After last night’s thunderstorm, I was relieved to discover that my shoes weren’t too wet. I had spent the previous night fretting that I’d have to spend the next walking around in mini swimming pools.
Thankfully, after having put a ton of paper towels in my shoes, they were no longer as soaked as they had been.
Which meant, of course, that I could actually walk outside.
I headed out to the supermarket across the road and got myself some snacks. Though I’m usually fond of oatmeal, some chocolate bars would have to do.
I then headed north towards La Grande Plage du Sillon or Sillon Beach, a beach along the English Channel whose name sounds like something out of The Lord of the Rings.
The beach is famous for being beloved of aristocrats, who came and built giant mansions in the 19th century to spy on the English.
Sillon beach is also famous for its immense waves that crash against the tall sea walls, showing everyone who’s boss.
The water was calm that day, however, although the sky remained bleak.
But after I had walked the length of the beach and turning around, the sun finally made its entrance.
Just in time for lunch.
I headed into the citadel and bought some fresh oysters. They were delicious and still had a taste of the sea about them.
I then got myself a sugar and lemon crêpe from a street-side vendor, but just as I was about to take a bite, a seagull swooped down and bit a bit off.
I was still hungry, and so I wandered around the citadel until I found a crêperie. I went inside and ordered a galette and an obligatory cup of tea.
After lunch, I walked along the walls surrounding the city. From the top, I could see the sea.
Apparently, Saint-Malo had been built by the Gauls in the 1st Century BC.
During the Second World War, the city was almost destroyed by occupying German troops but was eventually freed by the Allies.
Much of the city was destroyed but later rebuilt after the war.
In other words, a lot of the old-looking buildings are not actually as old as they look.
The next day, I was to head back to Paris, but I’m glad that I had the chance to visit Saint-Malo when I did.
The only question now is when I’ll get to return.
