We woke up Saturday morning finding that the water pipes under the bathroom sink had split under the plug and was once again leaking. So after having breakfast we said our good byes to Pascal and Jacqueline and instead of going to visit Rennes we went John Guest water pipe hunting. Due to Rennes being one of the major cities of Brittany there were a few Camping-car accessory stores. Unfortunately we lucked out with them, although we could have ordered some for another store further on our travels, we did call in at a repairers and they did have some! By now it was lunchtime and our enthusiasm to navigate a the city had dwindles so we decided to follow the roads less travelled in the countryside of Brittany (up to now we have travelled along the coast) and headed to Saint Meen Le Grand. We parked up next to the busy aire and had some lunch.
We sorted a few things and fixed the pipes again (we hope) and stuck the mirror back on the cabinet door.
Then we set off to explore the town. The lavoire was prettily surrounded with flowers.
Next we headed towards the church spire that is next to the abbey which still houses the tomb of St.Meen from 617.
Along the way around the town we walked through the gardens of the monastery.
Still feeling a little jet lagged we returned to Bluey for dinner of one of our favourite meals of paupiettes (turkey parcels filled with pork mince).
After a peaceful nights sleep we were up early and making our way to our next destination.
Moncontour is classified as one of the most prettiest villages of France. It is built on a rocky spur about 80 meters high and in medieval times was impregnable. Later bourgeois mansions were built inside the ramparts by rich linen cloth merchants. After parking below the town we made our way up the stairs into the village to explore.
We thought the bell tower of Saint Mathurin church was quite impressive.
The buildings around the main square had signs up depicting what business was conducted there.
We couldn’t resist a pain au raisin for morning tea..
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We returned to Bluey and continued our trek through the countryside to Quintin. We parked next to the castle and wondered up into the main square where there were a couple of lovely half-timbered buildings.
We strolled through the historic centre admiring the lovely granite buildings.
After buying a baguette for lunch we enjoyed the picturesque view from the pond.
We drove to the Bois Meur farm picnic area to have our lunch and then walked along one of the many circuits through the forest.
Just a bit further up the road was Quingamp. We found a lovely spot next to the Trive River.
We walked over the footbridge and up into the square that still had a few half timbered buildings among the granite ones.
The Basilica of Our Lady of Good Help is a classified historical monument that is undergoing restoration at the moment so we couldn’t visit inside.
Throughout the ages several castles have been built and consequently destroyed.
We called it a day and returned to Bluey.
Some great photos. Looks reasonably quiet, I suppose the tourist will start next month ?
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