Malestroit France

Day 43 Tuesday 16 June 2026

Today we left the coast and went inland a bit, stopping to visit a couple of classified villages of character, Rochefort en Terre and Malestroit (2013). 

It was a bit overcast this morning but perfect for a stroll along the beach. We then had a cup of tea with my cousins before departing our overnight parking spot within the 24hrs since our arrival. 

About 60km or so away we stopped at Rochefort-en-Terre, standing on a rocky spur, it is one of the most beautiful villages in France. Luckily we found a free parking just outside of the historic centre. After a bite to eat we ventured in.

We went up through the ruins of the old castle that had been built in 12th century and had been destroyed three times. In the early 20th century, the American painter Alfred Klots transformed the outbuildings into a manor house and then made the village a meeting place for artists. It was very picturesque.

We then walked along the ramparts and the cobbled stone roads with ancient buildings beautifully decorated with flowers.

The hydrangea is the symbol of Brittany 

Our favourite rose

Local delicacies.. 

All the colours..so pretty

It was only another 18km to another pretty village of Malestroit where we had stayed in 2013. The motorhome parking area has certainly changed since then. Now it is 2 big fields and we counted at least 85 motorhomes! Probably the most we have ever camped with.. we managed to get a shady spot and enjoyed the lovely breeze, keeping things cooler.

We went to explore the old town. Malestroit has fascinating historic streets that lead from the banks of the River Oust to the walled town, lined with stone facades and half-timbered houses. As we walked around we come across some interesting sculptures, relics of a tumultuous history and prosperous trading past.

Canal Nantes to Brest 

Solo around the world in 1969

78km