Last stop

As this trip is wrapping up, it was fitting to see Mont-Saint-Michel in the distance across the bay. I started this trip at the beautiful yet touristy place, and now as I'm nearing the end I can see her again, against the horizon line. After leaving Saint-Malo, I realized I hadn't had enough of the oceans, waves and seafood. For a more intimate experience, I headed to the fishing village of Cancale. Cancale is famous for its oysters, supposedly the "oyster capital" of Brittany. I explored the coast where the oyster hunters were going about their jobs:



Picture of Cancale
thanks to Gerpsych from Wikimedia Commons and Ookaboo!

In the evening, I took to a walk along a circular path along the Pointe du Grouin cliffs. From here, I could see Ile des Landes (a bird sanctuary) and a lighthouse on the Normandy coast.

Speaking of Normandy, Cancale has a World War II Memorial! It was humbling to see another nation's perspective on the war, especially this one. This war is one I've heard numerous stories about, and it made it truly seem real to be in a place so close to where my Grandfather fought.



Picture of Cancale
thanks to Foroa from Wikimedia Commons and Ookaboo!

I meandered down the coast through several small villages. Though equally beautiful and wonderful, I am getting tired of being away from home. I have one more stop before I head home: Dol-de-Bretagne.

This town of about 5,000 has a rich history, much like the towns at the beginning of my trip. I visited these fruit groves that reputedly were planted in 549 by a Welsh saint and are still blooming fruitfully. There is even a legend that is same saint slain a dragon off the coast!



Picture of Dol-de-Bretagne
thanks to LimoWreck from Wikimedia Commons and Ookaboo!

Here was my route on this trip:


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But now, I just really want to go home to my boyfriend and my dog, Lavender. As wonderful as France was, it just isn't home.

Dinan to Saint-Lunaire

Leaving Dinan, I headed up the N176 towards Saint-Malo. I crossed the Bassin de la Rance at the Port Saint-Hubert. The Bassin de la Rance is a river that arises from the mountains of Shiner in Collingham and flows into the English Channel. The port where I crossed is near the point where the river starts to dramatically widen. Parts of town grow right up to the banks, like this picture shows...



Picture of Dinan
thanks to Tango7174 from Wikimedia Commons and Ookaboo!

I followed the N137 as it paralleled the Rance River (American name for the Bassin de la Rance). I got to see the beautiful area called Les Gastines.

What followed this breathtaking traverse, I couldn't imagine. As I strolled into Saint-Jouan-des-Guerets, I realized that this could top everything I have seen. As with most of the towns I have come across, the richness in history and culture is astounding. The Roman influence is obvious, as is the sailor's touch. There are 3 islands on the Rance that are a part of this town.

The finale of this leg of my trip was to the town of Saint-Malo, situated at the mouth of the Rance. This island is as storied as the rest, getting its start as a monastery, but becoming throughout history a fort, a haven for pirates and mariners.



Here is a view of the mouth of the Rance from the city wall:



Picture of Saint-Malo
thanks to Muxu from English Wikipedia and Ookaboo!

Beyond the history, Saint-Malo is thriving with modern-day life as well. The St. Servan District is a bustling place of cafes, shops, and restaurants. Here is the river-side view:



Picture of Saint-Servan
thanks to TCY from Wikimedia Commons and Ookaboo!

This is my overall path of this leg of the journey:


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Bon Voyage!