Magourou is situated in the heart of central Brittany which forms an ideal touring base to discover one of France’s most distinctive and attractive regions. The north, west and south coasts are all within an hour’s drive from your holiday accommodation. Everyone loves the sea, whether it be dramatic headlands with precipitous coastal paths where you can walk and feel the wind in your hair or long expanses of unspoilt sandy beaches to laze on. There are tranquil fishing villages and seaside towns with pavement cafes where one can linger over a coffee or beer. The Brittany coastline offers something for everyone, whatever the weather.

Just set back from the coast the scenery quickly changes to quieter, wooded banks of estuaries sometimes known as abers or avens. The most famous of these is Pont Aven (69km) made famous by its former residents Paul Gauguin and Emile Bernard. Further up the estuaries, you come to large historic towns, like Morlaix (67km) in the north with its old quay tucked well out of sight of seafaring invaders or Quimper (87km), Brittany’s oldest city, to the south west internationally renowned for its pottery. Concarneau (73km) to the south east of Quimper is a more authentic fishing port well known for its walled town situated on an island and accessed by a bridge. It is filled with restaurants and has a particularly good market which takes place every Monday and Friday.

Locronan (81km) is a typical Breton villages justifiably included in the Plus Beaux Villages de France list. It is an unforgettable glimpse of Breton charm with its fine collection of Renaissance buildings dating from medieval times and made famous from the manufacture of linen for sail cloth.

Brest (104km), to the west of Brittany, is France’s second largest military port. Since Roman times its natural harbour has sheltered ships from the fury of the Atlantic Ocean. Oceanopolis is Brest’s most popular and newest attraction. 3 pavilions are dedicated to the Brittany Sea, Tropical and Polar Oceans with over 10,000 sea creatures and 1,000 species in 3.7 million litres of water. It will entertain anyone of any age.

Further inland Huelgoat (43km) is just an example of the picturesque and varied landscape. Its secretive valleys and granite boulder strewn area are full of legend as to how this unusual landscape came about. Descend into the Grotte du Diable with the aid of rungs in the rock or move the Roche Tremblante which is an enormous boulder that even a child can get to move.

Then explore the peaceful Breton countryside which has the beautiful Canal de Nantes a Brest as its centrepiece. As the name suggests it flows and meanders from Brest in the west through many villages and towns to Nantes in the south west of Brittany. It creates an atmosphere of tranquility along its way and is bordered by a well maintained towpath which forms a safe and picturesque cycle and walkway to enjoy at your leisure. Approximately 20km from Magourou the canal flows into the Lac de Guerledan which is the largest lake in Brittany. The rustic landscape is a haven for walkers, ramblers, fishermen, mountain bikes and horse riders and there are many signposted paths to follow. The lake is also popular with water sports enthusiasts and the water sports centre is open all year round. Or relax at one of the lakeside cafes. Even nearer to hand the Lac de Glomel is only 4km from Magourou and is ideal for swimming or enjoying a day on the beach without going to the coast. It is also a seabird wintering ground for grebes, ducks and coots, etc. Nearby Lan Bern Moors attract dragonflies, butterflies and 29 species of sparrow. A disused railway track also runs through Rostrenen (3km). www.rostrenen.com This is now a designated cycle path which runs for 111km and is ideal for families.

This is just a flavour of the area surrounding Magourou as the variety of attractions and natural history is too numerous to mention. Magourou has maps and information on all local attractions, suggested walks and cycle rides for all levels from a gentle stroll along the canal towpath to treks for the enthusiast.

The English owners are on hand to advise and help point you in the right direction to ensure that your stay is tailored to your requirements.

Brittany is steeped in tradition and history and the Breton people are justly proud of their heritage. It is a land of ancient myths and legends. Breton culture thrives and traditional costume, dance and music is celebrated everywhere. Every town and village still has it’s pardon where the local saint is taken out from the church for it’s annual pilgrimage. All visitors are encouraged to join in these local festivities. The Abbaye de Bon Repos, just 15 minutes on the N164, is a ruined abbey picturesquely set where the canal flows into the Lac de Guerledan. It is well worth a visit especially on Sunday mornings when there is a traditional market selling local produce. But in mid August the Abbaye de Bon Repos forms the backdrop to a spectacular son et lumiere re-enacting the history of the Abbaye. It is reputed to be the best amateur production in France and can be thoroughly recommended. Breton villages are history brought to life and their churches and monuments spill over with ancient stories. They are so well cared for as are the traditional granite cottages with their colourful window boxes in summer.

France of course is renowned for it’s cuisine and Brittany is no exception. Being a maritime race, seafood is a speciality. Creperies are a favourite over the whole region offering an imaginative range of sweet crepes or savoury buckwheat galettes. Of course the best way to enjoy these are together with a bowl of local cider. Patisseries are as good here as anywhere in France and Rostrenen’s is one of the best in Brittany – so definitely worth a try! Rostrenen is a well serviced town with 3 supermarkets and several restaurants/creperies/pizzerias to suit all tastes and pockets.

The French really know how to live well. They take life at a more relaxed pace, enjoy superb food and drink and appreciate the finer points of life. On holiday you too can experience the good life. Stroll around the local market, selecting the freshest of produce or unwind at a pavement café and watch the world go by.