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.

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

Tidal power station (hydroelectrical dam) between St. Malo and Dinard

The tidal power station on the Rance Estuary between St. Malo and Dinard was the first of it's kind ever to be built. It was started in 1961. The turbines were renovated in 2002.

It was pretty cold today so outdoor activities were not on the agenda. In the end we thought a quick jaunt to the tidal power station at the Barrage de la Rance might be interesting.

The entrance was FREE ! and although the tour was very short the kids enjoyed it. There was a short film (headphones for English and German speakers) which explained the basic workings, development and the running of the tidal power station. After the film there was a small exhibition hall with interactive models showing the workings of the turbines which have been there for over 30 years now. The tidal power station can supply enough electricity for a town of up to 300,000 inhabitants.

If you are crossing the Barrage at any time, try to take 30 minutes to stop and look around.

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.