Unsolicited testimonial reprinted from the September 2011 edition of
The Fulford Flyer
Looking for a great family holiday where you don’t have to worry about the children? Do they like lovely beaches, animals, pancakes and generally running around? Do you like relaxing, reading a good novel and drinking a glass of wine? We have a suggestion for you then. Why not try Brittany. It’s not that far away. There are plenty of ferry options to the north of France, which means you can pack everybody and everything in the car and off you go. And we have found a place that’s been conceived around children having a wonderful time and therefore their parents also.
Between the beautiful historic town of Quimper and the popular seaside resort of Benodet, near the sleepy village of Clohars-Fouesnant, is a place called Kergarec. What used to be a farm has been transformed into a range of holiday accommodation; the old farmhouse is now apartments, a neighbouring stable block a series of gites. A lively community of livestock remains: ponies, donkeys, goats, sheep, chickens, ducks and tortoise. Ok, so the last one is not a farm animal but Kergarec is so welcoming, anyone can join in. Folks looking for swimming pools and fancy entertainment might be disappointed. The former was rejected by the owners on the grounds that it requires a good deal of supervision, the latter is something that the children quickly make for themselves as they have a beautiful, safe park landscape to roam in and instantly make friends with each other.
The southern coast of Finistere (the part of Brittany in which Kergarec is located) is blessed with an extraordinary number and variety of beaches, from those of a classic sandcastle building variety, to rock pools, little coves, dunes and those strewn with fabulous shells. Like Cornwall, its British equivalent in terms of culture and landscape, Brittany was for many years an isolated backwater of France. The Breton language has been preserved and some locals can still speak it. Place names are given in both French and Breton, and the people are fiercely protective of their customs, costume and tradition. All through the summer there are fêtes, which range from something like village fairs to full-blown music festivals. Many begin with processions from chapels in traditional costume. On the 15 August, the Ascension of the Virgin, Benodet hosts a fireworks display of breathtaking proportions (take note York council).
Also like the West Country, the staple drink of Brittany is cider. Orchards abound, with small suppliers offering tasters. This often accompanies the eating of copious amounts of crepes (both savoury and sweet). This child-friendly fare (not the cider) is complemented by specialist biscuits and a type of cake so rich in butter that you feel your arteries clogging as you eat it, which you can often see being made in bakeries.
Our hosts for the last few years have been Rod and Maryvonne Dennis. Maryvonne grew up on Kergarec and can remember times before there was electricity there, which shockingly wasn’t that long ago. She’s devoted to the animals and is followed by a trail of ever-willing child helpers come feeding time. Rod is the genial host who does his best to get everyone acquainted, even when that requires a glass of something to break the ice. Like us, families have been going back to them year after year and are always given the most heartfelt welcome. If you want to get an idea of what they have on offer and contact them, the website is www.kergarec.com.
Research revealed the authors to be Renni Prelle and Michael White
