The ferry did stop rocking around midnight and the waters became calm. The ferry berthed around 6 am Irish time, but it was 7 am French time now.

Our deck, level 3, was the first to disembark, but our bikes were against the ship side, and all other bikes were in the way so we had to watch whilst one by one a variety of bikes and set ups were removed, gear reattached,

There were families with three children there, kids in tandems or in trailers. Amazing for families to do that although I’d be nervous towing a kid through traffic.

Off the ship and then lining up for immigration. Our turn came soon enough and we were off. Viva La France.

It was a beautiful morning, clear skies and going to be a warm day. We stopped in our first village,

Saint-pol-de-Leon is the capital of artichokes and cauliflower growing region. So artichokes would have been the funny looking plants I had seen growing. Not been a fan myself, but there was a lovely village.

We stopped by the village square abounded by a lovely old church and found coffee.

Lovely views looking out towards the English Channel. Little islands dotted around.

We followed the la Penze river that opened into the Channel.

Nice old hotel by the river, looked closed.

Morlaix was once one of the largest ports on the English Channel. Sadly, in 1897 the docks were filled in and covered by two squares.

It has an impressive viaduct that was built in 1861 to carry a stretch of the Paris-Brest railway.

We followed the River de Morlaix up into town, towards the viaduct, then under the viaduct.

There are many beautiful timber framed and slate clad houses

Pedalling on, the day was becoming very warm. It was around 28c and quite the change to Ireland. The roads were quiet and that is one thing I do love about France, the number of quieter backroad options available.

It was also Sunday and in France not much is open either including food and drink options.

Little villages all have a little old church, some grander than others.

Belle Isle en Terre was a pretty town, a bit larger, a boom, a boulangerie was open. We grabbed a baguette and sat in the square.

Guingamp has fine timber framed houses. The local basilique Notre Dame was built between the 13th and 16th centuries. The remains of a fortified castle that was started in 1043 remain.

We were not able to ride through the town centre. Roads were blocked off by trucks and agricultural machinery, and people were milling. That explained all the parked cars as we wondered where everyone had headed to. They were all in town.

We had to walk around obstacles and people for some distance. They had cameras out, something was about to start.

It was an annual festival that culminates in traditional street dancing but we needed to move on as today was a 120 km day and now we needed water. Not one shop open!

More villages, no open shops so now we were looking for cemeteries! Not for us due thirst!

French cemeteries always have fresh water for people to water flowers on graves. It is a cycling tip I read about years ago. Their street fountains do not have potable water but the cemetery does!

Boom! A cemetery! Found the tap!

We were on the outskirts of our destination and following la Gouet river, through a nice green area, descending to sea level. Nice and cool. However, there were barriers up for cars. Some were manned and we were waved through. Not sure again what was happening it quickly became evident as a peloton of bikes charged towards us!

We were caught in the finishing stages of a road race, they 2 km sig s we’re up and the lads were pushing. Fortunately for us, they turned left and had a hilltop climb, whereas we turned right for our own hilltop finish sans the cheering.

Once at our accomodation we rang the bell, no answer. it was a 5 pm check in and it was 4.45 pm. We contacted the owners via the messaging on Booking.com who,advised they would open the door at 5.30pm.

We waited…..at 5.30 pm we rang the bell,and they opened the door. They were there sitting in their garden…..welcome to France.

It is a nice room, the bikes are stored in their garage. We showered and headed off in search of food, and found a nice brasserie that was open for food at 7 pm.

The history of St Brieuc is linked to religion. Founded in the 5th century by a Welsh monk who founded an oratory on the site of the present Fontaine St Brieuc.

Some photos around town whilst we waited.

It was lovely sitting outside, around vegetation. Nice meal.

Our first day in France is done. Breakfast is late tomorrow, so a later start. Cycling in France is great, the home of cycling. 120 km and nearly 1200 m climbing.

Thanks for reading. 😊❣️