Copy My Journey: A serene, low season street journey alongside France’s Breton coast

French author Julien Marsault not too long ago loved an low season journey on the Brittany coast in northwestern France. Right here he exhibits you what you may see and do on a mild street journey stuffed with wildlife recognizing, wonderful seafood and rejuvenating coastal walks.

Being a freelancer is not all the time a stroll within the park. Again in late September, I wanted a break. My accomplice could not take a full week off for a visit overseas, so we determined to journey for simply three days and two nights close by, exploring a bit extra of the area we have been residing in for nearly two years now. Our objective: a contact of nature, scrumptious delicacies, and the tranquility of the Breton coast.

The place did you keep? What was the vibe?

We stayed one night time within the small harbor metropolis of Paimpol after spending a complete afternoon exploring one of the vital stunning locations within the area, Bréhat, referred to as the ‘Island of Flowers.’ Regardless of spring being a distant reminiscence, the situation gracefully mixed serenity and wonder. It reminded us considerably of Scotland, with its unpredictable climate, tranquil harbors, and sandy shores giving strategy to putting pink cliffs. Visiting in the course of the low season allowed us the benefit of strolling with out many individuals round and having fun with a comforting cup of espresso in one of many practically abandoned village squares.

The following day we drove for an hour to succeed in Perros-Guirrec the place we’d keep for the night time. We loved a beautiful morning with a leisurely stroll alongside the gorgeous pink rocks of Ploumanac’h seaside earlier than having lunch in a Breton restaurant: the Crêperie des Flots.

Favourite exercise from the journey?

Our journey’s climax was a ship tour of the Sept Îles archipelago (€50 for 2). Regardless of the cloudy sky, we launched into an almost three-hour cruise on the water to discover the realm of Northern Gannets, referred to as “Les fous de bassan” – a hen species famend for its fishing strategies. This nature reserve is certainly a sight to behold, and if you happen to’re as fortunate as we’re, you may even have the prospect to greet a seal basking nonchalantly on its rock.

Smartest thing you ate?

After visiting the Sept Îles archipelago we made a cease at Le Bleu Marin, a comfortable seafood restaurant in Perros-Guirrec. It’s tough for me to not make the most of the abundance and high quality of Breton fishing throughout such an tour. After discovering the proper spot by scrolling by means of Google Maps (after a number of years of observe, I discovered easy methods to cope with it), reserving a desk for 2 was very fast, and the service was impeccable (as soon as once more, the thrill of touring low season). We relished a splendid number of shrimp, crabs, oysters, and, most significantly, a advantageous and crispy bottle of white wine to cap off the day in grand fashion (€60-70 for 2).

What’s the one factor that you just didn’t anticipate?

It might sound trivial, however as a devoted bicycle owner, I used to be pleasantly shocked by how low cost and clean it was to journey round by automotive.

A pricey pal lent us her private car and right here, you do not want a strong SUV; the roads are usually in good situation, the pace restrict is 110 km/h, and there are not any tolls in Brittany (it is the one area in the entire nation with out motorways). This journey additionally made me uncover an internet map, managed by the federal government, which lists the gasoline costs primarily based in your location, a useful method to avoid wasting money.

It was additionally fairly simple to seek out parking in Perros-Guirrec. Generally, it may be a bit difficult in these small coastal cities. This allowed us to be utterly free in our actions, with out having to look at the clock to keep away from having to pay an costly advantageous.

What was probably the most under-the-radar exercise you loved?

We concluded our journey with a leisurely hike within the Monts d’Arrée, positioned slightly below 100 kilometers from Perros-Guirec, earlier than embarking on a two-hour drive again to Rennes. It’s method much less touristy than the Breton coast however, low season, this mountain vary provides an incredible alternative to expertise absolute tranquility, as you calm down within the picturesque panorama of moors and rocks. Regrettably, the world suffered a devastating fireplace again in 2022, however it nonetheless retains its cherished landscapes and luxurious forests. Whether or not you’re in Brittany or elsewhere, if nature nurtures you, return the favor by caring for it.

What was the best factor you packed?

My pair of German military trainers after all. It’s light-weight, notably comfy, sturdy, has been a cornerstone of my wardrobe for nearly 8 years and price me lower than €30 (it’s a bit dearer these days). Initially utilized by the German military, developped by Adidas, this classic mannequin grew to become very talked-about when Belgian clothier Martin Margiela drew inspiration from it to create related sneakers within the early 2000s, named Duplicate.

They accompany me on many journeys, each in France and overseas. Bretagne isn’t any exception and the unpredictable nature of its climate requires a flexible pair, particularly in the case of strolling for lengthy hours. Bonus: they pair very nicely with a extra dressed-up outfit like throughout our dinner at Le Bleu Marin.