T he Abbaye de Saint Mathieu was founded in the 6th century by Saint Tanguy. It was dedicated to Matthew the Evangelist, whose skull it allegedly contained. In 1294 the abbey was pillaged by English forces which led to the building of fortifications in 1332.  In 1796, following the French revolution, the Abbaye was disposed.

Today, little remains other than the ruins of the church and a wall of the cloister but it still is a popular and evocative site. The addition of lighthouses adds to the visual character and the main body of the church still survives. The coastal location is stunning and there are scenic walks along the dramatic cliff path. It is Le Conquet, not too far from Brest. See our blog post A meander along the Pointe Saint-Mathieu coastal path for more information on the area.

The abbey at Daoulas contains Brittany's only Romanesque cloister. It now stands isolated at the edge of cool monastery gardens, since its surrounding buildings were destroyed during the Revolution.

The origins of the abbey go back to the year 510. The foundation by the viscount of Leon, in 1167, of an abbey under the control of the canons of the Order of St Augustin. Over four centuries 24 bishops saw the abbey prosper. Of this ancient abbey there remains the church and the Roman monastery, classed as a national monument, as well as numerous pieces of Breton art of the X and XVI centuries. A medicinal garden was opened to conserve and protect exotic plants in danger of extinction.

The great Romanesque church of the Abbey du Relec , located in Plounéour-Menez, has undergone several modifications over the centuries.

Explore the remains of its cloisters, the two lakes, tree-lined lakeside walk, grand fountain and former moated gardens. The abbey, which is open to visitors all year round, was home to monks for six centuries and is steeped in the history of settlement in the Monts d'Arée area. Exhibitions and shows are held here regularly.

Wander around the monastery ruins of Landevennec Abbey , admire the medicinal herbs in its early middle ages garden and visit the Abbey museum to learn more about this fascinating archaeological site!

The museum features an exhibition that examines how excavations are carried out as well as outlining the site’s major developments through history. It traces the story of the first Bretons in Armorica, the introduction of Christianity, and the growth of monastic orders through the Middle Ages right up to the Revolution.

Read about our trip to Landevennec on our blog here .

Both a stronghold and a symbol of the Renaissance in Brittany, the architecture of the Chateau de Kerjean , near Saint-Vougay, (built between 1550 and 1590), shows an Italian influence.

With the help of models, characters in period costume and audio-visual exhibits, you can discover the tumultuous history of Kerjean. And to end your visit, take a stroll in the 19 hectares of grounds, the perfect place for a little quiet contemplation.

Over a century ago a pink château was built in Trevarez on the slopes of the Montagnes Noires. The old Trévarez estate , which dated back to the Middle Ages, was thus transformed into a Belle Epoque residence. It is only a 20 minute drive from our gites.

The chateau was equipped with all the latest innovations: electricity, central heating via hot water pipes, telephone, lifts etc. Having been requisitioned by the Germans during WWII, and subsequently bombed, the chateau was abandoned until the Finistere department council undertook its restoration in 1993.

You can visit a number of unfurnished rooms including the dining room, library and bedrooms as well as the former stables which have been restored and re-equipped. Click here to read more about Trevarez on our blog.

The Kernault estate and manor near Mellac demonstrates how rural Breton manor houses have developed through the centuries. Set in 30 acres of land, managed using eco-friendly methods, there’s something to see all year round including Breton horses, Scottish cows and Ouessant sheep.

Flora, fauna and nature lovers will love roaming the manor woodlands including the garden wood, the ‘wall-walk’ wood and the ‘winged-serpent’ wood. There’s also an orchard housing a collection of cider-apple varieties. Kernault Manor’s summer program features storytelling and literary shows and exhibitions all year round. The manor was built in the 15th century and has retained some aspects of gothic architecture including a 16th century house, a 17th century timber-framed granary and an 18th century state room.

C hateau de Brest , the oldest monument in Brest, is located at the mouth of the river Penfeld.

​ This ancient fortified Gallo-Roman camp from the 3rd century is a castle that was enlarged by Vauban, Colbert and Richelieu under Louis XIV .

The castle was damaged during the Second World War. It is home to the Marine museum and is the oldest active military stronghold in the world. It was classified as a historic monument in 1923.

Chateau de Kergroadez is located in Breles close to Brest. It was built in the beginning of the 17th century by the Marquis of Kergroadez and is a remarkable example of Renaissance Breton defensive architecture. This vast dwelling is set around a courtyard and surrounded by defensive walls.

In summer there are lots of activities including candle lit night time tours, story telling evenings, donkey trails, concerts, festivals, special children's visits and the spectacular light and sound show 'Le Tandad de Granit' in July. The grounds and gardens are also well worth a visit.

The Tour Vauban is a four storey defensive tower located in the harbour of Camaret-sur-Mer at the end of the Crozon Peninsula. The tower became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. It houses a small naval museum devoted to the town's history and sea-faring traditions.

It was designed and built by military engineer Vauban in 1689 and is surrounded by a moat and reached by a drawbridge. The tower was put to use while still being built when an Anglo-Dutch fleet tried to attack the bay of Brest in 1694; its nine cannons fired on the ships killing 800 sailors.

The Chateau du Taureau fortress is close to Carantec, Plougasnou and Roscoff and was originally built to protect Morlaix bay from pillaging Englishmen! A visit to the fortress is a journey through history. From the casemates, where canon powder was stored, to the terrace, visitors can make their way round the three floors of the fortress via its passageways and drawbridge. The fort can be reached by boat from Carantec and Le Diben, depending on the tide. Reservation is compulsory on the website, use the link above.

Manoir de Kerazan
​Immerse yourself in the everyday life of Joseph George Astor, a man of wit and taste, a passionate collector of Breton art. Discover the refinement of ​Manoir de Kerazan in Loctudy and its unique collection of Quimper earthenware and numerous paintings by Breton masters, the beauty and exoticism of its romantic parklands. Discover the untouched soul of this rural estate in Brittany at the end of the 19th century, preserved in the state according to the wishes of its last occupant.