Pont-Avon

OK, for all you art historians, here is your test. What famous painter is the town of Pont-Aven associated with? If you answered, Paul Gauguin, (buzzer sound, please), you are indeed the winner. For years, Pont-Aven has been a haven for the artist community, first starting with Gauguin and his Pont-Aven school, circa 1888. This group of painters made famous the painting technique of Syntheticism.

Originally lured to the small village because he had just lost his job as stock broker, Gauguin headed here because, well let’s face it, it had cheaper digs than Paris. He soon realized that it was a wonderful setting for his paintings.

The Budman and I spent almost a full day here, walking the town, putzing about in shops, and seeing many of the exact vistas that Gauguin painted on his canvases.

This town was just brimming with beautiful nooks and crannies. It did sprinkle on us the entire day, as is evidenced by some of the pics…























In the afternoon, we hiked up into the Bois d’Amour (it was a perfect fall day for a stroll in the Forest of Love!), and visited the small chapel, Chapelle de Tremalo, that features the crucifix which is the subject of Gauguin’s The Yellow Christ.

Les Portes du Bretagne

I wish we could claim credit for the idea, but no, it is not an original Budman/Hachie Gal concept. Normandy is apparently known for its “French stone house”; Brittany, for its colourful doors. A sampling of “the doors of Brittany”.

Josselyn

Founded in the 11th century, this “petit ville du caractere”, the town of Josselyn became a key stop along the Route des Ducs de Bretagne. Today a beautifully maintained chateau and impregnable fortress are still seen from high upon a perched rock. (And yes, interior tours were allowed of the château, but since it is a family residence, no interior photos allowed).

The town of Josselyn.

















Chateau and garden.

Quimper versus Quimperle

Both are cities in Brittany that start with a Q, but Quimper is the one known for the pottery. First major purchase of the trip for Hachie Gal include an espresso set (in said pottery) along with two platters. It’s dishware, so of course I needed to male a purchase. But still, the trip was almost over before a purchase was even made.

Also, add another Gothic church in for good measure, too…













Quimperle has no real claim to fame; it just happened to be where our hotel was located, along with a great little Italian restaurant. One of the prettiest little photo opps of the trip, too.

I promise, I will finish one day

Doubt anyone probably cares at this point, but if for no other reason than a travel log for me when I am old and gray, the final installment of the France vacation pictures is here.

Another in a long line of “oh isn’t this village cute” towns in Brittany included the port city of Concarneau. City fortifications include a sea wall originally built in medieval times and further strengthened in the 13th century. The guide book stated that the Ville Close, was a today only a town of tacky souvenir shops, but we found it a fun little place for a light meal, and walking about…people still live inside the medieval ramparts.