Brittany (Bretagne), located in northwestern France, is a region rich in culture, history, and natural beauty. The coastline, in particular, is unique and photogenic. I found that visiting Brittany was a wonderful way to explore France beyond the more touristy regions like Paris and the French Riviera.
The people here have a strong sense of pride in their local identity and traditions. The region is famous for its crêpes and galettes – traditional savory and sweet buckwheat pancakes. The seafood is also excellent, especially in the coastal towns. I toured the area using public transportation, and I couldn’t miss Dinan, a fairy-tale medieval town with half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets.
La Maison Pavie
For my accommodation, I chose La Maison Pavie, a 15th-century house located in the heart of historic Dinan. The porch and timber-framed building have been classified as a historic monument and are now emblematic landmarks of the city. I felt truly honored to stay in such an ancient structure.
As soon as you walk in, you're soothed by the robust and authentic interior design, soft music, and the gentle fragrance that fills the space. Every detail in this guest house has clearly been lovingly considered. The building was completely renovated and transformed into a guest house in 2010 by the Bachmann Associés agency. A kind lady welcomed me at the entrance, introduced me to the space, and showed me to my room.
Champassack
Each of the rooms is named after an Asian city, in memory of Auguste Pavie’s travels. The explorer, ethnologist, and photographer was born in this very house on 31 May 1847. He later became the first French vice-consul in Laos (1887), then Consul General of France in Bangkok in 1892, and finally Commissioner General in Laos in 1893.
My room, Champassack, was one of the most charming rooms I’ve ever had the pleasure of staying in. I absolutely loved everything about it – the authentic wooden beams, the scent of the soap and body milk in the toiletries, and even the thoughtful detail of covering the water bottles to better match the decor. But most of all, I adored the Gervasoni 160 bed. It was so soft and comfortable that I truly felt like I was sleeping on clouds.
The Amenities of La Maison Pavie
The guest house features a beautiful sitting room where guests can read and relax. In addition, there’s a small garden patio that offers a peaceful spot for lounging.
The breakfast room perfectly embodied the authentic atmosphere I was hoping to find on my Tour de France. And the buffet certainly didn’t disappoint – the fruit was fresh, the bread came from a local bakery, and the croissants were the crispiest I’ve ever tasted. The service was warm and friendly. Each guest was personally introduced to the buffet, and eggs and milk were prepared to order according to individual preferences. It was such a delight to start each day with these delicious treats and friendly conversations with other guests.
After breakfast hours, the same space offered complimentary tea, coffee, and cakes. The selection of teas was magnificent, with a wide variety of flavors. I was eager to try as many as possible. I often returned in the evenings to enjoy a warm cup of tea and pace quietly across the squeaky floorboards, which I found oddly comforting.
In Conclusion
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