Onwards and Downwards! Always twirling...

Thank goodness for Couch surfing! Who ever came up with the idea was a genius. Ive met so many great people and seen such amazing things - I cant wait to continue on.

These photos are from Rennes, Bordeaux and Biarritz - I was lucky enough to spend one week in Rennes and had an amazing time. Bordeaux on the other hand was a short stay - only 3 days then I was off to Biarritz! Each city has been uniquely different - the food and music changes based on the region, and I can see more Spanish influence as I head south.

Renne - Republique bus station

Best bakery in the town square! Every kind of bread and baguette you can imagine. 

These unique little building are very old and are scattered around the square

Rose garden at the local park. The French know how to design a great park

Bread, cheese and wine party in Julies backyard. Ive noticed that many things taste very different in France. Turns out that tapenade isn't that bad, and blue cheese is delicious!  

My new friends! We've had a few too many bottles

Mont St. Michel, just north of Rennes. 

The Abbey at the top

Our last party at Julies, for Dominiques birthday

Bordeaux! Which apparently is known for its wine! First thing in the morning I met up with 2 fellows from Quebec and we headed to Arcachon to go to the beach. So this isn't actually Bordeaux at all... oops

Emile and Louis at the beach in Arcachon

From the beach we took the bus to a sand dune - It was quite the walk up... and down... and back up again.

Really great views! Ocean on one side...

forest on the other!

On the beach at the other side of the dune. Water was tooo cold to go in!

In Bordeaux I stayed with a group of 3 students - This is Camille and some Bordeaux deserts - canolis

At the Bordeaux square 

Time for Chai tea! Camille spent the afternoon showing me some sights and some hidden gems, like the chai bar

St. Michel Gothic Church, on my last day in Bordeaux

Biarritz!! This is the house im staying at - the woman housing me is Janet. Originally from England, shes here in France for 6 months learning french and is a great host. I arrived late last evening but she took me out to see the city lights and show me around. Beautiful city! Much more than I was expecting.

The Grande Plage beach and the Le Phare (lighthouse)! Lots of surfers out today, as it was amazingly sunny and hot!

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Walk down to the Port Des Pecheurs. I find Biarritz very grand and majestic- apparently its full of very old money. And surfers....

View of the Grand Plage

Just a peak of the mountains from Rocher de la Vierge 

Port Vieux, a great little nook with shallow waters and smaller waves.  The first 5 mins are chilly but  its worth it to stay in!! 

Cote des Basques - another beach down the coast. Lots of surfers here and big waves!

Tomorrow Im heading to the lighthouse and browsing the city some more. Later in the afternoon, Janet and I are heading to the town just north of Biarritz - Bayonne. Theres a few things going on for the weekend and were going to check it out. Bayonne is known for its Chocolate and Ham... mmm

On Sunday I plan to hit the waves! I hope to book a 2 hr lesson at the surf school and learn a few things - totally rad!

Im not sure if Ill be staying past Sunday or if Ill be heading down into Spain on Monday - it depends on if I find another host and how much more Id like to explore Biarritz. We shall see!
Hope you al enjoy the photos. Ive just realized that they are all now in the wrong order, so start from the first set if you'd like to see them properly.
Have a great weekend!!