Les Logis de Kerdrien

Wander down to Guidel Plages not only for sandy beach days but also instruction in the art of sailing or surfing. If it’s sea kayaking you seek (and that’s surely a good idea along this stunning stretch of coast), aim for Stole beach (20 minutes), where short family paddles or day-long odysseys await. It’s worth leaving time for at least a day in Lorient, finding out about seafaring past and present at Cité de la Voile Éric Tabarly (maybe even learning some of the ropes for yourself) and visiting the Keroman Submarine Base to see what life was like on a World War II sub. Lorient’s also the jumping-off point for boat trips to the gorgeous beaches, harbours and bike paths on the island of Groix. Abandoning the coast just for a little bit, there are wild beasts to meet at Zoo de Pont Scorff (20 minutes), woodland trails to follow at ground level or in the trees at Le Poisson Volant adventure park (15 minutes), and options for horseback hacks, pony rides, golf and quad biking around Guidel (10 minutes).