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Ty Hir Gite - 3 Bedroom Holiday Home in Finistère, Brittany, France
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Why we love our little piece of heaven in Brittany

15/8/2013

6 Comments

 
Finistere, countryside, Brittany, country scenesThe gites at Ty Hir and the surrounding area
Everyone's idea of heaven is different. For us, it is escaping to the peace and quiet of the country. Admittedly, the countryside is not always quiet, especially at harvest time but that is part of the appeal for us too. 

From Ty Hir you can often hear our neighbour's cows lowing, the sheep bleating in the field down the lane, or the sound of the local cockerels greeting the dawn floating across the valley. If the wind is in the right direction, peacocks can sometimes be heard calling urgently to each other at the farm at the back of the cottages.

Bench at 3 bedroom cottage in central Finistere, BrittanyThe scent of lavender pervades our terrace in summer
Another integral part of rural Brittany are the smells. Fortunately, in the main, these are pleasant like the relaxing fragrance of our lavender plants. These attract a variety of bees as well as the fascinating Hummingbird Hawk-moth. 

As we tend to take our breaks in Brittany in spring or the autumn, we also have been subjected to the delights of the odours associated with muck spreading. Fortunately, this usually doesn't last long and carrying a sprig of lavender can help mask the smell should the need arise.

Field, Finistere, BrittanyThe view from the Petit Longere to the field next door
One of the real delights of staying at Ty Hir are the mornings. I love waking up in the Petit Longere on a bright spring morning to the sound of bird song. 

I can enjoy the views over the surrounding fields to the front and side of the gites from the velux window without fear of being spotted in a state of dishabille. Sometimes, if I'm lucky, I will spot a hare or stoat scurrying along the drive.

PictureView from the kitchen of the Grand Longere
Having finally dressed and descended the stairs, a leisurely breakfast of freshly brewed coffee and warm croissants (hubby haven arisen first to do the necessary naturally) can be enjoyed on the front terrace which, being south facing, is often bathed in sunshine all day.

For the past two years sparrows have nested in a hole in the front wall of the Petit Longere. They get most indignant when we chose to linger on the terrace, sitting in the conifer opposite scolding us for interfering with their routine. They eventually realise that we really aren't a threat and recommence their frequent trips to the nest. We are lucky to have these cheeky little chappies nesting at Ty Hir as sparrow numbers are in decline in the UK sadly.

Circuit des Passerelles, Collorec, Finistere, BrittanyCircular walk on the doorstep of the gites
We are fortunate that there is no real need to leave Ty Hir, except to pop to the general store in Collorec for essential supplies or a bit further afield to Huelgoat or Carhaix to hit the supermarkets.

If we are not spending the day working or relaxing in our large garden, we have a lovely walk right on our doorstep, the 'circuit des passerelles, or the 'footpath of wooden bridges'. 

The trail is 7.5 km long and crisscrosses the tranquil river Ellez, passing through rolling countryside. Some of our guests have even completed the circuit on our mountain bikes!

River Ellez, Finistere, BrittanyRiver Ellez, just a 5 minute stroll from our holiday cottages
Speaking of the Ellez, we are often quite content just to stroll down the lane to the shallow ford. Here you can have a little splash around in the river or just watch the dragonflies from the bridge or the bank. 

From time to time we have glimpsed the iridescent blue flash of a kingfisher fishing. Ragondins (coypu), sometimes mistaken for an otter until more closely observed, can also be found occasionally. They are considered a pest in France as the were introduced from South America but we still like to see them.

PictureEnjoy a glass of wine or your favourite tipple on our terrace
Of course, the best thing of all is enjoying a glass (or two!) of red wine on terrace whilst drinking in the view at the end of the day. 

Life's simple pleasures are the best! 

À votre santé or yec'hed mat as they say in Brittany!

6 Comments
Graham Green
3/9/2013 02:13:02 am

Hi there, we've had a house in Finistere Pointe de Trevignon - for close on 20 years and we now get to spend 3/4 months here - which is pretty damned good.
I am a great walker and there's certainly plenty of good walking here but.....I have to take issue with you on the subject of 'well marked trails' The main routes may be well marked but generally speaking you might - if you're lucky- get a faded splash of ancient yellow paint nearly out of sight high up on a tree/telegraph pole/lamp post - that is if the local farmer hasn't overpainted them - or on one walk near Le Faouet actually chainsawed them off the trees.

Then there's the maps - unless you get a map with the 'T' suffix then the 'Carte de Randonee' are all but useless showing only the GR's - and the 'T' suffix maps are only available for designated tourist offices areas.

Fiinally there's the tourist offices - these mainly provide information solely for their own commune - as if the rest of the world does not exist - so any trails stop at the boundary of the commune - and the neighbouring commune's map probably does not feature the same trails.

Don't get me wrong, we love living here and there's some great and very varied walking - but it's a challenge (and we all like a challenge !) but not quite the 'walk in the park' suggested by some.

Graham Green

Reply
Maria Richardson link
3/9/2013 07:33:00 am

Hi Graham,

Thanks for taking the time to comment on my blog. It's great to meet another fan of Finistere.

In the main we have found the trails well marked, though I will agree that it can be a challenge sometimes with signage suddenly disappearing. I guess having found ourselves lost on a number of occasions during our walks in the UK where there is little or no signage, with just our Ordinance Survey maps to guide us, the trails in France seem easier to follow. We always set off with the assumption that we will take a wrong turn at some point and thus always try to allow some extra time and additional supplies.

Bonne randonnée!

Maria

Reply
Graham Green
4/9/2013 07:21:19 am

Well I'm going to do the Le Circuit des Ro'ches tomorrow on your recommendation so I'll let you know how I get on.

Reply
Graham Green
6/9/2013 03:28:06 am

Did the Circuit de Ro'ches yesterday - just great - got a bit lost at the end but nothing serious - weather lovely and still good today. The start of the walk in Ploneur Menez is hysterical - there's a very nice polished wooden sign pointing to the Circuit des Roches and not 10 metres later on a lampost a yellow cross and a red and white cross - not this way - somewhat confusing but no problem.
Had a picnic in a small chapel garden and then went on to Guimiliau and Lampaul Guimiliau - wich were amazing. Back to Uk Tuesday - booo

Reply
Gaham Green
6/9/2013 03:32:28 am

Ahhh - technology - when I submit any comment s the website says'There is a problem try again' which I did a couple of times and now you have lots of duplicates - sorry - technology - dontcha just love it ???

Reply
Maria Richardson link
6/9/2013 04:17:31 am

Hi Graham, so glad that you enjoyed your walk without getting too lost, sounds fantastice. Guimiliau is one of the most impressive parish closes I have seen. Enjoy the rest of your stay.

BTW I deleted your duplicate posts. I replied to your comment that you were going to do the walk the other day and it would not post - technology can indeed be a pain!

Maria

Reply



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