Les Quatre Cles in Guemene Penfao


Guemene Centre 

Guemene Penfao is on the river Don but the Isac, Brivet and Vilaine rivers are not far away. It is a magical area with beautiful scenery and so much to do; it's difficult to know where to begin. There is something for everyone; wonderful walks through forests, ancient chateaux, chapels and churches to visit, water sports of every kind including the town's indoor pool (please note that only swimming trunk may be worn by men - not shorts) with spa and Jacuzzi. In nearby Plesse there's a lake with a child safe beach and picnic area, karting, micralights, riding stables to suit all abilities, a little further in Quilly you can jet ski, water ski and windsurf. Guenrouet, with its outdoor pool next to the Nantes-Brest Canal where you can hire pedaloes and canoes, have a delightful al fresco meal in the nearby restaurant or simply just stroll around, is only 20 minutes away.

Then of course there's food, if you don't fancy a lazy BBQ on your own private patio there are many restaurants listed in the local area guide book with 10 bars and restaurants in Guemene Penafo alone. Les quatre cles is about a 3 minute drive from the town centre or easily reached on foot in about 15 minutes.

For those with golfing instincts, there are wonderful 18 hole championship courses at Nantes, Savenay, Rennes and Missillac (Golf de la Bretche) about 20 miles away and two 9 hole courses at Caden - 24 miles and Treffiex - 15 miles.

Even though the area itself has so much to offer, there are many other places worth visiting within easy reach, such as Josselin with its magnificent medieval chateau, or for car enthusiasts there's Loheac which is home to the largest motor museum in France. The French national rallycross championships are held there with opportunities to have lessons in saloon car and go-cart racing. Or how about spending a day in Paris, under 3 hours away direct from Redon Station which is only a 15 minute drive away.

Around a 45 minute drive leads you to the banks of the river Loire, deep in the heart of the wine growing area situated around Nantes. Ancenis has many kilometres of sign posted scenic drives around the wine growing areas of Muscadet and Anjou for you to explore the vineyards where owners extend a friendly welcome and advice whilst inviting you to taste the wine at their local "caves". Delve deeper into the lush valley, and discover the sumptuous Châteaux and ornamental gardens, glorious relics of France's regal past, situated in the vicinity of Angers and Saumur. In August every year there is a wonderful free Jazz & Soul festival located along the banks of the river Erdre near Nantes. Grand Fougeray also holds its spectacular annual medieval festival during the 3rd weekend in August. The costumes would not look out of place in any BBC production. Jousting, tumbling, battle re-enactments, crafts and refreshments all make this a great family day out. If things Arthurian are your cup of tea, the mystical Forest of Broceliande is definitely the place for you, there are many events held throughout the year there celebrating the legends of Arthur and his round table.

The 2008 "Tour de France" commences in Brittany and passes through nearby Redon, a great time for all the family.

Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy their sport with or without permits for a variety of species including carp, trout and pike in the well-stocked public lakes.


 Bridge to Guemene
 
View from bridge left
 
View from bridge right

Coeur de chene is situated 12 km from the historic town of Chateaubriant.

Chateaubriant has a beautiful château and grounds dating from the 12th century, which are open to the public Although a large proportion of the building houses government offices there's still the opportunity to enjoy the ambiance of a by gone era. The ramparts provide a view over the town, the little river Chère, a fishing lake and the surrounding area including "l'Eglise de Bere", a well-visited Romanesque church. Throughout the summer months the château and bandstand within the grounds are host to numerous open-air concerts and theatrical productions, many of which are free.

"Theatre de verre"
The more modern parts of the town are represented by the "theatre de verre" (the glass theatre), a bowling alley, a cinema and the Olympic sized swimming pool overlooking tennis courts.
There are a variety of restaurants and street cafés, which happily accommodate children and suit all palettes and pockets. You can sample the world famous "Chateaubriant" steak and don't forget to try the "Galette de Ble Noir" (a pancake made with buckwheat flour) served with a bowl of cider. The mussels are pretty special too; try a la Normande - delicious! Local bars and discotheques provide lively entertainment in the evenings.

The local tourist board publish a booklet every summer containing ideas and information about all the events taking place in the area. Activities include 18 hole swin golf, croquet, archery, water-skiing, karting, paint-balling, paragliding, sailing, windsurfing, canoeing and boating. It is also an ideal place for trekking, and horse riding. There are 4 riding centres within reach. Chateaubriant also has a racetrack where trotting races are held, a bit different but just as exciting as regular horse racing. Recently opened, there is a 'green way' of 13 km from Rouge to Chateabriant along a disused railway track running through a protected environment of forests and lakes, wonderful for family cycling or walking (bikes can be hired from Rouge). Cyclists looking for empty country lanes need look no further. For the more serious why not enquire about using our local velodrome track at Chateaubriant and Guemene Penfao. Vitre is well worth visiting for its historical beauty as well as its son et lumiere.

The regions also offers beautiful lakes, rivers, markets, fetes and the famous Foire de Bere (country show) which has been held in Chateaubriant since 1050 during the 2nd weekend in September and not to be missed.

Coeur de Chene is a wonderful base for exploring the surrounding countryside; the megaliths at La Roche aux fees near Martigne Ferchaud are the enchanting location for a superb annual spectacle from the 11th to 14th August involving 250 performers, 1000 volunteers, music, dancing and fireworks. Etincelles Aqautique is a magical experience not to be missed. In the same town, Festival Les Mines d'Or is a festival of rock and French music in the open air from 1st to 3rd September.

There is also a lot of information about Brittany and other areas of France on the French Entree website.

© 2004-7 Teresa Sorokin