Since finding this spot when first move to the Morbihan back in May 2011; I felled in love with Saint Goustan , a harbor district of Auray. I have several posts on where we settle for an apartment in Brec’h that was very close to Auray about 6 km and made Auray our official city for all errands, and adminstrative needs. Therefore, I just want to give you another glance of this wonderful harbor from my latest stopover yesterday. See my many posts on Brec’h/Auray too!
Nestled in the hollow of the Auray river, the small port of Saint-Goustan has retained its air of yesteryear. If the cobbled streets give it a medieval atmosphere, they also underline its maritime history. One can easily imagine the bustle on the quays of this harbor by the Gulf of Morbihan as the merchant ships loaded and unloaded their goods. The sounds of hooves on the cobblestones, the plush houses of the captains… one would almost expect to see some pirate at the bend of an alley. Indeed this port is magical, we love it !! Saint-Goustan has spanned the centuries, retaining its cobbled streets, its stone bridge, its half-timbered houses and its lively quays. Due to its quasi-estuarine location and the presence of a few mudflats, the port and the valley are home to various species of seabirds. The docks are covered with kelp and, local oysters.
To begin with, the Loch ramps, built on the ruins of a fortified castle,(see post) descend towards the harbor. From the shaded terraces of the promenade, the view plunges onto the quays. The most picturesque shore is reached by crossing the four-arched stone bridge from the 13C. Place Saint-Sauveur with its curved cobblestones is framed by opulent houses, with half-timbered frames and corbelled structures. The steep alleys, interspersed with steps, storm the neighborhood, bordered by half-timbered facades. The 15-16C mansions display a respectable allure, which in the evening falls into the rustle of the café terraces. Always great ambiance especially at nights.
The port of Saint-Goustan hosts numerous events every year such as the Book and Postcards market; the Handicrafts market; Jousts of Loc’h; and the South Brittany Oyster Festival; The port is a stopover during Gulf Week, a maritime and land event that takes place every two years, during Ascension Week.They are all wonderful event with a beautiful backdrop port Saint Goustan !!!
And for the main anecdote already mentioned but worth repeating me think. The Quai Benjamin Franklin wharf measures 220 meters. Memories still echo on the granite slabs, recalling that the American Benjamin Franklin docked here on December 4 ,1776 to meet Louis XVI (asked the kingdom of France for help for US independance and got it ,and so a new nation was born, see post). The name of this wharf is a tribute to Benjamin Franklin, famous diplomat, physicist and engineer. Headwinds prevented his ship from ascending to Nantes.
The city of Auray on its heritage see circuit Saint Goustan : https://www.auray.fr/Ma-ville/Patrimoine/Les-monuments-historiques
The Bay of Quiberon tourist office on Saint Goustan : https://www.baiedequiberon.co.uk/the-port-of-saint-goustan-in-auray
The Bateaux pleasure boating magazine on Saint Goustan : https://www.bateaux.com/plaisance/port/auray-saint-goustan-REF5-qqiRkY1gM
There you go folks, a dandy in my backyard. Saint Goustan is like nothing have change from the 16C, buildings, streets, you name it. There is a large artists colony here with wonderful paintings, sculptures, knitting items galore! And of course, the best out and about place closest to our home. Hope you enjoy the post as I.
And remember, happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all!!!!
Paris1972-Versailles2003 
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