The unspoilt Blavet River region in Southern Brittany is a wonderful area to explore, with more than 6,000 years of human history. This area was formerly a wealthy region in the Middle Ages and this is reflected in the architecture we can still see today. The numerous walks can take you past quaint hamlets with superb Breton houses, old stone bread ovens, carvings and beautiful wells, washing fountains, magnificent churches, stone crosses and prehistoric stones called

menhirs and dolmens. Promenade through mystical forests and woods, via beautiful lakes and winding rivers with their watermills, and also along the spectacular coastline. There are hundreds of miles of paths to discover. Circular routes are numerous and many of the paths are well signposted. When taking a walking holiday here you can choose between the moor lands, forests and lakes in the north, the delightful undulating countryside bordering the slow meandering river in the central section, and the estuary and coastal area in the south.

The Blavet area is suitable for all types of walkers. There are pleasant level walks along the towpath at the side of the Blavet River. It was canalised in 1842 and has many beautiful locks along its course, often decked with flowers in the summer. Here you will have a chance to see otter, heron, kingfishers, cormorants and deer. There is wildlife in abundance as this area is rich in fauna and flora. Above Saint Nicolas des Eaux, a picturesque riverside village, is Castennec which was a former Neolithic site, then a Roman fort. Here there is a lookout tower that gives you a stunning view over the valley. Within a short

distance there is the famous tiny chapel of Saint Gildas, which nestles under the overhanging rocks, a sight not to miss. Just south of Quistinic you can discover the living museum of Poul Fetan, a village of thatched cottages beautifully restored. Some of the circuits take you along marvellous ancient sunken pathways with high stone embankments, which have been the inspiration for many stories and legends.

Around the Lake Guerledan area you can walk in the surrounding hills and from time to time you have breathtaking views of the centre of Brittany. Here you can walk through forests and discover deep gorges and narrow valleys. South of the lake is the large historical town of Pontivy, with narrow streets and half-timbered houses in its medieval centre. It also has an impressive 15th century chateau with massive round turrets. The Blavet joins the Nantes-Brest canal at Pontivy and the towpath can be followed throughout its length.

Just beyond the Blavet estuary are long stretches of sandy beaches and dunes, plus areas of rock pools. Wonderful walks can be discovered taking you along the coast or leading you inland. The coastline is a haven for many species of birds both resident and migratory, and here you can also spot numerous plant species such as sea lavender and the edible saltwort. A little to the east are the world famous Carnac alignments with over 3,000 standing stones, an awe-inspiring prehistoric construction. Surprisingly, during the winter months you can stroll amongst them from site to site.

The tributaries of the Blavet are also a delight to discover, such as the River Sarre, which is classed as a European nature conservation site. It is a zone of great richness in plant and animal life and is known for its trout and otters. Within the area there are two very interesting botanical walks.

The whole of the River Blavet region is a treasure for walkers to discover.

See brittany-holidays.chez.tiscali.fr for details of B&B and walking holidays based close to the Blavet and Sarre rivers.