I have a confession. I was eager to leave Paris. Even with all of its glamour and excitement I was longing for the quiet beauty of France. Perhaps I have just reached a “certain age”. But you can’t blame me. I was eager to begin Cruising the Brittany Coast: Days 4~6 in France.
Cruising the Brittany Coast: Days 4~6 in France
We left Paris early in the morning and stopped in Chartres along the way to visit the cathedral. Soon after we were driving along the Brittany coast admiring quaint villages and cottages that somehow all feature a perfect shade of Brittany blue.
It is fairly evident that many of the villages have been around for quite awhile. Charming half-timbered houses are a regular site to see.
I loved the view of the public gardens in Vannes that you could look down on while strolling the 13th-century ramparts (surrounding embankment of a fort).
Standing Stones of Carnac
Our dear friend Guy also drove us to see the dolmens (portal tomb), tumulus (mound of earth and stones raised over a grave) and the standing stones (menhirs) of Carnac. Did you know that there were standing stones in France? Well, I didn’t. They were absolutely amazing. I love a good mystère.
The Carnac stones are actually the largest collection of stones (over 300o in all) in the world. Here are our delightful hosts, Guy and Jacqueline, standing in front of some of the smaller stones.
Vivante means “living”. Sure enough, these langoustine (also known as the Norway lobster and the Dublin prawn) were still alive. Later on, when Jacqueline began preparing them for dinner, one gave her a good pinch. Ouch!
Most of you are aware that those who live in Paris are known as Parisians. But those who reside in and around the Brittany coast are Bretons. Here a gentleman in a covered market wears a traditional Breton hat.
Traditional Breton Dress
Another darling Grandmere is mon chère Jacqueline. We were getting ready to enjoy a delicious meal of Dover sole. I could have eaten that entire plate myself. Jacqueline is a superb chef!
The Brittany beaches are just beautiful The sand is so white and fine. Jacqueline and I couldn’t resist putting our feet upon it.
Yes, a small piece of my heart now belongs in Brittany. I cannot wait to show you the Breton copper treasures I selected on Friday.
Laura
Wowwwwwwwwwwww! Such beauty! :):):):):):):):):)
I am living a dream through you! Thank you for sharing these beautiful pictures and taking me somewhere I will probably never get to go!
Wow! What a gorgeous place. Thank you for sharing it with us:)
~Debra xxx
Capers of the vintage vixens
Such gorgeous pictures. I'm in love with Jaqueline”s house. The wall color is like fresh salmon. I love the paintings on her wall. Thanks so much for the continued tour.
Leslie
P.S. How did those grandmeres keep their hats on? I saw no crowns or pins. I guess good posture.
Laura, I was reading your post about Oprah, and her book list. There is another great book, you'd might like to read. “Eve's Tatoo” by Emily Prager. All of her books are excellent, but this one is my favorite. Hope you can find and read it.
love,
Leslie
What gorgeous pictures! Awesome post.
I learned so much! 🙂
~Liz
What beautiful photos! Love those blue shutters! Just gorgeous! And the gardens – absolutely stunning! Thanks for sharing.
Oh…you are killing me! I wonder if I will ever see it in real!?!
What a beautiful place! The scenery and the traditional garb look like something out of a storybook.
Hi Laura the blue bells are out in spring in so many English counties you will love them and the scent
thankyou for the fabulous tour of delicious houses and costumes arent they wonderul so nice that you had friend for a tour what great memories for you love fay xx
I visited Vannes last semester while I was studying abroad in Nantes, France. Beautiful photos! When we visited it was pouring, so nice to see it in the sun! 🙂
Laura,
Now this is more my preference! I adore old towns with character. Your photographs are beautiful and your tales of travel so vivid.
I am patiently awaiting for the postman to deliver the tall coiffe you sent me. 🙂
Your Friend,
Deborah
OMGoodness! You are having such a fabulous time! I have been enjoying catching up on your beautiful blog. I see your trip is going well. You bring back memories to me of my trip there last spring. I don't think I could ever tire of going to Paris!
Thank you so much for sharing your trip with us all!
Hugs,
Terri
I like to see Europe through American eyes' wonder. I had two kids – a friend's son (from Iowa) and his friend (from Kentucky) – staying with us last December and they had the same reaction as you describe towards European Culture and Patrimony.
It warms my hear.
The first time I was in Paris I didn't like it that much – and it had to do with all the hype people create about it and when I got there I enjoyed but was expecting more. The second time was different but like you I love the experience of knowing the non-Paris France.
Your pictures and friends' friendliness are priceless. So happy you enjoyed so much and took all this pictures to share with us allowing to travel – in style – with you, through your most exquisite eyes.
Blessings,
T
I love it that Jacqueline is wearing her scarf just the way I saw everyone in Paris wearing scarves, in an 0h-so-elegant-but-offhand way. She looks charming. I would love to be there!!
I love Paris, I love the countryside. I think one mistake people make (and I've made) is to visit Paris first – when just off the plane and jetlagged. I think the richness of the city is better appreciated when one is accustomed to the time change.
How fanciful are those lace hats. Amazing! And how delightful to spend time with such wonderful hosts.
*sigh* What a dreamy, wistful adventure! Wish I were there too. Thank you for sharing your experiences and those beautiful pictures. ; )
~Michele
Oh, these are gorgeous pictures, they look like postcards! I don't think I have missed any posts, so I am trying to put together how you know Guy and Jacqueline. I also know it was a buying trip? IF you get a chance could you do a post with some of the back ground? Thank you! I love reading your blog
Carol
This is without a doubt one of the most beautiful posts I've read in blogland. I don't think I've ever seen a home any more enchanting than that first house with the blue shutters, and it just kept getting better and better.
Beautiful post!
Rainey
http:theprojecttable.blogspot.com
What a delightful trip!
Love,
Susan and Bentley
xxoo
One of my very, very favorite posts yet!
🙂
The Pea