Unfortunately for us, the day and a half we were here saw torrential rains. And frightful cold (terribly windy and forty degrees). This photo, with gray sky, was taken under the umbrella. There's a new parking lot, requiring at least a 1/2 mile walk to buses which take you to the entrance. Lots of steep stairs. Crazy French poor design. And yet for me, unbelievable magic. Throw in a typical meal (savory Breton gallete or crepe made of buckwheat flour), perhaps the best ever chocolate sundae, and an afternoon spent with a hair dryer trying to save our soaked to the skin clothes. Please understand, we brought a rain coat, umbrella--but many of the clothes we packed have remained unworn. Who knew this would be one of the wettest Aprils on record?
Next a drive up the Breton coast to Concale--a fishing village, (and home to where they farm the mussels and oysters so prevalent here), and a wonderful shellfish meal.
The highlight of Brittany was the town of Dinan. Another medieval town, much of it 12th to 16th century, and hardly changed over that time. Wonderful cobbled streets, half-timbered buildings, meandering down to a port on the river, much of the ramparts which surround the town remaining. Our very favorite place of the entire trip so far. And, THE RAIN STOPPED!
We spent two delightful days just walking around the town. Enjoying the sun. Enjoying relaxing without major "sites" to see. Yesterday, we prepared for the long drive to the Loire valley, a bit over three hours, and the site of many chateaux, or castles. And that will be the next chapter of the story. I went abroad here to Tours in college, and haven't been back since. Should be interesting. Best to all, Joel
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Location:Amboise, France
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