Traditional French gite and cottage holidays in Brittany
About the Area
Mont Saint Michel bay
The highest tides in the world, which occur in Mont Saint Michel bay, They are a wonderful spectacle in the bay you will find the breathtaking island abbey which dates back a thousand years, The salt marshes covers from Normandy through to Brittany and is an ideal coastal walk. On the island its self you will find restuarants, shops, museums, The 2nd most visited tourist place in France.
Fougeres
In the town of Fougeres a medieval castle stands proud, dating back 1000 years. The town was born and has spread out to become a most vibrant town with fantastic shops and markets, there’s a wealth of restaurants to discover. Public gardens stretching out over vast acres around the old town walls. Nightly street entertainment and concerts in and around the castle walls during the summer months.
Calvados Region
The main attractions are the old port of ‘Honfleur’ on the Seine estuary, With its timber-slate-faced houses- the most picturesque harbour in France. Calvados has elegant casinos great golf courses. You will find the world war II beaches of Juno and Omaha plus D-Day landings museums. Calvados is renowned for its Cider and apple brandy called calva or calvados.
Parc floral
Can be found less than 10 minutes drive from La Rafoulais. This fifty acre country park, created about 1830 among wooded hills offer a dozen gardens. lulled by the sound of running water, the colour and scent of the flowers, you will find here a place to stroll, relax, and discover rare varieties of trees and plants. website www.parcfloralbretagne.com
Beach life in the department of neighbouring Manche. with over 200 hundred miles of coastline to discover. The peninsula has all it takes for beach holiday’s and water sports activities. Blessed with ideal conditions such as the Gulf Stream which warms the local waters. The best we have found are Julloville beach and Granville. Granville which has links to the Channel Islands and superb shops. There is over 200 hundred miles of coastal paths to explore Antique shops markets and many seafood restaurants with lush seafood platters with locally caught Whelks, Crab, Lobster and Oysters.
Not far from La Rafoulais, The Zoo De Champlepus a great fun day out for all the family.
As for your hosts John & Ann there favourite place is Saint Malo the pirate city. Words cannot express the fantastic days out we’ve had there. Saint Malo has 12 beaches, restaurants galore, churches, art galleries, a huge marina which can all be viewed from all angles while walking the rampart walls. Not far from the city Saint Malo golf club at Le Tronchet it’s a fantastic 18 hole course, Your host John a very keen golfer is available to accompany you if desired.
Just 10 minutes away from us is the WW II American war cemetery where over 4000 soldiers lost there lives taking the local town of Saint James. A tranquil place for reflection.
Local Attractions
The pretty local village of Cogles offers a Boulangerie, bar/tabac where provisions can be purchased, Within walking distance you can dine at our very friendly auberge du petit moulin (little mill restaurant) sitting near the banks of a beautiful lake in the pretty hamlet of Vilaine. There is many restaurants in large towns such as St James just over the border in Normandy and St Brice en Cogles all within 10 minutes drive. Also you visit the medieval towns of Fougeres and the capital of Brittany Rennes. Sightseers should not miss the spectacular island abbey of Mont St Michel and the wonderful beaches and seaside towns such as Cancale famous for its oysters straight from the harbour.
Also St Malo offers 12, sandy beaches which can be overlooked from the ramparts of the old town which has so much to see, St Malo was an old pirate port with so much history, also its possible to visit the channel islands on a day trip. It also has a large trotting track and restaurants galore. Quaint traditional breton/norman villages just waiting to be explored and enjoyed in a stress free way of life. John & Ann your hosts offer mountain bike hire at a daily rate and all bikes are fitted with smooth gear shifts to cope with quite country lanes plus bikes are available for the children. Fougeres offers great nightlife with street entertainers and concerts held in the castle grounds, Restaurants and bars overlooking the stunning castle, the castle of Fougeres was born on a rocky island at the bottom of a valley, it also offers a medieval quarter and stunning public gardens and a traditional french marketplace. The town of avranches only 15 minutes away offers 2nd world war museums chic shops and restaurants plus as this town was built on a hillside it overlooks the beautiful bay of Mont St Michel.
Staying at La Rafoulais you can have the best of both worlds with tranquil countryside on your doorstep and a choice of many beautiful beaches on the Cotentin and Emerald coasts. The low cost airline Ryanair lands at Dinard airport which is only 50 minutes away from La Rafoulais. Also car hire is available from the airport.
La Rafoulais suits a variety of needs whether its your next family holiday or a central base for property hunting or just peace and relaxation around the pool, make us your home away from home La Rafoulais is open all year long/short lets available.
Activities for children
Festyland
Within an hours drive you will find Festyland with train rides, Medieval themes, Waterslides, Big dippers, The kids will just love it.
www.festyland.com
Le Valdes Cimes
The adventure park Le Valdes Cimes is for all ages! Enjoy the forest and test your nerves in complete safety on the high wires, You’ll be shown the ropes here! Giant swings and zip rides.
www.levaldescimes.com
Cobac Parc
Offers watersides, Mini golf, Trampolines, Quad bikes, Train rides, Swings, Football, Boat hire, Swimming pools, Fun for all the family.
www.cobac-parc.com
Base De Loisirs
In the forest of De Villecartier set deep in an enchanting forest it offers boat hire, Remote control boats on its large lake, Tree climbing, Pony rides.
www.parcdesgrandschenes.fr
Parc D`attractions et De Loisirs Ange Michel
A 30 minute drive from La Rafoulais is a large leisure park. Activities included are go-karts, Pony rides, Heated water slides, Water dodgems, Trampolines, Mini golf & bowling. A brilliant day out for all the family.
www.ange-michel-attractions.com
Le village Enchante (The Enchanted village)
This is for the younger children it has slides, bouncy castles, puppet shows, and the Piglet ride, and you can see the little animal farm.
www.village-enchante.fr
