By the time we left St. Malo, the sun was out, the sky was blue and the air was cold. Our trip through Brittany continued as we headed to Cap Frehel on the Emerald Coast.
Cap Frehel is a peninsula extending off the "Cote d'Emeraude" in the Gulf. Although there are no homes on the peninsula, there are lighthouses -- including one from the 17th century and another from 1950.
Surrounded by cliffs and rocky terrain, the Cap offers stunning views.
Partly because it was cold and partly because it was windy, being there was an interesting experience. We clearly weren't dressed for the weather and the wind added to the chill. I'm thinking it was about 40 degrees with a wind chill taking the temperature much lower.
Rick and Jerry chose to walk around the Cap and down the rocks. I saw this sign, and chose to stay put and go to the gift shop. Smart thing -- a gust of wind knocked me down!
I didn't mind staying behind, though. It was absolutely gorgeous, the sea a blue that I only wish I could duplicate in my wardrobe! As the icy water crashed against the rocks, I couldn't help but think it was truly a natural wonder.
The Cap includes protected moorland covering 1.5 square miles. Travel literature explains its an important nesting site for native and migratory birds.
Later I discovered that Cap Frehel was the end of Stage 5 of the Tour de France in 2011. I wish I'd known that then!
As we left Cap Frehel, looking for a spot for a picnic, we noted some fabulous beaches. We opted out of those, given the wind and temperature, but they would be lovely stopping places for the traveler.
It was back to Paris. The next day we would visit the Champs Elysee
and make our own walking tour!
Lessons from the Road:
Always bring clothes you don't think you will need -- an extra sweater, sweatshirt, dry socks and gloves. Even in spring!
Don't forget -- comments on this post and all of my vacation posts, beginning with "Bon Voyage, continuing through my Gypsy post and on through France, Holland and England, will be entered in my "800th Post Drawing." It will include a few little things picked up along the way!
14 comments:
I have often been caught by unexpected wind and cold (and rain) while traveling. No matter how prepared you think you are, the weather can take you by surprise. I enjoyed these photos - off the usual tourist track.
Your photos are stunning and those beaches look like they would be wonderful on a warmer day.
I am the worst packer ever, or maybe the best in that I always take too much, but I am usually prepared "just in case".
I love those beaches...but my favourite is the old lighthouse. That's what we miss around here, history. Only 100 years ago it was almost all forest.
We both love this part of the Brittany coast, even though the winds can be murderous!
The sky & the sea are a very special blue, n'est pas?
Your pictures are simply breath-taking, Jeanie! And your major travel tip so valuable!
You visited some beautiful places!
You have definitely seen places in France I have not traveled to. This is beautiful and I love seeing the lighthouse too.
The beaches look so beautiful. Too bad the weather was so cold and you couldn't enjoy them more.
One of my coldest summer days was spent in San Francisco where the weather can be so unpredictable. I learned to bring along clothes for all temperatures when I travel.
Oh my gosh those pictures are gorgeous! What an absolutely stunning area!
I visited the Beaches of Normandy when I was there in February and burr it was cold! I had a winter coat with me (a light pea coat) but was still shivering and wished I had a hat!!
the color of the water (and sky) are dreamy!
gorgeous spot
and
you've reminded me why I tend to overpack a bit...one just never knows WHAT you might need ;)
oxo
When I look your great pictures of your French journey and especially Brittany, I remember our fantastic holidays we spent there several times.
Did you visit the South of France, too?? It is absolutly different to the West coast but marvellous, too.
I am looking forward to enjoying more pictures about your exciting trip to Europe.
Best wishes,
Iris
This must have been an amazing place to visit. I loved it rugged beauty that you captured so well in these photos. That beach was really, really beautiful. Like you, I would have chosen to shop and not try to hike or walk in such a place. I can only imagine how cold that wind must have been. A walk there is not for the faint of heart.
Where we in France at the same time? I loved this area, I spent a week in Brittany. I think we need to plan. A trip together.
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