Description:

The first settlement in the area was in 1130 when four Cistercian monks built the 'Petit Citeaux de l’Armorique' an abbey which would control the local economy and country life for the next 600 years.

In 1792 the five hamlets which surrounded the abbey, Botlezan, Guenezan, Lanneven, St. Norvez and Trezelan, were brought together as one town and renamed Begard.

Begard is now a thriving agricultural community with over 50 farms.

Begard is in the department of Cotes d'Armor and covers an area of 36.41 km².  The town is one of the 12 cantons of Guingamp and is located 15 km north west of Guingamp.

There is a market in Begard every Friday afternoon.   

Begard also has four bakeries, a butchers, two hardware stores, two tabacs, two bookstores and a couple of clothes shops. and of course the numerous book stores which make the town famous.  For all other groceries there are several supermarkets in the town.

For clothes shopping and larger chains visit Guingamp which is only 15 km away.

Begard has three 'Ecoles Primaires et Maternelles' and a 'College'.

Begard has one post office, several hair salons and garages, three banks, two opticians, two pharmacies, two dentist practices, four doctors practices, a vets and a library.  The town also has a centrally located Gendarmerie, Pompier and hospital.

For entertainment Begard has numerous restaurants, two creperies and a café bar.

The town also has a swimming complex the 'Armoripark'.

Begard has a good selection of accommodation available including hotels, Chambre d’Hotes and Gites located within the town.  There are also two campsites on the outskirts of Begard.

The 'Armoripark' in Begard  is a great day out for all the family.  It was originally a swimming pool complex with both indoor and outdoor pools and waterslides.  The park has now developed and has trampolines, pedal karts, several playgrounds, mini golf, childrens sailing boats, petting and farm animals and lots of inflatables.  The park is open from April to September.

Begard is host to the music event the 'Festival Java dans les Bois' every two years.  The next festival will be held in August 2011.

Begard's nearest beach is 23km away at Saint Michel en Greve.

Worth a visit:

• Visit the 12th century L'Abbaye de Begard, the original abbey the settlement was based around.  It is now occupied by the Bon Sauveur hospital
• Take a look at the towns beautiful churches including the Chapel Lanneven, the 15th century La Chapelle de Botlezan and the 16th century La Chapelle de Gwenezhan
• Le Colombier de Kernaudour is one of the largest dovecotes in Brittany and was central to the towns growth by supplying food and fertiliser
• Walk around the many Menhirs around the town including Menhir de Kerwezhenneg which stands at 8 meters tall

There is a good public leisure centre in Begard with a large sports hall and stadium.  The town also has good facilites for golf, horseriding, athletics, football, gymnastiques, martial arts, boules and a skating rink.

Other popular associations include yoga, art, photography, theatre, art, floristry and sewing.

In the local area there is a well marked out hiking trail through La Vallee du Donant whilst fishing can be enjoyed at the L'etang de Poulogwer.