Tuesday, August 20, 2019

Postcards from Madame V: Crozon-Morgat

July 27, 2007
"Hello Elizabeth, How are you? My holidays are very good! It's always happyness [sic] to come in Brittany for me. Bon courage a vous, et a bientot. Bises, Viviane."
One of a series of fishing villages on the Crozon peninsula, Morgat is a veritable paradise for artists and nature lovers, hikers and bikers, history buffs and explorers.
Regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, the Ile Vierge offers spectacular sunsets and inspiring studies for photographers and painters. The wonders of the Morgat caves were praised by Gustave Flaubert in 1847, and the Maison des Minereaux offers geological specimens of the region on exhibit.
A UNESCO biosphere reserve, the Parc naturel regional d'Armorique, is home to otters, beavers, and birds of prey. Hike the rugged coastline on the GR34 Trail, but be sure to take a raincoat and hat as intermittent showers are the norm.
The Pointe des Espagnols is the site of a 16th century Spanish fortress, and of a battle that was a turning point in the French Wars of Religion and Anglo-Spanish war, the Siege of El Leon.
Kicking off the vacation season at the beginning of August is the annual Festival du Bout du Monde, or "Lands End" music festival, featuring artists from many different genres.
Of course, fresh fish is the specialty of the region, and who can prepare fish better than a Breton?
With something for everyone, Crozon-Morgat is not to be missed by those suffering from wanderlust.