France - Day 8

(Click on a picture to enlarge it!)

Two days based in St Malo went by much too quick. During the morning before heading off to our fourth destination we went to explore another of St Malo's beaches. There is also another fortress of interest but we had no time.

I photographed birds while Marjolein looked for shells.

Part of the old town's gate.

Early arvo it was time to leave for Lannion, where we would be picked up by the mother of a friend of ours. She then drove us to our destination du jour; Perros Guirec.

The harbour of Perros Guirec. It's a tiny village but it's smack bang in the middle of the Côte de Granit Rose (pink granite coast) where we would explore the next 4 full days.

France - Day 7

(Click on a picture to enlarge it!)

Mont Saint Michel. We took a bus from St Malo here which took about 1.5 hours. We got there around 11AM and it was already getting busy. Tip of the day: Take the first little alley or whatever you find off of the main street! When you leave the beaten track you'll find views so much more interesting and you'll get to the entry of the monastery just as fine.

So, centuries ago, monks founded a small monastery on top of the mountain. It wasn't more than a few rectangular buildings. Through time it expanded in to what it is now and a tiny village emerged at the foot of the mountain as well.

Mont Saint Michel is very, very picturesque and it offers stunning views. You can get in to the monastery which is very much worth a visit.

Off the beaten track you'll find tiny stairways leading up. You will leave the masses and the tourist shops behind and slowly work your way up and come across more tiny hidden streets and alleys and parks and also a graveyard. Stunning views will be yours to find :-)

Little courtyards build on top desolate parts of the monastery that can be entered only from underneath.

A little hidden path that leads to a tiny shed build on the edge of a cliff.

The view down on to the village from within the monastery.

If you are ever in the neighbourhood, Mont Saint Michel is very much worth your time!

We returned to St Malo early evening, had a shower and went for a walk again. So much to see, so little time! This is the little chapel of Saint Aaron who was a hermit that lived close to St Malo.

France - Day 6

(Click on a picture to enlarge it!)

Behold, for I present you; A tourist!

Marjolein walking on the old city wall. The wall includes all of the old town. You have many interesting and beautiful views from up here.

A tiny ladder-thing sticks out of the sea.

It's the diving board of the sea-side swimming pool! The difference between low and high tide must be at least 9 metres!

When the tide is low paved pathways emerge and you can walk to the 2 islands directly in front of St Malo.

From the first island you can continue walking to the second islanf called "Petit Bé" on which is one of the many fortresses which were used to defend St Malo from sea attacks.

France - Day 5

(Click on a picture to enlarge it!)

Having left Bayeux by train we had to change trains at some hole called Folligny. The train station is a 20 minute walk away from the actual town. We had a few ours to kill and walked there with our backpacks in the burning heat only to find out that the pub was closed. I was not amused to say the least...

We arrived in St Malo early evening. We ditched our gear and hit the wall surrounding the old town. We were very fortunate to catch the sun set with no clouds blocking the view!

St malo is a very old pirates town. In the 17th century pirating was legal as long as you helped fighting for the King of France in times of war and 1/3 of your "proceeds" were for the same King, another 1/3 was for the city and you were allowed to keep 1/3rd yourself. The old part "between the walls" is beautiful and unlike you've seen before. Lots of little streets and squares, not many cars either.

During WWII though the whole city was bombed to bits however, in the 1950's they rebuild the old city exactly like it was before! You will hardly be able to tell!

St malo sunset.

This pub was very close to our hotel. Lovely place with a fun bartender who actually spoke English! Marjolein and I went here all three night we were in St Malo.

The only stout available is "Odo", named after a bishop who played a part in the tales depicted in the Bayeux tapestry. It's a very good stout though!