Domaine de Kerlann

With the longest coastline of any region in France, Brittany’s the place to plunge into maritime mania, whether to explore its coast, sample its local seafood or sunbathe on the beaches a quick drive from Kerlann: the sands of Raguénès, Rospico, Port Manec’h and Pointe de Trévignon are all within five kilometres. Savvy sailors can team up with Domaine de Kerlann’s sailing partner Cardinale Sud, which runs courses for adults, or try the waterskiing, windsurfing and sea fishing available nearby. Other options within reach include exploring the islands of L'Archipel des Glenan and La Presqu'Ile de Crozon and soaking up the sun at the fishing village of La Pointe du Trevignon. Or just browse historic Breton towns and villages: Quimper is the oldest town in Brittany and has cobbled streets, timber houses and a famous china shop, along with go-karting, chocolateries and swinging on the zip slides at Le Bonobo Parc. The former watermill city Pont Aven is tucked at the end of a green valley on the banks of the River Aven and is known as a paintbox paradise; Émile Bernard and Paul Gauguin both painted here and there are several commercial galleries as well as the town’s public one – and a labyrinth and mini farm to let the kids loose at. Painters and photographers should also make their way to La Pointe du Raz, jutting out of the Breton coastline into the Atlantic: look out for the La Vielle lighthouse from the rocks then have a wander around the village of Le Faou at the north-eastern corner of the Crozon peninsula, listed as one of the country's Plus Beaux Villages or most beautiful villages in France. For other day trips from Domaine de Kerlann, try Carnac (the French Stonehenge) with its 3,000 moorland stones, the nature and flower park at Les Jardins de Rospico in Nevez and golfing from the eighteenth century clubhouse at Golf de Cornouaille. Mini naturalists can tour the world under the sea at L'Oceanopolis in Brest or travel through five continents of wildlife at Pont-Scorff Zoo.