Britanny is a region of France that has always shown a strong independent streak. Essentially a Celtic people the Bretons have much in common with the Welsh and Galicians of Spain sharing a similar language and many customs. They put up fierce resistance to Julius Caesar's legions and were the inspiration for the Asterix comics. 
A strong separatist sentiment remains to this day, but the Bretons have largely assimilated with greater France. Bretagne has strong seafaring traditions and was the launch point of many French voyages of discovery. 
| The French Navy's Atlantic Fleet is based at Brest and there are several ferry ports with connections to the UK and Ireland. 
The coast of Bretagne is ruggedly beautiful punctuated with many pleasant fishing villages and seaside resorts. Driving Brittany coast is a pleasant experience except in the height of summer when it can be somewhat congested. 
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Brittany Quick Facts Population: 4,365,000 Departments: Côtes-d'Armor (22), Ille-et-Vilaine (36), Morbihan (56) and Finistère (26) Major Centres: Rennes, Brest, Lorient, Quimper, Vannes, Saint Malo What to see and do: - Megalithic monuments near Carnac
- Pink Granite Coast
- Ancient port city of St Malo
What to eat: Seafood dishes, oysters, crepes, salty butter What to drink: Muscadet (white wine), cider, boutique beers Airport: Rennes, Dinard, Brest Brittany Official Tourism Site Brittany Wikipedia Article |
