Brittany coast II

crabs in the Roscoff market

Today turned out to be an extension of yesterday--exploring the coast of Brittany along the very tidal north coast from Roscoff to Paimpol.  But first we spent the morning using a local laundry facility and seeing the offerings at the local market.  Seafood topped the list.  This area is a big provider of oysters, lobsters, and crabs as well as various fish.  

We first rode south to Morlaix where we had considered staying last night.  The decision to find lodging in Roscoff was a smart one.  Morlaix is a bigger city and lacks the charm of Roscoff.  We did stop and enjoy lunch there.  During the entire day we noticed the very low tide, with many boats stranded in the mud flats.  Morlaix protected its harbor with a dam, as did Paimpol.  

Paimpol harbor

We stayed along the coast and the charming small Breton towns with their uniform houses and fishing fleets.  In good weather, as we had today, this area is lovely.  We wonder about the rest of the year.  We turned south from the coast to Lanmeur and on to Lannion and across to Paimpol where we had, during lunch, booked an Aparthotel.  The manager met us with the key and we are now enjoying an apartment with kitchen facilities (not to be used except for breakfast), living room and bedroom (80e).

We took a 90 minute evening ride to cover some missed coastline, including the Pointe de l'Arcouest with its ferries to the popular Ile de Brehat.  Back to Paimpol, noticing again the extensive farming, including artichokes, and greenhouses.  This area of Brittany is clearly fish and farm country.  And finally an evening walk to the harbor which protects its fleet from the tide with a weir and lock.  But one must have to time boat departures and arrivals carefully.