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Dessert Recipes from Brittany: Flan d’oeufs and Cake Nature
Many of us are spending much (or all) of our time indoors these days, and, while challenging, it forces us to reach into our refrigerators and cupboards and cook up more homemade meals. Not only are cooking and baking wonderful diversions from life’s stresses, the process leaves our homes filled with smells that remind us of happier times. In every culture, people come together around food, sharing stories and following cherished family recipes, following instructions on old cards, in handwriting that belonged to someone we loved. Those moments bring us comfort and joy in both good and difficult times. I asked my dear friend if she would send me a…
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On Keeping the Faith
I will admit, it’s been challenging putting words on paper the last few days. People everywhere are struggling with the many changes taking place and are trying to make sense of this new way of life. For me, what keeps things in perspective is that people have faced extraordinarily challenging times before, and that in those dark times, there was always light. And such is the case now. This will indeed pass, and once it does, we will realize just how very resilient and resourceful we were. Many people around the world are worried, not only about becoming ill, but also about the changes to their daily lives, and how…
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Things to See and Do in Lehon, Bretagne, France
Léhon, located in the Côtes-d’Armor department in Brittany, France, is a Petite Cité de Caractère®. Anyone who has visited this quaint little town can appreciate how and why it received this honor, as it does indeed have a lot of character. I’ve been to Léhon several times, and with each visit I am more and more enchanted by her. The town is never overrun with tourists, as Dinan can be, especially during the summer months. Rather, it is calm and quiet, and it feels as though time has stood still for a long while, as if everyone has simply gone out to lunch and hasn’t returned yet. Léhon is 56.2…
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My First Trip to Western France
My first trip to western France was many years ago, and, while I knew it had made an impact on me, I didn’t know just how much until years later. One seemingly small decision ended up altering the course of my life and introducing me not only to a new part of France, but also to someone who would teach me some valuable life lessons, lessons that I strive to incorporate into my daily life and work. During my study abroad in Paris in 1990, I immersed myself in French language and culture, and I found myself feeling oddly at home there, more at home than I had anywhere up…
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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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Best of Brittany, France in 2022 Part 1
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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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A Visit to Saint Suliac, Bretagne, France
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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…
