June 15, 2022
“He who gets the grace of the women is neither hungry nor thirsty.”
-Breton Proverb
We traveled southwest into the wilds of Brittany. I did not know that Brittany is a distinct Celtic region of France that only reluctantly joined greater France in the 17th century. In France the region is called Breton and it is Breizh in their native tongue.
The best way to think of it is like Scotland and England. Although both countries are part of Great Britain, their culture, language, cuisine are distinct and different. Like the Scottish, Betons value their independence and traditions and fight to keep them from disappearing.
Most of today was about the drive into the country. Although our final destination was the old medieval city of Dinan, the journey to get there offered beautiful scenery to observe.
Soon after crossing the Couesan River, the traditional boundary between Breton and Normandy you begin to notice changes. Here the villages often abut the sea and they have a more spare and windswept appearance. The same is true for the trees that resemble the Torrey Pines of San Diego. The grasses, brown from the constant wind are constantly moving wave like and there seems to be less agriculture, at least in the area we were driving.
Frankly, the place looked a lot like our old home in San Diego, California. Very similar in appearance. Here crepes, both savory and sweet, are king and the main fast food available to you.
I have attached some of the pictures from the drive and our stop for oysters, a local specialty, You can enjoy the rugged coastline along this long drive.
We arrived in Dinan, a well preserved ancient city that somehow escaped the damage of WWII.
Up until the 13th century, Dinan was a major power center and rich with trading. But the port silted up and power shifted to other areas.
Today, the city depends on tourism.
We are here for one night. Tomorrow we leave for the Loire valley to see the most over the top vacation homes in the history of the world.
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