We live less than two hours from the North Brittany ports of St Malo and Roscoff, on the road from Loudéac.

Within thirty minutes walk is the eastern end of the Lac du Guerlédan, an artificial lake which empties into the river Blavet. On a bicycle, or with good boots, or in a car, more of the lake becomes accessible with its fishing, canoeing, water skiing, sandy beaches, and surrounding forest.

Easily reached is the Abbaye de Bon Repos, the ruin of an ancient monastery, and near this, access to Nantes - Brest canal with its towpath.

Seaside beaches are available less than one hour to the North near St Brieuc, which has large shopping areas, and ninety minutes to the South near Vannes, which sports many second hand and antique shops (known as 'brocantes').

These are only approximate timings based on my own driving habits..........

If you like to eat Breton crêpes and galettes, there are two crêperies in town, another at Bon Repos, and any number around the lake. The area also boasts many convivial brasseries and bars where you can sample the many excellent ciders, lagers, and, of course, wines.

If you like statistics - and some people do, I know - the Agence Départementale du développement économique et territorial des Côtes d’Armor has lots of demographic statistics about Côtes d’Armor.