Unusual weekend in the Pays du roi Morvan: around the world in 2 days!
If you've never dreamt of a complete change of scenery without having to travel too far from home, just lift a finger!
In the heart of Brittany, in the Land of the King Morvan, you can explore several continents in 2 days, without a passport and without going to a bureau de change.
Atypical adventures near Gourin
The first day of this highly original weekend begins under the colours of the American Star-Spangled Banner, without taking a plane or a boat.
Gourin City
When you visit Gourin, capital of the Black Mountains (not to be confused with the Rocky Mountains), you get the feeling of being on the other side of the Atlantic... but why?
A Statue of Liberty in the centre of Gourin
We're off to a great start, with Miss Liberty herself welcoming visitors to the centre of Gourin! Curious, isn't it? Naturally, there's a reason for her presence. She pays tribute to the many Gourinois who emigrated to the United States at the end of the 19th century. But what an idea to go into exile so far away!
An exhibition on immigration at Château de Tronjoly
To understand the motivation behind this mass departure, we need to take a closer look at local history.
It was because of the difficult economic conditions of the time that these adventurers decided to leave Brittany and cross the Atlantic to find work.
If you want to find out more about the fascinating lives of these expatriates, you should visit the Château de Tronjoly. TheBretagne Transamerica exhibition recounts their difficulties, their successes and their incredible journeys... Some came back, others stayed. Today, Gourin still has very close links with the USA.
A Wild West ranch in Le Saint
We continue our journey in Le Saint, more precisely at DD Ranch Work, Didier and Alison's home.
A real ranch in Central Brittany
If you see cowboys raising cattle like in the American West, you're not hallucinating. These two gentle, passionate loonies work in the purest tradition, just like in the westerns, except that it's "for real".
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced rider, a fan of US culture or just curious to discover this rather strange world in Central Brittany, everyone is welcome at DD Ranch Work!
Real cowboys
If you'd like to sample their produce (don't forget that they're ranchers by trade), it's very simple! They sell directly from the ranch. There's no need to have dollars in your pocket to pay for your purchases. Even if you feel completely out of place, remember that you're still in Brittany!
An astonishing couchette car in Guiscriff
Even if you're not jet-lagged, this incredible day can leave you feeling a little tired.
It's time to head off to theunusual accommodation where you'll be spending the night: an authentic 1926 sleeping car in Guiscriff. Located on the Loisirs en Gare site, it has compartments for 2 or 3 people. Let the charm of its atmosphere from another era do the rest. The atmosphere of this journey back in time is really warm. It's like a little Orient-Express...
Come on, have sweet dreams! It won't be difficult in such an unusual setting.
A curious African museum in Langonnet
On the second day of this thrilling journey, we head for Langonnet, and more specifically for Notre-Dame Abbey.
An abbey and missionaries
Nestling in the heart of the Ellé Valley, this Cistercian abbey dates back to the 12th century. Since the 19th century, it has been occupied by the Congrégation du Saint-Esprit. You'll love visiting the cloister and chapter house, and strolling around the site. Although the site is very peaceful today, this was not always the case. The Abbey has a very chequered history. At one time, it was even turned into a stud farm!
Today, it is inhabited by retired Spiritan monks. They have founded a museum of African art.
An unexpected museum
The Spiritans have been visitingAfrica for a very long time. From their many journeys, these missionaries returned with suitcases full of souvenirs: objects from everyday life, tools, masks, weapons, statuettes...
The museum has been created in memory of these men and women who set off to discover new worlds. It also pays tribute to African culture. The richness of the collection will make you forget you're in the Land of King Morvan!
A surprising Buddhist temple in Plouray
Still in shape? Not too tired? Then let's head for another continent!
It's hard to believe that this time the Breton countryside looks likeAsia! When you arrive at the Drukpa Buddhist Centre in Plouray, between Gourin and Guémené-sur-Scorff, you won't believe your eyes. The stupa, the prayer wheel, the temple, the statues, the colourful decor... it's as if you've been teleported to Tibet! It's nothing like the little granite chapels you see all over Brittany.
And this calm, this serenity...
While visiting this particularly disconcerting site in Central Brittany, you may be lucky enough to bump into Pierrick. Don't hesitate to ask him any questions you may have about the history of the Buddhist Centre. He's a mine of information!
The journey to the restaurant plate
The best thing about travelling abroad is discovering the local cuisine.
No problem! With the restaurants in the Pays du Roi Morvan, the change of scenery can even be experienced at the tip of your fork. You can choose from 'so british' fish and chips in Guémené-sur-Scorff, oriental flavours in Le Faouët and Plouray, Italian specialities in pizzerias here and there... Forget the Breton crêperies, you can eat crêpes another time!
That's it, this 2-day round-the-world trip is over.
All you have to do now is show your photos to your friends and ask them to guess your weekend destination. You're sure to fool them!
See also
Inspirations and great experiences!
