We decide to go to Vannes today and make a stop at Ile au Moines to take a swim. The weather is great and it is going to be a hot day. We wait out the tide to rise a bit but as the tide return, the current pushes us towards the buoys and the guard lines. We try to get loose by running the machines gently, and at one point we think that we got a line into the propeller. Better safe than sorry – I jump in the water with a line and swim out with the boat so we are clear of the boys before Jessica engages the propellers. Not too stylish but it worked out. Best of all, we could have a nice trip back on the lazy Auray river instead of explaining for the harbour master why I needed to cut his ropes.

Going down the river

Nice morning

At the end of the river, we pass the entrance again and the currents are very strong. There are even some eddies that make the boats dance and make the passage interesting. We go up the Gulfe du Morbihan towards Ile au Moines and we reach the bay where we intend to anchor up to wait out the tide to Vannes.

Coming to the entrance – sailing here is an interesting experience

Eddies

Another current strait – note the calm waters just behind this spot

We throw out a safety line just in case since the current runs strong. The water is warm so we get a nice swim to cool down. The island really looks nice and it would be nice to go ashore and explore but that would mean that we could not get into Vannes until next evening.

At anchor – time for a swim

We postpone the walk to next time and continue the short leg to Vannes where we come just in time for the first opening. There is a long line of yachts and as we have read that it is crowded harbour, we hope to get a good spot. As the harbour master shows up – we get a very good spot alongside just at the beginning of the old town. Perfect spot.

Meeting yachts before Vannes

Crowded inlet to Vannes

We hear bagpipes in the town and get curious. There is obviously something going on and later we understand that it is the last day of a three-day harvest feast. The streets are closed and there are many market booths everywhere. First some food and we go to the recommended creperie – Dan Ewen. It turns out to be a good recommendation – the crepes were great with a variety of different specialties. We manage to eat three rounds and they all tasted great.

Street of Vannes

Street of Vannes

Street of Vannes

Nice 2CV – the french cult car

Feeling stuffed, we take a walk on the town and we see that people are waiting for something. It turns out to be a parade where each town and village has its own part of the parade. The bagpipes sound mighty in the narrow streets. The Celtic heritage is very clear. After the parade, there is a firework over the city.

The harvest parade

The harvest parade

The harvest parade

The harvest parade