21 August
The day's ride was short - only 25 km - but what an interesting ride! This is where the difference in the river systems really shows, with something like 37 locks over the distance, both up and down, in cascading 'ladders' with ponds in between each lock.
Some of the locks have wonderful flower displays as well.
We wanted to be at Pontivy with time to spare, as this is where an ex-Rohan castle (15th century) can be visited. It has been very well looked after over the centuries and is an imposing structure overlooking the river. The camping ground is just over the river from both the castle and the old town.
The old town has some amazing medieval buildings, including a 16th century house with an overhanging first storey supported by 3 pillars, now a shop called called Aux Trois Pilliers. The castle itself is used for exhibitions but the exterior can be visited for free and you can walk right around it, moat included. People have picnics in moats nowadays!
We walked quite a lot around the old town, until it grew dark, and returned to our campsite where we again had a table, that luxury item, to eat our meal and spread out maps. One of our fellow campers had ridden up from very close to where wanted to head, so was able to give us information about a better route to follow, which would get us close to Concarneau, which is not far from Fouesnant, our destination. It's great when you find someone who knows about places from experience. He was even able to tell us that the route goes further than shown on internet and maps, taking us right to the main road. He was then able to tell us that he had ridden along the main road many times and that it wasn't too bad for cars, so that was reassuring, too. One of the good things about camp sites is exchanging information!
The day's ride was short - only 25 km - but what an interesting ride! This is where the difference in the river systems really shows, with something like 37 locks over the distance, both up and down, in cascading 'ladders' with ponds in between each lock.
 |
| Moat |
We walked quite a lot around the old town, until it grew dark, and returned to our campsite where we again had a table, that luxury item, to eat our meal and spread out maps. One of our fellow campers had ridden up from very close to where wanted to head, so was able to give us information about a better route to follow, which would get us close to Concarneau, which is not far from Fouesnant, our destination. It's great when you find someone who knows about places from experience. He was even able to tell us that the route goes further than shown on internet and maps, taking us right to the main road. He was then able to tell us that he had ridden along the main road many times and that it wasn't too bad for cars, so that was reassuring, too. One of the good things about camp sites is exchanging information!
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