| Vacation in Brittany
Green
guide to Brittany by Michelin Historical monuments There are many very interesting remains of stone monuments. Huge stones standing up, sometimes a large number of them like in Carnac t(own located between Quimper and Vannes). There are also large flat tables called Dolmen resting on supports. These monuments are 5000 to 6000 years old. Their significance does not seem quite clear. You will find also a number of lighthouses, very interesting with such a variety of styles. Many are open to the public and can be visited. If you have the strentgh you can climb up to the top using the stairs. Be ready for a coupleof hundred steps quite often!!! There are lots of interesting churches as well. The coast : Rocks and beaches The coast is varied in nature, lots of rocks in places and very pretty beaches in others. On the Mediterranean sea, tides are extremely small. In Brittany, tides can be very large. At low tide, one can walk through ponds and rocks that harbor all sort of like, crabs and shell fish. |
 Sunset in Brittany near the "pointe du raz, September 2004 |
| Algae
can be very slippery and special shoes are
highly recommended. (espadrilles) . The methods to catch shrimps vary very wildly from one area to another and depend on the nature of the surroundings where shrimps live. If you happen to be around when there is a storm, it can be wonderful to watch how powerful the sea can be. Always be very careful though, because strong waves can wipe out anything they hit. There are very beautiful sand beaches, sometimes hard to find and reach. These are usually the best ones, since they will not be so crowded. Bathing in the sea is quite tonic. Most people find the water of the ocean is rather cool and you cannot spend too much time in it. Harbors You can find little fishing harbors where local fishermen go out and come back with fresh sea products caught during the night. Their catch is usually sold at local fish markets. You will sea shellfish that are quite different than those you are used to. The variety is astounding. You can find two sorts of lobsters. The"Homard" has two large claws while the "langouste" does not have claws at all. The two claws of the homard are different in nature. One very large one used to hold the preys, and the other one, smaller, used to shred their preys to eat them. Prices of these vary wildly according to the season and the customers demand. Restaurants You can find many restaurants that specialize in seafood, of course. If you are brave and not afraid of eating raw shellfish, you sould order a seafood platter ("plateau de fruit de mer"). Not every item on them is actually raw. In case, you want to be more conservative, just order some fish and look at the people around you who order these platters. When you see the pleasure they experience, it makes you want to do the same. Hotels, Bed and breakfast (B&B-chambres d'hôtes), Gites The bed and breakfast offer has literally exploded in France like in many other countries. France is ideally suited for this because there are many building with lots of character. You will find many palces with old style thatched roofs. Most of them are comfortably equipped. Owners can be really interesting people to talk to. They enjoy getting paid to accommodate you but they also enjoy very much the company. They often have had interesting lives with all sorts of living experiences and can prove to be fascinating to listen to. They will be able to advise you on local restaurants or possible activities. Gites are places that are rented for a longer period of time like a week or two and that are more appropriate for a family vacation. Thalassotherapy Finally, there are fitness centers based on the use of sea products and water that will produce amazing results in a fairly short times. you will benefit from a balance diet and exercises appropriate to your condtition. You will experience the wonderful feeling of being taken care of. It is best to try out the first time around just for a few days. There are many centers most of them located on the sea shore of course. |
|