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FAMILY FUN IN BRITTANY
Located
at the western head of Brittany in an exceptional maritime and scientific
environment is Océanopolis in Brest. This is Europe’s
premier Ocean Discovery Park and here you can enjoy the thrill of an unforgettable
day discovering the world's oceans in a unique park that combines scientific
approach with spectacular settings in three thematic pavilions: Polar,
Tropical and Temperate. The Polar Pavilion represents the Antarctic and
has different species of penguins and seals in an authentic, natural habitat.
Also, a panoramic film shot in the Antarctic is shown in the vast theatre.
In the Tropical Pavilion you will find an amazing variety of marine organisms,
from sharks to living coral. Whilst making a trip around the world in
seven stages you will see more than 700 species of fish and invertebrates.
The Temperate Pavilion is known as “The Sea of Brittany” and
here the fauna and algae of Brittany are displayed in a simulated submarine
base, while the functioning of the oceans are analysed in an imaginary
laboratory. In the park are a good choice of child-friendly cafés
and restaurants with children’s menus and facilities. For an interesting and educational trip, visit the charming fishing port
of Haliotika in Le Guilvinec. From the panoramic harbour
side terrace you can see the colourful flotilla of fishing boats return
and unload their daily catch, then meet the fishermen and discover the
reality of their work. Then visit the wholesale fish market with a guide
to watch the daily fish auction, followed by a visit to the Discovery
Centre, a fascinating museum with exhibits and information about the history
of sea fishing in Brittany. Audio guided tours are available in English. Concarneau,
the third largest fishing port in France, is also an important holiday
resort which has developed around a 15th century fortified town (Ville
Close). The town, with its imposing ramparts, is one of the most popular
sites in Brittany and is classified a district of artistic and historical
importance (Ville et Pays d’Art et d’Histoire). Interesting
places to visit are the colourful covered and open-air markets, the fortified
town and ramparts (Ville Close), the museum of fishing (Musée de
La Péche) and the Marinarium. Bénodet has magnificent white sandy beaches and is one of the
leading seaside resorts in Finistère. The town lies on the estuary
of the river Odet and from here there’s a choice of boat trips taking
visitors on a relaxing journey along the river and to the Glénan
Isles. Great for families is a trip on board the glass bottom boat Capitaine
Némo. (www.vedettes-odet.com)
Other things to do here include a visit to the seaside museum (Musée
du bord de mer) and traditional biscuit factory (Biscuiterie François
Garrec) The
popular town of Pont-Aven has been the haunt of many
painters since its discovery by an American painter in the 1860‘s.
It soon became the residence of a colony of extremely cosmopolitan artists
and reached the height of its fame in 1886 with the creation of a painting
school which featured Gauguin, Bernard and Sérusier among its artists.
This is a wonderful place to explore and discover the architecture, river
and water mills that inspired these famous artists. There are beautiful
walks to guide you to the best vantage points where you will find information
plaques. You can also explore by canoe and families can hire canoes of
all shapes and sizes from Jean Marc Roth at 360Kayake Découverte
(www.360kayak.net), and depending
on how long you wish to spend on the water can have great fun exploring
the river and local villages. The picturesque town of Quimperlé with its cobbled
streets and stone steps, and whose life is centred around its rivers,
is a wonderful place to visit. The pace of life is relaxed here and a
great place to enjoy tea or coffee in the company of local people in one
of the many intimate cafés located around the quiet cobbled streets.
Treat the kids to a milk shake or smoothie at the Art Thé Café,
18 rue Savary, before following one of the several discovery trails that
have been created to guide visitors to the many religious and historic
places of interest. Great for children is the special quiz discovery sheet
available from the family friendly tourist office on which there are questions
about various places of interest around the town, once completed and returned
children will receive a small prize. The Port Museum in Douarnenez covers a huge area, comprised
of indoor and outdoor sections dedicated to maritime heritage. The museum
has 30 boats and hundreds of display artefacts, children will enjoy exploring
here and learning more about maritime professions and the sea. If you would like to see how the famous Breton biscuits are made then
visit the Jos Peron Biscuiterie in Coray. The interesting factory tour
explains the history of biscuit making and you can see the biscuits being
made before actually sampling the wonderful products, a great favourite
with children. The
Jardin Public du Moulin Neuf is a wonderful four hectare park near Lannilis.
The park contains thousands of plants, has a pond in the middle of the
garden, animals to attract children, and a playing field. For a fun day out visit the Aquashow in Audierne. This is a great place
for families with lots of things to see and do. There’s touch pools,
feeding demonstrations, a 3D cinema, snack bar and Créperie. Recommended places to stayDomaine de Kervail, Quimperlé Camping Village La Plage, Le Guilvinec Hotel & Restaurant de Sainte-Marine.
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