Well, we were due a day off, and we decided to take it, as Ray would be in the bathroom installing tile and the hand basin et al. We didn't all need to be in the small apartment at once, and Waz and I desperately needed some time out. My body is very sore! and Waz is exhausted. All the most physical things fall to him to complete, and he has been a Trojan in erecting the ceiling boards, not to mention doing all the electrics! aiee!!! Good thing he knows how to do it, because Ernie (host) cant get the French Electrician to attend to the task, for love or money.
So, where did we go, this glorious day?
Sarzeau was on the cards, because it is on the coast (we thought) south of Vannes. It was so delightful driving through the countryside....
Most of the animal feed Maize has been harvested and we are now seeing large portions of the countryside as bare dirt. Within a couple of days, that will also turn to green again, as grass is sewn and appears, or other winter feed crops come through. We have had rain at night and the days have been lovely and warm out of the wind. This has encouraged growth, no doubt.
Fabulous country roads! No traffic, or very little...mostly a farmer on a large tractor, will be encountered. We sometimes have to follow slowly until we get a designated space to pass. You can see these white painted houses for miles, in the distance. Them and the steeple of a church, tell you there is either a Hamlet or a town very nearby. It is rare to travel for more than 6kms without coming to some buildings or a Hamlet/town.
Again, we wanted to go to Malestroit, as we really hadn't gone into the old town, always driving through on the way somewhere else.
As the Nantes/Brest canal goes through the edge of town, we are rather drawn to this lovely one thousand year old town. 987 was the year of it's founding, according to the record books.
The old town has at it's center, the church of St-Gilles, built in the 11th century and rebuilt or added to in the 12th, 15th and 16th centuries. This is pretty common in most places!
We stopped at the bridge over the Canal, where this Taxi Bateau sits waiting for passengers, no doubt. It adds a little local color.
We parked in a very skinny side street, wondering if we might get sideswiped by other cars, but we were in a designated parking spot, so left the car without a backward glance.
Waz is walking purposefully towards the town square, or Centre Ville.
Malestroit is like so many fortified towns with their timbered houses...usually half timbered...with quirky embellishments. Some have a distinct sense of humor.
Hollyhocks are everywhere this summer. Some of them are gorgeous. This one looks a little lonely!
Right next door was a lovely park where people walked their young children and dogs. This man found it a place of inspiration to play music.
Like I said, someone had a sense of humor when they built this!
Look at the two little birds on the tippy top of the roof! They are decorative only. I love the contrast of the grey walls and the red creeping vine, on this house.
As I said earlier, lots of begonias in boxes, throughout the town. this lovely box is on a bridge near the newer residential area of the town.
I don't know the name of this vine, but it is very strong and covers everything in some places.
One of the large mills is on the right. It is defunct now, of course, but it is right on the river, and very decorative.
Barges on the Nantes/Brest canal, opposite the lovely park with it's huge conifer trees.
We walked along the canal tow path to the end of the town, and the Lock. Nothing was coming through today. These barges are moored.
Interesting wooden decoration on the corner of a home in the old town.
As we were only stopping off in Malestroit on the way to Sarzeau on the coast, we stayed more than a little longer than anticipated. It was so good to take the time out to just BE. Something we desperately needed, after out push to get the apartment finished for our host.
Sarzeau didn't do much for us and so we didn't stay. I do have some photos, but didn't want to post any here. We did, however stop long enough to buy two pastries from a Patisserie. We bought a Bab au Rhum for waz...this came with a little ampoule of Rum to squirt on the cake, and I bought a Foret noir...Black forest cake. Here we are sitting in the car outside the Visitor's center eating these cakers that really need a plate and fork to be decent. Someone parked in front of us, facing us, and watched while we made pigs of ourselves....and Waz got cream all over his front, lol. Fun! We needed to wash up afterwards! They were superb, by the way:)
Onwards we went to find water. This is the Port de Crouesty, on the south coast. I had to add the Porche just for fun! On our way back this way, an older fellow got into the car and took off somewhat slowly...I was a little disappointed that a boy toy wasn't in the car!:(
The Port and Marina were one of the largest we have seen anywhere. We walked almost end to end here and it took forever.
This rescue boat, is for at sea salvage. This is the Atlantic, we are talking about here!!!!
There is the Atlantic out there at the entry to the port...or the exit, depending which way you are going of course:) HUGE number of sail boats, and not so many motor yachts. Those we did sea were all European made...even one we could have sworn was a Sea Ray (US brand) but turned out to be a Jeannau, French brand.
Of course the port and marina are playgrounds for the summer tourists. The port is lines with condos, many of which are now for sale, this being the off season,. We are so glad we are here at this time of year. I can imagine it is a zoo, in these parts. It was cool, and so we rugged up. Autumn (Fall) weather is definitely here.
On our way out, first thing, we had stopped at our favorite tabac/Bar/ book/magazine store for a Grand Crème. Remember, this is a double shot of espresso with a little hot milk added. It is divine! seriously!:) So, while waiting to be served, we found a couple of English newspapers, and then later in the day we visited a SuperU and bought a children's exercise book to aid our language retention. We also brought back some real estate books...of course:)
And another day down. Our last work day tomorrow (Saturday). I am a day late posting this. Today being sunday, I will have to get up and post our long day's trip...or maybe not. We are off to St Nazaire, in the morning....early! I also have some finished photos to show you from the apartment. Ernie came to get us as we returned, this evening. He has worked his butt off all day to restore the apartment to normal. MOre in the next couple of days. Ciao, and good night. Bon Nuit!
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