LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
Located at the centre of Brittany within an hour’s reach of the Pink Granite coastline to the north and stunning beaches to the South.
Le Foret
Situated at the foot of the Doorstep:
Surround Yourself In The Mystical Healing Power Of The Forest
Allow mother earth to nurture you!
Capture effortlessly your attention with mindful strolls,
finding your way home through connecting with your true inner self.
Breathe deep, Inhale, Exhale, Enjoy!
Bathe in the aromatic scents surrounding you. Experience the tonic of the forest via your senses.
Let the beauty of nature soothe & relax your mind. Listen to the symphony of noises surrounding you.
See, Smell, Touch, Listen!
The phytoncides from trees have well researched health benefits from reducing stress & balancing the nervous system, improving mood and fortifying one’s immune system.
“In the woods, we return to reason and faith. There I feel that nothing can befall me in life……. which nature cannot repair.”
Gouarec
The local town of Gouarec is just a 5-minute stroll from the retreat.
At the bottom of the garden, running through the town lies the beautiful Brest-Nantes canal path. Boasting stunning tranquillity, the canal is abundant with wildlife including otters.
- One can walk, catch the petit train or cycle 20 minutes to the 12th century Abbey Bon Repos. The abbey is a delightful place to have a picnic, enjoy a beverage or a bite to eat. From March to October there is a local market with fresh produce & handmade crafts. A live outdoor sound and light show takes place every August.
- Enjoy a swim or well-being spa experience including steam, sauna & jacuzzi at the local Centre Aquatique du Blavet (see website).
- The River d’Ore (golden river) flows through the town centre attracting those who seek the thrill of finding gold!
- The centre has many amenities including: Restaurants, Bars, Grocery Stores, a Bakery, Brocante, Art Gallery, Post office, Banks etc.
PLACES TO VISIT
Visit the local area.
Abbaye de Bon-Repos
The abbey was founded by Viscount Alain III de Rohan, who, according to legend, was asked to build it by the Virgin Mary after appearing in a dream ( ‘bon repos’ means ‘good rest’). The abbey was burnt down by the Chouans in 1795, it fell into ruin until it was rescued in 1986 by the local community who founded the Association of Friends of Bon Repos Abbey.
Les Mineraux de l’Abbaye
Located next to the abbey is the wonderful mineral, fossil and crystal shop where one can find treasures from Brittany and the entire world.
Distance: Approx. 3.5 miles (20 minutes by bicycle)
Lac de Guerlédan & Swiss Brittany
West of Mûr-de-Bretagne is the Lac de Guerlédan, Brittany’s largest lake. This is the perfect place for enjoying the suns rays or surrounding oneself by the healing element of water. The area also offers extensive trails for walking and cycling.
South of the lake is the forest of Quénécan, an area known as ‘Swiss Brittany’, which covers about 11 square miles of forest. Enjoy mindful walks under the canopies of the trees. More than 70 species of birds winter here.
Distance: Approx 7.5 miles (45 minutes by bicycle).
Les Loups de Coat Fur
In Lescouët-Gouarec near Bon Repos Abbey and Lake Guerlédan, Coat Fur is an animal refuge which takes in old and at-risk wolves from all over France. The Wolf is a symbol of guardianship, ritual, loyalty, and spirit. They teach us to trust our hearts and minds, and have control over our own lives.
Distance: Approx 5.5 miles 30 mins by bicycle/10 mins. by car.
Vallee des Saints
Not far from Carhaix, is the Valley of the Saints. Around 1500 years ago, priests and monks coming from Great Britain landed on the coast of Brittany. Some, like Malo or Brieuc, have left their mark on the region. In the village of Carnoët, sculptors have created giant four-metre high granite statues of saints and placed them on a feudal mound with views stretching out as far as the Monts d’Arrée mountains. Each one has its own particular style: one looks like the Petit Prince, another a North American Indian.
(Distance: approx. 27 miles, 40 mins. by car).
Megalithics – Stones of Carnac
The standing stones of Carnac are one of Brittany’s greatest attractions. Three fields – Ménec, Kermario and Kerlescan – contain around 3,000 aligned megaliths, which date from 4000BC. Local myth states that a Roman legion was on the march when the wizard Merlin turned them into stone. Some propose that the builders were early astronomers and that Carnac is a huge galactic observatory to study the sun, moon, planets and stars possibly with a religious significance. Some conclude that the cultures which created Stonehenge and Carnac were related.
Distance: approx 65 miles, 1h 20 by car.
Forêt d’Huelgoat & Foret de Broceliande
The Forêt d’Huelgoat is a magical forest full of myths and legends. It is said that King Arthur walked these woods and left some of his treasure in a cave called the Grotte d’Artus. Walk across the giant boulders, discover enchanting streams, fairy pools and wonderful rock formations. In another spot, the indentations in the rock are said to have served as the Virgin Mary’s cramped home.
The Foret de Broceliande & the Château de Comper near Concoret, which houses the Centre de l’Imaginaire Arthurien where you’ll discover scenes from Arthurian legends; in summer there are events and themed walks. Next to the castle is a lake, underneath whose waters apparently lives the fairy Viviane in a crystal palace built by Merlin the magician. Visitors may also find the Fountain of Eternal Youth hidden nearby.
“Leave worries aside and you will be surprised by the beauty of the sky ans the colour of flowers, of the freshness of the breeze and the generosity of the sun. You will feel you are part of creation and life will start to make sense. The greatest wealth is to appreciate what we have and what we are”
Take some time. Treat yourself. You deserve it.
Book a 5-night stay package and receive a free Angel card reading.
