Brittany at its Best

France Stage 15 – Carhaix to Morlaix 50 Km (Sun 24 June 2018)

Weather: 11⁰C min – 22⁰C max, clear and sunny

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“All I want to do is ride my bike.” ~ Unknown

Just after leaving Morlaix the lush, picturesque Breton valley provided idyllic cycling, meandering through hamlets, forests and farmlands. There were a few moderate climbs, but nothing so steep that I had to dismount.

Peace and tranquility were reigning supreme, until suddenly shattered by three yapping little dogs who chased after me for at least 500 m, doing their best to take a piece out of my leg.

After about 20 Km my Garmin directed me onto the Voie Verte Morlaix-Carhaix, a good compacted dirt trail I followed for about 15 Km through picturesque woods. Several other cyclists were out enjoying their Sunday morning, and I was startled by a horse galloping past me at one stage.

You will notice that on the welcome sign for Morlaix two names are shown, the other name being Montroulez (the Breton name for Morlaix). Breton is a Celtic language related to Cornish and Welsh, and more distantly, to Irish and Scottish Gaelic. There was a time when it was the language mainly spoken in Bretagne, but then the government banned the teaching of Breton in schools, punishing children who spoke their mother tongue. Although no longer spoken, Breton appears on some signage as a symbolic way of localising the multinationality in the region.

Morlaix is an pretty little town, with an attractive port area and lots of half-timbered houses. But it is the viaduct that has been the symbol of the town for over 150 years … with its roadway spanning 290 m and a height of 60 m it certainly is an imposing structure. Even though it is Sunday there are several eating places open, so getting a feed should not be a problem tonight.

Sadly tomorrow’s ride to Roscoff tomorrow will end a fabulous tour of Italy and France, but it will be good to be reunited with my dear wife and her family.