Pontivy, France

...in a town such as Pontivy, in all seasons, seems to light up the world with a vibrance that I enjoy very much. The City display wonderful floral hanging baskets on the bridges and these and bright and welcoming and last well into the Autumn months.

WHAT ARE THE ATTRACTIONS OF PONTIVY ?

For me, I believe this is a town that offers everything for everyone. Even when you go on holiday to the calm and remote of a country ...
...Within easy driving distance of Pontivy, you have the Guelerdan Lake area which is a little like the Lake District. Wander further afield and you have coastline and the sandy beaches of Carnac, or more wild and natural beaches of Quiberon and its peninsular. There is so much to see within the area of Pontivy that it makes a super base for a holiday. Many of the “gite” complexes or holiday rentals in the area are extremely rural whilst ... more

I live quite near to the town of Pontivy and it is a strange coincidence that it is twinned with the Town in England where I went to school, i.e. Tavistock. It is also coincidence that the city’s actual foundations were laid by a British Monk, when you consider that the English people seem to be drawn to this particular area of Brittany.

The city lies on the River Blavet, the banks of which have footpaths for the brave who want to discover the different villages by foot, simply following in the much trodden path of many a traveler. The beauty of the River is unquestionable, and in a town such as Pontivy, in all seasons, seems to light up the world with a vibrance that I enjoy very much. The City display wonderful floral hanging baskets on the bridges and these and bright and welcoming and last well into the Autumn months.

WHAT ARE THE ATTRACTIONS OF PONTIVY ?

For me, I believe this is a town that offers everything for everyone. Even when you go on holiday to the calm and remote of a country cottage, you need a place where you can go to mix and mingle with locals, gather provisions, maybe catch a train to another part of Brittany, hire a vehicle, search for souvenirs and bask in a little part of history. Pontivy boasts it all.

HISTORICAL BUILDINGS OF GREAT INTEREST

The chateau in Pontivy is well worthy of a visit since instead of making history dead and lifeless, the chateau is used for art exhibitions, exhibitions of Breton Costume, concerts and any number of events through the summer. Entrance is a humble 2 Euros (i.e. £1.20) and you can visit the turrets, walk over the courtyards, feel part of something that has passed, whilst also seeing from on high the city below and hearing the noises of today. The gardens are not overly extravagant, though they do give a nice arbour on a hot summer’s day to stop, let the world go past, and read or just unwind.

Other buildings of interest are the toll houses, although only one shines out as an example of architecture at its best. There used to be a toll for entering the city, although these days are long gone. The toll house is in exquisite condition and well worthy of a look.

In the town center itself, there is a pedestrian area which takes you through streets in the Old Town and the “Place du Martray” where there is always a market on a Monday. The market here is artisinal and what that means is that it is mostly home produced goods, whilst the market in the center square of the town is more generalized.

OTHER ATTRACTIONS

There is a cyber café in Pontivy itself which means that people coming here can have access to their email, if they are missing it. It is well laid out and you pay a small hourly rate and the nice thing here is that if your time is not used up, you can use it another day.

Supermarkets galore !! The supermarkets are well laid out and immense, and offer the tourist a very wide range of local produce such as Breton Biscuits, cakes, cheeses, and of course a wonderful selection of wine. Prices are superbly low.

WHAT DO I LIKE BEST ABOUT PONTIVY ?

I like its consistency. No matter what the time of year, the feeling of being in town but also the feeling of being safe. The crime rate here is practically nothing, and I like the free parking, the ease of access to the city center shops. There is a huge car park in the middle of the town, and this is also a hub of activity from time to time with local events, although I have never found it impossible to find parking which still amazes me after all these years.

WHAT IS NEAR PONTIVY ?

Within easy driving distance of Pontivy, you have the Guelerdan Lake area which is a little like the Lake District. Wander further afield and you have coastline and the sandy beaches of Carnac, or more wild and natural beaches of Quiberon and its peninsular. There is so much to see within the area of Pontivy that it makes a super base for a holiday. Many of the “gite” complexes or holiday rentals in the area are extremely rural whilst being just five minutes from the city center. As for hotels, these are in abundance for as little as £15 a night.

NIGHT LIFE

The French take their eating very seriously and going out for a meal can last all evening, starting from around 7.30. Restaurants are filled with atmosphere and welcome and you are never hustled to leave and can make a wonderful evening of it. Discos available for the young, and many concerts all the year around.

TOURIST INFORMATION

The tourist information Office is in the main street and the guides and publicity leaflets are extremely useful.

OVERALL IMPRESSION OF THE TOWN

I am impressed with Pontivy. I have recently moved and going to Pontivy every Saturday for the last 10 years has become a habit, so much so that even in looking around other towns nearer to where I live, I have not found one with as much to offer as Pontivy has.

Thanks for reading.
Rachel
 

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