Sept 18: Pont Aven

One of the little towns around us here in Bretagne is Pont Aven. It is an important little place in the world of art, for it was here that Paul Gaugin began to define himself, and his style, so important to Impressionism. There was (and is), a "school of Pont Aven". He was one of those who made this town a place to be for the artsy crowd, who brought their patronage to the artists and infused the town with money. The period was the 1880s, the Belle Epoch.

We enjoyed a nice picnic lunch on a park on the port, then did some extensive walking in the town. Along with art, the town capitalizes on the fact that this region is justly famous for some delicious cookies and cakes. We enjoyed samples, a very rare treat in France. As well in a little shop they were enthusiastically sampling alcoholic beverages, of which we partook liberally. Finally, to conclude the day in Pont Aven, we had a drink in a cafe.

At home, Maryvonne made her famous roasted chicken, which was fantastic, even more than normal. To help get it done she ran the lot of of like a kitchen brigade, and we had her ready to cook in record time.