On the side where the sun sets, Europe breaks up into a myriad of rocks and islands, condemned to perpetual confrontation with a fierce ocean. Such an environment could only give rise to a country of character. To be discovered in a multitude of ways and according to one's desires.
Saint-Malo: adventurous Brittany
Located on the Emerald Coast, it is the most Breton of Breton towns. Connected to the mainland by a simple strip of sand, the city's foundations are already in the sea. A stronghold of the richest shipowners and most daring privateers, it has sent ships to all the seas of the world. Today, Saint-Malo remains huddled behind its medieval ramparts, reworked by Vauban. This is the first walk you should take (1754 meters in total!), to discover the city in all its glory. The grand granite mansions that line the walls bear witness to the fortunes amassed by the shipowners. Those who wished to leave the walls of Saint-Malo built malouinières in the surrounding countryside. In addition to beautiful old houses, outpost forts, offshore islands and a large aquarium, Saint-Malo boasts immense sandy beaches.
Cancale: windy Brittany
Brittany is all about the sea, its harsh laws and powerful spray, but also the gentle lapping of the waves and the iodized air. All of which can be enjoyed for a day aboard a sailing yacht. In Cancale, for example, on the’An Durzunel, This solid lugger was built in 1984 in Loguivy, on the model of the boats that sailed in 1850. Its beautiful black solid oak hull is over 6 meters long. Departure from Port-Mer beach. The brown mainsail rises majestically into the blue sky, with the strength of your arms. Whether freshwater sailor or experienced navigator, everyone is put to work under the guidance of the captain, a sturdy Breton sailor. Each team takes its turn at the helm, and the hidden beauties of the bay are revealed as we sail along: the rock of Cancale, the island of Rimains, then the Herpin lighthouse marking the entrance to the bay of Mont Saint-Michel... We let ourselves be lulled by the whisper of the water and the wind. Then it's time for the picnic. The captain drops anchor and we open the oysters and Muscadet! No doubt about it, happiness is in the bay!
Ecole de voile de Port-Mer, 35260 Cancale, www.centre-nautique-cancale.fr.
Pointe du Raz: invigorating Brittany
It's aptly named, since the word «raz» comes from a Scandinavian term meaning «violent current». Legend has it that on certain days, shipwrecked sailors can be heard moaning as their bodies are washed up by the sea in the Plogoff hellhole, a tunnel dug beneath the Pointe du Raz. Once damaged by the influx of visitors, this mythical cape has regained its natural 100% ambience and been awarded the «Grand Site de France» label. Now, it can only be reached on foot. It's a real pleasure to stroll across the moor and see the spiky rocks slowly approaching, followed in the distance by the Vieille and Tévennec lighthouses and even the Ile de Sein. Then, the path, sometimes steep, winds its way through the rocks for the more adventurous, as the overhang almost artificially extends into the Iroise Sea, as if the ocean and the land didn't want to leave each other.
More info and webcam: www.la-pointe-du-raz.com.
Bénodet: Brittany's palm trees
This is the Brittany of palm trees, fig trees and azure skies. Located at the mouth of the Odet river, south of Quimper, the small port of Bénodet was an early magnet for yachtsmen. As early as the 19the In the 19th century, the British, and later artists, loved to come here for sea bathing. With its fine sandy beaches, lovely marina, casino, golf course, thalassotherapy center, pine forests and charming second homes, Bénodet has a touch of the «French Riviera» on the Atlantic. Opposite the seaside resort, on the other side of the bay, you'll find the tiny village of Sainte-Marine. Strangely less sought-after, this former fishing port exudes tranquillity. To get from one to the other, take a bridge or, better still, a ferry (reserved for pedestrians) to cross the bay in just a few minutes and disembark directly on the village quayside.
Mont Saint-Michel Bay: Brittany at sea
To relax, there's nothing like getting closer to the sea and one of its friendliest inhabitants. This activity invites you to set off in search of the dolphins of Mont Saint-Michel Bay. You'll board a long zodiac and try to spot some of the 300 bottlenose dolphins that roam the bay. In addition to the pleasure of watching them glide between two waters, showing off their acrobatic and aerial talents, you'll also be helping an association to count and identify them. And even if 100% can't guarantee that you'll actually see them, you'll have breathed a huge bowl of iodine and fresh air.
Information and reservations via Tourisme Bretagne : www.tourismebretagne.com.
