The Area
Kerdeven is around a 5 minute drive both from Rostrenen and Plouguernevel. Rostrenen is the larger of the two and here you will find bars, restaurants, and a few shops. Plouguernevel has bakeries, a pharmacy and a bar. There are also three supermarkets nearby.
Kerdeven is an area of natural beauty that offers peace and tranquillity for visitors. Despite the rural setting it is still within easy reach of many tourist attractions such as the Forges des Salles, a renovated and restored village from the 18th - 19th century, and the Abbaye de Bon Repos. The 12th-century Cistercian abbey hosts regular exhibitions, a weekly farmers’ market and a spectacular son et lumière in August. The Abbaye is well suited for those who enjoy walking and cycling. Forests, lakes, rivers and the beautiful Nantes to Brest canal are within close proximity. There are excellent rambling routes on easy to find tracks through the woods and countryside. In particular the Nantes to Brest canal is very popular with walkers and cyclists. Nearby there are opportunities for golfing and horse riding, while the beaches of the north, south and, west coasts are all within an hours drive.
Near Kerdeven is the beautiful Lac de Guerledan, it is roughly a 15 minute drive away and it is well worth a visit for its lovely views. At the lake you will find safe sandy beaches, tennis courts, restaurants, mini golf and a children's play area. Canoes, dinghies and pedaloes are available for hire and a floating restaurant offers a leisurely cruise around the lake.
Brittany itself is steeped in history, its standing stones form a circle around it and there is a 'Route de la Pierre' which follows them.
The Abbaye de Bon Repos, which is just a few minutes drive away, can provide a good half days enjoyment as you explore its history. Each summer the Abbaye is the venue of a Son et Lumiere that is very much worth a visit. Outside its gates there is a Sunday morning market that sells craft and artisanal items, the Abbaye also has a restaurant.
As you journey around this region of the Cotes d'Armor you will see the Nantes to Brest canal several times. It winds its way across Brittany and along the way you will see ancient locks and lock keepers cottages, many of which have been renovated and made into homes once more. The canal itself was built under the orders of Napoleon Bonaparte in order to transport supplies to his troops without running the gauntlet of the British fleet. The local jails were emptied to supply man power for this task and sadly many died as a result of the work.
Further afield are places such as St Brieuc, Concarneau, Quimper, and Lorrient all of which are just over an hours drive away.