One of the few entrance to the old cityJust me and drinkSpire of the cathedral Muscles MoulesView of the harbour
Saint-Malo is a port city in Brittany, in France’s northwest. Tall granite walls surround the old town, which was once a stronghold for privateers (pirates approved by the king). The Saint-Malo Cathedral, in the center of the old town, is built in Romanesque and Gothic styles and features stained-glass windows depicting city history. Nearby is La Demeure de Corsaire, an 18th-century privateer’s house and museum (Google)
This is another great spot to visit whilst in Brittany. You can walk the ramparts around the old city, wander in and out of the shops and cafes that line the narrow streets.
We visited straight after being at Cancale (see previous blog) and still being in the mood for sea food we opted for Moules (Muscles) cooked in a cream sauce. I have to say they were quite yummy.
Saint Malo old town has plenty of parking available, be patient at the entrance to them, you will eventually be let in to find a park.
Again another fantastic Meander in the sun. Well worth a visit.
Tray of oystersThe family enjoying fizz and oystersMe
Cancale lies along the coast to the east of Saint-Malo. It is a picturesque fishing port popular with visitors, many of whom are drawn by its reputation as the “oyster capital” of Brittany. Though a small town, it is well served by a large number of restaurants, many specialising in seafood. When not eating one can sit and watch the bustle of this busy little town. (Wiki)
We visited this lovely little town a few years ago and this time around we were still not disappointed. Sitting in the sunshine, eating fresh oysters with a glass of fizz was quite magical. Even if the thought of it turns your stomach you will be surprised at how tasty they are as long as you try to forget what it is you are actually eating.
To get to the fresh oyster stalls, park up in one of the many car parks along the sea front, which are not expensive and head towards the pier, turn the corner by a rather fantastic restaurant, Chez Victor, and you will find the stalls. Make sure you do what everyone else does and sit on the steps of the beach and enjoy a platter of oysters. Make sure you throw your empty shells onto the beach with all of the others.
If that isn’t enough then head into one of the many restaurants and order some rather amazing looking platters of food or just a coffee or cider.
Once you’ve had your fill of fresh oysters or crab or whatever took your fancy, then head along the sea front and take in the shops that line the front.
All in all a fantastic Meander and a must do when you are in the area.
The architecture of Mont-Saint-Michel and its bay make it the most visited tourist site in Normandy and one of the ten most visited in France — the first site after those of Île-de- France — with nearly two and a half million visitors each year (3,250,000 in 2006 , 2,376,000 in 2018).
A statue of Saint Michael placed at the top of the abbey churchculminates at 157.10 meters above the shore. A major element, the abbey and its outbuildings are classified as historic monuments by the list of 1862 (60 other constructions being subsequently protected ); the islet and the coastal strip of the bay have been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1979 as well as the Moulin de Moidrey since 2007. In addition, the mount benefits from a second world recognition as a stage of the Ways of Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle in France for “the pilgrims of Northern Europe (who) passed by the Mount when they went to Galicia”.
In 2020, the commune had 27 inhabitants, called the Montois . The islet of Mont Saint-Michel has become over time an emblematic element of French heritage (WIKI)
So here is what you must or must not do:
1. Do not go when it is raining. Absolute waste of time, you will get wet and will see bugger all.
2. Wear comfortable and practical footwear – you will regret it if not as there is a lot of steps and a lot of walking.
3. Take your time, enjoy the views and the architecture. If you rush to get to the top you will miss a multitude of things.
4. Book to go into the Abby before you visit.
5. Bring cash, it is one euro for a wee. They will not let you in if you don’t have it.
6. If you don’t like crowds of people then don’t bother, it is heaving with people.
7. Wait for the tide to come in.
This was my second visit here, although still magical, it felt very commercial this time around.
Miserable Meanders 