We moved on to Quimper next and stayed at Camping Orangerie de Lanniron, this is part of the Castel Camping group which are the up market campsites in France. At the time we visited we were not paying up market prices.
This property belonged to the bishops of Quimper, counts of Cornouaille, for thousand years: some charters of the 13th century were even signed here. In the 15th century, Lord Bertrand de Rosmadec erected a new manor which his successors used until the end of the 18th century either as a permanent residence or a summer residence. In the 13th century Lord François de Coëtlogon extended the property. He will be remembered not only for his great deeds as a bishop but also for creating wonderful gardens.
The campsite was situated in the gardens behind the chateau, by the number of apples on the car in the morning we were in what was the orchard. The swimming pool complex is new this year and very smart.
We had made arrangements to meet Joan and Udo, at the campsite, here who had driven from Northern Germany, about 650 miles, a rather long way. Here we are on one of geocaching adventures along the Odet River.
Notre-Dame des Carmes church (1383-1420) is in the Gothic style with many old statues and a very nice rose window over the high altar that is considered the loveliest in Bretagne. I thought this tower was very impressive.
More geocaching along the coast. We bumped into another geocacher who was organising a Mega Event and thrust a card into our hands advertising it.
Concarneau - Its main attraction is the walled town, with its character houses, built during the 17th and 20th centuries by lawyers, tradesmen, painters and sailors. Concarneau from the 18th century onwards became a major fishing and trading port, specialising in sardines. The canning factories prospered (there were 31 in 1930, but only 4 remain today).
Inside the walled town. It’s very picturesque, but also full of tourists. A welcome break.
Quimper is the ancient capital of La Cornouaille, Brittany’s most traditional region, and has a distinctive Breton character. Quimper was originally settled during Roman times. In the 11th century, it was united with the Duchy of Brittany. During the civil wars of the 14th century, the town suffered considerable ruin.
The town has a rustic atmosphere with foot bridges spanning the rivers. The Cathedral of Saint-Corentin, with its Gothic-style façade, was constructed between the 13th and 16th centuries. It is the oldest Gothic structure in lower Brittany. Its two towers are 250 feet tall; its spires were added in the 19th century. The cathedral is dedicated to Quimper's first bishop, Corentin.
Out and about in Quimper.
Traditional Dress – if the photo looks a bit iffy it is! It is a photo from the side of a van.
Another oldie photo from 1970’s. This was taken on Brunnenstraße in Berlin. The Berlin Wall is to the right. The guy with the hair is Stuart.
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