• Destinations,  What to See

    An Afternoon in Vitré

    Imagine spending an afternoon visiting not one, but two castles, both under 30 km of each other. Such an opportunity exists in this magnificent region, as Brittany is home to well over a dozen magnificent châteaux. Last July, we spent a lovely afternoon visiting Vitré and Fougères, two communes that lie in the Ille-et-Vilaine department of central Brittany. While we visited both towns in one afternoon, I would recommend spending at least a few hours in each, allowing for long, leisurely strolls and taking in every bit of the charm that they have to offer. Today, I will highlight our visit to Vitré with an additional post coming soon about…

  • Cultural notes,  Destinations

    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…

  • Destinations

    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…