Noisette

Located within easy distance of main roads the cottages are set in rolling countryside. They are in a small hamlet approximately 1.5km from the nearest shop and bar and about 5km from the nearest town.
The local area has lots to offer, with multiple attractions a short distance from the cottages for all ages. Ornithologists can delight in the variety of species found in this area, with the Lac de Guerledan providing a winter shelter for numerous breeds of both sea and inland birds. Around the rivers, lakes and etangs of this region herons, egrets, kingfishers and other water birds are a common sight as they swoop to poach from the well stocked waterways, as are the birds of prey throughout the region.
For shopping and bargain hunting, our hamlet is ten minutes walk away from the village of St Mayeux, where there is a Post Office, small supermarket, and a bar. As well as our local town of Mur de Bretagne, we are only 15 minutes away from the larger towns of Pontivy, Loudeac and Rostrenen, and about an hour away from the towns of the south coast, including Vannes, Carnac and Quiberon. The city of St Brieuc, 35 minutes to the north, has excellent shopping facilities including one of the largest hypermarkets in Brittany and a bustling cobbled shopping area.
Local street markets are well organised, most being either once or twice weekly but staggered throughout the week. These offer excellent value for locally produced vegetables, cheeses, bread, wine and honey (most of which tempt visitors with free tasters!), and often include stalls selling local craft items. In the summer months Mur de Bretagne also has an excellent evening market every Friday, with local entertainment and usually a gastronomic theme (again with free tasting!). The area is also dotted liberally with antique shops and Depot Vente; where treasures may often be found at exceedingly good prices, particularly for pottery, bric a brac and oak furniture. The many Vide Grenier; (literally translates as Attic Emptying) sales are also a rich source of cheap local treasures and great fun to visit if you wish to try and haggle with the locals.
For the lovers of French Cuisine, there is an incredible choice, ranging from local crepes and cider or traditional country fare in the local village restaurants, to exquisite a la carte meals for that special occasion at the prestigious restaurants by the lake or in the bigger towns. We are less than hour away from the sea, so the the seafood that Brittany is famous for is readily available, both in the shops and in the restaurants, and is always beautifully fresh.
Many local restaurants specialise in seafood dishes, including a broad selection of fish dishes in their daily menu, and the famous fruits de mer dish of shellfish can be found in almost any town near to the coast.
The mild weather of Brittany, particularly inland, makes this area most suitable for a late or early holiday. Often the early Spring and the late Summer/early Autumn weather allows a full range of outdoor pursuits to be enjoyed, and of course the shops and restaurants are that much quieter at that time of year!
This part of Brittany is dotted with areas of historical interest, including many reminders of previous inhabitants and invaders, such as menhirs, megaliths, tumulii and carved stones. Largely unspoilt by commercial development, the area also has many fine original examples of chateaux, watermills and houses of architectural interest, including a nearby preserved foundry village at Les Forges des Salles which can be reached by car, or by a scenic walk through the historic Forest de Quenecan. The tranquillity of a walk to seek out the standing stones or visit an historical monument, is perhaps the perfect way to enjoy the Breton countryside at any time of the year. This is particularly the case in the Autumn when the variety of colours and often clear skies are most photogenic.
Brittany is blessed with a warm and mild climate.
Getting to us:
Flying:
There is an international service from Rennes (approx 90mins) and a European service to Dinard (approx. 90 mins) Both airports offer car hire.
Ferry:
St Malo is the closest port at around 90 mins away Roscoff is closer distance wise, but takes around 15 minutes more
Trains:
St Brieuc and Loudeac (only 20 mins from the gites) have stations, the TGV goes to Rennes. The Rennes to Paris rail line has recently been upgraded, with trains now travelling from Rennes to Paris in as little as 90 minutes.