Best of 2020

Yes, I know, the title is somewhat …. interesting. Did we have a best of anything in 2020?! Like many of you, I had goals and plans for the year that went, shall we say, a little off course due to a little thing called Covid 19. For one, I planned to spend spring break and the summer holiday in Brittany. I would have taken you along on my many adventures, we would have tasted delicious cuisine, and we would have learned some useful French phrases along the way. Alas, this was not the year for adventure. No, this was a year to just keep going, and some days, even that was tricky.

My friends, together we’ve just reached the end of a challenging year and there is – IS – a light at the end of the tunnel. My hope is that 2021 brings with it a sense of gratitude for the simplest of joys, be that a hug from a loved one, sitting with friends at a café, and maybe even walking through an airport or two.

So today I bring you the best of 2020, blog version. It’s my blogversary, in fact, so let’s celebrate with a trip down memory lane …

In my first post, I described how it was that I fell in love with France and the French. (Here is a hint if you haven’t yet read the post – it was not love at first sight!)

So, how did I end up falling in love with France? It started with a French class that I took in high school.  A few weeks into it, I realized that I had finally found a subject that I was interested in. To my surprise, I was even good at it! When we started learning about French culture, I finally began to understand the things that confused (ok, frustrated) me about France and the French. For example, I realized that shops were closed between 12 and 2 p.m. because people were taking proper lunch breaks. They were actually sitting down for an hour (or more!) and eating lunch. Together. They weren’t going through a drive-through and eating in under 15 minutes, they were actually sitting down and eating slowly, chatting with friends, family, or colleagues, savoring the food and enjoying the company. Restaurants were closed in the afternoon because the French eat at specific times during the day as that is healthier for the body to do so. People very rarely snack between meals, so there is no need for restaurants to be open in the afternoon. Tradition and routine are very important to the French and it is something that they take to heart. (Read the entire post here: https://talesfrombrittany.com/france-the-beginning/ )

I took you to some of my very favorite places in Brittany, such as the enchanted forest in Huelgoat …

… where supposedly an angry giant cast boulders about, creating this incredible scenery …

While we were walking through the forest, we suddenly heard soft harp music playing. I couldn’t help but think I had passed into some other world, one that contained nymphs and fairies. The harpist asked not to be photographed or videotaped, but suffice it to say it was one of the most beautiful pieces of music I had ever heard. Enchanting is the only word I can use to describe it.  Like us, others were moved by his craft, and chose to stop and listen, some standing in place, mesmerized, others sitting atop the boulders or on a log by the stream, being incredibly thankful to be in the forest at that moment in time.

You can read my full blog post here: https://talesfrombrittany.com/the-magical-forest-of-huelgoat/

Through my post, I took you to along the coast to Fort la Latte and Cap Frehel. 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.

Simply stunning, wouldn’t you agree? After visiting the fort, we went for a trek along the the footpath to Cap Frehel …

This is the perfect location for gazing out at the choppy waters below and inhaling the scent of the sea.

Read more about Fort la Latte and Cap Frehel here https://talesfrombrittany.com/visitor-guide-to-fort-la-latte-and-cap-frehel/

One of my favorite castles in Brittany is in Josselin. When I first saw it, I truly thought I had been transported back in time. Thankfully, I hadn’t, because the town itself is a joy to explore. Josselin hosts a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes and will delight both young and old alike.

The original château, built in the 11th century, was destroyed by King Henry II during a time in which England wanted Brittany for her own. Construction on the castle that we see today began in 1173 and, thanks to restorative efforts in the mid 1800’s, it is truly a sight to behold. Its unique architecture and proximity to the river makes it one of the most beautiful castles in Brittany.

You can read more about Josselin and her château here: https://talesfrombrittany.com/a-visit-to-josselin-bretagne-france/

And what about those charming French villages one hears so much about? Ah yes, I took you to a few of those as well. One of my favorite towns is Locronan, located in the Finistere department of la Bretagne.

Locronan is located in the Finistère department of Brittany, about a 2 1/2 hour drive from Rennes. While there is not a lot to do in terms of cultural activities, it is perfection for those of us who love taking long strolls and dozens of photographs.

As the light changed throughout the day, the sun cast light and shadows over the old stones, turning them from grey to pink to rose and gold.

I remember the smell coming from the boulangerie, its loaves of freshly baked breads and mouth-watering croissants inside, the Gateaux Breton and kouign amann too …. delicious! And can we talk a moment about the crêpes? Heavenly!

Read my post on Locronan here https://talesfrombrittany.com/a-visit-to-locronan-and-quimper-france/

If you have always been fond of the sea, then perhaps you enjoyed this post of a day spent in St Jacut de la Mer. I was immediately struck by how clear the water was. The turquoise color was similar to what one would see on a poster in a tourism office, of some exotic island in the South Pacific or maybe the Bahamas. Of course, we weren’t, we were in my beloved Brittany!

When the tide receeded, I managed to collect enough seashells to fill a few glass bowls, where they still sit today.

https://talesfrombrittany.com/a-day-in-st-jacut-de-la-mer-bretagne-france/

One of my favorite places in Brittany has to be Dinard. Dinard represents the best of what summertime can bring: family trips to 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.

Dinard was made famous over a hundred years ago when wealthy British expats moved into the area, building impressive cliff-side homes. It has remained a popular destination since the end of the 19^th century, when the who’s who would come for the summer, enjoying Dinard’s beautiful beaches and mild climate. It remains a very popular destination and I think you can see why!

If you want to visit (or revisit) Dinard through this blog, you can find the full post here https://talesfrombrittany.com/a-day-in-dinard-bretagne/

Other places of interest included Paimpol …

Visit Paimpol with me here: https://talesfrombrittany.com/a-day-in-paimpol-bretagne/

… and Rennes …

Visit Rennes here: https://talesfrombrittany.com/an-afternoon-in-rennes/

…. and my dreamy Dinan …

Read about Dinan here: https://talesfrombrittany.com/a-day-in-dinan-bretagne-france/

We spent a lovely day at the market together, taking in the sights and smells that can only be found here in Brittany …

Come along with me to market day in Dinan here: https://talesfrombrittany.com/market-day-in-brittany/

We cooked some amazing recipes together, compliments of my dear friend Isabelle …

Recipes can be found here: https://talesfrombrittany.com/category/cultural-notes/recipes-from-brittany/

And I introduced you to two amazing women, Mona and Christine. Mona Cauret is an artist who has a studio in Dinan’s historic center. I first met Mona in 2018 and am proud to say that a few of her pieces hang on our walls.

Mona is not only a talented artist, but a genuinely dear person. If you haven’t yet read my interview with her, I do hope that you will do so now. https://talesfrombrittany.com/an-interview-with-artist-mona-cauret-in-french-and-english/

My last post was a story about Christine Todd, a new friend of mine, who affords people the opportunity to learn French and/or English in her home, while learning about French culture and cuisine.

I love her spirit and cannot wait to meet her in person! Enjoy learning about her here … https://talesfrombrittany.com/interview-with-christine-todd-teacher-and-entrepreneur/

Finally, I gave some tips and tricks for traveling to Brittany, both by air and by land which hopefully we can all use this year. Traveling to Brittany https://talesfrombrittany.com/traveling-to-brittany/ and Travel Tips https://talesfrombrittany.com/travel-tips-how-to-plan-your-trip/ and when to travel https://talesfrombrittany.com/when-is-the-best-time-to-visit-brittany-france/

I wrote many other blog posts this year, but I believe this gives you a good summary, especially if you are a new subscriber. Please forgive the lack of posts in recent months, and thank you, as always, for reading.

Be safe and well, everyone.

Amy, from Tales from Brittany