Thank you for the lovely comments and greetings that you sent to myself and H on the previous post. We both really appreciated them all, they added an extra special dimension to our wedding anniversary celebration.
We should never have left home with a map showing the whole of France, but at the last minute we could not lay hands on the larger scale road map of Brittany, and that is how we ended up in the middle of several lanes for Rennes city buses only. Somehow we found ourselves leaving the bypass route around the city too quickly; in truth, we mistakenly crossed straight over the bypass and headed down into the city. Trying to find our way back whilst looking for a sign showing 'toutes directions', and then another for Vannes was a nightmare - cars, pedestrians, bikes, a huge street market. Unaware that we were in a restricted area we suddenly heard a deafening clanging of bells. I said to H "whatever is that?" he replied "I think we have just received a warning that we are in the bus lanes." We arrived just over an hour later in the small village where DiL's parents live. They were sitting in the garden awaiting our arrival along with salvation, a refreshing cup of tea.
Our room and bathroom was housed in the roof where the skylight is open. The stairway up was an interesting journey - from this angle it is not possible to see the circular tower at the back of the property.
Let the journey commence
Up we climb
steeper
the end is in sight - just a few more steps to go
Are French birds friendlier? our chaffinches wont let me get this close
The village church
Looks as if spiral stairways are popular here.
The surrounding countryside is mainly agricultural with lots of forests. The medieval towns of Josselin and Malestroit are nearby; both of which I will show in further posts.
Wonderful! A perfect place to enjoy peace, nature and art.
ReplyDeleteMarina
We had a relaxing stay and saw lots of interest.
DeleteA refreshing cup of tea, I find, is the first and best response to most of life's travails! So glad you arrived safely to this pretty spot, and how romantic to have a room at the top of a round tower. Love the little niches on the way up the spiral. And what a pretty and clever chaffinch, to sit beside a toning flower for his picture! Have a wonderful time in Brittany, Rosemary and H.
ReplyDeleteWe have been home one week Patricia - just in time for our anniversary. Tea is definitely the relaxing answer to life's travails.
DeleteBrittany is a beautiful part of France. The house of you DIl's parents looks so lovingly restored.. I love the little villages in France especially the back roads.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your time there Rosemary.
Your anniversary bouquet is stunning.
wishing you and H a very happy "Trez jollie tempre" ( tried my french)..
val x
Dear Val - I think that I have confused some of you, I am definitely here in the UK having been home for a week, but we had a lovely time in France. More adventures to come.
DeleteSweet spiral staircase. I have never seen a rope like that attached to the wall, i presume it's there to hang onto if needed! The books in the shelf...are they there in case one gets tired up the stairs, I wonder!
ReplyDeleteFun getting lost, seem to see much more.
In restrospect getting lost was fun, especially when we eventually found the right road and were on track again.
DeleteThe rope is to help you on your journey up the stairway, although it runs out for the last flight.
The image of the climbing roses around the fence and shutters is quite charming. That is a stunning place. Do you allow your images your be pinned? Your site would be credited of course. Olive
ReplyDeleteDear Olive - if you like the image and it suits what you are pinning then I am happy for you as a blogging friend to go ahead and grab it. The cottage is rather like a little dolls house, and would make a lovely little retreat.
DeleteGetting lost was all part of the adventure and gives tales to talk about another day! Glad you had a good time. Love that staircase.
ReplyDeleteHello Marina - we are wondering whether or not we may have been photographed for doing wrong - will we receive a summons in the post or not? Time will tell.
DeleteYou live the dream!I'm so envious, seven years have passed since my last visit to Bretagne, c'est superbe! Amuse-toi bien Rosemary et mes meilleurs voeux!
ReplyDeleteDear Olympia - I expect that you will be returning to Brittany yourself at some time in the future. It would be good if some of my posts recalled places you had visited 7 years ago. Quatre autres messages sur la Bretagne à venir
DeleteDear Rosemary,
ReplyDeleteThank you for this very entertaining post! It's wonderful to come along on your adventures-- This one looks particularly beautiful! It's such fun to get lost, isn't it?! Happy anniversary again & warm regards,
Erika
Dear Erika - we did appreciate all of the kind wishes and comments we received - thank you very much.
DeleteAt the time being stuck in the bus lanes was confusing, we could not find a way out as so many roads were oneway or no entry. However, suddenly I told H that we would be on the right road in a couple of minutes - and I was right. I am a bit like a homing pigeon and do have a sense of direction even in places I am unfamiliar with.
Dear Rosemary,
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you and H had a nice getaway in Brittany. Those slate rooves remind me of the ones I saw in Quebec. Welcome home.
Dear Mark - the slate roofs are attractive especially when the sun shines on them. I should image that the tradition of slate in Quebec derives from French immigrants.
DeleteDear Rosemary, Have looked for the toutes directions sign many times. Isn't it frustrating and such a waste of time when you have taken the wrong turn or the wrong exit. Getting back on track takes hours sometimes.
ReplyDeleteBut all was well when you finally arrived. I have admired the beautiful wood on the circular stairway. What wonderful craftsmanship. ox, Gina
Dear Gina - it always takes a little time to adapt to road signs in another country. However, we arrived safely and only a little bit late.
DeleteThe wood used for the stairway may be sweet chestnut, I know that it is used extensively in that area.
You had a lovely and romantic trip - together. France, I'd like to visit there. I've only seen Paris and I'd love to see French countryside. You're lucky, Rosemary.
ReplyDeleteHopefully Satu you will get a chance to visit the French countryside. It is such a big country with many different types of landscape suitable for all interests.
DeleteHello Rosemary,
ReplyDeletethe locations of your photos are gorgeous!
The personal way of his compositions give a touch of art.
Very beautiful blog
a hug
Dear Antonio - you are always so generous with your comments which I do appreciate - thank you very much, and do take care.
DeleteDear Rosemary,
ReplyDeleteI am sorry if I mixed up your posts. I have been absent with comments and catching up.
I thought that you had gone to Brittany now.
However, it was a lovely post.
glad you are home.
val
Dear Val - I am quite mixed up myself with so many comings and goings.
DeleteWhat a gorgeous setting for a getaway! I've never been to Brittany, but I have a friend there and long to visit her. The village photos are lovely - tempting!
ReplyDeleteDo go and see your friend if you have the opportunity. There are lots of wonderful little towns, the coast, châteaux etc to visit.
DeleteThe spiral staircase in the tower looks very charming, if a bit steep! I love the little Chaffinch, it would be very interesting if the birds were less frightened there. I'm glad you seemed to have had lovely weather.
ReplyDeleteBest not to drink too much local wine before ascending the stairway for bed. The weather was perfect, and followed us home.
DeleteHello Rosemary
ReplyDeleteI would have been praying My Act of Contrition had I been caught in that traffic and the bell blasting. A well deserved cup of tea. What an idyllic place and beautiful accommodation. I love your images
Helen xx
Hello Helen - a cup of tea is so welcome at the end of an adventurous day. H was very good and kept his cool, but we were both relieved when we eventually found ourselves on the right road.
DeleteGlad you are enjoying Brittany. Lovely photos. We are there ourselves at the moment, staying in Plougourvest not far from Morlaix. Lovely part of the country. Catching up on my post reading so missed your anniversary. Hope you enjoyed the day and congratulations.
ReplyDeletePatricia x
Dear Patricia - lovely to hear from you and hope that you continue to have a great time in Brittany. We are actually home now, but I shall look forward to seeing and learning about your trip on your return - I should steer clear of Rennes if I was you!!! although it looks a lovely city.
DeleteHello Rosemary, Everything on your trip was so beautiful, and so much sunshine, although that climb was perhaps a bit daunting. My apartment in Taiwan, typical of older buildings, is a walk-up, but the stairs have landings and don't seem quite so steep.
ReplyDelete--Jim
Hello Jim - the stairway was very steep and narrow towards the top - we decided two glasses of wine in the evening was more than enough before our climb.
DeleteAre you back in Taiwan or still holidaying in the States?
Can't wait to see more of Brittany Rosemary! It's been years since we were there but it will for always remain one of my favourite places on earth. I remember once, coming home after a vacation there, I started looking the internet for houses for sale in Brittany. Your house tour reminded me of that. I really wanted to move there, crazy right ;). Think the blue skies had something to do with it and the lack of those when returning home. Even when there's a rainy day, and there can be sudden rainfall in Brittanny, the sun always comes not far behind and there's always that blue sky again. Also love the coastline of Brittany and the many little towns, so picturesque, and there are the traditions as well. It is a very special place with very special people.
ReplyDeleteMarian
Dear Marian - hope that you will enjoy seeing the other posts - Brittany is a very photogenic place. You are not alone in thinking about living in Brittany there are lots of British people living there. Houses seem to be very reasonably priced and so is diesel fuel but the cost of living re: the shops and restaurants is expensive.
DeleteOh what a wonderful trip. Such beautiful pictures! I can't wait to see your further posts.
ReplyDeleteThank you Lisa - glad you enjoyed seeing the pictures.
DeleteThat's what I call a staircase.
ReplyDeleteGreetings,
Filip
A staircase that you need to be fit to tackle.
DeleteI'm not sure if French birds are friendlier, but they certainly seem to be noisier, Rosemary. I never hear the blackbirds and thrushes making quite such a racket in Wales. :-)
ReplyDeleteLovely photos of houses which are similar but yet different from ours in southern Normandy, which is after all not very far away. The spiral staircase is so romantic and the stonework is beautiful.
The staircase looked challenging but we managed perfectly well. Hope you are enjoying a relaxing time in Normandy Perpetua.
DeleteThat is some staircase to climb. I'm glad you had a welcoming cup of tea awaiting you after your adventures in Rennes. Look forward to seeing more of Brittany including Josselin. We visited there and feel in love with it!
ReplyDeleteSarah x
Josselin tomorrow Sarah - I am so pleased that you know it, and I feel sure you will recognise many parts that I show.
DeleteIt looks wonderful - but we'd be certain to get lost in the traffic and Mr N does not have the patience of H!
ReplyDeleteWe were both quite pleased when we found our escape route.
DeleteJust like in a proper fairy tale, you had a treacherous journey (the crazy highways, with their restricted lanes, speeding, crisscrossing commuters and confusing signs) to reach the castle tower :) Glad you made it in one piece...now to climb those endless stairs!
ReplyDeleteFairy tales always encounter problems but at the end it all ends happily ever after.
Delete