Quimper and Locronan

Those who know Jan and for that matter me, know we don't like to cross bridges, especially suspension bridges. This is one bridge we both liked and it's the one over a river just outside of Brest. To begin with the bridge is a very beautiful structure, but it is also stable and you can't see over the edge. We crossed this bridge four times. This crossing was on our way South to Quimper.

Quimper is famous for it's hand painted pottery which is exported to collectors all over the world. The first thing we looked for in Quimper was parking. There were lots all over, but all of them had "Complet" flashing on the their sign. That means full! Finally we drove through the middle of the city and ended up in a small lot very near the center of the city. Parking was supposed to be limited to two hours, but when we put the two hour fee into the l'horodateur (the parking ticket meter for the whole lot), we got a ticket for four hours. It was only a few blocks into the old city.

Once in the old city we walked down roads with half-timbered houses and shops. One such shop was Rosa Rosae, a florist whose merchandise was exhibited in the street. All I could think of is that it must take forever for the owner to move the plants out in the morning and back in at night.

Rosa Rosae

Rue Kéréon with Cathérale at the end.

The first large street we walked on was the Rue Kéréon an old street that ended at the cathedral. Once again the weather was not cooperating and we had showers off and on most of the day in Quimper. We did get to the tourist office for a map and a small shop selling locally made items. Jan found a tile trivet with a nautical scene on it and a dish towel with a traditional pottery design printed in blue and black on white cloth.

We also found the Halles, the indoor market. There were the usual veggy/fruit stands, organic fruit/veggy stands, fish and meat stands, and lots of places to buy sandwiches and pizza. The building is relatively new since the original building burned in the 1970s. The streets around the market were torn up so they could be converted to pedestrian walks. To get the restaurant we wanted to eat at required a round about route to avoid the construction.

Once again after lunch it was time to head home. We decided to stop at Locronan, which is billed as the oldest village in Brittany. We had heard about it from three people, each of whom said you can't miss it. It was on our way back to Landéda, so it worked out well for us.

Along the way to Locronan, Jan spotted her idea of the perfect Breton house. Most of the newer buildings have aspects of the orignal Breton houses, they also have modern aspects.

It was only a few miles to Locronan and the parking lots were empty, so there was no trouble parking near the middle of the town. The first thing we saw outside of a few gift shops was a sign to Nôtre-Dame de Bonne Nouvelle. We followed a steep trail down the side of a hill that eventually became a slipery dirt trail. It was worth the effort.

At the bottom of the hill we came the chapel with the usual linen washing basin.	Altar
	One of the old sculptures.
A small scupture.	The Rood

Just a few photos of Locronan that show how the town has tried to maintain its image as an old village.

Old gate	Sign in the door of a bakery.
Road leading out of Locronan

On the way back to Landéla, we stopped at the Le Clerc in Lannilis to get a few things for supper. While Jan shopped, I went to the block long roundabout that had turnoffs for more than two highways and many businesses including the Le Clerc. There is a house in the roundabout and there are what look to be paper maché animals including this cow. I had been looking at it all week, but finally walked around a few turn highway turnoffs to get a good photo. Had to dodge a few drivers!

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