Callac is a small, peaceful market town in the heart of Central Brittany where the Breton language is still spoken daily and horse-breeding stud is a famous tradition as well as the breeding of Brittany spaniels. The main market day is every Wednesday in the cobbled square and all basic amenities are in place: 2 supermarkets, 2 banks, 2 boulangeries, a post office, a patisserie, restaurants, bars and gift shops. Many farmers have retired to Callac after selling their farms which further helps the town to retain its traditional Breton atmosphere.
Access
Callac is situated in the Côtes d’Armor department of the Brittany region, 30mins south-west of Guingamp and 20mins north-east of Carhaix. The one line remaining from the narrow gauge railway system that linked the towns of Central Brittany in the early part of the C20th runs through Callac (the Carhaix to Guingamp line was converted to normal gauge in the 1960s). Roscoff ferryport can be reached in approximately 30mins and St Malo ferryport in 45mins.
History
Originally built at the junction of two valleys, Callac grew up around a C12th feudal castle sited on the outcrop currently visible from Rue de la Gare. During the C14th, the castle was besieged many times until it finally fell in 1363 to the forces of Bertrand du Guesclin, future constable of France, and was levelled in 1393 on the orders of Charles VI of France due to his fears of its powerful strategic position. In the 15th Century, to counter the ambitions of Louis XI of France, who envisaged the annexation of Brittany, the castle was rebuilt by Duke Francois II. However, after the unification of France and Brittany the castle was again demolished in 1551 on the orders of Henri II, king of France and Duke of Brittany. Then during the war of the Catholic League the ruins of the castle served as a strongpoint for the local partisans until the final destruction ordered by Cardinal Richelieu in around 1625.
Historical architecture in Callac today include: the ruins of the Notre Dame Church of Botmel, an old parish church and a Gallo-Roman bridge. The bridge is almost completely intact and exceptionally peaceful. Set back a litte way from the road and shaded by tall oaks and alders, it embodies a marshy wilderness that is idyllic.
Activities
Callac’s Lac de la Vallée Verte, with an area of 8 hectares, is a central feature of the town and particularly popular with both novice and experienced fishermen. In the summer there are competitions which draw large numbers of participants from around the Callac area and there is a small sandy area ideal for children, as well as a mini golf course, basketball and tennis courts and a roller-blading park. Similarily, Lac de Guerledan, Brittany’s largest inland body of water is only 1h from Callac and has several interesting freshwater fishing locations as well as some beautiful nature trails and numerous water sports: water skiing, kayaking and canoeing. Boat hire is available in both areas, for individual and group fishing parties. There is a superb selection of high quality and original golf courses close to Callac. And the dramatic coastline of La Côte de Granite Rose is only 40mins from Callac. With its long sandy beaches and coppery pink granite rocks it is one of France’s favourite holiday resorts.
Gorges du Corong is also an area of natural beauty featuring giant boulders with streams cascading through the gorge. Only 15mins drive from Callac, this whole area is steeped in legends of King Arthur. Visitors can walk through a wooded valley with glacial rocks as high as a house balanced on each other and picnic around a river bed which is completely covered with granite boulders which you can climb over while the water flows below.
Armoripark at Begard, 30 mins from Callac, is great for children both young an old. A family entertainment park with swimming pool, watershoots, picnic areas, pedaloes, outside toboggan, trampolines, archery, bowling, restaurants, bars and terraces, it will never fail to entertain no matter how many times visited.
Food & Drink
Old-fashioned Breton cooking is not elaborate. The crêpe is the basic everyday food and lobster is the primary festive food. Crêpes come in 2 main varieties: crêpes sucrées (sugared crêpes) and crêpes salées (salted crêpes). Cider is the main drink and for dessert there is ‘Kouign Amann’ (butter cake) which originated in the C19th.
Restaurants
- La Renaissance, 10 rue des Portes, tel: 02 96 45 94 61, restaurant, bar & creperie 15-30€
- Savidan Lozac’h, 38 place du 9 avril, tel: 02 96 45 94 61, cakes, chocolates, Breton toffees & tea 5-15€
- Le Moulin Blanc, Plougonver, tel: 02 96 21 60 81, traditional family meals 15-40€
- B.C Pizza, 2 rue De Quéré, tel: 02 96 45 89 81, home-made pizza 10-15€
Our team of sale advisers at Sextant Properties will be happy to help you to find a property for sale in Brittany . We have a large network of estate agents in Brittany. All of them are registered French real estate agents and speak both French and English. Whatever kind of property you are looking for: farmhouse, longere, barn, gite, B&B, country house, mill, castle or chateau, we will do our best to find a property in Brittany matching your requirements. Do not hesitate to contact us to find out more about our selection of properties for sale near Callac