Open your eyes and enjoy the trip!

The visit will transport you to the shores of South Africa in company with the Cape penguins, or under the seas for an imaginary journey on our ancient submarine, the "Gulf Stream", for a close-up look at the sea turtles.
Or you could take a stroll in the direction of Bora Bora to admire its multi-coloured fish. No need to take the plane to Australia to enjoy a unique experience with the sharks, either.
Why not stop by and visit all these destinations and many more?

Cathedral of light.

The cathedral has been transformed over the centuries to reflect changing architectural styles (Plantagenet, Champagne, Norman and French) and tastes.

The Ascension of Christ in one of the left aisles of the nave is the oldest stained glass window (late eleventh century/early twelfth century) still in place in a religious building. The 108 bays in the chancel are the reason behind the name "cathedral of light".

The late-fourteenth-century painting of 47 angels singing and playing instruments on the arches of the Chapel of the Virgin is a highlight of Western Gothic painting similar in style to the famous Apocalypse Tapestry in Angers, which is from the same period.

The thrill of the deep.

La Cité de la Mer, which opened on 29 April 2002, is a vast scientific, cultural and fun centre devoted to the immense riches of the oceans and oceanographic exploration.
Exceeding all expectations, the Cité welcomed its millionth visitor in July 2005.!
Encouraged by these visitor numbers, the Cité de la Mer is now launching a second extension phase.
The origins of the Cité de la Mer, which enjoys an enviable situation in the former Cherbourg trans-Atlantic passenger docks, were twofold: to revive an Art Deco masterpiece, the former trans-Atlantic passenger terminal, and to make the nuclear submarine Le Redoutable the biggest submarine open to the public in the world. Those aims have been achieved.
The gradual descent into the abyss, during a three-hour journey into a fault in the ocean floor, is organised according to two major themes:
The Submarine, with an introduction to the Redoutable, the biggest submarine open to the public anywhere in the world.
For 45 minutes, the voice of the Captain explains how a nuclear submarine works and what life onboard is like for its crew.

The Ocean, which concentrates on exploring and using the rich resources of the ocean, and which centres around one of the deepest aquariums in Europe (10.70m) containing over 3,500 fish.

Visit the Château de Quintin and its permanent collections.

Two chateaux for the price of one in the same park, in the centre of the characterful town of Quintin. An unfinished 17th century chateau, listed as an historic monument, and an 18th century chateau, also listed.
The base of the 17th century chateau, the richly furnished apartments of the 18th century chateau, the former kitchens (including a granite kitchen-garden of extraordinary size), the permanent collections of china, glassware, silverware, trinkets, christening robes and fans are open all year round.

Around Jules Verne in 80 minutes or more…

Get yourself to the summit of the Sainte-Anne butte in Nantes, look around and let your imagination roam free: you are in the fantastic, exotic world of Jules Verne.

The museum is located within a former bourgeois residence that dates back to the 19th century, and within one can admire displays of Verne's manuscripts, scale-models and personal items… The museum also features extensive multimedia and interactive displays to guide the visitor in his discovery, wandering the mindscape of an artist and inventor, a genius and an entertainer.

A small historical building.

Although this small chapel is sometimes called Sainte-Anne chapel, is it consecrated to Saint Julien.
It is at the historical centre of the small village of Pouliguen. Listed in the Inventory of Historical Monuments, it was built in the 15th century and has simple, sober lines. Inside, several highly interesting works of art can be seen, such as painted statues or votives.

An unmissable museum in the region.

Situated in the centre of Caen Castle, built by William the Conqueror, the Musée des Beaux-Arts is housed in a decidedly contemporary building.
The Musée des Beaux-Arts in Caen is reckoned to be one of the most important museums in France in terms of European painting from the 16th and 17th centuries (from France, Italy, Flanders and Holland). Its collection of engravings is also something not to be missed.

Free admission to the permanent collections gives a wider public the opportunity to explore the wealth of its collections.
The museum puts on a dozen temporary exhibitions every year, alternating between classical, modern and contemporary art and painting, drawings, prints and photographs.

Sea-lions steal the show!

Sealand, the aquarium in Noirmoutier-en-l'Ile, invites you on a journey to the oceans, both warm and cold.
The aquarium contains a wide range of marine flora and fauna, and also presents a sea-lion show that will delight all ages.

A total of 500,000 litres of sea-water, a 200 metre visit, 200 species and 1,000 animals just waiting to be marvelled at.

A richly decorated church.

Work was carried out in the 19th century, on the Sainte-Croix-de-Saint-Servan church which was build during the 18th century. Before entering the church, admire the facade with its portico and tower, both of which were added between 1833 and 1840, designed by the architect Julien Leclair.

Inside, you will discover the frescoes painted by Louis Duveau in the mid 18th century, as well as two organs located in the choir and the stand.

Chateau overlooking the Loire.

The chateau overlooking the Loire, made famous by Alexandre Dumas, was built in the 15th century.

Half residence and half fortress, the building was originally four-sided, flanked by four square towers and surrounded by deep moats fed from the Loire.

After major restoration work, a tour of the chateau now includes an audio-visual tour on the theme of the Loire.

An architectural monument.

Built in 1631 to plans drawn up by architect François Mansart, the Château de Balleroy is part of one of the first town-planning schemes ever executed in France, and that was to inspire Versailles.
In 1975, the first Balloon Museum was founded by Malcolm S. Forbes in one of the former stable buildings.
The 17th century dovecote and the grounds are also not to be missed.

Finest examples of Neo-Classical architecture in Lower Normandy.

The Palais d'Argentré was built by Joseph Brousseau for Jean-Baptiste du Plessis d'Argentré, the last Bishop of Sées under the Ancien Régime.
It is one of the finest examples of Neo-Classical architecture in Lower Normandy.
Events organised by the Office Départemental de la Culture.

A church like a jewel.

Sainte-Anne church was built from 1887, after a collection organised by the fishing community of Le Guilvinec.
The architecture of the building is simple and austere. The church has a square steeple and shelters a rich religious heritage. Do not miss the stained glass windows or the tapestry by Abbé Morel.

The Tiger's lair.

On retiring from political life after the signing of the peace treaties that brought the First World War to a close, Georges Clemenceau rented this fisherman's cottage in 1919.
It is located in the Vendée, the region of his birth and where he spent many summers.
Looking out to sea, the low-lying house has remained exactly as it was at the death of the man known as the Tiger. The entrance is reached by an alley of pines and firs. Each room and each object evokes the memory of this great statesman.

Steel and music.

This foundry workshop has been crafting bells since as far back as 1865; the Cornille Havard foundry has become one of if not the top manufacture in the field.

Working with moulds, molten metal and thousand-degree environments are only some of the aspects of this difficult profession. Discover an age-old craft, a tradition that has trickled through the generations to bless a select few aprrentices.

Everything there is to know about Cholet textiles.

For some fifteen years, the factory was used as a store-house by various companies before it was acquired by the Cholet town council as a home for the planned Cholet Textile Museum.

Its remarkable architecture and functional design make this former factory an ideal setting for a museum dedicated to the industrial activities that made the town famous for several centuries.

Learn all about: textile fibres, spinning, the knowhow and history of Cholet textiles - a vital element of industrial heritage, a textile garden, demonstrations of weaving, etc.

Temporary exhibitions, lecture-visits, a programme of varied events and a museum shop offering a wide choice of textile products.

Time-honoured knowhow.

The workshop exists to safeguard the knowhow handed down by the lace-makers of Bayeux from the 17th century.
The Conservatoire, a place to learn and perfect lace-making skills, keeps alive the technique of bobbin lace making.
Year-round exhibition, events and articles for sale.

Authenticity intact.

The Domaine de Kerazan estate was bequeathed to the Institut de France in 1928 by Joseph Astor, the last of an eminent Breton family.
The estate consists of a manor house surrounded by 5 hectares of parkland and a vast expanse of farmland and forests. The land is farmed and maintained in accordance with the wishes of the testator, who stipulated that it should be inalienable.

The manor stands in the Finistère département, halfway between Pont-l'Abbé and Loctudy and some twenty kilometres south-west of Quimper, in Cornouaille, part of the "Bigouden country".
The heart of the estate is the manor house itself, its commons and its park, and the adjoining farm of Grand Kerazan: this was the "big farm", occupied by the "big farmer".
The most striking aspect of the estate is its authenticity: the buildings have remained intact, the manor house retains all its furnishings and collections, as if Joseph-Georges Astor had left it only yesterday.

An exemplary architecture.

The currentSaint-Gilles church replaces a previous building by Gilles de Retz in the 15th century.
On 22 January 1852, the town of Pornic decided to replace this church with a new building. Work began on it in 1864 and ended in 1875. The new Neo-Romanesque church has sober lines and rich decoration, particularly the sculpted door which represents the legend of saint Gilles, the patron saint of the church.

At the abbey of Clairmont, nestling in the hollow of a valley, visitors are invited to absorb a sense of peace and contemplation as they discover the grandeur and yet simplicity of Cistercian art.
The abbey was founded by Bernard of Clairvaux in the 12th century, and features magnificent ruins.

Unusual animals

The Bird Garden: from quails to ostriches, parrots and vultures, more than 600 birds are the stars of this park.
Don't miss the largest African aviary in France, with marabous and pelicans.

Spaycific'Zoo: an indoor, heated zoo with some rare animals: hairy armadillos, flying squirrels, snails, soft-shelled tortoises and stick insects.
The zoo has a surprising diversity of animals and some original features, including the nocturnal area.
Both the bird garden and the zoo have fun explanations for children, activities and animal feeding sessions.

Under the sun.

Cap-Coz, not far from the Fouesnant Forest, is a fine sandy beach at the tip of the bay. Often crowded with families and groups of friends, the beach offers a variety of things to do including a variety of nautical activities. Whether you want to relax or really let loose and get fit, this is the perfect place. By walking all the way up the beach and following a little trail, you will reach a small rocky island from which the view is simply exceptional.

Jumping for joy.

Meet the bounciest animal in the world at the Parc de La Possonière!
On the kilometre-long walk that is also a learning experience, you will be surrounded by kangaroos roaming free.

The park also features a video room providing more in-depth information about the kangaroo.

Shortbread treats.

Created in 1904 by Charles Bansard, Asnelles shortbread continues to perfume the air of the town to this day. The factory also produces other shortbread cakes as well as cookies and financiers (almond cakes), still using traditional craftsman's methods. Visits (by appointment) explain the manufacturing process and production line.

The residential palace of the Duke of Normandy.

Caen Castle was built under William the Conqueror in the middle of the 11th century to house the residential palace of the Duke of Normandy. The building still represents today the largest fortified enclosure in Europe.

It was within these walls that William, surrounded by his barons, made preparations to drive King Harold from England.
Over the centuries, the castle was gradually swamped by the city, suffocated by houses and forgotten by the city's people, until the bombardment of 1944.

Caen Castle today houses the Museum of Normandy and the Museum of Fine Arts.

A history of names.

Between 1224 and 1428, the commune was known variously as: Trévenech, Trévenoc, Trévenec and finally Trévéneuc.
It takes its name from Saint-Guthénoc, otherwise spelt as: Guezenec, Guennec, Venec, Veneuc, Venoc.
This name in turn comes from the jeu du crapaud, the toad in the hole game, no doubt made from wood and painted red.
The game involved pitching a two-sou coin into a slot, the mouth of the toad. The first player to succeed would win all the other coins that missed the target. The inhabitants of Tréveneuc were apparently much given to playing this game, hence their nickname of the "red toads".

Main places of interest to visit:
church of Saint-Colomban: traces of an original 14th century building remain in the south wall of the present church;
Château de Pommorio: dating from the 18th century, aligned with the church of Saint-Colomban, surrounded by gardens gradually recovering from the ravages of the great storm of 1987 ;
Le Palus: the "Palus" foreshore takes its name from the Breton word "Palud", meaning marsh". The line of pebbles washed up by the sea prevents the stream from flowing normally, creating a marshy area where reeds grow;
Port-Goret: the name is Breton in origin: Gored means "a fishery with a dam". The remains of the dam can still be seen on the foreshore now known as "Port-Goret".

The heart of Nantes beats again.

After 15 years of restoration and 3 years completely closed to the public, the Château des Ducs de Bretagne has once again opened its doors. The city of Nantes launched a massive restoration programme to revive this outstanding heritage site in the city centre, a living monument to the history of the city and of Brittany. The restoration of this 15th, 16th and 18th century building paved the way for the opening of a new museum, classed as a Musée de France, dedicated to the history of the chateau and the city.

Over 800 exhibits from the musem's permanent collection will be presented as part of an historic and themed series of 32 rooms covering over 5,000m². Extensive multimedia resources, a total revamp of the museum design and modern architectural features will make the museum fully accessible to all visitors.

An outstanding example of architectural and artistic heritage to be rediscovered, the setting for and witness to the history of Nantes and Brittany.

Images of five continents.

Discover over 1,200 animals, 120 species from 5 continents, surrounded by luxuriant vegetation in one of the top five zoos in France, famous for its fantastic shows featuring sea-lions, birds of prey and parrots.
Stunning presentations in natural settings await you during your visit: an underwater view of a polar bear, tiny Chinese pandas, an African savannah for the elephants, a pack of Arctic wolves unique in Europe.
The zoo also offers exciting new habitats such as the Argentine pampas, the Australian bush, the taiga where the Siberian tiger roams, or the miniature Malagasy farm.

Sainte Thérèse de l'Enfant Jésus was baptised here in 1873...

In the heart of the pedestrian zone, the 15th-16th century church of Notre-Dame is astonishing in its proportions, and in the elegance of its Flamboyant Gothic nave and the delicate tracery of sculpture on the porch, described as "dentelle de pierre", lace carved from stone.
Sainte Thérèse de l'Enfant Jésus was baptised here in 1873; her baptismal robe is on display in a chapel on the northern side-aisle.
The church also features a magnificent set of 16th century stained glass.

Sticky but delicious.

Before it gets to that annoying but delicious stage of sticking to our teeth and palates, toffee has to go through a series of transformations, all of which are described in this factory tour which takes visitors through every phase of the manufacturing process.

From bubbling in a copper vat, with the addition of different ingredients that produce various toffees, through to the packaged product, you'll find your mouth watering from start to finish.

What time is it?

Rouen’s Great Clock is a key landmark in the Norman city. It comprises a Gothic belfry, bell, Renaissance archway and classical fountain. It was the first to be built to house the city bells, whose mechanism is one of the oldest in Europe.
From the outside you can admire the sculpted archway, a Renaissance masterpiece, and restored sundials.

A nice castle.

Located on the Beg er Lann headland "moorland point", the Turpault castle is the gateway to the Wild Coast.
This Anglo-medieval style manor house was built in 190 by a cloth industry industrialist from Cholet, Georges Turpault, who named it the "sea castle". It was then rechristened Turpault castle by the Quiberon inhabitants. It is a private property and cannot be visited.

A village recounts its memories...

In the heart of the forest of Perseigne, a village recounts its memories in the Maison du Sabot (clog museum).
Neufchâtel-en-Saosnois showcases the skills of those who worked with wood: clog-makers, woodsmen, carpenters, cartwrights and wheelwrights, etc.
The collection of woodworking tools are witnesses to a common past.

Exploring the heritage of religion.

Rosporden and its environs is dotted with fine churches and chapels ideally suited for a delightful round of visits.
First is the church of Notre-Dame de Rosporden, on the banks of the first lake. This listed church dates from the 14th century. The interior contains a very fine retable and a large painting of the Assumption by Nicolas Loir.
Next is the chapel of St-Eloi which stands on the ancient Roman road from Cascadec to Locmaria, then the church in the small town of Kernével, the Moustoir chapel, also in Kernével, the chapel of Locjean and, finally, the little chapel of Sainte-Yvonne, dating from 1706.

Dedicated to equine perfection.

Visit the famed Cadre Noir de Saumur, the National Horse-riding school of international repute, and delve into the world of high-level equestrian sports and activities. This unique establishment is loaded with history and will be open to visitors. Discover what happens backstage: the riding school (one of the biggest in Europe), the stables and prestigious saddlery. Man's greatest conquest, the almighty horse, leads a life fit for a king in the Cadre Noir de Saumur.

All the civilisations in one museum.

Founded in 1832 and surrounded by a magnificent botanical garden, the museum invites visitors to discover a fascinating and original collection of archaeological and ethnographic exhibits from the 5 continents.
Immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of the one-time "cabinets of curiosities" to discover a fabulous collection of stuffed animals, fossils, minerals and exotic objects (rooms dedicated to Egypt, Asia, Oceania, Africa and America) or yet more treasures unearthed by archaeological digs in the region.

An unforgettable plunge into the world's oceans.

The fantastic journey provided by the Grand Aquarium is an attraction not to be missed in Saint-Malo. With its spectacular tanks and cutting-edge displays, the aquarium offers a captivating insight into the rich worlds to be found under the sea. Discover an astonishing 600 species!
Follow the direction of the visit, from the cold oceans of the north to tropical seas, via sharks in the 360° tank, to the mysterious denizens of the sunken galleon and brightly-coloured tropical species.
Enjoy the unique experience of undersea exploring in the Nautilus submarine.

On the line…

Boasting a significant collection of artefacts linked to open sea fishing, this museum is dedicated to marine lifestyle and culture. Aside its artefact collection, the museum also boasts a range of scale-models that outlines the development in boat design, from the picturesque sailing craft of last century to the fishing trawlers we know today.

The museum also deals with the range of sailing-related activities on dry land: naval construction, coast guards, sea bathing, port construction, etc.

Unrivalled in Europe.

Since 1921, the church of Saint-Laurent (15th and 16th century) has housed a collection of wrought ironwork that was and is a reference of its kind in Europe.
Its donor Henri Le Secq des Tournelles made over to the city of Rouen the first methodical collection of ironwork, begun in 1862 by his father Jean-Louis Le Secq Destournelles (1818-1882).

The latter, a member of the Mission Héliographique mounted by Prosper Mérimée to take photographs of outstanding monuments on behalf of the French Monuments Historiques department, was at once a practical, hands-on man, a painter and an art-lover. His was the original idea of taking an interest in hitherto overlooked objects: he began acquiring, from demolition sites as well as on the art market, every article of outstanding ironwork that he could find, with the exception of arms and armour, which others were already collecting.

Life and work on board the Thalassa.

Located in the port of Lorient since 1996, the Thalassa invites you to explore the world of oceanography. On the three decks of the ship, see the various people involved (captain, sailor, biologist and oceanographer) and their activities.

You can visit the ship's dining room, kitchen and cabins. Daily life on board the Thalassa will thus be depicted before your very eyes. Thematic tours are available for children. Everyone explores the sea at their own pace!

Biking up the train tracks…

Take the time to enjoy yourself with the whole family or a group of friends visiting one of France's most beautiful regions. The viewpoint is what makes it interesting, as the entire tour runs along old train lines which take the scenic route at a leisurly pace. This easygoing tour is a whole lot of fun for the whole family! Be sure to try out the Vélo-Rail or "Bike Rail", for up to four people, an unusual design halfway between a train wagon and a bicycle…

Ideal for walkers.

The valley of the Arguenon makes Plorec-sur-Arguenon and Pléven favourite centres for lovers of walking, fishing and countryside holidays.
A number of footpaths have been marked out along the lake of La Ville Hatte, leading through varied landscapes.
Admire the dam, built in 1973, retaining some 12 million cubic metres of water.
The lake is 17km long, and extends to the commune of Jugon-les-Lacs.
The dam supplies water to around fifteen water towers, providing drinking water for many of the communes in the region.
In the church of Saint-Pierre, note the extremely fine 15th century font and the recumbent figure of a lady of Plorec.
Also of note is the polychrome wood statue of Saint Roch, dating from the 16th century.

A natural habitat to be protected.

Les Petits Riaux lies within the Ecouves forest, in the commune of Lande-de-Goult, and is a typical example of the peat-bogs of the Massif Armoricain.
These rare habitats are home to a distinctive range of plants capable of adapting to the harsh prevailing conditions.
Guided tours are available through the Park or the Conseil Général de l'Orne.
Group visits can be organised on request (for predetermined groups).
Plants of particular interest include drosera (sundew), butterworts (small carnivorous plants), sphagnum mosses forming thick, spongy carpets, or the bog asphodel (Narthecium Ossifragum).

In the hamlet of Goult, explore "Caesar's camp" (a Neolithic settlement) and the Priory of Saint-Michel de Goult (12th century porch).

An abbey for men.

The Abbaye aux Hommes in Caen was founded in the 11th century by William the Conqueror and his wife Queen Matilda. The site incorporates several buildings, such as the Saint-Etienne abbey church that was built in different periods (between the 11th and 17th century) and where William the Conqueror is buried.

You can also see the 18th-century convent buildings, which today house Caen’s city hall, as well as the monastic cloisters and guardroom, which is now the municipal council chamber. Situated in the extension of the Abbaye aux Dames (abbey for women), the Abbaye aux Hommes is a key historical site of the Basse-Normandie region.

A choice of three circuits.

Here's a completely unheard-of way to explore the countryside and rural heritage of the Eure county. The train runs along the Eure Valley tour line, a stretch of the former Rouen-Orléans axis. Visitors have three circuits to choose from.
Every care has been taken to re-create a historic atmosphere: ticket offices, weighbridge, the goods shed, all the buildings that made Pacy one of the biggest stations on the Acquigny to Saint-Georges-Motel section of the line.
Adults enjoy it, and children are thrilled to play train-driver!

A great idea for a family outing...

Wonderful memories of bygone years...

In the heart of the Parc Naturel Régional Normandie-Maine, on the fringes of the forest of Perseigne, cycling museum La Belle Echappée relates the history of the Tour de France cycling race and its accompanying advertising caravan.
A unique collection amassed by a dedicated race fan (consisting of famous cycles and jerseys, posters, games, toys, etc.) plus interactive and video spaces with original lighting, guaranteed to recall wonderful memories of bygone years.

A giant preserved.

The Château de Fontaine-Henry is perched high over the rich green valley of the Mue.
Its dizzyingly high roofs top a richly sculpted building in the 15th and 16th century styles.
Follow the guide around the interior of the chateau and admire an outstanding collection of furniture and old masters. Children will enjoy the special activities laid on for them in the grounds, and the old-fashioned toys and games.

A commune tied to the sea.

Since as early as the Antiquity, the commune of Morgat has been turned to the sea. At first a mere sardine fishing port, Morgat became a favoured holiday destination in the 19th century, drawing bourgeois city-folk to the coast in search of peace and quiet. The city developed a great deal during this period and numerous bourgeois villas were raised there; the port was slowly transformed into a marina for sea-faring tourists.

Today still the port de Morgat welcomes leisure sailing enthusiasts and tourists by the busload. The fishing harbour has nevertheless maintained its authentic, traditional air and is a great place to get into fishing.

Where silence reigns.

With its church and conventual buildings, the abbey of Saint-Martin forms a fine classical example of the 18th century. Visit the abbey church, the sacristy and the main convent rooms including the extensive library containing 50,000 volumes.

"A wondrous pyramid".

On the border between Brittany and Normandy, between Cancale and Granville, the bay of Mont-Saint-Michel is a fascinating place. The Mount itself, perched on a rocky outcrop, forms a tiny village whose Grande Rue (the main and, indeed, the only street on the Mount) climbs up to meet the Benedictine abbey at its summit.

The bay, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979, is a land of history and legend, shaped over the millennia by the hidden forces of nature. It is here that you will find the highest tides in Europe.
Don't leave the village without tasting the delicious omelette de la Mère Poulard.