August 3 – Brittany Beaches

This morning we spent hours walking the sand and tide currents around Mont Saint Michel. Evelyn had particular fun writing big messages in the sand as others had done. Circling the island from the beach and mud flats was a great way to see even more of the architecture, etc. We were visiting during a period of low tide, so there was no worry of being overcome by the tide and swept out the sea. The shore is full of danger warnings about the high tides, which can come in at a rate of 6 feet per second. I’m sure they have to mount some motor boat rescues every year!

From Mont Saint Michel we decided to take the train a little further west to the seaside resort town of St. Malo. We were very surprised to find an enchanting old city center here, which is completely walled in dating back to the 15th century, when the city was very prosperous as a sea port.

We walked the city and enjoyed a Brittany lunch, including gallettes, mussels, cider and salmon. In the afternoon we were able to take a short cruise around the bay of St. Malo. It was a lot of fun to be on the water and see the shore fan out from us. The coast is speckled with tiny islands, many of them with structures and buildings. Further out, high speed ferries take travelers to the small British Channel Islands.

Back on shore we played on the beach for a while. Carolyn was brave enough to test the waves on a cloudy day. I really enjoyed just watching the sea view and the colors change over the afternoon.