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Rather than raging in the far too opulent St. Tropez, Carnac is more low key and exclusive.
The first time I met my group of Parisian friends almost ten years ago, I discovered Carnac. It’s a summer destination where they all met as children since each of their parents own summer houses in this tiny commune located in the west of France.
Rather than raging in the far too opulent St. Tropez, summers in Carnac are much more low key and exclusive but in a more laid-back fashion which is quite “jetset” in many ways.
Besides housing the most famous Neolithic menhir, or standing stones, in the world that attract tourists from all over; there’s an array of excursions including: bike rides, boating and partying after hours that truly make Carnac an unforgettable but an easygoing getaway.
Since I’ve been friends with mes amis for so long, I’ve been invited back every summer to bronze our skin on beaches along the Atlantic Coast, drinking rose after stuffing our faces with chocolate waffles. In Carnac, it’s about indulgence to the ultimate degree. But casual, no pressure.
The highlight of my three-day getaway last week was renting a boat, venturing out to various surrounding small islands that not many have ever heard of. Carving “JetsetCarnac” on a Pirates of the Caribbean-like beach on l’ile de Houat (a French island off the south coast of Brittany) was childlike for a thirty-something woman but it partnered well with discovering numerous violet starfish on the shore.
Carnac is so small that everyone cruise over to the same bars after seafood dinners with their families. There’s one club, Les Chandelles, where Parisians jam with local Bretons to music that would make any American girl’s feet move. The next night? Same agenda.
This tiny little town boasts hordes of my friends’ childhood stories, and I love the idea of returning with them every year. It’s quite the privilege, I am well aware. As we splash our legs in breezy beaches embellished with ivory seashells, I realized that I’m forever a part of their private realm. Indeed, somewhat of a jetset vacation.
