Villatent at Domaine du Logis

Start your explores of the area with a trip to Rennes (half an hour’s drive): the capital of the Ille-et-Vilaine region has a gorgeous medieval centre to wander around (all half-timbered houses, intricate carvings and lovely little cafés) plus some grand architecture from the 17th and 18th centuries to admire. Turning attentions to the north instead, it’s about a 40-minute drive to the coast at Saint-Malo (or a couple of hours on the bike path that runs alongside the Canal d'Ille et Rance if you’re feeling truly energetic). However you arrive, you’ll be rewarded with a fab stretch of beach and a chance to wander round the ramparts of the old walled city. There are lots more places to check out up at the coast too, so spend some time checking out towns like Dinard and Cancale or seek out particularly pretty parts of the craggy coastline (Les Rochers Sculptés and Pointe du Grouin are among the highlights). Something for the kids? Try the zoo and falcon displays at Château de la Bourbansais (10 minutes’ drive) – it’s also got fab formal gardens for those after more grownup wanders.