It was August in 2010 and I was a member of once a great community called Couchsurfing. At that time a French family, better said Anne, contacted me and asked if they can stay for 2 nights at our place and I said yes. Patrick, Anne, Mewen and Andréas camped in front of our house and we spend 2 nice days together (11419, 11420). Almost 13 years later, Nada and me finally returned the visit in Brittany / Bretagne / Breizh. We also stayed for 2 nights, we met Thierry and in the end of the day we were almost fluent in French and Breton.
Anne and Thierry left for work in the morning, so Nada, Bronco and me first visited the island Île de Saint-Cado. Afterwards we visited Andréas and his girlfriend Maëlys in Carnac. We had lunch together, Andreas showed us around, while Maëlys had some errands and then we met again in a bar, until we had to return back to Lann Menhir for dinner and evening activities.
Wake up Bronco, we need to explore the island Île de Saint-Cado.
Little house with blue shutters set on the rocky islet of Nichtarguer.
Saint-Cado is the mysterious islet of the Etel River.
Also known as the oyster house as it was once the home of an oyster park keeper and his family.
Île de Saint-Cado is situated in the estuary of the River Etel, near the town of Belz, on the southern coast of Brittany.
One of the most iconic landmarks on Île de Saint-Cado is the Chapelle Saint-Cado.
Like many islands in the region, Île de Saint-Cado is affected by the tides, and its appearance can change dramatically throughout the day.
The fountain which gets regularly submerged by the tide.
The waters around Île de Saint-Cado are renowned for oyster farming, and the island is dotted with oyster beds and fishing huts.
The chapel dates back to the 12th century and is known for its picturesque location and distinctive architecture.
Saint Cado, also known as Saint Cadou or Saint Cadoc, was a Welsh monk and Christian missionary who lived during the 6th century.
In the village, you can also discover the Calvary decorated with sculptures.
The Calvary on Île de Saint-Cado features intricately carved stone sculptures that depict the Stations of the Cross and other religious motifs. These sculptures are crafted with meticulous detail, reflecting the craftsmanship and artistic skill of the artisans who created them.
The island is home to a quaint village with traditional stone houses, narrow alleyways, and flower-filled gardens.
One more photo of the famous house.
Bronco on the bridge, that connects the island to main land and has an interesting legend, how it was created. It goes like this: Saint-Cado wanted a bridge to connect the island separated from the land by the ria d'Etel but lacked the means. One day it received a visit from Satan who offered his help on condition that he would be granted the soul of the first living being to pass over this bridge. Saint-Cado accepted and the Demon creates the stone structure in one night. In the early morning, Saint-Cado encouraged a cat to cross the bridge. Satan was not expecting this, but this is what happened!
After the lunch with Andréas and Maëlys we went sightseeing around the Carnac. Our first stop was Chapelle Saint-Michel de Carnac.
Bronco, Tuši, Nada and our local guide Andréas.
Dedicated to Saint Michael, mass is said there once a year, on the first Sunday in September. The wives of sailors from their coasts go there on pilgrimage to obtain favorable winds for their husbands, they sweep the chapel for this purpose, pushing the dust in the direction where they want the winds to come.
Our next stop was Maison des Mégalithes.
Approaching the Ménec alignments, Eleven converging rows of menhirs stretching for 1165 by 100 metres.
The most westerly of the three gigantic fields of menhirs, 1150 granite stones stretch over more than one kilometre in twelve rows, ending with a cromlech. Heights of 4 m in the western part but their sizes are decreasing towards the east. The queues are not parallel. The width goes from 116 m in the west to 63 m in the east.
2 more menhirs to see today.
Andréas, Tuši and Nada.
I think I did push it a little bit.
The word menhir was adopted from French by 19th-century archaeologists. It is a combination of two words of the Breton language: maen and hir. In modern Welsh, they are described as maen hir, or "long stone".
Swimming in the Atlantic ocean on Grande plage.
Maëlys came back to us.
One quick drink and a snack before we had to go back to Lann Menhir. Thank you Andréas and Maëlys for being our tourist guides.
Back in René.
Before dinner, we did a quick hike around Lann Menhir with Anne.
- Boucle « Etré Douar ha mor » Tro Belz, GC81JPV, that received a visit by trackable items "MissJenn’s 5 Cents", TB9K7R9, "Sukerbiet 1", TB9VDJJ, "Schwarzer Delfin mit Anker", TB9YMGV and "Geo virus", TB45ZBF
Our day started with a 2 km hike with Bronco - Garmin Connect and then we drove to Ménez Hom, a local paragliding hill. Since my reverse start technique isn't good, I couldn't launch, so I remained grounded. Better luck next time or better said, do more practice on the ground. Our next destination was medieval town Locronan and afterwards seaside. In the afternoon we reached our final destination, Lann Menhir, where we visited Anne, Thierry and Mewen.
Locronan is a picturesque village located in Brittany, known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, historic significance, and cultural heritage.
The village's name means the "hermitage of Ronan", from the Breton lok ("hermitage") of Saint Ronan. It was previously known as Saint-René-du-Bois.
Saint Ronan, greatly venerated in Brittany, was a 6th-century IrishChristianmissionary who came to the region to teach the people.
Locronan is a small town built at the foot of a hill. It was granted town status in 1505 by Anne of Brittany, who went there on a pilgrimage.
Locronan boasts beautifully preserved medieval architecture, with cobblestone streets, timber-framed houses, and granite buildings adorned with intricate carvings.
The heart of Locronan is its central square, Place de l'Église, surrounded by charming stone buildings and the imposing Église Saint-Ronan.
Pilgrimage - The pardon of Saint Ronan takes place on the second Sunday of August, attracting pilgrims from across Brittany who come to pay homage to the saint and seek his blessings.
Local guardians scared us.
Locronan has been designated as a "Petite Cité de Caractère" (Small Town of Character) and is listed as one of the "Most Beautiful Villages of France," recognizing its cultural and architectural significance.
Locronan is home to a vibrant community of artisans and craftsmen, including potters, weavers, and artists, who showcase their work in local galleries and workshops.
Leaving the touristic area and searching for the geocache.
Different homes.
Locronan has served as a backdrop for numerous films and television series due to its picturesque setting and well-preserved medieval ambiance. It has been featured in movies such as "The Three Musketeers" and "Chouans!"
Église Saint-Ronan: The church of Saint Ronan is a Gothic-style church dating back to the 15th century, dedicated to the Irish hermit Saint Ronan, who is believed to have founded the village.
On the main square called Place de l'Église (Church Square).
According to local legend, Saint Ronan, the patron saint of Locronan, left his footprint on a stone in the village while engaged in a miraculous feat. Visitors to Locronan may encounter this stone, marked with what appears to be a footprint, which has become the subject of playful tales and humorous anecdotes among residents and tourists alike.
Visitors can sample authentic Breton cuisine in Locronan, including regional specialties such as crêpes, galettes, seafood, and cider, served in cozy restaurants and cafes. After the refreshment we finished the sightseeing tour of the city - Garmin Connect.
We stopped by the Sea, on Beg Meil is peninsula.
The village is surrounded by scenic coastal paths and hiking trails, offering breathtaking views of the rugged coastline, rocky cliffs, and offshore islands. These paths are ideal for leisurely walks and exploring the natural beauty of the area.
Beg Meil is known for its stunning beaches with golden sands and crystal-clear waters.
The Gang of Lann Menhir, Anne, Thierry, Mewen, Tuši and Nada.
Day 11, 162 km: From An Eskobed to Lann Menhir.
Geocaches found (all received a visit by trackable items "MissJenn’s 5 Cents", TB9K7R9, "Sukerbiet 1", TB9VDJJ, "Schwarzer Delfin mit Anker", TB9YMGV and "Geo virus", TB45ZBF):
