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Visitor Guide to Fort la Latte and Cap Fréhel
If there is one place in northern Brittany that possesses all of the magic of this region – the sea, impressive cliffs, and stunning medieval architecture – it is Fort la Latte. Situated on a stretch of land that jets out far over the water, it is truly a magnificent sight to behold. One of the many things I love about Brittany is its proximity to the sea. I grew up in the Midwestern part of the United States, and while we have some incredibly beautiful lakes, I find myself drawn to the expansive waters and mighty cliffs in la Bretagne. Whenever I’m there, I make a point to spend…
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How to Pack a Personal Item
I get very excited when I start packing for a trip because that means my vacation is fast approaching. Packing makes it more “real” so to speak, and really gets me in the vacation mindset. The more trips I make across the pond, the quicker and easier it is to pack, but that’s only because I learned from past packing fails and figured out a system that really works. I know there are a lot of people out there who don’t like packing, but hopefully today’s blog post will help change that. I’ve heard people say they love traveling but really hate packing. When I asked what they don’t like…
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A Day in Dinard, Bretagne
Dinard is located in the Ille-et-Vilaine department and on the Cote d’Emeraude in Brittany, France. It has long been famous for its pristine beaches, dramatic cliffs, and crystal clear, turquoise water. To me, Dinard epitomizes the best of what summertime brings – families relaxing on the beach, children (and adults) building castles in the sand, sun worshipers taking a break from bronzing to spend a few minutes swimming in the sea. From the comfort of their towel, splayed out on the sand, visitors can take in the clear sky, the grey-white sand, and the varying shades of blue in the water, contrasted with the bright orange sails, belonging to those…
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Bécherel: A Book Lover’s Dream
There’s something special about holding a book that someone cherished during his or her lifetime. Many years ago, I bought a set of old books at a bouquiniste (stand with used and antique books) in Paris. A 2nd edition of Les Misérables, in four separate books, pages worn from years of resting in someone’s hands. There were even old letters tucked inside, written to a young girl. From whom, I wondered? An aunt or grandmother, perhaps? The book itself holds two stories: one of the author, and one of the reader. Some people prefer brand new books, but I prefer just about anything with a story. Late last summer, my…
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Going Further Afield: Driving in France
After exploring Rennes by foot (see An Afternoon in Rennes) it’s time to go further afield. Rennes is a hub for train travel, so it is quite easy to spend some time walking about the city then hopping back on a train into any number of towns in Brittany. From Rennes, you can take a train from the Gare de Rennes to the Gare de Saint Malo in just under an hour, and for between 11 euros (2nd class) and 22 euros (1st class) per one-way ticket. (These prices may vary depending on day and month.) You can catch a train to Dinan for about the same fare. Dinard, one…
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The Magical Forest of Huelgoat
Everyone has a special place that speaks to them. For some, it is a sandy beach. For others, it’s the hustle and bustle of a big city. For me, it’s the peace and tranquility of a forest. I love the smell of the moss and earth. I love listening to the sweet whisper of the trees. I love the perfect mix of stillness and the constant movement of wildlife. There’s always something to discover in a forest. Sometimes, it’s a little flower peeking out from between the rocks, or an interesting looking mushroom. Occasionally, you can spot an animal’s den made from fallen branches, sticks, and dried leaves. There’s no…
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Travel Tips: How to Plan Your Trip
The idea of taking a trip is exciting, especially when it’s to a place that you’ve always wanted to visit. Maybe you’ve dreamed of walking through the lavender fields in Provence, or admiring the great works at the Louvre. Perhaps you’ve wanted to explore castles in the Loire Valley or visit the stunning beaches of la Bretagne. While the idea of being at your destination can be exhilarating, it’s working out the logistics of getting there that can be exhausting. I’ve heard friends say that their vacation plans fell through because the idea of planning the trip – especially to a place they had never been before – was just…