Tour de France

I was lucky enough to see the Tour de France in 2011 starting in Dinan. We were staying in one of the oldest house in Dinan overlooking the starting-line. We could not get closer!

River Rance on a winter but sunny day!

I took this photo of the River Rance 2 days ago, on a mild and sunny day. We don't get many nice days in December so we have to make the most of it!

We took a walk from Taden (next to Dinan) to La Vicomté sur Rance. The path along the river is great for cycling or walking. You can walk for miles and the scenery is beautiful!

We were ready for a hot drink when we got there! It is a good 30 minute walk, each way.

Bike hire

Bikes can be hired from Dinan port and station and from St Malo.

If you are staying in our gite, please contact me and I will book some for you.

The River Rance

The River Rance is beautiful.

You can explore it by boat, foot or bicycle.

See my posts about walking in Brittany, Cycling in Brittany and boat hire, cycle hire.

Parc de la Higourdais

Yesterday, after visiting Epiniac mairie to drop round a planning permission for some clients, I noticed a sign for "Parc de la Higourdais".

Having some spare time, I followed the signs! I am always keen to discover new areas.

About 5 minutes later, I found the spot, a very peaceful corner of Brittany!
It was very easy to find. We just followed the main road.

Signs were showing a choice of 2 walks. One of 4km (1 hour) and one of 7km (1h45min).

Chris and I had a quick visit and took a few photos. We will be back wearing adapted shoes rather than flip-flops!

Epiniac is about 30 minutes from our gite.

The circuit is for walkers and cyclists.

Fishing area at Betineuc - work in progress

The summer has definitely arrived in Brittany. It was still 27 degrees at 7pm last night!
Chris and I went for a bike ride round Betineuc lake and checked on the fishing area which is nearly finished and ready to use! The diggers started work last Thursday and have worked hard on it.

The fishing area is along the Etang de la Grenouillère at Betineuc lake. Turn left before the crazy golf course.

In the pond you will find carps, perches, pikes, roaches, etc.

In the main lake, (20 hectares), you will find the same fishes but also tanches, senders, and other white fishes.

You will need of course a permit to fish. See my other post about how to get a fishing permits.

Betineuc lake is in Saint André-des-Eaux / Evran in Brittany, about 1 mile away from our gite in Brittany.

Sandy beach in Betineuc

Betineuc lake has so much to offer!

A sandy beach, circuit training, water sport activities in July, a café open 7 days per week in the summer, fishing area, picnic areas...

You can easily walk or cycle round it. No other vehicles are allowed there.

The lake is about 1 mile away from our gite in Brittany.

The Ille-et-Rance canal

The Ille-et-Rance canal is about 80 km long between Rennes and St Malo.

Our gite in Brittany is close to the canal where you can safely walk or cycle.

Cycling to Dinan port will take about one hour. You will deserve a drink or an ice cream when you get there! Cycling along the canal is fairly easy as the ground is completely flat.

On the way you will pass several locks and discover the pretty village of Léhon.

There are several picnic areas all along the canal.

11 locks in Hédé

If you cycle or walk along the canal ‘Ille-et-Rance’ from Evran towards Rennes, you will get to a village called Hédé.

Hédé is famous for its 11 locks (écluses). It is unusual to see so many locks within 1.2 miles!

Hédé is about 20 minutes drive from our gite in Brittany.

On the way, you could visit Tinténiac church, and the pretty village of Bécherel.