Brittany
Our houses are located in Finistere, Brittany. This magical part of France is reknowned for its natural beauty and rich traditions. The coastline is varied and unspoilt, and authentic villages appear untouched for centuries with beautiful stone houses that cluster around intricate churches.
Having seen many of the 'best' beaches in the world, we feel that Finistere can offer some that are the equal to any other. The spectacular coastline has everything from big open surfing beaches, to sheltered intimate coves. The water is extremely clear in the summer and even in peak season, the best beaches are never crowded. One can walk the coastal paths, surf, sail, and windsurf, the area has a huge choice for all the family.
For lovers of fine food, there is nothing quite as satisfying as shopping at a French food market, the variety of local produce and specialities is a real treat for 'Les gourmandes'. Eating out is consistently excellent and good value, whether it's a simple bistrot, or a chic, sophisticated Michelin-starred establishment, there is choice for all tastes.
Spectacular parks, gardens and chateaux are easy to find, and kids always enjoy all the outdoor activities on offer.
Why fly half way around the world when an area so naturally beautiful, with so much to offer is right on your doorstep?!
Just click on the image below to see a short video on Brittany;
Located just to the north of the centre of Quimper, Kistinic enjoys a rural location but is just a few minutes from this beautiful medieval city. With it's cathedral, excellent museums, pedestrianised cobbled streets, lively cafes, gourmet restaurants and chic boutiques, Quimper has plenty to offer the visitors. A boat trip down the Odet, one of the most beautiful rivers in France, will take you from Quimper to Benodet and on to the azur beaches of the Iles de Glenan.
The gatehouse is ideally located at the centre of the peninsula for exploring the surrounding coastline and beaches. There is a huge choice to choose from wthin an easy 20 to 30 minute drive in each direction from the house. At the end of the day many of our guests enjoy returning to the swimming pool and the lush green gardens, before sampling one of Quimpers many restaurants.
The enclosed fishing port of Concarneau, the galleries of Pont Aven, the seaside town of Benodet and Sainte Marine are all within easy reach. The dramatic Pointe de Raz, and wildlife sanctuary of Cap Sizun and surfers paradise of La Torche are also just a short drive away.
There are 2 golf courses within 20 minutes drive. For the cyclist there are miles of small touring roads or local mountain bike tracks, the list is endless. Combine this with gourmet restaurants, local creperies, and the various festivities that take place throughout the region in summer, you have all the ingredients of a fantastic French holiday.
Quimper is easy to get to either via the ferry to Roscoff (75 mins) or with flight services from Paris to Quimper or from Southampton and Birmingham to Brest (40 mins).
The house is in a small hamlet of stone fisherman's cottages, near the village of Primelin. Quiet enough to feel away from it all, but with the convenience of restaurants, local shops, and plenty to do on your doorstep. This is the ideal base for those who are looking for an unspoilt and stunning stretch of coast, beaches, and an area rich in authenticity. The Cap Sizun is an area of protected coastline that boasts a spectacular coastal footpath, high rocky cliffs, wide open beaches that feel the full force of the Atlantic waves and small sheltered sandy bays great for kids and water sports. The nearby Pointe du Raz and the bird reserve of Goulien are two of France's leading tourist attractions, yet the area remains remarkably undeveloped and has escaped the pitfalls of mass tourism. Audierne just 6km away is a bustling marine port with a lively market, gourmet restaurants, an aquarium and is the departure point for the Ferry to the Isle de Sein. Douarnenez is an authentic fishing port and also has a very interesting maritime museum where the exhibits are 'live' in that you are free to explore the old fishing boats still on the water - they often have trips out to sea on kayaks and different vessels. Nearby Pont Croix is a small medieval city with the french label 'petite cite de caractere'. Further afield lies the beautiful medieval town of Quimper, and the endless possibilities that Finistere has to offer.
Lostmarc'h is a tiny village set at the end of the Crozon peninsula, in a highly protected area of natural beauty. There are only a handful of authentic stone cottages here, and new construction has been forbidden for many decades.
A path leads directly from our garden to the cliffs and the beaches of Lostmarch and La Palue. We feel that these are amongst the very best beaches in Finistere, totally unspoilt and clean.
All this peaceful beauty can be enjoyed whilst being just 3km from the bustling seaside town of Morgat. Here you will find a huge variety of restaurants and shops and a large, sandy beach excellent for small children. There is also a port, and boat trips to see the caves.
For larger supermarkets, visit Crozon, another 2km further on, that also has large sport shops, fuel, etc.
Camaret is a pleasant harbour town; in fact the whole coastline of the Crozon is beautiful and interesting.
The fabulous, Mediterranean style beaches of Ile Vierge (see above photo) are just 3km from the house. They are a collection of sheltered coves of large rounded pebbles, with crystal clear topaz water.
Trips further afield could include, Locronan, Quimper, Douarnenez, and Oceanopolis at Brest.
Getting here is easy: Leave the motorway between Brest and Quimper and head for Morgat (about 25km) The house is about 60 minutes from Brest Airport with good links with Flybe to Birmingham, Southampton, Manchester and Exeter, and Ryanair flights to Luton airport. Roscoff is a little more than an hours drive away for ferry crossings to Plymouth, and St Malo about 3 hours for crossings to Portsmouth. There is parking within the grounds of the house.
