Somehow from all we had read about L’Aber W’rach we both had limited expectations on the town and surrounding area. However we were both pleasantly surprised and found the area to be lovely.
This a shot showing all the jaggies on the approach into L’Aber W’rach
Upon a recommendation by my mate John we visited the small Creperie just along from the marina on the left hand side of the road, and upon reviewing the menu we settled for a “traditional creperie meal”. This consisted of a crepe with ham, cheese and eggs, followed by one with sugar, and then to finish it off another one arrived with jam. All washed down by really good coffee. Fat faced Billies I know, but they really were scrummy 🙂
We had a few walks up and around the local town and also along the riverbank in nice warm weather and really enjoyed ourselves and the tranquillity. One place we could recommend if ever you visit is the Le Pot de Beurre restaurant; real quality food at reasonable prices.
Now for those who don’t go out boating, one point of reference is “Pilot Books” that provide detailed information on navigation in the various areas they cover. In the pilot book for this area, the Chanel de Four is described in a manner that does not make one sleep easy at night! I also had in the back of my mind the experience of a good friend – very experienced sailor – who went wind against tide and arrived of the narrowest point of the Chanel at St Mathieu and had a bit of an “exciting ten minute spell” in the resultant waves! – no prizes for guessing the things that were running through my mind.
We had done all the calculations (several times) reviewed all the information, and set off with the wind from the NW therefore behind us (good) into some sizeable swell, but not as big as when we came into L’Aber W’Rach.
I’ll cut a long story short………………..it was fine, the Chanel de Four treated us well, and we arrived safely in Camaret.
For the most part of the Chanel de Four there is a good transit on two lighthouses, and with the other huge markers the French lay out it would be hard, in good conditions to get the navigation wrong. However in adverse conditions one might be best to stay put in harbour as it is (in my opinion) not a place to take unnecessary risks.
Next major tidal gate is the Raz de Sein which also carries dire warnings in the Pilot Books – the only thing they miss out is saying that Mythical Sea Serpents come to life en route down the Raz, which is apparently pronounced Raaar.
Here is a shot of the lighthouses at the southern end of the Chanel de Four
