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Pontivy
Pontivy is inland in the Morbihan department of southern Brittany
It is easiest to see pontivy as two towns - the medieval section and the Napoleonic section.
The heart of 'old' Pontivy is the impressive 15th century Chateau des Rohan, a medieval moated castle in the centre of the town and surrounded by streets lined with beautiful half-timbered houses - start exploring at Place du Martray.
The beautiful chateau reminds us of the wealth and importance of the Rohan dynasty, based here during the Middle Ages.
The other part of the town, instigated by Napoleon, is a much more regimented design with straight roads of 18th century townhouses - Place Aristide-Briand is the heart of this part of Pontivy. (Note, although designed under napoleon, it was mostly buily later, under Napoleon III, in the 1850's).
Because of this 'split personality' the town name has fluctuated between Pontivy and Napoleonville several times during the centuries. Hopefully it will stick with 'Pontivy' in the future - the name derived from 'pont' (bridge) and 'Ivy' (a monk who constructed a bridge over the Blavet river here in the 7th century).
Pontivy is on the Nantes-Brest canal and you might like to arrive on a river cruise through the Brittany region - very tranquil way to enjoy the surrounding peaceful countryside - see cruises in France.
Pontivy: tourist information, map, travel plans and gites
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Plan a visit to Pontivy, France
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Places to visit - Pontivy
Explore places within about 70 kilometres on a map at Visit Pontivy.
Some of the closer places are listed below (distances from Pontivy are approximate and direct - as the crow flies. Only places listed on the france this way site are shown!)
Information and photos
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