Things to Do
Here are some ideas and recommendations for things to do and places to visit during your stay. Kermarc'h is a great starting point for exploring Brittany because we are located right in the middle. Please let us know if you have any questions and we will do our best to point you in the right direction.
Estimated travel time from Kermarc'h by car is included for each item.
Sightseeing
Here are a few recommendations for places to visit in the area
Originally founded in the 12th century on the edge of the Quénécan forest along the Blavet river (now the Nantes-Brest canal) the abbaye is now a local gathering place with a market on Sundays, 3 bars and restaurants and events such as the Sound and Light show in August.
20 mins
Large scale, ongoing hillside art installation with megalithic-style, granite monuments of Breton saints
40 mins
Charming medieval town known for its ramparts, cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses and 14th-century castle on the Rance river
1 hr 10 mins
Home of Brocéliande, the mystical forest of Arthurian legend, also an Arthurain Center and Paimpont Abbey
1 hr 30 mins
Coastal city with medieval walls, cobbled streets, colorful half-timber houses, a cathedral, restaurants, harbor and beaches
1 hr 20 mins
Breathtakingly beautiful tidal island on the northern border of Brittany and Normandy - there is an historic village on the lower part and a very well-preserved medieval abbey above it. We recommend a quided tour and admission to the abbey and be prepared for a lot of stairs. One of the top 5 tourist sites in France.
1 hr 45 mins
Restaurants
Here are some of our favorite nearby places to eat. The best-known cuisine in Brittany includes buckwheat galettes, sweet crepes, seafood, and locally grown produce from the numerous small farms in the area. These are a few of the closest options but there are many more to try as you venture further.
Warm family-run restaurant in Saint Nicolas du Pelem specializing in thin-crust pizza as well as burgers, pasta and salads
5 mins
Delicious and cozy village restaurant offers an ever changing menu du jour fusing local ingredients with influences from around the world. They will make very tasty vegetarian or vegan meals if you call ahead.
10 mins
Friendly family-run country restaurant with evolving specials and standard fare such as steak frites, burgers, fish, salads and pasta. Have some vegetarian dishes and can do vegan as well if you call ahead.
15 mins
Fine dining on a picturesque small lake, be sure to make a reservation, can accommodate vegetarians if you make a reservation 3 days in advance
10 mins
Women-owned lunch spot serves an inexpensive 3 course prix-fixe menu on weekdays specializing in traditional, working class cuisine
10 mins
Traditional country creperie serving buckwheat galettes and sweet crepes in the scenic woods near the Abbey de Bon-Repos. Great place for lunch after the market at the Abbey on Sunday but make a reservation because it's popular.
20 mins
Delicious, well-presented buckwheat galettes and sweet crepes in the town of Rostrenen
20 mins
Cidreries, Breweries, and Distilleries
Apple cider is the signature drink in Brittany and there a a lot of great varieties, but don't miss the local craft beers and spirits. With apples, wheat, and other grains grown locally there is often an emphasis on "farm-to-bottle" alcohol production.
Craft brewery and brewpub in Mur de Bretagne using local and organic ingredients.
20 mins
Breton craft brewery with a wide range of beers including organic varieties, one of the most popular local beers
35 mins
Specializing in juice, cider and spirits from apples grown in their orchard.
50 mins
Producers of one of our favorite ciders - visit their old-fashioned tasting room to see a short video about the 100+ year history of the company and, of course, the chance to sample all of their ciders and spirits.
1 hr 5 mins
Family craft distillery in Quimper produces spirits from grains they grow on their farm, currently making gin and absinthe. They also have gin distilling workshops where you select the botanicals and leave with a bottle of you own gin.
1 hr 20 mins
Developers of highly-regarded ciders and spirits. A visit to the manoir near Quimper includes a guided tour and tasting.
1 hr 20 mins
Local craft cider house with a range of organic products including cider, juice and vinegar.
Open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m
25 mins
Boutique producer of organic cider, juice and vinegar made with old local apple varieties.
The Cider House Shop is open from June 15 to September 15, Wednesday and Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. or by appointment
45 mins
Beaches
Brittany is a peninsula with coastline on 3 sides and probably hundreds of beaches, so these are just a few suggestions. Kermarc'h is centrally located so each coast is an easy day trip. Even closer is Lake Guerledan, the largest lake in Brittany.
Brittany's largest lake has several beaches for swimming and is a hub for outdoor activities including canoeing/kayaking, waterskiing, hiking, mountain biking, and fishing.
25 mins
Charming town on the northern coast features 5 beaches with fine sand, hidden coves and a seawater swimming pool.
55 mins
Small resort on the Cote de Penthièvre, part of the Bay of Saint-Brieuc on the north coast. The main beach is the Plage du Centre, there are 2 more to the south-west, or head north around the Cap d'Erquy for more options.
1 hr 5 mins
The seaside resort of Le Pouldu on the southern coast has three fine sand beaches: Grands Sables, Bellangenet and Kérou which is popular for surfers.
1 hr 25 mins
Benodet, considered the heart of the Breton Riviera in south-west Brittany, has four beaches - Plage du Trez, the most popular, Plage du Coq offers privacy, Plage de la Pointe Saint-Gilles is oriented towards the Glénan archipelago and Plage du Letty faces the White Sea lagoon.
1 hr 30 mins
On Brittany's south coast, the village of Névez boasts 5 beaches including Plage de Rospico, Plage de Saint Nicolas with its historic bathing cabins, Plage de Dourveil prized by surfers, and Plage de Tahiti known for its perfect white sand and turquoise water.
1 hr 35 mins
Castles
One of Brittany's best qualities is the sense of escape from modern life you get from the landscape - rolling farmlands, tiny villages with traditional stone houses, and pristine, wild coastline. One way to immerse in that sense of history is to visit the many castles and medieval sites in the area, appreciate their beauty and craftmanship, and learn more about life in this region over the last thousand years.
Originally founded in the 12th century on the edge of the Quénécan forest along the Blavet river (now the Nantes-Brest canal) the abbaye is now a local gathering place with a market on Sundays, 3 bars and restaurants and events such as the Sound and Light show in August.
20 mins
Fortified castle dating to the 13th century is partly restored with 5 towers accessible to the public, a tour route that follows the original patrol paths, and rotating exhibits. Entry includes a guided tour, access to the exhibits, and activities for kids.
1 hr
15th century castle on the Trieux estuary with history going back at least to the 11th century - an earlier stone fortress was destroyed in in the 14th century War of Breton Succession. The domaine also includes vast parkland with a medieval vegetable garden, ornamental garden, wooded areas and hedgerows, and flower gardens.
1 hr
A more modern castle built at the turn of the 20th century was badly damaged in WW2 but has been restored and boasts Art Nouveau decor, extensive gardens, and glass-roofed stables.
1 hr
11th century castle on the Nantes-Brest canal in the picturesque town of Josselin with a formal French gardenm rose garden, and an English garden as well as a doll & toy museum. The town also has a medieval town center with shops, restaurants and historic houses.
1 hr 10 mins
Charming medieval town known for its ramparts, cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses and 14th-century castle on the Rance river. Visitors to the castle learn about the art of war and the daily life of its original residents as well as getting great views of the town and the river.
1 hr 10 mins
14th century fortress on a rocky outcrop in the bay of Saint Malo. A combination of original and restored elements allow visitors to experience the the military functions of the fort, the residence, and the lordly chapel.
1 hr 30 mins
Large, well-maintained 15th century castle surrounded by walking trails for exploring the domaine around the castle - a nature preserve marshland rich with animal and plant life. Admission includes an audio tour and there are seasonal events and activities.
1 hr 40 mins
Breathtakingly beautiful tidal island on the northern border of Brittany and Normandy - there is an historic village on the lower part and a very well-preserved medieval abbey above it. We recommend a quided tour and admission to the abbey and be prepared for a lot of stairs. One of the top 5 tourist sites in France.
1 hr 45 mins
For Kids
Not just for kids, but here are a few places to visit that are ideal for families.
Guerlédan Parc Aventure
​Parcour park for climbing and zip-lining in the forest near lake Guerlédan offers a range of difficulty levels for ages 4-6, 7-12, and 13+.
25 mins
Refuge for wolves, many of which have been rescued from the entertainment industry, in a lovely forest setting. There is information about each of the wolves posted as you make your way through the refuge as well as a cafe where you can rest and recharge. An unusual and fascinating experience.
25 mins
Family adventure park built on the medieval Kernaudour estate features climbing, swimming, huge slides, trampolines, ziplines, and a lake with pedal boats.
50 mins
Between Saint-Brieuc and Guingamp, the park specializes in the animals and plants of Asia and Madagascar and creating a true nature sanctuary. The zoo includes exotic and rare animal species such as the Malayan tapir, Asian lion, red panda, Eurasian otter, frilled pelican, and Malayan bear.
50 mins
A fully restored historic Breton village of thatched cottages, retracing the daily life of peasants in the 19th century with activities, crafts, games and traditional food
1 hr
Large amusement park between Pontivy and Vannes with several roller coasters, water rides, games, shows, mini golf, restaurants and shops.
1 hr
Just north of Brest, La Récré is Brittany's largest amusement park with numerous rides including 'Le Vertika' roller coaster, play areas, games, a lake with pedal boats, restaurants and shops.
1 hr 30 mins