First full day in Rennes

We arrived in Rennes at 8:45 yesterday evening and coming up from the metro we were treated to a large plaza filled with happy diners enjoying a pleasant evening al fresco. The cobbled path to our apartment was short and soon Aïcha let us upstairs to give us our orientation in French. I’m glad Robert was with me as I understood generally what she was talking about but could not generate anything more sophisticated than “merci beaucoup” in response.

Outside a brief protest over Nahël M passed by as we unpacked. We are staying in the thick of it all and the noise abated only slightly as the sun set and we readied for our well earned sleep. The youth of this place party well into the night, but a fan at the foot of the bed kept us mostly oblivious.

This morning we started the day with a couple of quick espressos (is there another kind?) at a nearby cafe and a trip to the grocery. Later we walked over to the Jardins du Tabor a beautiful multi-level and sprawling park that features a delightful rose garden among many others. On the outskirts of the park old mansions provided a nice backdrop.

For lunch we had galettes, something common in the area. They are crispy and delicious. In the afternoon we made plans for day trips including to St. Malo tomorrow.

For dinner we retreated to the comfort of an English pub and a delicious planche fromage et charcuterie. There were no disappointments ici.

And the walk back to the apartment was through much summer Thursday evening enjoyment much as we observed the previous evening as we came into town.

One of many scenes like this tonight on the short walk home.

Tomorrow we will get started earlier expecting to visit St. Malo.