In the heart of Brittany, about thirty kilometers south-west of Rennes, lies the Brocelian forest also called Paimpont Forest. This place is the privileged domain of Breton and Celtic legends. Broceliande has an atmosphere of mystery. It is a mythical and enchanted forest lost between the 11,000 hectares, oaks, streams and especially amazing stories.
Amazing stories and legends in Broceliande
Who ever heard of King Arthur's legend? Come discover it in Broceliande, its place of origin with Merlin the Enchanter, Lancelot du Lac, the fairy Viviane and the fairy Morgane.
King Arthur is the son of Uther Pendragon. It is born under the aegis of a fabulous animal: the dragon. Elevated far from power it reveals itself as a very good warrior. Indeed, from his youth he faced terrifying beings and won many battles. The purest emblem of King Arthur's legend is Excalibur, the shining sword of jewels, which does not belong to him, but is its guardian.
Merlin the enchanter is the Druid of King Arthur. Doctor, bard, he controls the rain, the fire and the wind. He guided Arthur in the quest for the Grail, a precious chalice with the power to heal, feed and regenerate.
Lake lancelot is the greatest knight, he is the child of Broceliande. Son of a king, he was taken away by the lady of the lake, and became then « the son of the fairy ». He spent his childhood in Broceliande. King Arthur's last hero to join the Round Table, he has the most beautiful battles, the rarest exploits.
Fairy legends...
The fairy Viviane, also called the Water Fairy is a woman with great beauty and a lively spirit. She protects and monitors the knight lancelot. It also protects King Arthur. According to legend, Merlin met Viviane in Broceliande. Merlin fell deeply in love with Viviane and built him the palace of Cristal, visible only by her. For men, it appears in the form of the lake at the castle of Comper. Viviane, jealous of Merlin's absences, gave him a spell and condemned him to stay with her in these woods forever.
The Fairy Morgan, the sister of King Arthur, is a healing fairy, magician and able to fly like a bird. She learns to master the passage of our world to the other world. But this power, Morgane uses for his prisoners, unfaithful husbands who dared venture on these lands. Lancelot entered the spell and released the prisoners. She became jealous of Lancelot and Guinevere and became King Arthur's greatest enemy. She tried several times to kill him, but in vain.
As you will understand, Broceliande is full of legendary multitudes of history. Don't hesitate to come because history is waiting for you.
Places to see in Broceliande
Don't hesitate to go see Paimpont Forest. Indeed, if you want to dive into the legend, these woods will lead you there. The forest has impressive history, as at the Barenton fountain. If you want to do this, just follow the path that goes up into the forest. There are about 4 kilometers on foot from Folle Thought parking lot. You will not be disappointed by these woods that hold the largest forest massifs in Brittany.
The small village of Trehorenteuc, the high place of Broceliande. It is surrounded by hills of Val without return. It's Morgan Fairy. This place has a church dedicated to the Grail. It was Abbé Gillard who had the idea of making it a site, combining the legend of King Arthur.
We offer a tour with a guide-teller, about 4 kilometers in order to discover the Golden Tree, the Fairy Mirror and the Merlin seat.
We recommend the creperie « The Fairy Mirror ». Accessible to all and open daily in high season.
We recommend you Lake Tremelin, one of the most visited sites in Brittany. There are about 400,000 visitors per year. The pond is 45 hectares. It is just minutes from Merlin's tomb and the secret door. Various trails have been built in order to be able to go around the pond for hikers. But this place also offers leisure activities. Including contemporary art exhibitions, fishing discovery courses and sporting events. There is also a branch for those who want to discover fauna and flora. Or you can also simply come relax on the lake beach, monitored during the summer season.
Other places of interest
We offer you the Castle of Comper, dated 13nd century. It is the castle par excellence, for it mixes with legend. It is surrounded by forests and ponds. According to legend, Lake Comper conceals the Crystal Palace, built by enchanter Merlin and the Viviane Fairy.
This castle also has a park, with trails. So you can enjoy the panoramic view of the pond as well as all plant species present.
6 kilometers from the castle of Comper, is the creperie « The Gourmet Fairy ». It is located on the edge of the Paimpont pond.
We offer you the Castle of Comper, dated 13nd century. It is the castle par excellence, for it mixes with legend. It is surrounded by forests and ponds. According to legend, Lake Comper conceals the Crystal Palace, built by enchanter Merlin and the Viviane Fairy.
This castle also has a park, with trails. So you can enjoy the panoramic view of the pond as well as all plant species present.
6 kilometers from the castle of Comper, is the creperie « The Gourmet Fairy ». It is located on the edge of the Paimpont pond.
Check it out. the Forges of Paimpont : 3 centuries of metallurgical activities. Former industrial site, classified historical monument. They are currently being restored. In 1656 the Forges settled in Broceliande. It was a success! Over the years, the forges were modernized. We suggest you visit the forges of Paimpont. The visit is 10 € per person for a free visit every day (except Saturday) from 2pm. For a commented visit, it is 13 € per person, only on Sundays and at 2.30 p.m. It takes about 1 hour to visit.
For children aged 6-13, the price is 7€ and is free for children under 6 years of age.
You will be presented the three centuries of Metallurgy, the operation of the iron industry, the models of the forges and the presentation of the project of the restorations in progress.
If you want to eat, it is quite possible. We recommend you go to the restaurant « Forges of Paimpont » with an exceptional view of the pond. We will cook you refined dishes of the terroir, fish and game specialties.
Near Broceliande – At Domaine des Camélias
Above all, don't hesitate to come At Domaine des Camélias, during your stay. After a day of discovering the legend, come relax in the house or in guest roomss. Accompanied by Park and the pool, spend a moment of pleasure in calm.
And if you want more information, contact Beatrice, the owner of the premises.