One Hundred Miles

Historical monuments from a later era, Brittany's castles provide another wonderful attraction, from the turreted inland ch?teaux in Broc?liande forest to medieval fortress towns. Although generally much smaller than their cousins to the south on the Loire river, Brittany?s castles are distinctive and beautiful, ranging from heavy granite military citadels to the elegant seventeenth and eighteenth century country manor houses. There are various ways to enjoy these remarkable historical and architectural treasures: many furnished ch?teaux are open for tours, guided or self-directed; while others, reduced to ruins, offer lovely settings for walks. A few of the most spectacular include the enormous, thirteen-towered 10th century Chateau de Foug'res and the renaissance Chateau de Kerjean with its antiques and historical museum. In addition to sightseeing, Brittany offers a myriad of different activities. Golf and equestrian sports are both popular in this overwhelmingly flat peninsular region, as are walking and cycling, particularly in the many stretches of protected shoreline. Informal, gravelly and dirt paths actually circumscribe the entire coast of Brittany, affording exquisite views and easy hiking or biking for all fitness levels. Don't forget a camera! Once you?ve admired the water from the rocky crags of the many tiny peninsula points, consider jumping right on in: Brittany?s clean beaches and clear Atlantic and Channel waters are a perfect base for any water sport. Swimming, sailing, surfing, wind surfing, waterskiing, or fishing all may be learned and enjoyed in tourist centers along the famous Breton "cote sauvage" or wild coast. The less adventurous may delight, meanwhile, in the bright sunshine and mild climes, while perhaps indulging in a good book, or relaxing in a whirlpool or a mud bath at one of the internationally renowned thallasotherapie or sea water spas and therapeutic centers. Here, sea water treatments and natural medicines help with stress management, weight loss programs, various beauty treatments, massage, and physiotherapy. Getting to Brittany is quite convenient. Brittany Ferries (0870 90 12 400 from the U.K.) runs frequent and very comfortable ferries from southern England and Ireland to several key towns on the northern coast. From Paris, the superfast blue TGV Atlantique trains will whisk you to Rennes, the regional capital, in under three hours. Once there, local buses connect most towns and villages together, although to get to the more secluded spots you'll need a car or a bicycle.