CHAPTER 9. NORMANDY & BRITTANY CONT.

We go south across Brittany via Mur de Bretagne where we circle scenic Guerledan Lake on our way to Pontivy and to the Chateau Lacguenole. We had read about the Chateau, and made reservations for three nights from the Paris tourist office . Our room is in the attic (third floor) & there is much distance between floors. With no elevator there is no problem with our suitcases; a strong girl carries them running up the 52 steps from the ground floor. The room is large and luxurious; the continental breakfast is served in the room and is augmented with omelet and sausage; after supper the bed is turned down, the shutters closed, and the heat turned on.

There was a flat tire and Glenn had put on the spare; we drive to Quimper the next morning and go to Hertz, then Peugeot, to leave the tire to be fixed. Then we go on to the Crozon Peninsula seeing interesting whitewashed houses and villages thruout the area. Taking the Michelin tour of Penhir Point, we see the fine big statue memorial to Free French Bretons. The wind is blowing so hard it is difficult to take pictures; a gust of wind causes Betty to fall and cut her hand on rocks.

After a picnic lunch in the car we drive to Camaret sur Mar, a lovely fishing village with boats loaded with lobster traps and floats. After driving along the quay it is on to Espagne Point and a view across the bay to distant Brest.

Returning to Quimper the Peugeot agency has the tire fixed; the service manager has Glenn get out so he can drive to check air; he glances at Betty, sitting beside him, gives Glenn a grin, and says “au revoir”. At the Chateau that evening we have a wonderful meal in the elegant basement dining room.

The Quiberon Peninsula is today’s destination, under dark skies but no rain. The coast is low and rocky and reminds us of California’s Pacific Grove. There are lots of hotels at Quiberon, most closed for the season. The tourist office makes a couple of hotel reservations for us in the Loire valley. After a good lunch at the Hotel Roche we walk and drive around Quiberon seeing good harbors and lots of boats. On to Carnac and the alignations of megaliths, then to Locmariaquer with more pretty harbors and fishing boats; some are unloading crabs, and people are buying them at the boat. Most of the homes look new; those on the ocean front are large and well kept. Returning to the Chateau we have another rich but lighter dinner and a good nights rest.