Since our decision to head to Brittany was quite last minute, we did not have many routes prepared. But I could easily pinpoint the most beautiful spots in the area so we decide to head south, east and west and visit a few towns in between.
Our first route is going south to the villages of Dinan and Vannes.
Dinan is a very beautiful medieval village with lots of perfectly preserved architecture. We park the motorbikes at a square just outside the old centre and go for a walk.
After Dinan we cross down to Vannes. Quite uneventful again since we take a long stretch of highway. Just before we reach the city, we are hit by a thunderstorm and in just a couple of minutes we are drenched. When entering Vannes, we first look for a bar/restaurant to have some lunch and more imporantly: dry out.
A good hour later, the sun is out again and we have warmed up again. Time to take a stroll through the city. I remember Vannes as a sunny and very vibrant tourist destination but today it’s Sunday, and the summer season has clearly ended. So what we find is quite an empty city. But that does not change the beautiful architecture though.
On the way back to Saint-Lunaire, we pass through Brittany’s inland, hoping to visit the Chateau de Gosselin. But unfortunately, some festivities are going on and the route to the castle has been blocked. Not really keen on taking yet another hike, we settle for this view on the castle.
We also cross the Forêt de Paimpont, mainly famous for the legend of King Arthur. Not only in the UK, but also here in this region with Celtic roots the iconic King and the legends about the Knights of the Round Table, the faye Morgane and the wizard Merlin are very much alive. The forest boast about having the Spring of Eternal Youth and also Merlin’s Grave.
We stop in Paimpont for some coffee before heading back to the camp site.
