La Ville Raffray - Leisure
The location of the house is rural, but not isolated. The surrounding landscape is mostly fields of maize, dairy cows, forests and woodland. The lanes are reasonably flat and do not have a lot of traffic so are ideal for strolls or bike rides. There are some off road tracks nearby for cross country enthusiasts and nice quiet woodland tracks for easier riding. Our children have both been on their first bike rides on holiday at Raffray (they were 4 and 2) because it is so quiet on the roads.
In Josselin, you can relax and watch the world go by in one of the many cafes in the square or go walking or boating down the canal. Motor boats and Canoes are available by the hour down by the Chateaux and we have had many an hour exploring the Locks of the Nantes – Brest Canal. There is a handy bar just by the boats for a beer on your return! Just behind the Chataux is Josselin Tourist Office, they are very helpful and speak good English.
Another local ½ day out is the insectarium at Lizio, the children will love it! And it’s only 10 minutes away. Lizio is a very pretty village with an excellent Pizzeria.
The lake at Ploermel is a great place to take children. It is only 15 minutes away and has a lovely sandy beach with plenty of natural shade. It has a restaurant/bar with free bouncy castle (so you can enjoy your lunch in peace)! , sailing school, pedaloes, canoes, kayaks, windsurfing, a play park, and tennis courts. There is something for everyone. If you fancy a dip in a pool there is a public pool with slides etc.. at Plumelec about 10 minutes drive from the house, as is the local riding school.
Days out further a field, you are spoilt for choice. Fantastic beaches, all an average of 45 mins away. There is Carnac which is a beautiful wide clean sandy beach and if you want to go further a field La Baule is a great day out. With its old fashioned beach huts and safe children’s play areas, it has great facilities. Afterwards you can eat some fine fish in the rows of restaurants along the very swish harbour front.
Other particularly pretty towns to visit are Rochfort on terre. It’s a very medieval town, award winning for it’s flowers! Quaint old streets and interesting shops. La Gacilly, Malestroit are also well worthy of a visit and both have street markets.
Other great days out are the Branfere Wildlife Park near Vannes, and the Prehistoric Park where you can walk amongst life-sized Dinosaurs in the forests. (See links page for more info on these)
For dining out, there are several good restaurants in Josselin, the local speciality being galettes and crepes, but you can always get a good steak or a fresh pot of mussels too!
You will find plenty of information leaflets in the house on your arrival and all you need to do is read the visitors book, it is full of other families adventures!
.
