Gourmet trip in the Bay of Cancale

Picnic Breton-style on board a beautiful old sailboat

Picture 1 Gourmet trip in the Bay of Cancale Picture 2 Gourmet trip in the Bay of Cancale Picture 3 Gourmet trip in the Bay of Cancale Picture 4 Gourmet trip in the Bay of Cancale Picture 5 Gourmet trip in the Bay of Cancale Picture 6 Gourmet trip in the Bay of Cancale Picture 7 Gourmet trip in the Bay of Cancale Picture 8 Gourmet trip in the Bay of Cancale Picture 9 Gourmet trip in the Bay of Cancale

How about a day to remember at Cancale? On the programme: an al-fresco breakfast savoured on the breathtaking Pointe du Grouin followed by a boat trip around the bay aboard the An Durzunel, a traditional sailboat, to explore the hidden beauties of the bay. An unforgettable three hours at sea with tasty seafood to sample on board!

La pointe du Grouin

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day; and even more so when you’re overlooking the sea and being entertained by balletic sea birds. From the headland with your face to the wind, a panoramic view unfurls at your feet from the Cap Fréhel to the Mont-St-Michel bay. ‘On a clear day, you can also make out Jersey in the distance’, explains Grégoire, our guide. A copious breakfast spread is laid out on the orientation table. We relax for a short while on the rocks...but another adventure awaits.

On board the An Durzunel!

A bord de l'An Durzunel, Cancale

Next stop is Port-Mer where Jérôme, our tanned and handsome blonde sailor awaits us. Without any hesitation he recruits us all as members of his crew! – Straight away it’s all aboard the An Durzunel. The new crew is in charge of the foresail as the captain patiently explains how to work it. And off we go on a three-hour cruise! Using sheer brawn the crew hoists the huge brown sail which flutters against the blue sky. The sunlight shimmers on the emerald green water and the boat picks up speed on a lively sea as the wind buffets our faces. Refreshed by the spray we feel reinvigorated. More than ready to explore new horizons!

At the helm

a bord du vieux gréement

“Ready about!” shouts the sailor and the crew enthusiastically roll up their sleeves. Heave-ho! They seize the rope that controls the position of the sail and pull with all their strength to wind it in – one turn, two turns, three turns; it certainly gets your muscles working. The manoeuvre is a success. No words are necessary – we’re a great crew! Everyone takes their turn at the helm, proud to be steering this beautiful, historic craft.

Gourmet picnic

Cancale vue du large

The jewels of this bay are revealed to us in quick succession and include the Cancale rock which harbours nests of egrets, gulls, oyster-catchers and cormorants. Then there’s the Isle of Rimains, and the Herpin lighthouse marking the entrance to Mont Saint-Michel bay. The waves and the wind gently rock the boat along; the experience is enchanting. We drop anchor and picnic on board. There are some tasty, locally-sourced products, including oysters, seaweed bread, salted butter, fish and Kouign Amann, a delicious sweet Breton pastry cake - all washed down with a delicious cool Muscadet wine. There’s no denying it – it’s a good life at sea!

Text: Solenne Durox