We wake up very early (so breakfast in our room) moored in the beautiful harbor of Saint Malo, France. This is an historic, walled city and was home to sailors, pirates and New World explorers. The city we see today has been restored following the fire destruction created by the Nazis while retreating in 1944. Some of the historic great voyages launched from this beautiful harbor include Jacque Cartier’s voyage to new France to establish modern-day Québec. This port city is home to fresh oysters and scallops. The highlight of our brief stay is the excursion to Mont Saint Michel. This wonder of the world potentially dates back to 708. In the 10th century, the Benedictines settled in the Abbey while a village grew up below its walls. By the 14th century, it was impregnable stronghold during the 100 years wars. It is an example of military architecture with its ramparts resisting all English assaults. It was briefly used as a prison following the French revolution until 1863. Perhaps its most unusual feature is its complete enclosure by title flows which meet the bottom of the rock at high tide and completely surround this wonder of the world with water. The highlight of our tour from a very knowledgeable guide was our lunch; oysters on the half shell, a bucket of steamed mussels in white sauce, shrimp risotto and for desert - whipped cream raspberry tart cake and espresso. "C’est le grand vie.” And now we sail away from this magnificent harbor - heading north towards the English Channel where we make a right turn (east) and then another right heading south on the Seine River where we will arrive at the port of Rouen, France tomorrow afternoon. (two hours north of Paris).
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