2011 At the Family Self Catering Holiday Cottage/Gite

The Newcastle Wilsons - the ancient grandparents had a very enjoyable and relaxing time. We ate very well at Auberge 'La Chouannierre' at Bignan. Enjoyed visits to Quiberon, Lorient, Vannes, Auray, Ploermel, Pontivy and Rochefort-en-Terre - Andrew & Carol.

We had a lovely time at Les Blancs. Jessica (5), Amelia (3) loved playing in the extensive grounds of the cottage with the trampoline, swimming pool, swings and football pitch. Laura (15) enjoyed relaxing and reading books by the pool. We took advantage of the bikes provided to cycle down the very quiet lanes to the lake in the village a mile away, where there are swings, slides and picnic tables. Best of all though was watching and feeding the chickens, ducks etc and thank you Veronica for the lovely eggs freshly laid by your hens. Hugh & Suzanne + kids x3

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Having for many years holidayed in France and other European countries I can honestly say that this is the best accommodation that I have encountered.  The peaceful countryside is just my idea of ideal holiday environment. I'll leave the rest of my party to describe the wonders of the area - John.

The gite is everything we hoped for, it is well equipped and generally thought to be the best gite we have stayed in. On many occasions we decided to change our plans, the pool was very popular. Just laying about, watching the ducks and hens provided much entertainment. - Janet. 

We've all had a great time here at Les Blancs.  Mum, Grandad and I arrived 5 days later than the rest of the group so thankfully missed the rain, the majority of the next nine days were almost perfect. Toby.

Had a wonderful, relaxing holiday. It can be very difficult keeping 3 generations happy, but we managed it, especially due to the facilities at Les Blancs, i.e. the pool and table tennis.  The grounds of the house have been lovely, everyone enjoyed the chickens and ducks. It's a shame our party were not walkers, particularly our 14 year old daughter, as the countryside & canals are great.  Andrew and I decided we would be back on our own! Thank you to Robert & Veronica for making the holiday so lovely. Andrew & Richmal  - August 2011.

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We can only echo what everyone else has said.  This is fantastic holiday accommodation.  Our five year old loved the space - and the chickens, ducks and sheep, not to mention the swimming pool and the 'jumpy'.  Robert and Veronica couldn't have been more friendly and helpful. 

Highlights:  Sunday boule - Jo and Carmen restaurant (authentic and so much food) - Lac au Duc (nice beach within easy reach) - Josselin (pretty town, good for walks and lunchtime restaurants) - Vannes (lovely old town).  Amazing what you can find in a week!  Thanks again, Anne, Ron, Dave, Gayle and Amelia - July 2011.

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Fantastic holiday accommodation, with great facilities enjoyed by all. Had several enjoyable meals at Josselin in the square. The market was great here too, well worth a visit. Vannes was nice for shops.

Many thanks for a relaxing family holiday and for Robert and Veronica's great hospitality. Kevin, Di, Josh, Toby, Harry and Maddie - July 2011.

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Hi there! We've just finished two weeks here at Les Blancs with a 6 month old and a 3 year old. If anyone is reading this with small people of a similar age I'd recommend a trip to the Insectarium at Lizio & Univerz du poete Ferrailleur (scrap artist).  We loved the beaches near to La Trinite Sur Mer with its many hermit crabs.  Liam says 'I liked the ducks and the chickens. I saw some creatures in the sea. I touched some seaweed. It felt wet.'

Important to remember!  Everything - literally everything except bars & coffee shuts between 12 & 2. Don't bother trying to get in anywhere at these times - all of France is either having a nap or in the pub.  Many thanks to Robert & Veronica for giving us their cooker when the gite one broke. Thanks also for the eggs, brioche and wine!  God bless. Matt, Jude, Liam & Naomi - July 2011.

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Despite the less than perfect weather we had a great time at the gite.  The surrounding area is beautiful and perfect for walks and bike rides.  I personally had a great time fishing at the lake opposite the gite. Plenty of perch to be caught, and a few monster carp!!  Bring your own carp bait as luncheon meat proved hard to come by! Our two and a half year old loved the ant and bee farm in La Faouet and the aquarium and butterfly farm in Vannes.

Thank you to Robert & Veronica for their hospitality and thanks to the resident fowl for their eggs!  David, Carole, Steve, Emma and Ellie - June 2011

A selection of comments from our previous guests

Well, let's start with the 'thank you' from all of us for such a wonderful holiday. In an effort to be super organised when we left I couldn't find a pen to write in the book, so expect an essay from us next year! Paul and I were really looking to find somewhere that allowed us to relax 100% from the normal chaotic routine we have, and for the children to have
freedom to roam, explore new things, and be worn out at the end of the day!  Les Blancs ticked all these boxes and more, and we really are very sorry to be home. The only saving grace is that the sun is shining today in Cardiff - besides that we could easily have done another week.

Just popped in to see mum and dad and they also thoroughly enjoyed their time, and Dave and Nic have already been asking when we are returning and whether they could tag along again!  And yes, the bedtime story last night for Hollie and Tomas was Apple Tree Farm - all the more real now they have actually been there!!  Rhian, Paul, Hollie & Tomas,

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Lovely house and surroundings - so peaceful & quiet.  Loved the animals, the swimming pool, table tennis, badminton etc!!!  Even had a couple of bike rides!  The children really enjoyed Roc Adventure at Roc Saint Andre - almost felt like joining in!  Recommend it to anyone - lovely canal at bottom of hill too.  Beautiful towns all around, good local markets and far too much lovely food to sample.  Helen. 

AMAZING!! Would stay forever if I could, wish I could! Loved all the animals especially the pigs, we named them Pinky and Perky. Pool also fantastic. Joanna xxx Thank you! Had a great time here, like Jo I wish I could stay forever! Loads of things to do here anything from swimming to football, you don't have to go anywhere else really. Particularly enjoyed the cycling and swimming.  Cycling is a great way to see the local area.  I also enjoyed the animals, my mission now is to pressure my dad into getting chickens for home.  Fantastic time!  - Mike.

An absolutely brilliant holiday!  Everything necessary to occupy hyper-active kids!  Beautiful countryside, fascinating towns and the city of Vannes is a must.  Thank you Robert & Veronica for a lovely relaxing stay - Derek.

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The Ttofi's return for the 3rd time!  As previous visits, house, facilities, animals, bikes, pool & the Potters have been fantastic. Discovered a wee little & beautiful town called La Gacilly, full of flowers, art and Yves Rochette HQ, not to be missed. Those who like adventure, drive west to Vallee de Scorff and follow river on foot or car.  Try crossing on stepping stones (I fell in, as usual!) Lovely cycle route 11km - follow blue arrows starting Reguiny lake + pick blackberries.  Love & hugs - Alex, Manda & Tilly xxx

I've had a lovely time in Les Blancs, with beautiful food cooked by Mum.  Had a great time on grandad's birthday as we had a BBQ and Robert came round.  Hope to see you all soon (including animals).  Lots of love, Tilly.

This was always going to be a special holiday since it was our son's first holiday (4.5 month Monty) and it was certainly that and more. He loved the outdoors and all the animal sounds, especially the ducks.  It is such a relaxing and peaceful place with a warm family atmosphere and will always remain one of those most memorable holidays ever and I thank Robert & Veronica for providing such a gorgeous farmhouse.  We hope to see you again and Monty can maybe join in the Sunday 'Boules' with the locals.  Lots of love, Cindy, Andy & Monty. 

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Les Blancs has provided a relaxing and comfortable home for us this week.  It's a very family friendly place with everything you need for a holiday.  The pool has been used every day and the BBQ in the garden has meant we haven't even used the oven!  The girls have enjoyed all the outside play equipment and the animals - especially the Indian Runners - have been entertaining too.

Many thanks Robert and Veronica, with best wishes Dene, Jules, Katie and Lucy from Dorset.

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We would like to thank Robert and Veronica for a fantastic Gite (fantastically equipped - we need not have bothered to pack anything in the car!), great facilities, warm hospitality and suggestions, and best of all the weather - not sure how you turned it around from Monday to Sunday!!  Poppy (10 months) loved the animals and trampoline.  Jake (5yrs) loved the swimming pool and games.

We recommend Carnac and Lac au Duc for beach activities.  The villages are beautiful and quiet. We recommend exploring the local area such as Reguiny and Radenac by bike. Apart from the hill up to Reguiny the area is very flat with hardly any cars. The bike facilities were really good and we were easily able to get about with 2 adults and 2 children. A little further away we recommend Josselin, which is stunning and has a lively market on a Saturday morning.

We are all sad to be leaving. A week really is not enough. Especially now the pool is more than 90F! Dan, Emma, Jake and Poppy.

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A week is not enough!  The gite is so comfortable and well equipped - inside and out.  We had a great time being lazy & winding down - swimming, cycling & a local walk, Josselin was the best - especially on market day (Saturday).  Great views from the top of the tower opposite the Marie - & be prepared for 'air raid siren' at midday!!  The roads for miles around Les Blancs are so quiet - we cycled for 1.5 hours & saw 3-4 cars.  Vannes was good for shopping.

Loved the pool, the trampoline, table tennis, sunloungers, table football etc - everything.  And of course the amazing collection of 'pets'.  All very conducive for a stress free holiday - will have to make it 2 weeks next time though.  Many thanks Robert & Veronica from Karen & Steve, Rachel & Sian

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I loved my bedroom, Nia.  Thanks so much for allowing us to stay here.  I absolutely adored the pool.  On our last day, it was very warm.  THANK YOU!!! William.  The gite has all the ingredients for a perfect holiday.  We loved the pool, the trampoline and appreciated the fantastic facilities of the cottage!  We can recommend a bike ride to Reguiny, where there are two play areas around the lake. It is about a 6 mile round trip.  Further afield, the Village de Poul Fetan near Melrand, Pontivy is great - a reconstructed archaeological site.  Lynne, Michael, William, Hannah and Nia.

We had a wonderful week and especially enjoyed the bikes and riding along the quiet lanes.  We loved exploring the local towns and villages and visited Josselin and Pontivy.  We loved the cottage and grounds - we ate outside and one night sat and watched the shooting stars.  Thank you for a lovely week.  Ruth, Susie, Peter and Paula

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The Turners - We've had a wonderful week at Les Blancs.  Everything you need is here and the friendliness and helpfulness of Robert & Veronica added to the enjoyment of the holiday.  Like visitors before us we recommend Josselin, Trinite sur Mer, Carnac Locmariaquer, Auray - some wonderful beaches and many good restaurants

There is plenty to do and places to visit - but the jewel in the crown is Les Blancs.  The pool, trampoline, table tennis table, badminton, football & boule in the barn. Thoroughly enjoyed by 3 generations but Jack (age 7) loved the chickens & feeding them was the highlight of his holiday.  Look forward to returning!  Dawn, John, Simon, Tracey & Jack -

The Boule Room

Thanks John, a great drawing, but this doesn't do justice to your original!

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Wir danken fur einen sehr angenehmen aufenthalt bei Potters in Les Blancs. Ein uriges bauernhaus – und so komfortabel ausgestattet. Besonders hervorzuheben: Pool, Fahrrader (leider wenig genutzt – Faulheit), Tischtennis, Badminton, Kicker, Billard, Trampolin. Die wirklich gut ausgestattete kuche und Internetanschluss. Unsere Hoffnung hat sich erfullt: ein Ferienhaus, wo sich kleine und grosse kinder nicht langweilen. Chateau de Josselin sehenswert. Poul – Fetan fanden wir sehr interesant, ein historisches Breton. Dorf zum Erleben. Einen absolute tollen strand haben wir in Penvins gefunden. Sogar gebadet (kurz) und das im Mai. Wenn wir mal wiederkommen, bringen wir Freunde mit! Danke fur den gefullten Kuhlschrank bei Ankunft sowie die moglichkeit einer stressfreien Abreise ohne Zeitdruck! Dankeschon, Thank you, Merci – sagen Frank, Jana, Laura und Ferenc aus Thuringen.

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Robert & Veronica - Thanks for a lovely holiday in your gite - we've had a lovely time (Jas loved the chicken feeding, pig feeding, duck feeding, Josh loved the chickens in general!)

You get to keep the picture of the gite (lucky you) cos we couldn't get it home without it falling apart.  Thanks again, lots of love - Mike, Ruth, Jas, Josh xx

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Dear Robert and Veronica, I had a lovely time in France.  You made me much happier now I've come to France.  It has been a great pleasure to meet you and get on with you.  Love from Tilly.

Brilliant week, love the animals, love the gite, love the company, love the food, love the area, love France.  Lynn & Ray xx

Our return!  Just a week this time .... and not long enough!!  Great week and thanks to Bob & Veronica for making it so special, fantastic house with excellent facilities.  Recommend Auray as an early evening visit - head for Le Port, gorgeous wee harbour with plenty of sea front restaurants.  Enjoyed our daily dose of eggs from the hens - they taste delicious.  Robert's salad veg is to die for and Tilly enjoyed feeding the animals.  Made full use of garden activities ... going home for a rest now!!  Thanks again Bob & Veronica and may we return, again, next year!!  Love Manda & Alex

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We had such a lovely holiday, there is such a peaceful feeling about your place, it was amazing to walk out the door into such an incredible landscape.  I also really enjoyed eating all your home-grown food, it gave me a sense of connection that is not common in a holiday home!

My favourite day trip was walking along the Nantes-Brest canal from Pontivy going North.  It was so shady from the trees, and the canal was so beautiful, I'll never forget it.  The kids had a fabulous time too, particularly Maisie, who was more active than we have ever known her to be!!!

Thanks again for making us so welcome, we really enjoyed your company, and will return one day!  All the best, Caroline and Dan, Finn, Tess & Jane

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Have had a great 2 week holiday here with part of our family - 3 generations of us plus Czechoslovak au pair.  Ideal for the little ones - they loved the pool & the trampoline.  The rest of us were becoming quite proficient at table tennis.  Robert & Veronica have been excellent hosts & think of everything.  The bikes were well used & the 2 year old loved going with her dad on the 'seat'.

Josselin medieval day was excellent.  The locals were so obviously enjoying themselves & their costumes were super.  Vannes, Lizio & the war museum at Malestroit are worth a visit.  We are all going to miss the quiet roads & peaceful outdoor dinners.  Andy, Janette, Maisie,

Lovely 2 weeks.  Thank you very much, even though my phone went in the pool.  Trampoline, swimming pool, table tennis, bikes - what more could you wish for?  The weather has been absolutely beautiful so we have made the most of it with dinner outside every night!  Seeing as we had 8 of us there was plenty of space and things to do!  Thanks for a wonderful 2 weeks you even got me a week off school.  Maisie xx