sábado, 17 de febrero de 2018

An escape To France

It has been a year that we were talking to visit Normandie in France. We were planning to go there last September and to stay in Camping places but at the end we couldn't. February 2018 we had a week off but as it was snowing and raining all days in Bilbao, we preferred to do our trip by car instead of by moto.
We were so lucky because we had sunny cloudy days until the last day when coming back home we were driving under snow and rain which we liked it as well.

So we will mention the main sites that we visited hoping that we will be able to visit this area again because it is very beautiful and peaceful.

B: "I have been there in July 2009 and I loved it and promised myself to go back again. This time as well I had the same feeling" ;)

The video is published in low resolution.
The music is for Yann Tiersen - Rue des cascades



From Bilbao we drove to Dune de Pilat considered the Europe's tallest sand dune nestled between the Atlantic Ocean, an enormous pine forest Arcachon Bay, a sandbank and a peninsula. We spent the night at La Rochelle, a city which maintained its past architecture and considered one of the most picturesque historically rich cities on the Atlantic coast. Not to miss visiting the old harbor with its towers lightened up at night. We didn't visit this time Île de Ré but we are already planning to do it by motorbike.
Then we stayed in Morlaix in Brittany which is dominated by a two-storied railway viaduct (built 1861–64, partially destroyed by the Royal Air Force in 1943 and now reconstructed) that spans the valley 200 feet (60 metres) above the quays.
Around this town, we visited Carantec and Roscoff located on the coast of the English Channel. All the area is very well known for its oyster cultivation. We visited as well Plouezoc'h and the Cairn of Barnenez, one of the Oldest Structures in the World, additionally, the Cairn de Barnenez is the “largest megalithic mausoleum” in Europe. It was built during the early Neolithic period.
For the seafood lovers, it is very recommended this area. The food was delicious.
Continuing the road on the coast, we had a stop at Cap Fréhel, two lighthouses, one from the 17th century and the other one from 1950 and spectacular cliffs.
Saint Malo is a historic walled port city which dates from the 1st century B.C. We wandered inside, on and around its walls. It is considered a major tourist destination, with many ancient structures.
Cancale is a picturesque fishing port known as the "oyster capital" of Brittany.  Though a small town, it is well served by a large number of restaurants, many specialising in seafood.
We had a quick visit to Dinan and we loved it. We wished we could stay longer there. Its geographical setting is exceptional. The area alongside the River Rance is known as the port of Dinan and is connected to the town by steep streets.
At Hirel, we had a very pleasant experience sleeping in a nice room with sea view (Chambre d'hôtes) and JC was glad to meet the son of the owner who restores as well motorbikes.
In the morning we head to Mont Saint Michel, one of the beautiest places of the world. It is an island which has held strategic fortifications since ancient times. What was new is the bridge that connect the parkings to the island, it was not there in 2009, they inaugurated it in 2014. It is a place full of history and stunning views, must be visited. To reach the abbey you have to do it through lot of stairs.
After spending the day there and bought some delicious typical sweets, we head to Val de Loire. On the way, we passed by Jardin au bout du monde and as its name indicates it is known for its 80 varieties of flowers and aromatic herbs.
Before heading back home we decided to spent a night beside Rochemenier and we visited the Troglodytic houses carved in rock. Their wine was stored in a massive net work of caves. These caves were situated in natural cliffs. And of course we had some bottles of wine.
So cheers friends! for life! for unforgettable memories! for dreams to come true...