DVD or Video Rental in Dinan

We didn't go very far this weekend. It was raining and Ian's children seemed to prefer to hire a film rather than go to the cinema so that's what we did.

There is a "hole in the wall" next door to the Italian Deli (near the station) in Dinan where, once you have fathomed out the procedure you can rent DVDs or Video's. It advertised that the films cost E1.50 / 6hours but I seem to have been charge E4.40. Still, I'm not moaning, it was cheaper than the Cinema and we could choose our own film.

We decided on "The Golden Compass" which is an adaption of the novel "Northern Lights" in the Philip Pullman trilogy "His Dark Materials". The film was beautiful although they did leave out what amounted to chapters in the book. Nevertheless, we all enjoyed the film, pancakes and fire blazing.

Ian and are on a bit of a budget drive at the moment because we have booked to take the children to Futuroscope at the end of November. They have a special offer at the moment: 2 nights in a hotel room for four, breakky and free entry to Furturocope for two days only costs 288 euros. Super, so we're going. I can't wait.

Cobac Park near Dinan

Although Cobac Park near Dinan seems expensive at first once you are in there is a massive array of things to do and the children can be amused the whole day long so you do get value for money.
Once inside all the rides are free and the wait relatively short. Because Cobac Park is in a wooded area they have maintained some trees which provide shade during the hot summer months. There is a variety of rides and activities for children of all ages from small merry-go-rounds to tree climbing and quad biking. When the kids are hot and flustered they can cool of in the pool or on the water slide so don't forget to bring swimming gear.
Hint - It is often the case in France that men cannot go into swimming pools in loose fitting shorts so men and boys will need speedo's or similar.

It's worth packing a picnic to save some pennies and you are allowed to picnic inside Cobac Park. You can also go out to the car park to put the picnic back into the car to save carrying bags around all day.

If you don't want to picnic there are plenty of snack and drink places inside Cobac Park..

Walking in Brittany

Brittany has everything to offer walkers and ramblers. Walking is one of my favourite hobbies.

Before I tell you about my favorite walks I think it might be helpful to explain the system of paths in France and the way marking.

There are three different types of trail in France "GR's" (Grande Randonnee) which are long hiking paths along many miles of tracks and guide you from one destination to another (not circular walks). There are nearly 100 of these paths all over France. Grande Randonee paths are way marked with a red stripe over a white stripe.

The GR paths are interspersed with GRP's (Grand Randonnee Pays) These are diversions from their longer trails (GR's) and are intended to take you on a more cultural local walk. GRP's are way marked with a Yellow strip over a Red stripe.

The smaller, more local trails are called PR's (Promenade et Randonne) which are walks for levels of walker and can be completed in one day. The way markers are generally of one single stripe of colour they should be yellow but this can vary.

You will often find that the local Mairie or tourist office has a map for any PR walks in their locality.

An "IGN" map is the French equivalent of an ordanence survey map. These maps can be puchased on-line at www.ign.fr or in most local supermarkets or newsagents (sometimes you will need to get to the area before local shops will stock the IGN map for the locality)

Brittany is the perfect location for walkers. With miles of rambling tracks along waterways, the Brittany coastline and national parks.

Grande Randonnee GR37

At first I stuck pretty close to home. La Tarais is only 700 metres from the GR37 which follows the Rance river from Dinard right down to Rennes and back up to Mont St. Michel via Fougeres.

I join the path between Dinan and Evran. From the old port in Dinan take the tow path southwards. After 30 minutes you will arrive in a breathtaking village called Lehon. Take a detour around Lehon because the Abbey is beautiful and the cobble streets are worth a visit so too is the ruined chateau on top of the hill which awards lovely views. There is nice little restarant here too, "la Marmite d l'abbey" where you can get a reasonable lunch before heading on. However, be warned, for some odd reason they don't take credit cards only cash or cheques.Leaving Lehon and continuing along the tow path for another hour passed fairytale lock and mill houses the next town is Evran, a small pretty village with a couple of bars and restaurants for refreshments. There is also a lovely lake here called Betineuc with a small beach for children, and obviously some great fishing as there never seems to be a shortage of families relaxing on the banks, rods at the ready. It's a pretty place to picnic the tables are provided.Next stop, Treverian a picturesque place to pass through and, luckily for an ex-pat, there is a local woman who produces the best organic cheddar cheese to be found in France http://www.chapellecheddar.com/ There is even an order form on her new website for those too far away to get to the outlet shops.