Day 74, Sunday 27/5:

This morning we returned to the island of Fedrun, where we had booked our one-hour tour. We hopped aboard our punt with seven other people and the guide punted us around, explaining both the history and ecology of the marais. Along the way we saw numerous bird species and quite a few water rat looking creatures. Interestingly, all of the geese we saw are actually privately owned by a number of people in the area. Each has unique markings to identify the owner and they return home each night to be fed. After the tour we stayed on to try a plate of eels that were caught in the lakes, which were indeed very tasty. Patsy then navigated us around, through various small villages, with pretty thatched rooves and flower filled gardens. We also visited some dolmens, guided there by a geocache placement. Dolmens are the remains of megalithic tombs, dating from 3000-4000BC and are found all over France and Britain. From there we headed over to the coastal town of Quamiac. Henceforth, the number of other tourists increased significantly as we headed east along the coast, stopping in a pine forest for lunch, as no car parks were to be found along the coast. We pushed on to the Marais Salants, saltpans where renowned boutique sea salt is produced, using wholly traditional methods. We visited a museum (again packed with tourists) with an excellent display describing the very labour intensive harvesting process. Apparently from one litre of seawater, 36mg of salt can be extracted. Outside one was able to see workers plying the saltpans. We drove home from here through the salt fields. Once home, I was given the task of looking for a shop from which to buy wine, at which I failed at dismally, as they were either closed or in hiding it seemed. Fortunately, when Philip prevailed upon our neighbour for directions, they offered us a fine bottle of their own. Problem solved.