We were admiring the French cheeses at Balducci's, our local gourmet market, when we were planning a week in Normandy. The cheesemonger noticed our interest, offered a couple of samples, and we started talking about the trip we were planning. We had plans for the D-Day beaches, and Mt. St. Michel. He said you have to go to St. Malo, just a little farther down the coast. The walled medieval city is largely intact, filled with shops, restaurants, residences, and dripping with charm. It was his hometown.
So off we went, we stopped along the way for a shellfish lunch. The slow drive along the coast was magical. The old walled city was absolutely amazing. I could live there.
That was a great trip, we rented a Gite for a week, half of a converted stone barn, rented a car, and had little agenda. A few things we wanted to see, but no set schedule. We went were we wanted, or where ever the little voices from Ms. Garmin told us to go. I look forward to going back, staying longer, exploring more.
I enjoyed St. Malo and hope to go back one day. Did you know that the city was mostly destroyed in WW2? It was rebuilt as it was after the war.
ReplyDeleteWOnderful job of rebuilding, as a port right on the coast, I can imagine it was a target.
DeleteWould love to visit St. Malo. I had a similar feeling about Boulogne-sur-Mer.
ReplyDeleteAn easy couple of days drive for you two.
Deletelooks like a fascinating town. was everything within walking distance?
ReplyDeleteOnce you were inside the walls, we parked just outside. A major victory was me figuring out the self service parking machine to pay to exit the lot.
DeleteThat sounds like a wonderful trip. I've always wanted to got the Mt. St. Michel.
ReplyDeleteAn wonderful place, rural France is easy to drive in, take the train out of Paris, you can rent a car at most train stations.
DeleteThat was just so great!
ReplyDeleteWe have had some fun along the way
DeleteCharming!
ReplyDeleteSo many neat places to see,
DeleteI have been to St. Malo and I absolutely loved it. I also visited the beaches of Normandy. If you are interested in World War II historical fiction, "All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr is a good read.
ReplyDeleteIt is a fascinating area
DeleteGrowing up on 'bad cheese' I appreciate proper cheese. I have a long list of no-rubbish cheese to try.
ReplyDelete