The 10th celebration of La Semaine du Golfe de Morbihan #France #Travel

Ten years ago I travelled for the first time to a part of the world I had always wanted to see, the Gulf of Morbihan in southern Brittany.  The complex maritime geography combined with a fascinating history of battles between England and France make it a favourite subject for artists and storytellers as well as sailors.

Every two years since 1999 there has been a celebration of classic boats during the last week of May.  This year I was lucky enough to spend a week at La Semaine du Golfe for the second time.

There are parades and celebrations in several towns and villages in the gulf but the focus is at the medieval city of Vannes where a mile and a half long canal runs from the sea to the port outside the city gate.  In this picturesque setting 21st century electric buses pass by timber framed houses and boats from many countries and eras.

There were 8 fleets (Yoles de mer for sailing or rowing - small pleasure - classic yachting - yachting 60-70 years - work boats - small classics regatta - small classics leisure - power boating) crisscrossing the gulf from port to port, as well as a 40 sailboats from Port Blanc and Larmor-Baden.

This year there were gondolas from Venice and within the week Norwegians built a long boat.

There was plenty of food, stripy T Shirts to buy and bagpipers and bands to entertain you.

And finally the week drew to an end and the boats returned to their home ports.

LES MARCHÉS NOCTURNES

One of the delights of July and August in central France are the night markets held on different evenings each week in nearby towns and villages.

Stalls are set up laden with olives and mussels.  Spit roast pork is served on potatoes and beans.  Even English fish and chips are sometimes available.  Paper plates are provided but you can bring your own plates and cutlery, a bottle or two of wine and glasses.

Under the market roof, the Mairie set out tables and chairs where you can sit to eat perhaps bringing your own table cloth and napkins.  As the evening progresses there will be entertainment, perhaps music for dancing or a singer.

All around the square will be other places to eat and drink with crepes and ice-cream on sale and a few other stalls selling hats or jewellery.

As it grows dark people begin to return home and even the cats retire for the night.