Le Rhun has sensitively restored several gites that are set in some truly beautiful woodlands. In a former life, Le Rhun used to be a Breton cider farm and it now provides a unique destination for families to have some quality time together to really relax. The beaches of Brittany are nearby as well as sites of cultural and historical importance for those that like to use the grey matter whilst on holiday. The gites are suitable for any number of people, from couples to larger family groups up to 12 – all provide the perfect backdrop for a child friendly break.
The beaches, forming part of the famous Crozon Peninsula, offer a whole host of activities as well as being truly stunning. Surfing, sailing, sand yachting, cycling and horse riding are all available to keep the most active of family members busy. The wide expanses of sand are also perfect for just kicking back and relaxing. The beach of Plongee is a good spot for snorkeling for the marine life enthusiasts.
Other than the nearby beaches, there is a wide range of activities on offer. There is a swimming pool on site, alongside a large field to play all manner of ball games, plus some swings, a sandpit their famous ‘pirate ship’ which children love. The woodlands offer the chance for some peaceful walks or even take a quintessential French picnic made up of a baguette from the local village bakery, cheese and wine. A walk to the ‘Fairy Glade’ is a must for those with small children.
The gites themselves are well kitted out. All mod cons are on offer – including a washing machine, hairdryer, DVD player, microwave and food processor, great for those with young babies. Local fresh produce is readily available, including an abundance of seafood like the famous scallops from Saint-Jacques. A nice touch is the picnic basket provided by the owners that comes complete with a bucket and spade. The equipment provided for those with very little ones means that packing for any stay here is quick and easy. There are baby baths, high chairs, toys and even kiddie loo seats for all guests to use.
The owners are welcoming, warm and extremely helpful. They are determined to make you feel at home and like no request is to big. They live on site and pride themselves on being approachable – especially when asked to help organize a birthday party or anniversary celebration. They have installed wi-fi for all guests to use in a location they have called ‘under the barn’. They even throw ‘crepe evenings’ which are big hit with all members of the family.
There are several fetes and festivals that are held in the area throughout the year which can affect availability of the gites, so bear this in mind when booking.
Le Rhun, Argol, 29560 FRANCE
Telephone + 33 298172190
Website: lerhun.com
We came here after deciding that we wanted to go to Brittany, a very easy choice being that we live in Cornwall. A short drive into Devon, crossing the Channel from Plymouth to Roscoff, and driving an hour or so on the ‘wrong’ side of the road seemed very manageable with a two and four year old in tow!
Our research for family friendly self-catering accommodation was well rewarded. Le Rhun purports to be ‘for holidays like they used to be’ and from the very welcoming arrival and throughout our stay, it very much felt like innocent family vacations of old: running through fields, children laughing, beaches, fresh air, great food alfresco, picturesque surroundings. We very much came on this premise and felt that our needs had been met thanks to this wonderful place.
We opted to stay in Ecurie, a former horse stable. Although one of the smaller of the five available gites, it was the perfect size for our small family. Kitted out in a traditional Breton style with quirky furniture and exposed stone walls and beams, the cottage oozed character. The upstairs had a marvellous double bedroom for the adults (along with homemade Cassis in a bottle labelled “drink me”!) and a twin-bedded room for the kids, complete with a wooden chest brimming with toys and games. Alongside the family-oriented paraphernalia like baby bath, high chair, child toilet seat, stair gates, toys, picnic sets and baby bedding, they really had thought of everything for the young family.
Downstairs was open plan with the living/dining room providing a wood burning stove along with comfy sofa and armchair. A four seat dining table occupied space next to doors that opened out onto the outside patio overlooking the inner courtyard and the old cider press. We spent many an evening here cooking on the stone barbecue and dining alfresco. It was great to share in the experience with like-minded parents, often quaffing wine while watching the children playing with their new friends.
All the outside space had been well thought out. The outside swimming pool was excellent, allowing much needed respite from the heat. Being fenced off, there was never any danger of passing children falling in accidentally!
Our son loved the play pit and, of course, the wooden pirate ship. Our younger daughter took a shine to one of the wooden play houses equipped with a play kitchen. We’d often find them both driving around in one of the many Little Tike cars provided. My own personal favourite was the magical Fairy Glade complete with carved miniature houses. Our daughter was in complete awe of this when Lesley took her for a walk through it on the first day.
Although Le Rhun is set in beautiful countryside, most days away from the site were spent exploring the stunningly picturesque beaches nearby. Take the gorgeous Kerloc'h plage for example, a great place to spend a few hours and then eat at a local creperie.
Of note locally was Cameret-sur Mer, a great coastal town with fabulous eateries. Further afield but well worth a day out, the kids loved the Oceanopolis aquarium in Brest (27 miles away, approximately 40 minutes by car).
Le Rhun wins our Editors’ Choice award and I implore our readers to consider it when looking at holidaying in Brittany -your kids will thank you for it!
