A break out of time
In the heart of the Brière Regional Natural Park, Kerhinet invites you to a break out of time, between thatched cottages and preserved traditions. Imagine a small village entirely pedestrian, where every alley invites you to stroll.
The 18 thatched cottages, the well, the wash house, and the bread ovens create an authentic setting that tells the story of life in the past. Purchased by the Park starting in 1973, Kerhinet then had only two inhabitants and many dilapidated cottages. Now restored to the highest standards, the village welcomes nearly 200,000 visitors per year.
The secret of these roofs? The thatch, made from reeds harvested by hand in the marshes in winter, in cold water, using techniques passed down from generation to generation.
What to discover on site?
The Cottage of Flavours and Crafts: opened in 1999 as an association, it brings together artisans and producers from the Brière Park. Morta, ceramics, watercolours, wooden toys, jewellery, honey, craft beer, jams, salt, terrines: everything comes from the region.
The Craft Workshop: Myriam "Tisse-Brin" (weaver) and Fabrice "Ça Tourne" (woodturner) welcome visitors all year round for demonstrations and sales. Introductory workshops available on request.
The Inn of Kerhinet: traditional and seasonal cuisine based on local products. A gourmet stop in the heart of the village.
The Park House: managed by the La Baule · Presqu'île de Guérande Tourist Office, it offers advice, information, and a souvenir shop.
Practical information
44410 Saint-Lyphard
Tourist Office · +33 2 40 24 34 44
Village entirely pedestrian, access on foot.
Local market and activities in summer.
From L'Écrin des Nymphes
Kerhinet is approximately 25 km from the studio. Allow 30 minutes by car via the D47 and D51, crossing the landscapes of Brière. It can be combined with a boat trip on the Brière marshes (departures from Saint-Joachim or La Chapelle-des-Marais) for a full day of immersion in Brière.
For cycling enthusiasts and good cyclists, a round trip by bike from La Baule is possible by following the greenways (allow 2 hours of cycling for the outward journey).
Antonin's advice
« To fully enjoy Kerhinet, I like to arrive around 10:30 in the morning, when the village is still quiet and the Chaumière des Saveurs has just opened. First stop: a coffee at the inn, then a stroll through the alleys. Around noon, lunch on site (book in season) or a picnic nearby. In the afternoon, extend with a boat trip on the marshes at Saint-Joachim or Bréca, 10 minutes by car: the winning combination for a day in Brière. »
Frequently asked questions
Where is the village of Kerhinet?
Kerhinet is located in the commune of Saint-Lyphard, 44410, in the heart of the Parc Naturel Régional de Brière. Allow approximately 30 minutes by car from L'Écrin des Nymphes in La Baule-les-Pins.
Is there a fee to visit Kerhinet?
Access to the village is free and open all year round. Only guided tours offered by the Tourist Office La Baule · Presqu'île de Guérande are chargeable (approximately €5 for adults, €3-4 for reduced rates). Inquire at +33 2 40 24 34 44 for the schedule of guided tours.
What can we see and do in Kerhinet?
The village has 18 restored thatched cottages, a well, a washhouse and two bread ovens. You will find the Chaumière des Saveurs and Crafts (local producers and artisans), a weaving and woodturning workshop, the inn of Kerhinet for lunch, and the Maison du Parc managed by the Tourist Office.
Is Kerhinet open all year round?
The village is freely accessible all year round. The Chaumière des Saveurs is open from 10:30 to 18:00, 7 days a week from February to December. The inn and the Maison du Parc have their own seasonal hours, more limited in winter.
How long should we plan for the visit?
Allow approximately 1 hour for a self-guided visit of the village. For a guided tour, plan for 1 hour 30 minutes to enjoy anecdotes and explanations about thatching techniques. Extend this time if you have lunch at the inn or make purchases at the Chaumière des Saveurs.
Is there parking on site?
Yes, there is a free car park located immediately near the village. As the village is entirely pedestrian, access is then on foot.