Brittany, one of Frances most rugged coastlines. It is a fascinating mix of spectacular cliffs, ancient towns, magical islands and inland woods.
A Celtic Duchy for more than a thousand years before its annexation to France in 1532. It is a land rich in Culture, Tradition and History. When you journey through this western peninsular, you’ll discover a people whose language, customs and dress remain a vivid homage to the past, no wonder Brittany remains the most popular holiday destination for the French people.
Nestled between the ‘Pink Granite coast’ with its monolithic granite boulders and the dramatic headlands of Finnestierre lies the ‘Cotes d’ Armor’ with its beautiful river inlets, secluded bays and long golden beaches. By far the largest of these is situated at the Baie de Lieue de Greve, which extends between the coastal villages of St Michel en Greve and St Efflam. With over four Kilometres of Sand, this beach is perfect for Family fun and adventure. The bay is looked over by the sentinel rock of the ‘Grand Rocher’ which once ascended gives picture perfect views of the surrounding coastline (there are way-marked paths to the top and also some Climbing on one of its small cliffs you will also often see people Paragliding from its upper slopes, although this is not for the faint-hearted).
The beach at St Efflam itself has an almost flat profile and so when the tide is out, the beach is extended in breadth by almost 900 Mtrs, with an almost non-existent tidal flow this makes it perfect for children, weak/non swimmers and for water sports enthusiasts alike. In the middle of the bay is the Nautique centre, which runs traditional courses such as Sailing, Windsurfing and sand-Yachting although if you wish you could even try your hand at some other local pastimes such as Kite-flying (there are competitions run throughout the summer months) and cockle-picking (which is a regional delicacy) If you still have energy to burn at the end of a relaxing day, why not try a short jog along the beach, St Efflam was known at the turn of the century for promenading and for the restorative properties of its waters. Of course should you wish to venture away from the sea, this region has some beautiful forested areas providing shady and tranquil pathways to either walk our ride.
The house, which is situated right on the beach front, is called ‘Breuddwydd a Mor’ and gets its name from a combination of Welsh and Breton (these two languages share over 400 words and many Celtic traditions. Indeed the bay is the place where St Efflam started his Journey to Ireland and eventual married ‘Enora’) the translation of this name would be ‘ Dreams of the Sea’ and this I feel manages to convey our own dreams when we first had the idea of living in France. Late at night with the wind silently blowing the sound of the onrushing waves across the beach, you will be gently lulled to sleep and wake refreshed having slept and dreamed deeply.
The house has a large front and side garden, with ample parking within the grounds, and a forested hill directly behind. Its original stature was that of a ‘Maison Bourg’ and belonged to a prominent Doctor.
Nothing is built on stone
Everything is built on sand
But it is our duty to build on Sand
As if we were building on stone
We are taking bookings now for Summer 2006, so be sure to get in touch with us to check availability!
