Iter Facere

Auray...Franklin and Marshall

When we went to the tourism is Auray, I saw a local guy wearing a Franklin and Marshall sweatshirt. Interesting. We saw two more people during the day, and then another the next day and the next. What is going on with Franklin and Marshall and the French population of Brittany? Inquiring minds want to know.

This day is devoted to more neolithic sites, specifically the Isle of Gavarnis.
From there we head to Vannes.

Gavarnis is a big dolmen, on an island just offshore. 4000 years ago it was on the mainland, so no extra mystery about how it was built. What is interesting is the carvings on the interior, but in order to protect them no pictures are allowed. The outside looks like the one at Locamariaquer. The interior is low, dark and tight. Was it carved before the roof was put on? The majority of the carvings remind me of a fingerprint, although there are some shields which apparently represent human form. I'm a bit
confused since 20000 years ago at the caves in the southwest of France, like Lascaux, the art is very representationally accurate, but now it is quite abstract. Hmm.

The other noticeable aspect of the ride is the tide, which flows past the island so fast that it is like looking at a river current in the water. Boats heading past bob up and down and throw spray as they head past the island. The tides in Brittany are almost as high as the Bay of Fundy.

On to Vannes, which is also a great city to visit. The rain reduces the lingering over quaint buildings, but the old part of the city is terrific. Maybe this would have been a better base. We came out of the parking lot into the port, which is lined with stately 19th century buildings.



The market was underway when we arrived, so we pushed our way through the crowds as we walked. Nice cathedral surrounded by half timber buildings.





After lunch we kept wandering, each time we thought we should stop because of the rain, the rain stopped, so we could continue. Finally we bumped into the chateau and gardens, which were an excellent finale.





I need to remember that plain old marigolds, zinnias, salvia, petunias and all the other "boring" annuals can make a great border.

Back home to Le Marin. Best dinner of the three. We ate inside, since we were rained out. The waiter wasn't fooled by my French accent, and revealed himself as British, which meant we had a ready translator. Both Kathy and I had bar, since she like it so much the day before. It was just as good as before. Maybe it's sea bass? Goes well with Muscadet. As we left, we were introduced to the chef, who has been working in New York for a number of years. We had a nice chat, got the name of the Calvados we like so much and headed to the hotel.

Location:Auray

posted by Jim @ 7:30 AM