The rain only lasted a short time. We then went to a small market and bought wine, cider, oysters etc.
Then a walk down to look at the bar (called barre d'Etel in French) at low water - only problem is that it was no longer low water but about 1 hour after. No sandbanks visible but breaking waves and small local boats going in and out. The tide seems to continue to flow out of the river for ages after low tide, a bit like the river Ore but more so. I think the bar is only a big problem if there is strong onshore wind or swell and the river is ebbing.
Up the Ria d'Etel well above the harbourTook a walk along the coast path up the river, which is called the Ria d'Etel. Although the entrance is relatively narrow the upper parts of the Ria are a beautiful expanse of water which rushes in and out through some narrow gaps, one of which is bridged by a bridge only 9m high. It is easier to explore by speedboat than on the coast path which wiggles round lots of inlets. Eventually turned round and stopped for a swim on the way back. I am not really keen on French coast paths, partly because I made the mistake of wearing trainers instead of walking shoes, but mostly because the path is often enclosed by high hedges through which you can hear the sea but not see it. The path often takes detours round houses. However the paths all seem to be well maintained and signed.
Wind forecast to be SW tomorrow. Hope to go to Ile Groix.
