Holiday rentals in Laz

A tranquil haven in the northwestern French region of Brittany, the small village of Laz is set among rolling hills, forests, lakes, and farmers’ fields. Along the main street that runs through the centre, traditional stone houses stand side by side with whitewashed buildings, many with decorative window surrounds and lush green lawns. At the heart of the village lies the towering Catholic church of Saint-Germain and Saint-Louis.

Laz is located at the edge of a range of hills known as the Montagnes Noires (Black Mountains), where you can explore numerous walking trails. One of the more popular routes is up to the Roche du Feu (Rock of Fire), the highest point in the range at 281 metres, with views across the Aulne Valley and as far as Douarnenez Bay.

The town sits in the Finistère department, whose main city, Quimper, lies 30 minutes west. There you’ll find an impressive Gothic cathedral and 14th-century buildings.

The village of Laz is part of a small rural community, so it does not attract large numbers of visitors and has an air of calm throughout the year. However, Brittany is a popular holiday destination, particularly in June, July, and August, when people visit the region for their summer holidays and some of the main roads fill with traffic. This is also when the temperatures are at their hottest and the hours of sunlight are longest. If you’re thinking of visiting Bénodet in South Finistère, one of the popular seaside resort towns along the coast, July is a great time to catch the week-long Festival de Cornouaille, which celebrates Breton culture with an explosion of music and dance. When visiting the area in the autumn, winter, and spring, prepare for cooler temperatures, higher rainfall, and the potential for strong winds coming off the Atlantic.

Château de Trévarez

One of the last castles built in France, this imposing pink Belle Epoque masterpiece located minutes from Laz dates from the end of the 19th century. Overlooking the Aulne Valley, the 85 hectares of grounds include a tranquil Japanese garden. Fragrant floral displays range from hydrangeas in the summer to rhododendrons in the spring and camellias between November and April.

Saint-Corentin Cathedral

Around a 30-minute drive from Laz, in the city of Quimper, is Saint-Corentin Cathedral, which dates back to the 13th century and is named after a legendary hermit. Visitors come here to marvel at the soaring spires, the ribbed ceiling in yellow and red ochre, and the impressive display of stained glass windows.

Huelgoat Enchanted Forest

Huelgoat’s Enchanted Forest, around 35 kilometres north of Laz, is brimming with myth and legend. A scenic trail will take you past gigantic, moss-covered boulders that have formed the backdrop for the tale of King Arthur, among other epics, and alongside a river winding its way between towering oaks and beeches.