If you are looking for quiet, beauty and relaxation in the heart of rural France, I recommend L'Arc en Ciel, a vegetarian bed and breakfast in central Brittany--closest town is Pontivy. I think even non-vegetarian nature lovers will find it enjoyable.

It is a small farm with acreage and several ancient stone houses which have been beautifully remodelled by Arthur and Linda Cutler, a delightful couple from England who live there with their teenaged daughters. Our room was a spacious, modern, had a private bathroom, and was thoughtfully outfitted. (There were even books and magazines in English provided for our entertainment.)

The Cutlers are currently working on setting up a yoga studio and some additional rooms with bunk beds which will make lower cost accomodations for groups possible. They have lovely gardens on the grounds where much of the food served is grown.

Eating dinner there by candlelight it felt like a romantic vegetarian restaurant was being held open for just the two of us--delicious and self indulgent. Meals were served very professionally by hosts Arthur and Linda, who have had extensive experience in the hotel and restaurant industry. They are also friendly people with a good sense of humor, available for conversations and willing to share their insights into the local culture.

The surrounding countryside is gorgeous and tranquil. We had great walks to a nearby lake, and they even loaned us bicycles for more exploration. The area is a bicyclist's dream.

I do suggest you will want to have a rental car and very good driving directions from the hosts when you go there, since this is truly "out in the boonies"--NO town is very nearby--only tiny villages--and roads around there are not well marked. With no city lights competing, you see the stars really well at night... We would have liked to stay longer. For what you get, the prices are quite reasonable.

Their web site is: h----------