Friday was our excursion to Île de Batz. This is a new excursion for us. We felt that Brest and Brittany (Bretagne) being situated on the ocean, we were not taking advantage of that opportunity in the past.

At the port of Roscof

Early Friday morning, we boarded a bus for Roscof in the north of Finistère, the “state” (French equivalent is “département”) in which Brest is situated. From there, we boarded a boat that took us the 15 minute ride to the island.

Chic girls at the port

Because of the Gulf Stream, this island situated on the same latitude as northern Minnesota, is quite temperate. It was sunny and 65 degrees.

On the boat

On the boat

About half the group rented bicycles and went with me. The others went by foot with Loïc and Victoria. (An inveterate Parisienne, Victoria doesn’t ride bicycles.) In the end, we all went the same places. Those of us on bicycles made a few wrong turns and got to see more parts of the island as a result.

Still, we all went to the top of the lighthouse, 210 steps. The views were incredible! Bretagne (Brittany) is encircled by numerous small, rocky islands, called the “golden belt.” From the lighthouse, you can certainly see the chain.

Top of the lighthouse

Top of the lighthouse

Top of the lighthouse

Lunch in a random field

Low tide, really low tide

Me showing off my photography skills

Waiting at the base of the lighthouse

From there, we proceeded to the Jardin Georges Delaselle, having stopped for lunch enroute. The garden was created by a wealthy Parisian in the early years of the 20^th century. Because of the weather, he could import plants from temperate zones of Asia, Africa and the Americas, which he did.

He lost his fortune in the 1930s, but left a botanic gem which was rescued in the late 20^th century. Friday, our students experienced that botanical treasure. They were appropriately awed.

The garden is just at the edge of the sea, as is most of the island. So the students played a bit. No injuries, grace à Dieu.

Victoria and I were touched when students presented us with these tiny, beautiful shells from the beach. However, Sophia’s still had a living creature in it. We put it back.

A vigorous bike ride/walk brought us back to the port for departure. The bike rental guy was so impressed by their language commitment that he quit trying to speak his awful English.

We ended the day before departure with French ice cream. And you can rest assured, it is nothing like American ice cream. French ice cream is an experience in creamy delight. Just look at the pictures.

As we parted from our students for the weekend, my heart skipped a beat. It’s just two days, but I will miss them. This is a very special group of young people; talented, intelligent, committed, respectful and kind. That being said, I’m glad for the break. Such a fabulous group can be kind of intense.