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Bretagne is
a region of France that has always shown a strong independent streak.
Essentially a Celtic
people they 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 this coast is a pleasant experience
except in the height of summer when it can be fairly congested.
Brest
| Finistère | Bretagne | 29200
Brest is an major port and shipbuilding centre on France’s
west (Brittany) coast. It is also the main base for the French Navy.
Virtually obliterated by Allied bombing during World War Two (it
was a major German submarine base) little in the way of notable
architecture remains. The city's strength is its people who have
remained true to their Breton language and culture. The Bretons
are Celtic people and have much in and share origins with the Scots,
Welsh and Galicians of Spain. Brest cuisine is most readily associated
with seafood, crepes and cider. Brest is a gateway to the beautiful
Brittany and Normandy coastlines.
Rennes | Ile-et-Vilaine | Bretagne | 35000
Rennes is capital of Brittany. It is located inland from the Breton
coast on the River Villaine. A fire in the 18th Century destroyed
many of Rennes handsome half timbered buildings although several
remain. The city was rebuilt and features many parks and gardens.
It is a university town so has a youthful energy.
Vannes | Morbihan | Bretagne | 56000
Vannes (pronounced van) is an important town in Bretagne and an
attractive, well sheltered port. Tracing its origins to the Roman
era, Vannes successfully resisted Julius Caesar’s attacks
for some time, providing the inspiration for the Astérix
comic book series. Vannes is Prefecture of the Morbihan Departement
and popular destination for yachtsmen. There is a well preserved
old town with many attractive ‘half timbered’ houses
remaining from the late medieval period. Vannes is also something
of a military town, being home base to the French Marines.
Getting there
By road with Viamichelin.com
routeplanner
By air via Brest,
Rennes, Dinard/St Malo, Lorient
By rail from Paris
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