Archive for November 24th, 2022

November 24, 2022

A tender story on Bréal sous Montfort !!!

The town of Bréal-sous-Montfort is located in the department 35 of Ille-et-Vilaine, in my lovely region of Bretagne. It is just over 20 km from Rennes via the RN 24 Rennes-Lorient expressway ; which I have taken zillion times and the memories of always to write this post. Hope you enjoy it as I.

In my taking a new job in Saint Nolff near Vannes I left behind the family until the house in Versailles was sold, In the meantime, I needed to make several trips on weekends to see them and start carrying boxes for our moving to the appartment I got in Brec’h near Auray, This continue for a few months until house sold and the family moved in to the appartment, The thing is on the road and quick roundtrips ,and with the boys on tow , of course, for lunch, breaks, etc we stop at Bréal sous Montfort to eat at the local McDonald’s, yes !! The story go we came back to it several times afterward in our road warrior trips until about 2018, I found me a pictures of the parking lot and got me to write this memorial stop in my life and as I said, my blog is my lifé’s history, it should be in.

Breal sous monfort

Let me tell you briefly on Bréal sous Montfort:

The earliest occurrences of Bréal appear in records from the late 12C and early 13C. No doubt to distinguish the two towns in the name of Bréal in the department of Ille et Vilaine 35, the determination “sous-Montfort” was added at some time after the creation of the towns under the French revolution by November 1789, This replaces the name of the old regime or monarchy ,however, this complement was not imposed in official acts until the Second Empire.(Napoléon III),

The church of Bréal is first mentioned in documents in the 12C as the Church of Saint-Malo. There is no trace of a permanent castle in Bréal before the end of the 13C. For the 15C and the beginning of the 16C, 28 mansions and a hotel have been identified, of which approximately 13 currently remain , You have two castles but in private hands today, these are the Château du Molant, built between 1775 and 1786,and the Château de la Haute-Forêt, built between 1858 and 1866, As an anecdote, on August 13, 1532, François Dauphin de France, son of Claude de France and François I spent the night in Bréal. The next day he was crowned Duke of Brittany at Rennes as the coat of arms of the town of Bréal take over those of François.

Not been to it but for info there is a reputable garden near that many said is worth the detour. This is the Jardin de Broceliande at a village call Les Mesnils which is part of  Bréal sous Montfort. Their webpage: https://www.jardinsdebroceliande.fr/en/home/

The town of Bréal Sous Montfort on its history/heritagehttps://www.brealsousmontfort.fr/histoire-et-patrimoine.asp#demoTab1

There you go folks, a dandy memorable spot with my family; sometimes the little things are worth more in weight than the more exotic popular places; we love these spots all over the world. Hope you enjoy my memorable post on Bréal sous Montfort as I

And remember, happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all !!!

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November 24, 2022

I bring you back to amazing Pleyben !!!

I have written posts on this town, and even surprise my collegues all Bretons with the information I gave them after my visit , Pleyben is a small town ,but loaded with architecture and history to take you a while. I lookup my vault and found some pictures not yet in my blog, and feel they should on this marvel of the Finistére dept 29 in my lovely Bretagne,  Let me tell you about the Parish Enclosure of Pleyben, and hope you enjoy as I.See my other two post on the parish enclosure.

I have written so much on the history and architecture of it, that will make the text brief just to show you new pictures in my blog. Actually, you know, I came here for the chocolates florentines (see post) but end up been amazed by the parish enclosure. This is their story as told by me on the Parish Enclosure of Pleyben , which brings together the Church of Saint-Germain, the monumental Calvary, the Ossuary and the Arc de Triomphe . This is one of the Seven wonders of Brittany, and you should see them all, this one is special been to it several times. Magical place! And I only give the basics, these is huge!

pleyben enclos Saint Germain l’Auxerrois back nov12

A typical enclosure is made up of 5 inseparable elements: the Church, the Calvary, the Ossuary, the Monumental Gate and the surrounding wall which closes everything and which gave its name to the parish enclosure. It is from the privilege granted by Henri II in 1548 to organize 4 annual provincial fairs and a local monthly that Pleyben will begin a significant economic development allowing it to erect a prestigious religious building. Brittany is living its golden age. In Pleyben, the inhabitants are rich and pious and show it by erecting this superb religious complex. Tanners and linen fabric manufacturers accumulated fortunes between the 16C and 17C, allowing them, in this very religious country, to build these treasures of granite and kersantite that amazed everyone. As for that of Pleyben, it is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and above all the most complete in Brittany. Its construction dates from the 16-17C.

pleyben ch st germain l auxerrois ceilings mar14

The Saint Germain l’Auxerrois Church was built on the site of an old sanctuary, between 1530 and 1690 as evidenced by numerous dates inscribed in different places. The large porch is done to fully understand the function of this porch, it is necessary to know that the choir of the church is the territory of the ecclesiastics while the nave, the porch and the tower are the responsibility of the council of parishioners. This is why the porch is embellished with a small stone bench on the side walls where the council stood for its meetings.

Pleyben enclos Saint Germain l’Auxerrois main door nov 12

pleyben enclos entrance door mar14

pleyben ch st germain l auxerrois to organ ceilings mar14

The Calvary built in 1555 and moved in 1738 is one of the three important calvaries of Finistère. Built in the shape of a tetrapyle with 4 entrances, it looks like a triumphal arch where you can admire around thirty scenes from the life of Christ, carved in Kersanton stone and staged on two levels.

pleyben fr church to calvaire and pleyben mar14

The Ossuary was built in 1560, resembles a house. It takes on the architectural style of Flamboyant Gothic with very beautiful twin bays. Today it is a museum which contains a very beautiful statue of the Virgin and the Child of the 16C having the particularity of being in a nursing position, the bare breast, which remains quite exceptional.

pleyben ch st germain l auxerrois tresors mar14

The Monumental Gate or Arch de Triomphe, dates from 1725 and it is the door that symbolically separates the world of the living from that of the dead. A monumental semi-circular arch embellished with a niche on each side which houses statues, surmounted by a stone cross.

The town of Pleyben on its heritage: https://www.mairiepleyben.fr/index.php/fr/decouvrir-bouger/histoire-et-patrimoine/patrimoine-naturel

The Finistére dept 29 tourist office on the parish enclosure of Pleybenhttps://www.toutcommenceenfinistere.com/article/les-enclos-paroissiaux-en-finistere-nord

The principal Calvaries of Brittany on Pleyben: http://www.7calvaires.fr/en/pleyben/

There you go folks , I feel better now to tell you all about the beautiful parish enclosure of Pleyben , a must to see, something wondeful in my lovely Bretagne. Hope you enjoy it as I

And remember, happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all !!!

November 24, 2022

My treasure watercolors of my belle France !!! Part 2

The Aquarelles or Watercolor is a water color on paper., so they tell me,,, In French, we distinguish watercolor, transparent, from gouache, of identical composition, but opaque. The binder that attaches the pigments to the support fibers is almost always gum arabic. Watercolor or gouache colors consist of pigments, a water-soluble binder and additives to aid in application and storage. Watercolors can only be exhibited in suitable conditions, low light and protected by glass. Which is how I keep them for many years already,

I have many so again , as the first one was well received here is more of my favorites out to show in my blog, Hope you enjoy this wonderful aquarelles or watercolors shots of wonderful monuments of my belle France as I.

The Luxembourg Garden Located on the edge of Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the Latin Quarter, was inspired by the Florentine garden Boboli was created on the initiative of Queen Marie de Medici in 1612. Covering an area of 25 hectares, the garden is divided into a French-style part and an English-style part. Between the two stretches a geometric forest and a large pool. There is also an orchard with varieties of old and forgotten apples, an apiary to learn about beekeeping, greenhouses with a collection of breathtaking orchids and a rose garden. The garden has 106 statues scattered across the park, The view shows the Panthéon as well.  webpage :https://www.senat.fr/visite/jardin/index.html

Paris jardin du luxembourg vue sur le panthéon

Ainhoa and its beautiful houses of the main street, Located between the Nive valley and the Navarre border, Ainhoa is classified among the most beautiful villages in France. This 12C bastide-street created to welcome pilgrims on the way to Saint-James of Compostella, combines the green of its hills with the white and red facades of its old houses. Webpage : https://www.en-pays-basque.fr/en/territory-and-destination/nivelle-valley/ainhoa/

Ainhoa maisons basques dept 64

The Chaine des Puys is an alignment of 80 volcanoes that spans nearly 32 kms long and 4 kms wide. This natural site brings together all forms of volcanism and is a fascinating visual spectacle. Webpage : https://volcan.puy-de-dome.fr/volcans/chaine-des-puys.html

Auvergne volcans la chaine des puys

This is Beynac et Cazenac, between the Dordogne river and the immense rocky promontory, there is no longer any doubt that you have arrived! Stone alleys, blond stone houses… for a total immersion in the time of the Middle Ages. Webpage : https://en.sarlat-tourisme.com/discover-sarlat-and-the-perigord/villages-around-sarlat/what-is-there-to-do-and-see-in-beynac-et-cazenac-the-must-sees/

Beynac et Cazenac dept 24

Béziers old town is packed with historical monuments you’ll love exploring. Whether it be the Canal du Midi itself, its bridges and locks or Béziers Cathedral, Allées Paul Riquet and Jardin des Poètes. Webpage : https://www.beziers-mediterranee.uk/explore/city-of-beziers/visit-beziers-old-town/

Béziers dept 34

Located at the foot of the medieval quarter, the Marais de Bourges offer a space for relaxation  and discovery close to the historic center of Bourges. Thus, 135 hectares are  lovingly cultivated as family gardens by their owners and offer a  surprising nature walk in the heart of the city. In the Middle Ages, these marshy lands ensured the defense of the city and in the 17C,  the Jesuits bought the marshes and rented them to private individuals, who cultivated them. Market  gardening will last until the 19C. Webpage : https://www.bourgesberrytourisme.com/destination-bourges/best-of/les-marais-de-bourges/

Bourges les marais

Between beach, dunes, wet meadows, reedbeds and ponds, this natural site offers a very varied walk and viewpoints not to be missed. The Bay of Wissant is a magnificent link between the famous Cap Gris-Nez and Cap Blanc-Nez., webpage : https://www.lesdeuxcaps.fr/uk/Visit-the-Deux-Caps/Unique-life-experiences/Walking-between-Gris-Nez-and-Blanc-Nez

la baie de Wissant devant cap blanc nez dept 62

This natural Pont d’Arc is a geological curiosity which is one-of-its-kind in the world, it was created in the rock in the most natural way possible, by the passing Ardèche river. Located at the entrance of the Ardèche Gorges, it is 54 metres high, 60 metres wide, and at least 500,000 years old! Webpage : https://en.pontdarc-ardeche.fr/discovery/the-must-sees/the-pont-darc-natural-arch/

Le pont d'Arc dept 07

The Loire river by Gennes, Between the banks of the Loire and the wooded hillside, the natural wealth associated with the historical heritage, make this village an essential tourist stopover. Hiking or cycling is the ideal way to discover the megaliths, the Gallo-Roman amphitheater, the Memorial des Cadets de Saumur but also the preserved biotopes of the Joreau pond. Webpage : https://www.ot-saumur.fr/GENNES_a16444.html

Loire river not far from Gennes

The Saint Emilion monuments testify to this rich spiritual, commercial and wine-growing life inside and outside the city. The steep alleys make it possible to discover a village spread out in the shape of an amphitheater on the southern slope of the limestone plateau; from it were extracted all the stones used in the construction of houses, ramparts, churches and monasteries over the centuries. The underground part of the village presents as many testimonies of the past as its built part, in particular the monolithic church. Webpage : https://www.saint-emilion-tourisme.com/uk/

Saint Emilion

There you go folks, now I have another nice personal touch to my blog, again. These have been kept for many years do not even remember exactly but goes back to early 2004-06, and they are still in good condition. Hope you enjoy the aquarelles as I, and thanks for stopping by as always.

And remember, happy travels, good health,and many cheers to all !!!

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