Vannes, France

Just a few things I love about this walled, medieval city that is older than your mind can imagine.

• People bring their own bags to the grocery store. It is just normal life.
• I have not seen a Starbucks or McDonalds. It is great that some places still look unique. I have also seen very few signs in English.
• They have a welcoming swing dancing community, Yes Swing. Adam and I got to be guest teachers one night teaching Lindy Hop. This wasn’t easy since there was a communication gap but everyone was gracious.

And for those of you interesting in education.

• All children start going to school in France at age 3.
• In July of 2018, the French government passed a law banning cell phones in schools. According to CNN, the law passed 62 votes to one. The policy came into effect during the beginning of the 2018-2019 school year and impacts students in kindergarten through the 9th grade.  I spoke to a mother of two high school boys and she said this was strictly enforced at her sons’ school.

Googlemaps has become my new best friend. I can step out and not have to worry about where I am because I can always find my way back as long as my phone is charged. This is such a gift.

Vanes was founded by the Romans in 56 BC.  It was the residence of the Dukes of Brittany.  We found buildings with deteriorating timbers and old stone arches.

The two carved figures on the is build are suppose to be Vannes and his wife. They appear on the façade of a 16th-century house that is a listed Historic Monument.

These lavoirs, wash-houses, were built between 1797 and 1807 next to the Marle River. To cope with the affluence of the launderers, they were enlarged twenty years later. In 1951 the city forbid further use of them.

Thanks for traveling with us.

Love,

Ali