Local area La Fontaine Rouillee gites in Brittany France - Plessala, Moncontour, La Cheze, St Goueno, Plemet, Loudeac,

This really is a chill-out zone, and our gîtes are ideal places for a barbecue; somewhere slow down and admire the sunset over the forest then star gaze at clear skies. Relax with a book and a drink, watch the bird life (including green and spotted woodpeckers, common and honey buzzards, kestrels, wood pigeons), or sketch the scenery. In the surrounding area cycle around country lanes spotting Celtic crosses, follow the marked forest paths and look out for deer or search for mushrooms, in the valley stroll beside the River Lié, cross the ancient stepping stones at le Site de la Roche au Cerf and admire the restoration of the original water mill, dangle a rod in and catch a trout or hire a kayak for a different view of the river. The route of the former railway line can be accessed at many points locally and forms a network of well signed and maintained cycle/foot paths in the area. With a thriving market village close by and just a short drive to various small towns offering a range of activities and attractions it is easy to enjoy your holiday in this vicinity without having to travel any further. There are also several good places in the locality for eating out, check here.

Plessala boasts an excellent crêperie, there is a weekly market on Thursdays, a small supermarket with service station, a bank with ATM, post office, bakers, butchers, bar and tabac. The park has mini-golf, a work-out track, an arboretum which has been planted in recent years and, of course, the trout lake where local festivals are celebrated with fireworks.

Moncontour is the perfect place to visit to absorb some of the area's history. Designated a "Petite Cité de Caractère” it perches with almost film-set perfection on a hillside; containing within its centuries old walls fascinating higgledy-piggledy streets and buildings with unbelievably low doorways. There is a costume museum which must provide inspiration for the realistically attired contributors at the medieval Fetes des Ramparts.

La Cheze has a museum of local crafts which also hosts regular art exhibitions. There is a very large fishing lake set in parkland alongside the river and during summer months an open air swimming pool is provided by the commune. Blues concerts are played around the grounds of the small ruined chateau.

·	Plouguenast is famous for it’s bread making. It is possible to spend a day making and cooking dough the way it was done centuries ago. One of the local centres for kayak and cycle hire is based here beside the river.

Lamballe features a bustling traditional Thursday market where locally produced items including home-grown vegetables, excellent pork products, honey, cider and a range of craft goods can be found. The famous Harass breeds Breton horses and offers regular guided public tours and displays and is the venue for various fetes, bric-a-brac sales and festive markets. Art and history museums are both here, and lots of places to eat.

Loudeac has an excellent indoor swimming pool complex with chutes, Jacuzzi and sauna. On Wednesday evenings in summer, live bands perform in the central square. Regular brocante sales are held throughout the year on the race-course car park. The horse riding stables at the edge of Loudeac forest organises guided pony treks. There is a ‘Maison de la Pêche’ on the outskirts of the town offering fishing lessons, as well as permits, equipment hire and advice.