I had a very enjoyable and instructive Homestay with Camille in Paimpol. As my French was already reasonably advanced in terms of grammar and vocabulary the emphasis throughout was on the spoken word.
Having only made one fleeting visit to Britanny previously, I much appreciated the opportunity to immerse myself in the culture of the region. I did so with the assistance of extremely well-informed guides and through contact with friends that Camille introduced me to.
I particularly enjoyed a tour with a very entertaining local guide who knew all that was to be known about the Paimpol fishing industry. With her I was able to study the local statues and memorials commemorating the lucrative but hazardous exploits of Paimpol fisherfolk in Icelandic water.
I also appreciated the time Camille and I spent harvesting clams with her engaging friend Dominique.
My introduction to local history also included the viewing of a fascinating film featuring the part played by the local Resistance in the exfiltration of downed Allied aviators. A visit to the beach where the handover to the Royal Navy took place under the noses of the Germans had particular resonance for me as a student of military history.
My thanks to Camille for everything she did to make my stay enjoyable (including cooking some very tasty meals) and to her friend Jean-Loup who provided mobility with his Range Rover as well as much interesting conversation.