Need an escape? How about an island, which is 20km long by 9km wide and rises 71 meters in height and has an incredibly diverse landscape? This diversity is the island’s charm - from high cliffs to green water creeks and then to long sandy beaches. This is the island of Belle-Ile-en-Mer, today’s exploration.
As our boat approaches the harbor, the first thing we see is the star shaped Citadelle de Vauban. This fort (one of 12) was named after Vauban the famous military ‘fortress designing” engineer (who served under Louis the 14th). The fort defended the island against - pirates, Spaniards and especially the English.
Le Palais is the administrative and economic hub of the island. Although, it is the smallest of the 4 townships it has the largest population - 2,500 people. The town was formed in the late sixteenth century. But very quickly transitioned, like the rest of Belle Île, towards tourism. Le Palais was classified as a tourist resort in 1927.
Extremely popular with visitors, the town has unique shops, an engaging history to discover, as well as interesting architecture to see.
We rented a convertible 1983 Citroën Dyane 6, for our island exploration.
We very quickly drive on narrow roads along lush vegetation and farmers’ fields. Agriculture being one of the main industries of the island. Very quickly we find ourselves driving along the coastline. Our first stop is “la plage des grands sables”. Lots of nautical activities here.
We cannot resist stopping along the way to discover this turquoise ocean. It almost feels like the Caribbean but without the palm trees and coconuts.
We go through villages like the township of Locmaria, founded in 1070.
As we continue our journey toward “La Cote Sauvage” or wild coast, we drive through a series of hamlets. We cannot believe the beauty that lies in front of our eyes. It is breathtaking! Belle-Île was occupied by British troops from 1761-63 before being returned to France in exchange for Menorca, an island found in the Mediterranean Sea. There is evidence that man has been present on the island since at least 30,000 B.C.
We cannot overlook Sarah Bernhardt, the most famous actress of all time. In 1894, at the age of 50, she fell in love with the charms of the landscape of Belle Ile, so she bought a former military fort and used it as her vacation home, on the Pointe des Poulains.
We visited the town of Sauzon. Its name comes from the presence of Saxons on its shores once the Romans had withdrawn. The harbor is well sheltered from the prevailing winds. Fishing is the main activity. The first fish canneries were built here in 1843.
#belleileenmer #lepalais #sauzon #france #francetravel #cotesauvage
#sarahberhardt #locmaria #pointedespoulains #brittany #brittanytourism
Picture of La Citadelle de Vauban
belleisleenmer....
4 окт 2024
