Bretagne

Brittany occupies a large peninsula in the northwest of France, lying between the English Channel to the north and the Bay of Biscay to the south. Its land area is 34,034 sq km (13,137 sq. ml).

Brittany attracts people from everywhere, especially Britain. Travel to and from Britain and Brittany is very easy, its climate is very similar to the south of England, if a little warmer. You are never far from the sea in Brittany, and people moving to the area often experience a better quality and pace of life. Property is cheaper than home and the attraction of a safer and quieter existence, makes life in Brittany an attractive proposition.

Brittany has an indigenous heritage, deeply influenced by religion and military art, it also possesses an exceptional maritime heritage. Brittany is a land of legend and folklore, famous for its megalithic monuments, which are scattered over the peninsula, the largest alignments are near Carnac. The purpose of these monuments is still unknown, and many local people are reluctant to entertain speculation on the subject. Brittany is also known for its calvaries, elaborately carved sculptures of crucifixion scenes, to be found in churchyards of villages and small towns, especially in Western Brittany.

Traditional Breton costume is still worn on special occasions and festivals. Traditional local specialities including crepes and galettes (pancakes with sweet or savoury fillings) are delicious, and not forgetting cider, all of which can be enjoyed everywhere. In coastal areas, a vast array of fresh seafood is available.

Although some white wine is produced near the Loire, the traditional drinks of Brittany are Cider. Brittany is the second largest cider-producing region in France;

Festivals: The colourful Fete des Filets bleus (Festival of the Blue Nets), is held in the fishing village of Concarneau in August.

France’s Ministry for Culture conferred the title “Villes d’Art et d’Histoire de Bretagne” on Brittany’s towns of special artistic and historic interest. These towns offer heritage related events for everyone.

Brittany is a wide peninsula, and wherever you go, the sea is never far away, it includes a third of the coastline of France. The west coast is characterised by dramatic cliffs and rock formations, the north by attractive coves and harbours, and the south by wide estuaries and long, sandy beaches.

Inland, Brittany is unspoilt and very scenic, full of lakes, moors and wooded valleys. It is divided by the Montagnes noires (Black Mountains.

Being surrounded by the sea on three sides, it is to be expected that Brittany will experience a fairly “maritime” climate. The coastal area from Quimper to La Baule has the benefit of a warm micro-climate, and experiences as much sunshine as Toulouse. Brest is France’s wettest town; winters can be quite stormy whilst summers are usually very mild and pleasant. The north west coast is affected by the Gulf Stream, enabling over half of France’s vegetables to be grown in Finistere. The north of Brittany experiences a similar climate to the south of England.

The population of Brittany is just under 3 million, its largest city Renne having just over 200,000 inhabitants.


Brittany is a major producer of fish, milk, poultry, seaweed and salt. Its main agricultural products are fruit and vegetables. Tourism, of course plays an important part of the economy of the region, with visitors not only from Briton, but from all over the world.

Renne is the regional capital of Brittany. Brest, Dinan, Dinard, Lorient, Quimper, Saint-Brieuc, Saint-Malo, Vanne and Vitre all are major towns in Brittany, each with its own unique attractions, great architecture and culture. From standing stones to chapels, fortresses to humble cottages, across the region, there is something for everyone.

Almost every town or village you stumble upon has something interesting to see, whether a chateau, traditional timbered houses, stone houses, cathedrals, small churches etc., Concarneu stands on one of Brittany’s most beautiful bays, the historic heart of the town stands inside granite ramparts. Fougeres sits upon the borders of Brittany, Maine and Normandy, and has an impressive fortress. Locronan is a small town of blue-grey granite houses, originally a major centre for the manufacture of sailcloth.

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