Brittany off the beaten track: 5 little-known treasures for families

The Valley of the Saints is Brittany's 'Easter Island', a tribute to the holy Breton founders. Both a historic site and a land of legends, you can gawp at dozens of monumental granite statues standing three to four metres high. Philippe Abjean, responsible for this somewhat crazy project, wished to pay tribute to the monks who came from Ireland, Wales and Cornwall to evangelise Brittany. There will be hundreds more in the next 50 years! The landscape surrounding them is just as spectacular and will fascinate the whole family: the Valley is home to a Gallic fountain whose water is said to have the power to heal animals, and flows beneath a charming chapel. An extraordinary place.

Looking for an extra-special outing for your little adventurers? Along the Côte de Granit Rose (Rose Granite Coast), head across to Milliau Island on foot at low tide. After a short, 100m hike and a couple of rock scrambles, you're on the peninsula. When the tide comes in, other walkers leave and you have the place to yourselves. Using the old 16th-century farmhouse as a base, you'll have plenty of time to roam around the island, swim and admire the views: there are 23 hectares of freedom here! A timeless journey just a 10-minute walk from the mainland - and something the children won't quickly forget.

Venture out with your family into the Huelgoat Forest, a cradle of many Celtic legends and inspiration for many stories thanks to its heap of incongruously shaped boulders. The kids will spot a cauldron, a ladle and a fork, all created - according to legend - by Gargantua. In this 'Breton Fontainebleau', learn the origin of the legends in mysteriously-named places, making reference to King Arthur, the devil or the Virgin. Among other must-sees, don't miss the Mill, the Argent River, the Devil's Cave and Artus' Camp.

With crystal-clear water and white sand, the Rospico cove is a true Breton paradise in southern Finistère, nestled between the Nevez cliffs. Little children will love splashing around in the shallow pools uncovered at low tide, while older members of the family can snorkel and explore the seabed. Don't stop here: carry on along the GR24 as far as Raguenez Beach, nicknamed 'Tahiti' by the locals.

As a family, head to the verdant 'far west': Le Faouët, or 'Hêtraie' in Breton, is situated 40km from Lorient. The place is full of enchanting sites for beautiful hikes - as well as the Sainte-Barbe chapel, an architectural miracle built between 1489 and 1512. It's accessed by majestic stone steps, leading up to magnificent vaults and stained glass windows from the 16th century. Isolated in the middle of the woods, the chapel is said to protect its visitors from storms. Lose yourself in these magical places that look like something straight out of a fairytale.