Pampered Promenades
If you are the kind of person who enjoys walking down tiny country lanes and ancient pathways, across open farm land and through wooded valleys: if you are looking for some peace and quiet and to relax in an historic manor house, having exercised the old leg muscles: if, wandering through beautiful countryside, finding the occasional quiet café for a refreshing beer or a glass of wine or simply a petit café, is your cup-of-tea: if you are looking for a good “leg stretch” over a 12 to 18 kilometre walk (or more), perhaps along the tow path of a meandering river and if, at the end of a pleasantly exhausting day you would like to be wined and dined, then “Pampered Promenades” at le Manoir de Mongrenier is just the thing for you!

We have identified more than 30 interesting walks in this lovely corner of Brittany – all well sign posted - ranging from a gentle 5 kilometres to a testing 18 kilometres (before lunch?) and we have developed a hospitality programme which can only be described as Pampered!

The programme runs from the beginning of September to the end of June each year and is based on a five day break, with four nights staying with us at le Manoir de Mongrenier. When you arrive, we will discuss your “promenading preferences” with you and help you decide on which particular walks you would like to do during your break with us. We deliver you to the start of your walks and then pick you up at the end and packed lunches are provided, if you have decided to stay out all day. If you wish to have a day off and see the local sites, then we are on hand to advise and direct you in planning your tourist routes – don’t forget to bring your driving license if you wish to use our car.

Our accommodation at le Manoir de Mongrenier has been awarded the coveted “3 épis” by the Gîtes de France and you will be allocated a suitable double room. All our accommodation is centrally heated, with private bathrooms. Whilst we would certainly not claim to be gastronomic chefs, our menus have been described as “exciting”, “interesting”, “filling” and “excellent”: we are sure that we will be able to tickle the most demanding of palates and we will cater for most special dietary requirements if needed. Our groups are limited to three couples.

The “Pampered Promenades” Programme consists of the following:-

Day One:
You arrive at le Manoir de Mongrenier in the afternoon – time for a quick walk? Or just relax with a cup of “Russian Caravan” or “Earl Grey” tea until it is time for aperitifs. If you have decided to fly to Brittany instead of taking the ferry, then we will collect you from either Rennes (supplement of £25 return) or Dinard (supplement of £35 return). The day finishes with dinner prepared by us in the Manoir with the opportunity to taste some delightful French wine and perhaps to reminisce, over a local “digestive”, with other guests by the roaring log fire, before bed time.

Days Two and Three:
Breakfast – English or French? Pack up your sac à dos and we are off to the start of your first Promenade. When you have reached the end of your walk, usually at a convenient café, you can call us on the mobile (we will supply one of ours if you don’t have one) and we will come and pick you up, to return to a good-sized lunch or tea – home made cakes?. Over aperitifs, we will discuss with you what sort of restaurant you would like for the evening meal; we will book the restaurant for you and then take you there, to be picked up after your meal – so, no worries about that extra glass of wine!.

Day Four:
After breakfast you may decide to visit some of the local sites or you may prefer to continue your walking plan. Either way, we are here to speed you on your way! If you are still feeling energetic, then our Games Room with table tennis and table football will test your skills. Tea, then aperitifs follow and dinner is in the Manoir, when, no doubt we will all wish to recount tales of derring-do and the various highlights of your "Pampered Promenades”.

Day Five:
If you have travelled to us by car, you may wish to leave in good time to visit some of the lovely villages and chateaux between Mongrenier and the Channel ports. Alternatively, you are welcome to lounge about at Mongrenier or do some shopping in near-by Josselin. If you are returning to either Rennes or Dinard, we will need to be on the road by mid-morning.

Where are we?
Mongrenier is built on a little hill, overlooking the valley of the River Sedon. All around us are rolling wooded hills and valleys, with fine views in all directions. Mongrenier is in the heart of the South Breton countryside, between the little villages of Coet Bugat and Penroc. We are 6 kilometres from the medieval town of Josselin, with its wonderful 15th century chateau, overlooking the River Oust. You will receive directions on how to reach us when you confirm your booking.

Travelling to Mongrenier
Mongrenier is easily reached by day or overnight ferry from Portsmouth and Plymouth and is 1.5 hours drive from St Malo, 3 hours from Caen, 4 hours from le Havre, 2.5 hours from Roscoff (from Plymouth) or 6 hours from Calais if you wish to use the shorter sea crossing, all on good dual carriage ways. If you decide to travel by Brittany Ferries, then we may be able to obtain a small discount on the cost of the crossing. The airports of Rennes (from Southampton) and Dinard (from Luton and Stanstead) are 45 minutes and 1.5 hours drive respectively.

The Cost
We have endeavoured to include as many elements of the cost in the overall Programme Price of £550 per couple (or £450 for a single booking) as we can. The items that are specifically not included are travel insurance, ferries/flights and restaurant meals and drinks out. Please call us if you are not sure if something is in or out!

Who are we?
We are keen walkers, having tramped over diverse terrains in New Zealand, Australia, Nepal, Kashmir, South Africa, the UK, France, Norway and Italy. In 2005, we completed the Sentier Cathares (270 kilometres), walking from the Mediterranean to Foix in the centre of France; In 2006, we walked the Auvergne, climbing most of the beautiful “puys” in a 250 km circuit. In 2007 we completed the Stevenson Trail in the Cevennes.

What Next?
Just contact us to discuss your preferred dates and we will answer all your questions.

Bonne Route!