A Road Trip to Concarneau

Monday

A Day Away from the House

There was a post late yesterday, so you may have missed it.  Scroll down.   And remember, click on pictures for larger views.

Monday we decided to see some of southern Brittany.  It’s only just over an hour and a half away, but driving in Brittany can be exhausting, so three hours of driving just to get there and back was not appealing.  We decided to do an overnight trip.  After looking at options Sunday night, we decided to spend Monday night in Concarneau.  I found a hotel that sounded appealing (modern and on the ocean – enough with ancient and quaint), so I called and made a reservation.

We left early Monday morning (8:00 am) when it was barely light outside.  Our first stop was in Sizun, a small town with a noted Parish Close (remember your previous lessons?).  It was impressive, but we only viewed it from the outside as it didn’t open until 2:30.  No big deal.

 Then it was on to Quimper, a larger city is southern Finestre, a section of Brittany.  We parked near the river and visited both the impressive Cathedral and the Museum of Art.  The museum is relatively small.  It’s main feature is an exhibit about Max Jacobs, a French writer who was friends with many noted artists including Picasso.

From there we diverted west to visit the Pointe du Raz, highlighted in all guide books as a must see coastal view.  The weather was dreary and overcast but at least not foggy, so we gave it a go.  Just before reaching the Point we stopped to buy sandwiches and cokes for a picnic. (No, Jane, not Subway although we did see one in Quimper.)  From the parking lot at Pointe de Raz, it’s another fifteen minute walk to the overlook.  Still cloudy and dreary, it seemed pointless, but we soldiered on.  Lo and behold, when we reached the overlook, the sun peeked through and the weather improved steadily from there.  The views were indeed impressive, and our trek to the overlook was worth it.  After returning to the car we enjoyed our sandwiches as a nearby picnic table.

Then we stopped at the Pointe du Van, a short ride away.  It doesn’t get the accolades of Raz, and, therefore, it doesn’t get as many people.  Yet, in many ways, it is even more picturesque.

 On to Concarneau, the premiere fishing port in Brittany  As usual, it took a bit to find our hotel.  It’s right on the water, and it’s refreshingly new and modern.  Wi-fi included; English television channels including Sky News, BBC, and, oddly, CNBC and Bloomberg TV.  We checked in, and then headed out to view the ancient ramparts on Concarneau’s port.  We walked the walls and part of the pedestrian only part of town, a tourist mecca.  But off season like now, it’s relatively empty.  Some scenes from Concarneau:

After that, it was wine on our balcony, showers, relaxation, and eventually dinner in the hotel dining room.