Glass blowing and exhibition at St. Meloir des Ondes

Ian and I took his children to the gallery and glass blowing studio in St. Meloir des Ondes (between St. Malo and Cancale) today. It was cold so the warmth of the furnaces was welcome.

We had to wait about an hour before they started working the glass but once the process began we all enjoyed watching the manipulation and blowing of the hot molten Cristal glass. One piece took about 30 minutes and was achieved by layering hot coloured glass on an already molten bulb of glass constantly blowing and turning.

Ian's children are always interested in learning new things and the artisan, Martin Durand, did include them and ask them if they had any questions at the end.

I have to confess to being a bit rigid with fear as enthusiastic spellbound kids looked around the glittering gallery, sleeves and dangling gloves just missing 300 euro objects of art but we did, thankfully, escape without any damage.

The gallery also offers workshops for adults and children for those of you who fancy having a go.

Another good idea on a cold, wet day.

The web address is http://www.idverre.net/durand-gasselin/creations.html

Go-Karting in Brittany

A few weeks back Ian and I headed out to have a look at the Karting tracks north of Dinan.

We went to the track which is advertised as being in St. Malo http://www.karting-saint-malo.com/ but is in fact quite a way outside on the way to Cancale. The track looked good and well kept the atmosphere seemed friendly. It was outdoor and had two different types of go-kart that you could hire; a 9 HP(50mph) and a 22HP (70mph). These types of kart are limited to kids over 12 years of age. For under 12's there are mini quads and mini karts and a training circuit but it is very slow. If you have kids over 7 it's better to go to the outdoor karting at Le Meziere near Rennes http://www.royalkart.com/ (cheaper than the indoor one at Cap Malo on the opposite side of the motorway).

The St. Malo karting also does Quad hikes which look like fun and not too costly at 2 hours across all types of terrain for 2 hours 65 euros.

Later that afternoon we went to find the karting in Dinard which was not a scratch on the one at St. Malo but a lot closer to get to for a quick whizz round we thought. However, on closer inspection it transpired that the karts were electric and the kids karts were fixed to go at nearly walking pace which took the fun out of it for them. I don't think it was the best choice.

Both had more or less the same tariffs (approx) 15 euros for 10 minutes.

So, to summarise. If you are looking for some adult fun go to St. Malo http://www.karting-saint-malo.com/ but for kids go to Rennes: http://www.royalkart.com/

Happy karting !

Zoo at Tregomeur

I enjoyed this zoo because all the animals seemed to have lots of space and were presented in their natural environement.

There was a good variation of animals the best of all being the lovely freindly bear which we all became attached to.

The zoo is in a beautiful valley and is brand new. A great effort has been made with the layout and access to all areas is easy. We were even able to walk amongst the pelicans. Times were given so we could be at the right place at the right time to see the animals being fed and the zoo keepers were very freindly and available to answer all the children's questions which made it much more interesting for them.


There is a nice cafe and it wasn't too expensive but, unusually for France, no picnic tables so if you don't fancy the usual snack bar food, eat before you go.


Morning opening times are limited to certain days so better to hit it in the afternoon between 14 and 19h. The web address is http://www.zoo-tregomeur.com/

The Pirate's Maze

The Pirate's Maze is only a short step from Dinan, St. Malo and Dinard on the Rance Valley.

I had a lovely afternoon out at this maze with some friends and their children. The mazes were excellent, there were four in all. Each maze had a set of 10 questions to be answered by finding the question boards in the right order. These questions added interest at the same time as guiding you through the maze. We split into teams so it got a bit torrid rushing from board to board. When you finally reach the centre of the maze there is seating and snacks for the exhausted adults and great outdoor games for the younger ones which kept them entertained for at least another 30 minutes whilst we caught our breath and got ready for the next maze.

The kids had a lovely time and were kept busy for the whole afternoon.

It was very good value for money (entrance fee approx 7 euros each). There were also pic-nic tables near to the car park and we were allowed to go out, have our lunch and then return leaving all the pic-nic stuff in the cars.

Indoor Pool in Dol de Bretagne "Dolibulle"

The indoor swimming pool at Dol de Bretagne is lovely. It has three different swimming pools and a big fun slide which the kids loved (after a little coaxing because it is high).

Dolibulle is open every afternoon (even Sunday) between 14.00 and 18.00 and the standard prices are about 5 euros per person. There is no time limit.

The thing I most liked is that the whole area was nicely done, clean and warm so when you had had enough of swimming you could go and sit on the side, dry off and relax so you get that warm summer feeling in the middle of winter.

In the summer months the large glass doors are drawn back and you can sit outside on the grass and sunbathe.

Perfect.

Indoor Playground - Whopi at Cap Malo near Rennes and in St. Brieuc.

Woupi is a great solution when it's raining outside and the children need to get rid of some energy. Cost: 6 euro/hour

Woupi is a Wakey Warehouse type indoor playground for children up to 12 years of age. The best thing about it is that the adults get in for free and there is a seating area (with wi-fi so take your laptop) where you can read or work whilst the children are playing. It has limited opening during the French term times but during school holidays it is open all day.
website: http://www.woupi.fr/

They also cater for children's birthday parties with special booths set aside, animators and cake.

The Woupi we have been to is at Cap Malo just outside Rennes, Cap malo has a variety of other entertainment facilities such as bowling, golf, karting, indoor football, cinema and restaurants. Almost all age groups can find something to do at Cap Malo. Website: http://www.cap-malo.com/ . There are also DIY/Homebase type shops and garden centres at cap malo.

There is also a Woupi in St. Brieuc www.woupi.fr

Ice Skating in Brittany

I'm always amazed at how cheap a good afternoons' entertainment is in Brittany. Again, I thought this ice skating rink "Le Blizz" near Rennes was great value for money.

We arrived at 2.pm and were surprised to find the boot hire was also included in the price. Once inside, the rink was not too busy and the children were able to "find their feet" without being in too much danger from the whiz kids There was also a children and toddlers rink with supports and a kind of skating push chair supplied for free.

We had a great afternoon and could stay as long as we wanted. There are lockers inside the rink area for handbags and valuable so we were able to smuggle some water in and a small snack to keep the energy levels up. Water is a must as we all got very thirsty for some reason. There is a bar area accessible from the rink so that you can take a rest, eat and drink before continuing on your new ice skating career or, your bottom.

Reptilarium, Alligator Bay

Eew. But the kids loved Alligator Bay (the reptilarium). This is a perfect activity for a rainy day as most of the reptiles are indoors in the warm. Good for the winter too.

It's worth mentioning that Alligator Bay is in the shadow of the Mont St. Michel so the more phobic members of the family could go off and see that whilst the others are enjoying a more tropical experience.

Outside, depending on the time of year, children and adults can get touchy-feely with some enormous turtles which is a nice experience.

In the first section, The reptilarium there is a massive selection of snakes and slimy creatures of all kinds. The display area is well organised and there are all sorts of passages and tunnels for the children to use to get closer to the animals.

Once you leave the smaller reptiles behind you can go to the Alligator park which is indoors. You will probably smell the alligators before you see them but you get used to that quite quickly and you look down into pits where there are ponds with beaches for the alligators to languish on. Try to get there at feeding time to make it more exciting for the kids.

It won't take a whole day but for the entrance fee (approx 7 euros each) a good afternoon's entertainment.

Bowling in Brittany

Le Belem Bowling in Dinan

This has not be a good sunny summer and many of us have been searching for something to do in the dry and out of the wind. The ten pin bowling ally in Dinan "Le Belem" is great fun for kids and adults. It is open from 15h in the afternoon until the early hours of the morning, even on a Sunday which is unusual here in Brittany. The price ranges from 4.50 - 6.00 euros per person for a game depending on what time of day it is and shoe hire is 1.00 p.p. which isn't at all bad.

We also found that because you don't have to pay to get into the complex it is a great stop for an hour or two with the kids to have a game of table football, air hockey, basketball, darts or pool so you don't have to go to the added expence of bowling. We went there with some children the other day and passed a good 2 hours playing pool and table football for a little as 5 euros. It's really good place to go to if you need to get out for a couple of hours or if you want to make a night of it.

There is a bar and I think they do light snacks at mealtimes. Try it, it's a nice place.

Treetop assult course - riplining in brittany

Treetop assult course - Zip lining in Brittany.


Le Park de grandes chenes not far from Mont St. Michel is a beautiful place. The park has various activities for children and adults. There is a big lake with small electric boat rides, various walks, pony rides, cycle paths and seven levels of treetop assult courses.



Everybody gets a thorough training session before being allowed to go up and by the time they are finished you feel ready to take it on.



For children under 8 the first course is only a few feet off the ground but exciting enough for their first go. They always want to get onto the bigger one once they have completed the junior course.



Don't look down !



The adult courses start at 6 meters and goes on to the Purple course which is 30 metres off the ground. I haven't done this yet but would love to give it a go if I can tempt anyone up with me. I did wimp out a couple of times but a freindly French block behind me gave a shove which you need sometimes when your nerve fails. For the adult courses you would need a full day so pack a picnic, plenty to drink and put on your trainers, loose trousers and be ready to ache all over. It's really a thrill. I loved it.



For the less sporty, there is a cafe on site and nice views. There are also plenty of picnic areas where you can stop for lunch.



A great day out with children, adolecents, or friends.

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..