Southern Brittany proved an absolute delight both on our way South and on our return journey. The beautiful (if a little rolly polly) Iles de Glenans we visited with Paul and Elaine Bragg, the historic town and port of Concarneau, the wriggly, wiggly Belon river with its famous oysters (untasted by us of course!) and delightful cliffside walks made for a gentle and warm break. The marina at Saint Marine was recommended by Neil and Sue P and we are pleased we stayed there enjoying a delicious beef curry and evening of games with Paul and Elaine before leaving there and heading towards Lesconil. A little known port now opening up for Yachties, recommended by Nick Gill who had visited earlier in the season.
Port La Foret on our return journey was an interesting lesson on French Customs helpfulness when we were boarded alongside by them. Noting our entry date to Roscoff as 26 April and our stamp into France as 2 June they decided to believe our (true) story that Cherbourg had advised us we didn't need to stamp in as we had a visa although further advice suggested we did (which we achieved in Lorient). Next time they said a mistake like that would cost us £3000 each and ensured we knew how to leave the country legally. Close shave but we had our get out of jail yellow paper now if we were boarded again!
Probably our favourite place in Southern Brittany, Sauzon on Belle Isle. It has a drying harbour on the innermost section which suited us so well as the ourter buoys were definitely too rocky rolly for us. We visited early in the season by ourselves and walked to the north of the Island where Sarah Bernhardts house remained and again with Neil and Sue a little later after meeting up with them on the Isle de Groix. We had a super cycle ride around the island and enjoyed our time in Port Tudy. This time we walked the coastal path to Le Palais and considered our options there for an alternative marina - possibly not! Our final visit gave us an interesting interaction with the owner of an RM 1100. His integral leg on his port side collapsed causing the boat to gently lie atop of us as the tide went out. I think he was more concerned about potential damage than we were but it made for a somewhat disturbed night. It was so warm on our final visit that as the tide rushed in I went for a swim off the boat - the second swim of our holiday!
test
Just checking Neil & sue are having good time
What we dream of, no one else there!
What its really like
Of course we could not miss out the beautiful "Caribbean" Island of Huat and Hoedic. Although we didn't go ashore to explore as the tides and other plans took over, the beautiful sandy bays and delightful cruising grounds around these two islands is a place worth revisiting. Not sure if we will ever spend a night there as the pyjama parties for poorly anchored yachts and tide turns are renowned in this area!
We spent a fair bit of time in the Quiberon Bay both heading South and returning North, bouncing around between Port Haliguan and La Trinite Sur Mer and this was Nicks favourite cruising ground. Fairly flat waters whatever the weather and useful towns to visit with walks and splendid beaches made it an easy stopover and stay area. I took the first swim of our holiday there on the beach just south of Port Haliguen.
A visit to Vannes (in the Morbihan) around the end of June was a must as we were picking up Fiona for a few days sailing with us. This was around 28 June and warm but not too hot. (It also rained a fair amount and windy conditions prevented us from sailing outside the Quiberon). Stayed overnight in Croesty (not a favourite marina as it is very large) before coming in with the tide to take us all the way up to Vannes. It is a beautiful inland sea and the tides are swift and unforgiving and some of the islands are just delightful. We enjoyed 2 in particular - on our first visit we anchored off I'le D'Arz only possible because of Whimbrel's lifting keel and on both visits into the Morbihan we stayed on the pontoons on Ile aux Moines - this is probably our favourite island. When Fiona was staying we ate and drank exceedingly well and enjoyed visiting all the markets especially in Port Haliguen and Vannes for the seafood. On a wet and windy day we took a train ride to Auray, another delightful and historic town.
It was a real treat to meet up with Andy and Jane on Malaika in mid June and we cycled up the Quiberon Peninsula and enjoyed an evening with them and Lady J in Port Haliguen. After Lady J departed with their guests into a rather stormy sea around Quiberon peninsula, we sailed with Malaika up to Penarf (windy and wet and nothing open on a Monday evening) and up to the mid river moorings on the Vilaine River. Was a fun few days for a KYC reunion.
We took the opportunity after our first visit to Arzal Camoel (where we had our summer mooring) to motor up the Vilaine river to la Roche Bernard and Redon. Interesting trip and we were enthralled by the Marsh Harriers and the ever changing scenery of these lush and fertile lands.