Tuši

Tuši's blog

Saturday, April 29, 2023

16053

FranceMont-Saint-Michel, Oysters in CancalePointe du Grouin, Fort du Guesclin and Cap Fréhel


In the morning we visited Mont-Saint-Michel, a tidal island in Normandy and then we headed to Brittany. First we had oysters in Cancale and then we made a nice hike to a peninsula Pointe du Grouin. After a while we drove past Fort du Guesclin to Cap Fréhel. We finished the day near the beach near the city of Morieux.

Previous days of our road trip to Bayern - BavariaHesseNorth Rhine-WestphaliaNetherlandsBelgiumHauts-de-France, Normandie - Normandy, Bretagne - BrittanyPays de la LoireCentre-Val de LoireBourgogne-Franche-ComtéGrand Est and Rhineland-Palatinate: Day 8 - 16052, Day 7 - 16051, Day 6 - 16050, Day 5 - 16049, Day 4 - 16048, Day 3 - 16047, Day 2 - 16046, Day 1 - 16045.

 
Bronco enjoyed sleeping while we drove to Mont-Saint-Michel.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a tidal island, that lies approximately one kilometre off France's north-western coast.

 
Mont-Saint-Michel and its surrounding bay were inscribed on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites in 1979 for its unique aesthetic and importance as a Catholic site. It is visited by more than three million people each year. Over 60 buildings within the commune are protected in France as historical monuments.

The island remained unconquered during the Hundred Years' War. A small garrison fended off a full attack by the English in 1433. Louis XI recognized the benefits of its natural defense and turned it into a prison. The abbey was used regularly as a prison during the Ancien Régime.

 
At the summit of Mont-Saint-Michel is a medieval Benedictine abbey, dedicated to the archangel St. Michael.

The surrounding bay experiences some of the highest tides in Europe, with water levels rising and falling dramatically throughout the day. On average, the tidal range in the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel is around 10 meters.

 
Mont-Saint-Michel is named after the archangel Michael, who is traditionally depicted as the leader of the heavenly armies and the protector of Christians.

Before the construction of the first monastic establishment in the 8th century, the island was called Mont Tombe (Latin: tumba).

Looking back to the mainland France.

In Peter Jackson's 2003 film The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, Gondor's capital city, Minas Tirith, is modelled on Mont-Saint-Michel.

 
Animals of Mont-Saint-Michel.

Our 8 km walk was finished - Garmin Connect.

We left Normandy and entered Brittany. Cancale was our first stop.

Cancale is a picturesque fishing port popular with visitors, many of whom are drawn by its reputation as the "oyster capital" of Brittany.

 
The oyster market (marché aux huîtres) at the harbour at the end of Quai de l'Administrateur en Chef Thomas offers a wide variety of local oysters at producer prices.

We had to try them.

 
History has it that Louis XIV had his oysters brought to Versailles from Cancale. Centuries later, the farming of oysters is still a major activity in the port and there are oyster beds covering about 7.3 square kilometres easily seen from the pier at the harbour. These beds harvest about 25,000 tons of oysters each year.

 
Bronco didn't like the oysters.

Exploring the coast.

The town of Cancale has a rich maritime history, with a picturesque harbor that was once a bustling fishing port and trading hub.

Goodbye Cancale and the oysters.

Our next stop was Pointe du Grouin.

View to Île des Landes, now a bird sanctuary.

Pointe du Grouin is a rugged and rocky headland that juts out into the English Channel, offering panoramic views of the coastline and surrounding islands.

The headland is characterized by towering granite cliffs, sculpted by centuries of erosion from wind and waves, creating dramatic coastal scenery.

Bronco.

Pointe du Grouin is traversed by several hiking trails, including the GR34 coastal path.

 
Pointe du Grouin has played a role in maritime history, serving as a navigational landmark for sailors and fishermen navigating the treacherous waters of the English Channel.

Back towards René - Garmin Connect.

Stop for a pee with a view to Fort du Guesclin.

Fort du Guesclin is also a tidal island. The first construction was built in 1026 by a member of the Du Guesclin family.

Driving with sheep Hope over the Rance river.

 
Cap Fréhel is a spectacular headland located on the Brittany coast of France, renowned for its stunning cliffs, rugged landscapes, and panoramic views of the English Channel.

Cap Fréhel is situated on the Emerald Coast of Brittany.

The coastal heathlands and cliffs of Cap Fréhel support a rich diversity of plant and animal life, including seabirds, marine mammals, and rare coastal flora.

 
Cap Fréhel has played a strategic role in maritime history, serving as a navigational landmark and lookout point for sailors and fishermen navigating the treacherous waters of the English Channel.

The rocky outcrops and formations at Cap Fréhel display fascinating geological features, including natural arches, sea caves, and tidal pools.

Hello Baki!

Tourists.

Jump for joy.

 
Cap Fréhel offers opportunities for rock climbing enthusiasts, with several challenging routes along the cliffs that attract climbers seeking adventure and stunning views.

 
Bronco, Nada and Tuši.

Cap Fréhel is a popular spot to watch the sunset over the sea. We were a bit early for that.

 
Cap Fréhel is steeped in folklore and legends, with tales of mermaids, sea monsters, and ghostly apparitions said to haunt the cliffs and caves.

 
Phare du cap Fréhel - The two lighthouses of Cap Fréhel.

The path led us back to our van - Garmin Connect.

Driving through Dahouët.

 
We found a nice place to park our van and stay over the night.

 
Chef Tuši in actoion.

 

Day 9, 183 km: From Céaux to Morieux.

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):
- Pause géomobile au Mont‏ ..., GC5YEEB
- MONT SAINT MICHEL : LES JARDINS, GC9257V
- Bonus Lab'Cache Le Marquis de Tombelaine, Mystery, GC8G7Y5
- Le Grouin dans les buissons, GC2J0MF
- Plévenon Cap-Fréhel "l'Azuré des Mouillères", GC7432E


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