La Roche-Bernard
Introduction to La Roche-Bernard
La Roche-Bernard is a small town in Southern Brittany, situated around 5 minutes from our holiday cottage. It is a very interesting place to visit for many reasons. The town is situated on the River Vilaine, and plays host to a myriad of small boats in its natural harbour. Two superb bridges span the river here, along with the remains of an old bridge which was destroyed during the second world war. There are a number of interesting shops and good restaurants, including a Michelin-starred establishment, as well as the small port and old quarter to explore.
HistoryThere are many differing accounts of the early history of the town. Most popular is the belief that the area was originally settled by Normans around 919. Their chief 'Bernard' considered the prominant rock ('Roche') overlooking the river to offer a good strategic position in what was then a very unsettled Brittany. The priests of La Roche-Bernard were persecuted during the French Revolution in the 19th Century, resulting in an attack on the town by country folk from the surrounding areas, and subsequent repraisals (including the introduction of the guillotine) by the Revolutionary Tribunal. Peace returned to the town in 1802. During the 2nd World War, La Roche-Bernard was occupied by the German forces. After the Normandy landings, the Allied forces attacked the town from the air. Then, following the destruction of the bridge over the river during a violent storm, the town found itself on the front line, with the German forces in retreat on one side of the river, defending the 'St Nazaire Pocket' and the french forces on the other. |
| The image on the right is from the early part of the last century. Many of the buildings in this picture are still standing now, and can be seen as part of a signposted walk through the old-quarter, which includes several craft exhibitions, and lovely views of the old port, the cannon and the river. Altogether, a nice way to walk off the coffee and croissants that you have just taken in the local café. |  |
Eating Out around La Roche-Bernard
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Other Interests
DisclaimerWe have endeavoured to suggest some options for your holiday on this page. To the best of our knowledge, these are correct at the present time. From time to time the availability and timing of any events here may change, and so you are therefore strongly advised to check locally before setting out to avoid disappointment. |
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