Paris1972-Versailles2003

I am back at you again on my beautiful Morbihan dept 56 of my lovely Bretagne and in my belle France, I found me again new older pictures that should be in my blog of this wonderful historical quant village of Saint Cado , part of the town of Belz, I have been here several times already and we love its laidback ambiance and nice history, see my other posts on Saint Cado, worth the detour me think, Its actually a small island only 22 km from my house !  Therefore, here is my take on the curiosities of Saint Cado !! Hope you enjoy the post as I,

A small fountain of devotion 18C , regularly submerged by the tide. It is located at the edge of the foreshore on the Etel estuary. Built on a rectangular plan, it is made of a stone roof in the shape of an inverted nave. The so call Fontaine Saint Cado is submerge at high tides !. It was restored in the second half of the 20C. The aedicula is surmounted by a sculpted Celtic cross, representing a crucifixion, installed in 1990. The aedicula is half buried, the basin is topped by a barrel vault. On the facade there is an inscription, now illegible, which dates back to the 17C. In the back wall a niche with a simple console, support for a lost statue. When the tide is high, the fountain is invaded by sea water which mixes with the fresh water from the spring.

Saint Cado was a monk from Wales in the 6C. He lived in Armorica (part of present day Brittany) between the 5C and the 7C. He came to find his compatriots driven out by the Saxon invasion and resided on the island of the Etel river which today bears his name. He built an oratory there, founded a monastery and devoted himself to the evangelisation of the countryside. He was also at the origin of the construction of the 100 meters causeway bridge which connects the island to the land, which earned him a popular legend. The legend of the diabolical stone bridge has it that having been repeatedly demolished by the sea and discouraged Saint-Cado decides to appeal to the Devil for help. Desiring a bridge, but lacking the means to achieve it, he calls on the Devil to help him. This one proposed to him to build it himself. As a reward guide, the devil would have the first living being to cross this bridge. Saint Cado accepted and the Demon created the work overnight. The next morning, Saint Cado, more cunning, bought a cat, which passed over the bridge. Satan did not expect it. According to this legend the famous bridge finally saw the light of day. Blessed by the Saint and strong enough he resisted the vagaries of nature.

One of the nicest and most photogenic spot here is the oyster house or Nichtarguer. Well moored on its islet, a stone’s throw from the village of Saint Cado and the island of Saint-Cado, the house of Nichtarguer (“oyster house”) can be admired 360 degrees from the seawall bridge, from the bank, from a pontoon ;and above all it is to be skirted by sea kayak or paddle to admire it up close! (not me saw at a distance) Built in 1894, it is the home of the former keeper of the oyster farm. It cannot be visited but is so photogenic that it is difficult to leave Saint Cado without taking a picture of it. Once you have crossed the seawall, turn right around the island. You have seen the oyster beds throughout your walk.

On your route, you will come across a 1832 Calvary , The small island of Saint-Cado, part of the town of Belz, has a monumental calvary-altar built in 1822 located next to the chapel, (see post). It is a gift from Father Marec, parish priest of Belz. 3 flights of steps lead to its summit. A carved granite cross dominates the whole. It is framed by 4 pillars decorated with angel heads and topped with flames. On the day of forgiveness, the 3rd Sunday in September, the clergy stands there for the singing of vespers, the preaching and the direction of the procession. Nice traditions of my beautiful Morbihan !

The town of Belz on Saint Cado’s heritage : https://www.mairie-belz.fr/saint-cado,311.html

The local Bay of Quiberon tourist office on Saint Cado: https://www.baiedequiberon.co.uk/saint-cado-ria-d-etel

There you go folks, a real paradise of seduction, calm, architecture, history and above all the beauty of the sea. The island of Saint Cado is a nice leisure walk surrounded by the sea , It is worth the detour for all to see ,me think. Again, hope you enjoy the post on the curiosities of Saint Cado as I,

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