Explore the Local Area
At La Belle Vilaine, you’ll enjoy the best of both worlds: peaceful countryside surroundings and easy access to the highlights of South Brittany and Loire Atlantique.
Whether you’re passionate about wildlife, coastal adventures, charming villages or simply relaxing in nature, this beautiful corner of France offers everything you need for a memorable break — especially for guests seeking dog-friendly holiday cottages in Brittany.
A Peaceful Setting with Remarkable Wildlife
Our pet-friendly gîtes are nestled in a friendly, tranquil hamlet with sweeping views across open countryside. Nature lovers will be in their element: swallowtail butterflies and Black Kites glide over the gardens in spring and summer; Golden Orioles and White Storks nest nearby; and the surrounding woodlands are home to red squirrels, pine martens and impressive Black Woodpeckers.
The River Vilaine is just a short, easy walk from your door — perfect for riverside strolls with your dog or a peaceful afternoon of fishing (local permits available). To help you explore, we provide detailed walking maps featuring quiet lanes, woodland paths, farmland tracks and scenic routes down to the river.
For those who wish we are always happy to set off on group walkies with our girls.
Conveniently Located for Villages, Markets and Amenities
Despite the peaceful setting, you’re only a few minutes from everything you need.
- St. Dolay, just 5 minutes by car, offers bakeries, butchers, pharmacies, cafés, a post office and restaurants.
- In the opposite direction, Nivillac has a boulangerie, tabac, post office and a mini-supermarket with butcher’s counter.
- Ten minutes away, the medieval town of La Roche-Bernard invites you to wander cobbled streets, enjoy riverside dining, browse the vibrant Thursday market, hire a boat or take a river cruise.
A short walk from your gîte, the friendly local bar in St. Cry (25 minutes on foot) offers drinks, snacks and a welcoming atmosphere. Like La Belle Vilaine, it is child- and dog-friendly.
Beaches, Nature Reserves and Days Out
A wide choice of beaches, which are dog-friendly for most of the year, is available within a 30-minute drive — and we provide all the details and directions you need. In summer we can direct you to a beach where dogs are allowed.
Around 40 minutes away, the beautiful medieval city of Vannes and the spectacular Golfe du Morbihan await, with their islands, nature reserves and postcard-perfect coastal scenery.
Closer to home, step into the magical landscape of La Grande Brière, just over the border in Loire Atlantique. Often compared to a miniature Norfolk Broads, this vast wetland can be explored by guided punt tour, horse-drawn cart or self-hire rowing boat (dogs welcome). Well-marked footpaths take you deep into the marshlands — an unforgettable experience for wildlife enthusiasts. Pack a picnic, bring your binoculars and enjoy one of the most peaceful natural areas in the region.
For fishing enthusiasts
You can fish in the river Vilaine – walk from the gîte or drive. Permits available locally.
If you enjoy seafood you can join the locals at the coast and collect mussels. Local bylaws may apply.
Discover new activities with your best friend. 🎁 1 free session *
Choose a 1-hour session with the renowned Elaine Clark…
Scent Detection
Mantrailing
Hoopers
Dog Dancing
Treibball
This session is reserved for dogs belonging to your family or group of friends staying at La Belle Vilaine.
Throughout her long career, Elaine—now semi-retired—has helped hundreds of dog-parents and trained many instructors from dog clubs and professional dog trainers across France, Belgium, Luxembourg, and even internationally. Starting in 2026, she will offer lessons exclusively to holiday guests at La Belle Vilaine.
NO OTHER CLIENTS HAVE LESSONS ON-SITE
For those who wish to benefit even more, Elaine also offers optional paid individual lessons in any of the activities listed above. These sessions are likewise only available for dogs staying with us. Contact us for more information.
To discover more about each activity, we invite you to follow the links on the right to our Facebook or YouTube profiles.
* For bookings of 3 nights or more