FANTASTIC 16th CENTURY MANOR - CENTRAL AND STEPS FROM SAINT GOUSTAN

This is a significant part of the Manoir du Belvedere, occupying an entire floor. It has its own private walled garden, and its own entrance to rue du Chateau, a historic street connecting Auray centre and the medieval port of Saint Goustan. All rooms are large,with high ceilings, original beams and fireplaces.Tastefully furnished with Louis XV and Henry II style furniture, tapestries and paintings from around the world. There is a piano in the Chateau room. The spacious living room is full of light, with very comfy sofas, armchairs and cushions. The kitchen and bathrooms are recently renovated with modern facilities, tiled walls and floor. A separate and bright dining room is ideal for colder evenings. Outside, a large patio is a great place for alfresco dining while the garden is ideal for a barbecue. Quick, easy access to SANDY BEACHES (Trinite-sur-Mer, Carnac, Erdeven, Etel),sailing, surfing, cruises on the Gulf of Morbihan and ferries to Atlantic islands. The Gulf of Morbihan had a dozen pretty islands, some public and some private. Rambling, golf and horse-riding, an aquarium, an eco-park and an arboretum add to the wide choice of family activities. Our house is in the heart of this mediaeval town - many restaurants, sea-food specialities, Breton creperies, pizzerias are in walking distance. A restaurant with 1 Michelin star is a 2 minutes walk away (Restaurant Terre-Mer). A traditional covered market is 100m away, esp. good for oysters, lobsters and other shell fish. No need to use car, all necessary shopping for food, clothes and souvenirs ... is within walking distance. If you still want to use your car, parking is nearby.

The Manoir du Belvedere is spacious, ideal for family gatherings, two families sharing, a big family or a small family. It is situated on 1st floor, with own private entrance and own big private garden - a rarity in the heart of Auray. Everything is within reach. From here you can walk to get everything you need - from fresh croissants for breakfast to the must-haves for preparing a home-made gourmet dinner. Auray's colourful Monday market will attract you and your children alike. Here you can buy fresh local produce, Breton handicrafts and souvenirs while practising your French! In the covered market, open every morning except Sunday, you will enjoy choosing from a great variety of fish, oysters, mussels and other shell-fish, not to mention a wide range of cheese, fruit and vegetables. Kayaking and cruising the river on electric boats are in Saint Goustan, a stone's throw away from the property. Public swimming pool, tennis courts and library are nearby. Traditional Breton music and dancing ('fest noz') in surrounding towns and villages. You can explore many popular places of South Brittany within a 5-10 minutes' drive - Vannes, Saint-Anne d'Auray,Trinite-sur-Mer,Carnac, Quiberon, Locmariaquer, Iles-aux-Moines, Etel, Rochfort-en-Terre.

Glimpses of history: Built on the site of the original 12th century Chateau d'Auray, from cut granite stone auctioned when the chateau was demolished in 1550, the Manoir stores a rich and long history in its walls. It has been renovated by France's master craftsmen. During the renovation we unearthed many traces of the past, from original fireplaces hidden behind modern facades to the chateau-style floor in the living room, equally well concealed under hardboard and which could be restored only by France’s master craftsmen. The higher wall visible from the Garden wall is believed to be part of the Chateau's keep.

Visit the iconic, picturesque port of Saint Goustain, across the 12th century bridge, a few meters from the Manoir. This is where Benjamin Franklin arrived in 1776 to seek France’s support for American Independence. You will enjoy walking along the top of the ramparts that overlook the river. Hike upstream to the Champs des Martyrs, legacy of the Royal Navy's involvement in the 'Quiberon Affair' in 1795 and read the inscription (be warned: it is in Latin!). Five minutes by car brings you to world famous Saint-Anne d'Auray. Visited by Pope John Paul II in 1996 and by over half a million pilgrims and tourists every year, the basilica is situated on the spot where, in 1624, a local ploughman had a vision of Saint-Anne, the mother of the Virgin Mary. Many other must-sees only a few minutes drive away. An ideal place for whatever you want to do!