Pontivy

Pontivy is made up of two towns wrapped around each other. There is the medieval old town with its tortuous streets and half timbered houses, and the geometric Napoleonic town. Twice in its history Pontivy has been known as Napoleonville (the town of Napoleon) The town is situated in a very rural part of Brittany known as the valley of the Blavet and the River Blavet runs through the town. The Nantes-Brest canal also runs through Pontivy and if you are taking a trip on the canal it is a good stopping off point.  The town boasts a magnificent 15th century castle where guided tours are available and a 16th century church built in the flamboyant style. The surrounding countryside is replete with small villages boasting innumerable chapels of architectural and historical interest. There are well laid out walks and cycle paths for the visitor to discover the treasures of central Brittany.

Chateau de Rohan in Pontivy

Le Chateau des Rohan, constructed around 1480 by Jean II, Viscount of Rohan, constitutes a remarkable example of military architecture from the end of the Middle Ages.  During the summer many exhibitions are proposed.

Opening Times

From 1st Oct - 31May - every day and bank holidays except Monday and Tuesday. 10h - 12h/14h-18h
In June and September, every day - 10h - 12h/14h-18h
In July and August - every day - 10h30 - 19h 

Baud

 A quiet country town some 20km south of Pontivy. The town has a 16th century chapel which contains some important statuary and a magnificent fountain. There is also the curiosity of the statue of the Venus of Quinpily which is of unknown origin and has been the symbol of considerable pagan worship. 

Bon Repos

The Abbey of Bon Repos is a very popular tourist site set as it is in the heart of the beautiful rural countryside of central Brittany. The Abbey which dates from the 12th century was built by Cistercian Monks. There have been numerous rebuilds throughout the centuries but it was destroyed during the revolution. The Abbey is currently undergoing restoration once more and makes an interesting focal point for the visitor to the area. Once a year it is host to the Son et Lumiere, a spectacular show with hundreds of participants, about the history of the Bretons, however the commentary is in French and there are no English explanations.

Guerledan

Lake Guerledan situated in the heart of central Brittany is one of the most beautiful tourist attractions of the area. There are facilities for a wide range of water sports including; canoeing, sailing, fishing, waterskiing or simply taking in the sunshine on the shores of the lake. Its possible to tour the lake on one of the cruise boats leaving from Anse de Sordan or Beau Rivage and in summer evenings dinner cruises are available. There are a number of sites around the lake including parking. Leave the car and walk around the lake to take in the breathtaking views.

Chateau des Forges des Salles

Near to the Lac de Guerledan, in the heart of the Foret de Quenecan, the iron and steel making villages of Forges des Salles, is a remarkable evidence of Brittany's past during the 18thC and the 19thC.  Around the house of the Maitre des Forges and around the terraced gardens, are grouped La Rangee des Forgerons, the workshops, le haut-fourneau, the school, the chapel, the forge, the Buraue de Paye, which were re-equipped in the traditional way and fitted with a video lounge, models all explaining the functions. 

Opening Times

Guided tours at 14h & 18h30 - De Paques a la Toussaint, Saturday and Sunday and Bank Holidays in July and August - every day.

Josselin

This picturesque town is situated 30km south of Pontivy. The town is built on the banks of the River Oust and was the home of the Dukes of Rohan. The magnificent castle was started by Jean II of Rohan in the late 15th century. The castle is spectacular to view from both inside and out. The old town with its half timbered buildings is centered around the Basilica of Our Lady of the Brambles whose tower may be climbed giving views over the town and countryside beyond.
Josselin is also home of the doll museum which has both permanent and temporary exhibitions.

Kernescleden

This charming little village with a population of less than 400 has one of the most beautiful Churches to be seen in Brittany. At the beginning of the 15th century the Rohan family built the church with perfection as their watchword. The church which is well preserved is currently undergoing further renovation. The most important features are the 15th century frescoes which are an outstanding example of French art of the period. The village is also home to the toy museum, a collection of antique children's toys.

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Website updated on Wednesday December 08, 2010