16057

France: Guérande salt marshes, La Baule Bay, Château de Saumur and Château d'Ussé

In the morning we said goodbye to our awesome hosts Anne and Thierry. We had a great time in Lann Menhir. Our next stop was Guérande and its salt marshes followed by one of the most beautiful bays in the world, La Baule. After that point we left the seaside area and we followed the longest French river Loire into the inland, where we stopped for a few nice Châteaus.

Previous days of our road trip to Bayern - Bavaria, Hesse, North Rhine-Westphalia, Netherlands, Belgium, Hauts-de-France, Normandie - Normandy, Bretagne - Brittany, Pays de la Loire, Centre-Val de Loire, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Grand Est and Rhineland-Palatinate: Day 12 - 16056, Day 11 - 16055, Day 10 - 16054, Day 9 - 16053, Day 8 - 16052, Day 7 - 16051, Day 6 - 16050, Day 5 - 16049, Day 4 - 16048, Day 3 - 16047, Day 2 - 16046, Day 1 - 16045.

Sunrise and it with Bronco we went to a morning walk.

The village of Lambézégan is home to the chapel Notre-Dame de grâce dédiée à la Vierge.

Back in our René, named after the main character in series 'Allo 'Allo!.

The salt marshes of Guérande have been in operation for over a thousand years.

Salt production in the region dates back to Celtic times, and the methods used for harvesting salt have been passed down through generations.

Bronco an Tuši.

Salt watcher.

Relaxing near the salt pools.

The salt marshes are known for their traditional salt production methods, which involve the use of shallow clay basins called "œillets." Seawater is collected in these basins and allowed to evaporate naturally under the sun and wind, leaving behind salt crystals. The salt is harvested by hand using wooden rakes. This labor-intensive process requires skill and expertise, and it contributes to the unique quality of the Guérande salt.

Our next stop was Atlantic coast.

Low tide on midday.

Seaside houses near the beach.

Nada went swimming in La Baule Bay, that runs for 9 km, from Pornichet to Pouliguen.

Driving along the 1006 km long Loire brought us to Château de Saumur.

The Château de Saumur, originally built as a castle and later developed as a château was originally constructed in the 10th century by Theobald I, Count of Blois, as a fortified stronghold against Norman attacks.

 

It overlooks the confluence of the rivers Loire and Thouet.

Saint Peter's church and Loire, that drains 117,054 km2, which is more than a fifth of France's land.

Nada in France.

In 1621 the castle was converted into an army barracks. Nearly two centuries later it was converted into a state prison under Napoleon Bonaparte.

 

In the first part of the 20th century, the city of Saumur acquired the castle and began a restoration program to house the museum of the decorative arts. In line with the Saumur area's equestrian tradition and its famous "Cadre Noir", the castle also serves as a Museum of the Horse. The castle has a dungeon and watchtower, and houses the Musée de la Figurine-Jouet, a collection of very old toys and figurines of soldiers, kings of France, and clowns.

 

The castle underwent significant renovations in the 14th and 15th centuries, transforming it into a splendid example of Renaissance architecture. Its elegant turrets, towers, and intricately carved stone facades are characteristic of this period.

 

The Loire River, often referred to as the "Royal River" due to its historical significance and the numerous châteaux that line its banks, is the longest river in France.

 

After the walk in a hot day, we we refreshed ourselves with a cold Belgian beer.

 

We continued driving along Loire.

Ussé is a castle in the Indre-et-Loire département in Centre-Val de Loire region.

The stronghold at the edge of the Chinon forest overlooking the Indre Valley was first fortified in the eleventh century by the Norman seigneur of Ussé, Gueldin de Saumur, who surrounded the fort with a palisade on a high terrace.

 

Château d'Ussé is often cited as one of the inspirations for the fairy tale "Sleeping Beauty" by Charles Perrault. Its picturesque turrets, towers, and riverside setting are said to have influenced Perrault's description of the castle where Princess Aurora slept for 100 years.

We found are camping spot along the Loire.

Preparing the dinner.

 

Bon Appétit and Cheers.

Day 13, 408 km: From Lann Menhir to Les Roberts.

Geocache found:

- Le chateau de la Belle au Bois Dormant, Virtual, GC890CC, that received a visit by trackable items  "MissJenn’s 5 Cents", TB9K7R9, "Sukerbiet 1", TB9VDJJ, "Schwarzer Delfin mit Anker", TB9YMGV and "Geo virus", TB45ZBF

#hiking #CatahoulaLeopardDog #vacation #VanTrip #Europe #geocaching