observation zones: Birdwatchers can take advantage of several strategic observation points along the bay, including developed observatories, coastal paths and beaches. These offer panoramic views of the marshes, mudflats and sandbanks where birds congregate.

4. The best times to watch migratory birds in the Baie de Fresnaye vary according to the season. Spring and autumn migrations are particularly spectacular, with massive flows of birds crossing the bay.

5. The importance of conservation: Baie de Fresnaye is a site of major ecological importance for many migratory bird species. Conservation of this fragile habitat is essential to ensure the survival of these bird populations and maintain the ecological balance of the region.

The Saints Valley

1h20 drive

The Valley of Saints is a unique and impressive site featuring monumental statues representing Breton saints. 

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1. An ambitious artistic and cultural project: La Vallée des Saints was born of an artistic and cultural project designed to pay tribute to Brittany's rich Christian tradition and promote its cultural identity. Since its creation in 2008, the site has become one of the region's major tourist attractions.

2. Monumental statues: At the heart of the Valley of Saints stand monumental granite statues, each representing a famous Breton saint. These statues, created by local and international sculptors, reach heights of several meters and are impressive in their size and detail.

3. A tribute to Brittany's religious heritage: The statues in the Valley of the Saints pay tribute to Brittany's rich religious tradition, which goes back centuries. Each saint represented is associated with legends and stories that are an integral part of Breton history and culture.

4. A place of pilgrimage and contemplation: La Vallée des Saints is both a place of pilgrimage for believers and a place of contemplation for visitors of all origins. The imposing statues and peaceful natural setting offer a place of meditation and reflection, where visitors can connect with the spirituality and history of Brittany.

5. A constantly evolving site: La Vallée des Saints is a constantly evolving project, with new statues added regularly. Every year, new sculptures are created and installed, enriching the site and reinforcing its cultural and artistic importance.

A walk on the moors of Locarn

1h drive

A walk in the Landes de Locarn offers total immersion in the region's unspoilt wilderness. 

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1. Picturesque landscapes: The Landes de Locarn offer a typical landscape of moorland and peat bogs, punctuated by heather, broom and ferns. Trails wind through stretches of golden moorland, offering panoramic views of the surrounding hills and verdant valleys.

2. Wildlife: This area is home to a rich biodiversity, with a variety of plant and animal species adapted to this particular environment. Visitors can spot nesting birds, reptiles, insects and perhaps even deer moving across the moors.

3. The tranquillity of nature: A walk on the Landes de Locarn offers a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The peaceful, serene atmosphere of this natural environment invites contemplation and relaxation, allowing visitors to recharge their batteries in contact with nature.

4. Hiking trails: Several signposted trails criss-cross the Landes de Locarn, offering hikers of all levels the opportunity to explore this unique landscape. Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll with the family or a more intensive hike through the hills, there's something to suit all tastes and fitness levels.

5. Discover the local heritage: As well as its natural beauty, the Landes de Locarn is also steeped in history and culture. Visitors can discover prehistoric remains, megalithic sites and local traditions preserved over the centuries.

The forests of Quénécan

45 minutes drive

The forests of Quénécan are a true natural gem, offering visitors total immersion in enchanting, unspoilt forest landscapes.

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1. A diversity of landscapes: The Quénécan forests cover an area of over 4,000 hectares, offering a variety of forest landscapes, rolling hills, deep valleys, winding rivers and tranquil lakes. Visitors can discover a variety of panoramas, from vast expanses of forest to spectacular rock formations.

2. Ecological wealth: Quénécan's forests are home to remarkable biodiversity, with a wide variety of plant and animal species. Oaks, beeches, pines, birches and many other tree species can be found here, as well as a diverse fauna including deer, roe deer, wild boar, foxes and a multitude of birds.

3. Hiking trails: Visitors can explore Quénécan's forests through a network of well-maintained hiking trails, offering routes of varying levels of difficulty. Whether it's a leisurely stroll with the family or a more intensive hike through the hills, there's something for every taste and fitness level.

4. Outdoor activities: In addition to hiking, the forests of Quénécan offer a multitude of outdoor activities, including mountain biking, climbing, fishing, kayaking and wildlife observation. Visitors can also enjoy picnic areas where they can relax and recharge their batteries in the heart of nature.

5. A peaceful, rejuvenating atmosphere: The forests of Quénécan are a haven of peace, with a peaceful, rejuvenating atmosphere. Away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, visitors can reconnect with nature, recharge their batteries and relax to the tranquil rhythm of the forest.