AROUND AND ABOUT

Quiberon Plage	Pontivy	Lac du Guerledan

SHOPPING, EATING & DRINKING

Within easy driving distance in Plumeliau, a matter of 5 minutes, there is a supermarket, a selection of bars and restaurants, boulangerie, post office, vet for pet passports, pharmacy, doctor and dentist, indeed, all facilities for day to day needs or for emergencies.

In nearby Pontivy and Baud (10-15 minutes drive) there are a number of hypermarkets and, of course, a very wide selection of places to eat and drink. Pontivy is also well-known for its weekly market and low cost shopping opportunities for gifts, clothing etc. Brittany is famous for its delicious Breton biscuits and these can be bought at the biscuit factory (taste before you buy!) for a matter of a few euros per kilo.

First time visitors to this part of Brittany will be very pleasantly surprised to find such a selection of very low cost eating places. It is not unusual to have a five course lunch including plentiful wine and cider for as little as 9 euros (£6). Your hosts will be pleased to give you the details and opening times of the best places to go to enjoy superb food at the best prices.

SIGHTSEEING

Southern Brittany abounds with historic and prehistoric places of interest. Nearby Carnac, which is noted for its fabulous beaches, is also world renowned for its megaliths and over three thousand standing stones (menhirs) and ancient dolmens. There is a one-hour tourist train tour of the region which is also a great introduction to the beaches of Carnac and La Trinite sur Mer.

There are many museums and chateaux in the area, all worthy of a visit as are some of the unspoilt mediaeval towns such as Auray (30 mins) and Josselin (20 mins) and the famous port cities of Vannes and Lorient.

Within easy cycling distance of La Maison Magique there is the ancient Saint Gildas Chapel built into the riverside rocks which can also be viewed by taking a boat trip through the locks of the River Blavet.

In nearby Camors, with its forest adventure park, there is also one of the last surviving Sabotier (traditional Breton clogs) factory which is open to the public.

In Baud there is a museum dedicated to the history of the post card - thousands of post cards are on display dating back to the beginnings of this tradition. There is also a large indoor swimming pool and watersports centre.

Pontivy, sometime Napoleonville, is steeped in history and the magnificent chateau in the centre of the town is also open to the public.

Our central position brings just about everywhere in Brittany within easy driving reach, including numerous beaches and the inland gulf of Morbihan.

MARKETS Each day of the week at least one of the local towns has an extensive market. The full list of these markets is available in the information pack in the gites.

HORSE-RIDING If horse-riding or pony trekking is your interest, there are a number of friendly, welcoming stables in the local area who cater for all levels of skill, from beginners to experienced. Riding through the Blavet Valley and surrounding woodland and forests is an absolute delight.

FISHING AND GOLF We have devoted a whole section to these interests - click here.

WATER SPORTS Just to the north of the mediaeval town of Pontivy is Lac du Guerledan (Brittany's largest lake) where you will find water sports and lakeside beaches. Literally 100m from La Maison Magique is Brittany's premier canoe/kayak club where canoes and kayaks can be rented and lessons arranged.

CAMORS FOREST ADVENTURE PARK Within the beautiful and extensive forest of Camors you will find the adventure park where both the young and not so young will enjoy the well planned forest tree-top walks and other forest adventures.

GO-KARTING Approximately two miles away is a large outdoor go-kart track, and a similar distance for quad biking.

TENNIS In Plumeliau, just over three miles away, are free tennis courts.

SWIMMING Baud has a large indoor heated swimming pool with water slides, Pontivy has a large outdoor heated swimming pool and not forgetting the outdoor pool next door to La Maison Magique.

RAMBLING The area around Saint Nicolas des Eaux offers many opportunities for unrestricted rambles through forest land, farm land, quiet country lanes and the towpath where you can enjoy tranquil river views, the many picturesque locks and the abundance of wild-life - a heaven for bird watchers.

CYCLING Many of our guests have discovered the pleasure of safe cycling in the countryside around the village and particularly along the traffic free level towpath which is very relaxing for families with children. La Maison Magique has over 40 bicycles available for hire including mountain bikes, tandems, children's bikes and buggies. For those dedicated to the sport of cycling there are many testing opportunities in the hilly country surrounding the village.

TEN-PIN BOWLING In the nearby town of Locmine there is ten-pin bowling.

CANOEING Close to the gites is a well managed canoe/kayak club where canoes can be hired and lessons arranged, and there are pedaloes in the village for exploring the river between the locks. La Maison Magique also has its own boat on the river.