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Special Edition
June 2002
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Château du Guilguiffin in Brittany's Finistère As we add new properties to our web site, we like to introduce you to them by way of a Special Edition of au Château News to present some photos you will not find on the site and to give more details about the château and the region where it is located. Brittany is the home to many of our newest members, including the stately Château de Talhouët in the Morbihan which we featured in the May / June issue of our newsletter. But the focus in this Special Edition is to welcome the grand Château du Guilguiffin, located in the western reaches of Brittany, in the département of Finistère. Brittany is a well-touristed part of France, popular with the English as it is an easy trip across the Channel from Great Britain. It is the land of crêpes, galettes and far Breton, prehistoric sites, quaint stone villages, flower-filled towns, ancient cities, rugged wind-swept coastlines, moorlands, lovely seaside resorts and beaches, and landscapes criss-crossed with rivers and dotted with small forests. The western tip of Finistère (literally "land's end") is where Brittany stretches its jagged arm out into the Atlantic Ocean. (The photos are large files and may take a little time to open - we ask your patience.)
The beautiful château and gardens of Guilguiffin Château du Guilguiffin is a listed historic property and is magnificent -- one of the most original in Finistère. The vast grounds are preserved, untouched and sublimely tranquil. The owners, Monsieur and Madame Davy, will be more than happy to share it with you, give you a tour of their enchanting home and grounds, and make recommendations for sights to see and things to do in the area. For anyone whose French skills are not perfected, be assured that your hosts can communicate with you in English or German. They will greet you warmly upon your arrival and ensure that you are happily settled in your guest room. Copious breakfasts are served each morning in the gray stone breakfast room, often in front of the warm glow of the huge fireplace. It is here that you can have your meal in solitude or perhaps enjoy early morning conversation with the château's other guests.
The photos below illustrate the warmth that surrounds you at Château du Guilguiffin. You first come upon this Grand Foyer as you enter the home, and at the far end you will see the majestic double stairway leading to the first floor. The photo on the right is of a typical guest room -- all have views over the marvelous gardens. There are many chambres d'hôtes in France, but not all can offer luxurious accommodations, warmth and style, modern conveniences, an interesting historic past -- and be located in a region that begs to be explored!
Walks will be quite pleasant along the eleven kilometers of meandering lanes though Guilguiffin's vast parc. When you visit our web site you will see photos of the lovingly-tended gardens -- a vacation paradise to be sure. And, if you are seeking separate quarters for your family or a group of friends for a week or more, see the three authentic Breton cottages that you have to choose from. Just contact Monsieur Davy for reservations.
The attractions that draw people to Finistère are many and varied. The largest city, Quimper, is not only famous for its decorative faïence pottery but has a superb Musée des Beaux Arts and the soaring, twin-spired Cathédrale Saint Corentin. Just up the D143 from Landudec where the château is located you will find the large town of Douarnenez with its magnificent views of the bay where the annual sailing event will take place this year from the 25th to the 29th of July with a flotilla of ships. Pont l'Abbé is the capital of the Pays Bigouden -- the southern area renown for its beaches and fishing villages -- located on a protected east-facing bay. Or perhaps you are interested in the Impressionists -- then Pont Aven should be your destination for a day trip from the château. An historic nearby town is Locronan, another of Brittany's Petites Cités de Caractère and one of the Most Beautiful Villages of France, tracing its history back to Celtic times and charming visitors with its well-kept granite buildings topped with slate roofs. Try to spend time in Châteaulin on the River Aulne at the eastern end of the Parc Naturel Régional d'Armorique and near the beaches of the Baie de Douarnenez -- a leisurely drive through the scenic Parc on the D887, D791 and the D47 will be a pleasant way to spend time in Finistère. Last, but not least, for lighthouse lovers is Point du Raz, the westernmost tip of France on the Crozon Peninsula, where there are two lighthouses: the nearby Phare de la Vieille and the distant Ar-Men. Whatever you choose to do in the region, the best home base to do it from is the elegant and inviting Château du Guilguiffin. We
hope this Special Edition has helped you to discover the splendid and historic
(Remember - all underlined phrases above are active links to informative web sites.)
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