Places of interest : a selection

· Especially for children (Look out for reduced-rate multi-entrance tickets for families)
1. The Armoripark
About 10 minutes from the Manoir de Kercadic, just outside Bégard. A small activity park, especially good for younger children. Pédalos, small indoor pool with water chute, crazy golf, bouncy castle, farm animals, swings, picnic area, snack bar etc. tregorgoelo.com

2. The Enchanted Farm
An educational farm, where children have the chance to help out with the animals. About 40 minutes from the Manoir de Kercadic, on the way to Lannion.

3. Discovery of Sound
Near Cavan, about 20 minutes from the Manoir de Kercadic. A trail through the woods, with opportunities to listen to the sounds of nature and to make noise, using different materials. Open every day during school holidays, otherwise open afternoons from 1 p.m. Wednesdays, weekends and Bank Holidays. decouverte

4. The Telecommunications museum and the Planetarium (Combined ticket available; look out for special ticket deals)

Radôme a museum tracing the history of telecommunications from the first underwater cable to the Internet. Interactive displays, 2 shows (some in English in the summer), try out the latest video games and simulations. leradome.com

Planétarium 7 different shows, including some in English during the summer holidays (The Night Sky; Birth and Death of Stars; A Voyage Through The Solar System etc) About 45 minutes from the Manoir de Kercadic, towards the Pink Granite Coast. planetarium-bretagne.fr

5. Swimming pools Guingamp: Indoor pool with water slides etc. Indoor seawater
pool at 30°C at Trégastel (The Forum). Also has a gym, sauna and jacuzzi.

6. The Gaulish Village (Le Village Gaulois) A reconstruction of a village in Gaulish times. Learn to make ropes, coins, bread; try tug-of-war; take a trip on the lake. Located near the Radôme and planetarium at Pleumeur Bodou. About 45 minutes from the Manoir de Kercadic, towards the Pink Granite Coast. Proceeds from entrance fees go towards a local Schools in Africa project.

· Local markets There are many markets selling, in particular, local fruit and vegetables. Most markets operate in the mornings only, finishing about 12.30. Bigger markets, for example those in Lannion, Paimpol, Guingamp, also sell clothing, kitchen utensils and Breton products. We are happy to supply you with a list of local markets.

· Paimpol Formerly a harbour for Icelandic fishermen, now a marina. Maritime museum and museum of Breton costume. Good fish restaurants around the marina; annual sea-shanty festival. Oyster production. Departure point for Iles de Bréhat north of Paimpol at Pointe de l’Arcouest. Abbaye de Beauport nearby. In summer, a steam train runs between Paimpol and Pontrieux, along the Trieux valley. Booking recommended. (Prices include tasting of local food) vapeurdutrieux.com

· Tréguier Picturesque old town, dating back to the 6thC. Impressive cathedral. Half-timbered houses, walks along the rivers Jaudy and Guindy. A number of good restaurants at various prices.

· Pontrieux One of the Petites Cités de Caractère. A picturesque small town, much favoured by artists, potters, sculptors. Canoeing centre. Horse-drawn carriages to the railway station in summer, from where a steam train runs between Paimpol and Pontrieux, along the Trieux valley. Booking recommended. (Prices include tasting of local food)

· Lannion Historic town, award for excellence of civic floral displays. Cobbled streets, timbered houses, churches, cloisters. Walks along the towpath of the river Léguer; spectator area for white-water canoeing, rafting etc. Indoor market. Large outdoor market. Large commercial area outside the town with hypermarkets.

· Perros Guirec Seaside resort much favoured by Parisians. Fishing and pleasure boat habour; fine, sandy beaches; casino. Waxworks museum, children’s pedalos on small lake. Good place for buying local souvenirs. Can be busy in high season.

· History Many very old churches and cathedrals, the 800-year old Abbaye de Beauport near Paimpol (son et lumière and classical concerts in summer) abbaye-beauport.com Prehistoric burial chambers, dolmens and menhirs.

· Gardens, walks and châteaux

1. Le Château de la Roche Jagu. Between Pontrieux and Ploëzal, 10 minutes from the Manoir de Kercadic, the 15th Century château is set in some 60 acres of grounds. Although some areas are still being refurbished, there are many beautiful flower borders and shrubs, including a camellia wood, wild flower meadow and small gardens allocated to landscape gardening students. There are 3 way-marked paths, starting and ending at the house, which take between 45 minutes and 1 hour 15 minutes, or you can simply wander at will. Gardens open all year round; entrance free. Guided tours of the house in July and August (paying). Concerts, shows and exhibitions are housed in the house and gardens during the summer. Restaurant open every day for lunch; dinner by reservation only. Toilets, telephone.

2. Le Château de Kergrist
Built in the 15th Century, extended in the 18th and restored in the 19th, the Château de Kergrist, near Ploubezre just South of Lannion, is set in four acres of landscaped and French gardens overlooking the Léguer valley. 30-40 minutes from the Manoir de Kercadic. Easter, April and May: open afternoons only. Summer season: open from 11 am until 6pm. Art shop. Tea room. chateaudekergrist.com

3. Le Jardin des Mélanges at St Gilles les Bois, 5 minutes from the Manoir de Kercadic. A mixed, constantly changing private garden, open from mid-May to mid-October. Quaint and eccentric!

4. The Iles de Bréhat
A site of outstanding natural beauty, the Bréhat islands offer unrivalled opportunities to wander or cycle around some beautiful countryside. An ideal setting for a picnic. Allow a full day. No cars allowed on the islands; park at the harbour and take the ferry. Timings vary depending on tides.

5. Walks The tourist offices in the area sell books of leaflets detailing local walks. These indicate the level of difficulty and likely time, as well as highlighting points of interest along the route. We also have some of these, which we will be happy to lend you. Some walks start within 5 minutes’ drive from the Manoir de Kercadic and all show the nearest car parking areas. The walks cover both coastal and country walks. Large-scale ordnance survey-type maps are also useful for serious walkers. We can advise on these.
For further information on our area, the Côtes d’Armor, please also visit cotes d' armor