Wandering around Huelgoat Forest & Town in Brittany France. Magical, enchanting and picturesque скачать в хорошем качестве

Wandering around Huelgoat Forest & Town in Brittany France. Magical, enchanting and picturesque

We visited Huelgoat (Brittany, France) in September 2024 on a rather wet day. The town of Huelgoat is in the relatively unexplored centre of Finistere (western Brittany) where it falls within both the Armorique Regional Natural Park and the Monts d'Arree region. As well as the town itself there are a couple of unexpected pleasures to discover here - including an 'enchanted forest' - and a visit is recommended. Our visit to the town began in the centre of Huelgoat, in a large open square called Place Aristide Briande. The most notable building on this square is the Church of Saint Yves, which dates from the 16th century but has been substantially altered and restored in the last 150 years. Step inside to see the painted wooden statues that date from the 17th century. The Restaurant de Bretagne is in another imposing stone building on the same square, and there are various creperies and cafes around the edge of the square. Another historical monument of interest in Huelgoat is the Chapel of Notre-Dame-des-Cieux, a quaint 15th century chapel that has been recently restored. Leaving the square you will discover that Huelgoat is in a picturesque location on the edge of a large lake, which also makes for a pleasant stroll. The main site that attracts visitors to Huelgoat is the adjoining forest, entered at the lake by the Moulin du Chaos, a stone built mill dating from the 14th century. The Forêt d'Huelgoat is an enchanting forest where the River Argent splits into rushing streams and pretty pools with stepping stones, and waterfalls. At La Mare aux Fées, the fairy pool, it is said that fairies comb their hair with golden combs beside the pool to see their reflections, whilst the boars' pool is so-named as the wild boars of the forest used to come here to drink. The forest is strewn with moss-covered boulders, said to have been hurled by the giant Gargantua who did not appreciate the boiled buckwheat broth the villagers gave him to stave off his hunger. Several striking rock formations have earned intriguing names such as the Devil's Grotto, Arthur's Cave, where it is said he left some of his treasure, and a cave where a little imagination will open your eyes to the home of the Virgin Mary with a cauldron, ladle, bed and butter churn amongst other objects said to have been created from the rocks. The Celtic defences are also known as the Camp d'Artus, Arthur's camp. Ever wanted to move a 100 tonne rock? La Roche Tremblante, or trembling rock is a huge megalith that pivots when weight is applied in a certain place - even a small child can move it! Little ones will also love Le Champignon, two boulders resembling a giant mushroom. If you look closely, perhaps you'll see fairies or korrigans, Breton spirits, moving about the beeches, oaks, and chestnuts or hiding amongst the ferns. Silver firs and Scots pines can also be found here. There is a circular signposted path from the watermill on the lake to explore the forest, or you can also take a tour to learn about the myths and legends of the forest. Writers and artists alike have been inspired by this bewitching place and there are many craftsmen and artisans in the town including ceramicists, leather makers, jewellers and enamellers.One of the few remnants of the ancient forests that once covered Brittany, the forest at Huelgoat is a place of legends and fairy tales, and a very scenic trail through the forest passes great moss covered boulders and a small river in the shade of ancient trees. Large boulders are strewn around, several with evocative names such as "the Devil's Cave" or "the trembling rock" (a huge boulder that is balanced so that it can be moved slightly). The boulders are here because the giant Gargantua, passing through the region long ago, was unimpressed by the hospitality provided by the villagers, and promptly threw lots of rocks at the Huelgoat! Music from those lovely souls at: www.purple-planet.com