Once again, Amy has assembled an ambitious and fun itinerary that includes some popular landmarks and some out-of-the-way destinations.
Brittany / Bretagne
Most of our trip is within the Brittany (Bretagne) region of France.
Originally a Celtic land with some of the oldest standing architecture in the world, Brittany continues to maintain a distinct cultural identity. There is a popular reunification movement that is seeking to restore historically Breton areas of France to the administrative region of Brittany, and a nationalist movement seeking to achieve autonomy from France.
Early in her research, Amy read that whereas Parisian waitstaff are rude to foreigners, Breton waitstaff are rude to everyone – especially the French! So far, thankfully, we haven’t experienced that!!
Paris to Saint-Malo
After flying into the dreadful Aéroport Charles de Gaulle and making our way to Paris, we took a high-speed train to our first stop of Saint-Malo (Hôtel Ajoncs d’Or).
Saint-Malo’s history includes a period of breakaway independence in the 16th century, and being a haven for piracy and privateering in the 18th and 19th centuries.
During World War II it served as a significant garrison and supply hub for Germany, and the town was essentially leveled by Allied bombings in 1944. After the war, it was rebuilt and restored. Today it appears to be a typical medieval walled town even though most of the buildings are actually less than 100 years old.
Brittany is known for buckwheat crêpes and cider. On our first night we had a delicious meal featuring both at Le Comptoir Breizh Café. It was so delicious that Amy lamented we may have hit peak crêpe/cider with our first meal!
On our final night, we walked the town ramparts and out to the lighthouse at the end of the pier where we saw the enormous Brittany Ferry arriving from … maybe Portsmouth?
Dinan
On our second day we took a day-trip to Dinan – about an hour away via public bus.
Dinan is known for its medieval ramparts, cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses, a 14th-century castle, and 15th-century clock tower with panoramic views of the city and surrounding areas.
Dinan was pretty crowded but was still beautiful and we enjoyed the excursion. We both love us some ramparts!!
Mont Saint-Michel
The next day we bussed to Mont Saint-Michel, the famous 1,000-year-old picturesque town and abbey set on a tidal island just off the coast of Normandy. And we happened to arrive on high school field trip day!
Despite being surrounded by sullen French teenagers, we found the village and the abbey to be magnificent and awe-inspiring.
After our tour of the abbey, we miraculously found a table at one of the few gourmet restaurants on the island – Le Logis Sainte Catherine – and enjoyed a sumptuous seafood meal and some tasty and refreshing afternoon cocktails!
Next
Tomorrow we will pick up a car and explore some of the historical ruins, forts, and other structures in the area before taking a ferry to stay on the tiny Île de Batz for a couple nights. More to come!!