Coda: I write this on Dec. 27, 2012 and I just learned from my Dad that Ophélie's dad, Félicien, died on Dec. 23. Dad called me after returning fro (...)

Since we had part of an afternoon left to kill, Dad suggested that we take the ferry from nearby Locmiquelic instead. This would give us a different v (...)

I wondered what these decommissioned warships were doing there. Then, I saw that they were anchored in such a way as to be windbreaks for local yachts (...)

While waiting for the ferry, I wandered along the floating dock. This nautical scene caught my eye. Strong light, strong colour and lines leading into (...)

A rather buxom mermaid graces the prow of the next ship. She is bound to the ship by shadow chains and ancient sea myths.

The last ship is undergoing restoration. Looking at it made me realize what a long labour of love this was going to be.

Speaking of the ferry - here she comes. The ferries run every 20 minutes and buses are scheduled to meet them. The system is very timely and efficient (...)

I thought this composition was amusing. I can imagine the Bretons shaking their heads and laughing when the sign went up - those crazy French; thus ec (...)

A view of the three tuna boats, as seen from the ferry.

This is Lorient's aquarium & marine science complex. I've never been there but I'm told it is worth the visit. Maybe next time.

We are approaching the old Quai Des Indes. It is all that remains of a proud trading history. Lorient was levelled in 1943 by the Allies during WWII. (...)

Lorient has five ports. This is the approach to the lock-protected yacht basin. No waves here - only the sigh of the wind through the rigging, bringin (...)

This long concourse lies where the trading wharves of La Compagnie Des Indes used to be. The stylized mermaid sculpture honours that trading tradition (...)

Le Cours De La Bove is the main commercial street of Lorient. Lots of boutiques and bistros await the tourists. Most shops have now closed for the sea (...)

One of the many bistros along this street, which eventually takes you to the market square.

It's not easy being photographer, you know. This woman was obviously impressed by the size of my lens. She crossed the market square several times h (...)

With the tourists no longer cluttering the streets, it is time to spruce up the buildings. This is a novel way of painting the side of a ten story apa (...)

Lorient's version of the Sparks Street Mall in Ottawa.

Where there a shops, there are banks. This venerable establishment has the coats-of-arms of various client towns at its entrance. I particularly like (...)

Here, you are confronted with a dilemma. Do you confess to your shopping addiction or do you revel in your shopping prowess? Only the priest or the ca (...)