St Malo 2nd time around

For once I followed the French and went out of town during fete de assumption on August 15. Last year we visited ST MALO in early July and saw only salted caramels, kouin Amann, crepes.

This year was different. My hotel was set back in the surrounding ramparts - a good 15 minutes walk away from all the treats we consumed last year. At first I was disoriented. No boulangeries nearby. But a quick look at the beachfront and I changed my mind. After the 4 hour train ride I went in for a nap.

An hour later the tide was way out.

Everyone was walking on the wet sand towards Saint-Malo's historic forts.

A march of pilgrims...

I joined in.

The views are spectacular

Whichever way you look

This couple worked on their tans while the rest of us trudged through the sand

The reward for that marching? An ice cream at Sanchez in town. This is a single dip by the way.

Ice cream cones as big as your head!

At dusk back at the beachfront at I found my painting subject.

These resort gulls are pros at posing.

In my room I discovered a new brush to add my repertoire - a Bobby Brown flat powder brush. I found more terrific brushes in the medicine cabinet at home. Sometimes you have to go away to see what's under your nose.

My last morning a quick look on the beach. These kids are getting sailing instruction while their brave parents hold their breaths. Me too.

A last walk on the ramparts with my suitcase

And a final blow-out lunch at CAFE DE SAINT-MALO. Drizzle and coolness but its a nice change from steamy, hot Paris.

Ta da. My assette de fruits de mer folowed by rai in brown butter and capers. And La dame blanc. A coupe of vanilla ice cream with chocolate sauce and Chantilly. Yum. The perfect end to my 3-day escape. Thanks for reading Parisbreakfast. If you'd like to receive a French seagull, letters, or maps in your mailbox, please look in my Etsy shop. I don't want Summer to end.