Brittany, Part 2
22nd August, 1999
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St. Malo, we learn, is one of the most visited cities of France and rightly so. Largely rebuilt after WWII, it is a completely walled and fortified port and, from the sea, is an impressive sight. The approach by road in August - even on a Sunday - is less inspiring and it took us almost an hour to find a parking space - not helped by a lifting bridge that opened just before we approached, causing gridlock. |
It was very hot, but we decided first to walk round the ramparts, which give spendid views of the sea and the many small islands and jagged outcrops of rock that litter the approaches and make for a somewhat hazardous entry. From the ramparts, one can see how well fortified the city is and how spendid its harbour is. |
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Many of the buildings "Intra-muros" are relatively new and rebuilt, but the Mairie, which is part of the walls, looks original. |
26th August, 1999
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After St. Malo we had to do our housekeeping and writing up our Normandy trip and, apart from trips into Dinan stayed close to camp until Thursday, 26th, when we took a drive through Dinard (not to be confused with Dinan) stopping on the way to see the fantastic views over the wide River Rance. We saw some of the many bays and inlets for which this area is famous. |
27th August, 1999
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| We thought we should visit Rennes, as it is the regional
capital and we needed to visit a caravan shop and also visit a property advertised.
It, however, was a disappointment, having been largely destroyed and is still
being rebuilt. It has one or two mediaeval buildings, of which the one above
left was notable for its rich carvings. It seems its best relic, the Palais de
Justice, got burned down a few years ago during an industrial dispute. Fougères, which we visited on our way back, is on the other hand, a remarkable place, with a fairytale castle which looks the part, but was apparently easily taken on numerous occasions. In fact, once one knows this and looks at the place, one realises how difficult to defend it would be. In particular, it is too low down and its moat too narrow. |
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Last updated: 18/03/01
