Everyone is more or less familiar with such a European country as France. Someone knows her from the novels of A. Dumas, someone from the famous comedies of the twentieth century, and someone from the game of football clubs. Travel lovers must have visited the French Mediterranean coast, and romantic-minded people dream of visiting the capital of this country - Paris ... This list could be continued indefinitely, but today we will get to know the other side of France, which is the majority of tourists, sports fans and moviegoers of ours countries have never been interested. This state is divided into administrative units - the regions of France. In this article we will talk about one of them. This territory is little known to Russian tourists, but the French themselves spend their holidays there with pleasure. It's about Brittany.
A little about the administrative division of France
The regions of France are rather large administrative-territorial entities. They were created more than 40 years ago with the aim of decentralization of political power in the country. Executive power in each region is exercised by an elected council, but is under the control of a high-ranking official - the prefect. France is divided into 27 parts-regions, 22 of which are in the European part of the country, and five are islands in the waters of three oceans, in addition to the Arctic. In accordance with the Constitution, the regions of France have ample opportunities for governance and influence. For example, in higher and school education, vocational training and education, scientific research, economics, land use, infrastructure (waterways, railways and highways), in the field of social policy, etc.
However, it is time to return to our main topic. As stated in the encyclopedia, Brittany is a northwestern region and historical region of France, washed from the south by the Bay of Biscay, and from the north of the English Channel. The capital of Brittany is the city of Rennes.
Geological Information
The historical region of Bretagne (France) lies on the territory of the peninsula of the same name, which protrudes strongly into the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. This peninsula is by geological standards the oldest piece of land in France. Its coastline of up to 3,700 km is very strongly indented by numerous capes, islands and bays. The Armorican massif forming the Brittany Peninsula is an ancient shield of the Precambrian period. It is believed that during the split of the mainland plates, it was part of West Africa.
Relief
Brittany (France) is characterized by elevated, but low relief (its maximum height reaches 107 meters) and quite flat. Rugged by valleys and rivers, the landscape is somewhat reminiscent of Ireland or Scotland. Over the course of several centuries, human influence has transformed so very barren terrain so much that the alternation of meadows, fields, and other allotments with artificial stripes of shrubs and forests, characteristic of the area, received its own name - “bokazh”.
Climatic conditions
The climate in this region is mild, temperate due to the influence of the warm waters of the Gulf Stream. Summer is warm and early enough. The average temperature in July is +24 ° C. Winters are mild and very humid, however, despite this, there is little rainfall here - up to 1000 mm per year. The average temperature in January is +7 ° C. The north-west of France is characterized by strong sea winds, which can reach significant strength in the coastal region, and as they penetrate deeper into the territory they quickly lose their pressure. It was for the struggle with the elements by the locals that the system of the well-known forest stripes of the box was developed.
History reference
Ancient Armorica, or, as the Romans called this place, a country by the sea, was inhabited by the Celtic tribes before the 5th century AD, and after that by immigrants from the British Isles. They gave this region its modern name. In the Middle Ages, Brittany was associated with Britain, thanks to the sea route, much stronger than with mainland France. Most modern cities, such as Saint-Lo, Saint-Brieux or Saint-Malo, were founded by Irish or Welsh missionaries and received names in honor of ancient saints, which, probably, are no longer found in any lists.
Language and Culture
To this day, the people living in Brittany (France), in their culture and language, are quite different from the population of the rest of this country. At the same time, local residents are doing their best to emphasize their authenticity both at the household level and at the official level. The Breton language, epic, traditions and complex symbolism retain their originality and significance even now, despite partial assimilation with French culture. In addition, the region’s craving for independence is clearly visible, manifested, for example, in the widespread use of historical and cultural names, in the struggle to create its own separate domain on the Internet, and even in the creation of the Democratic Breton Union political party. This organization stands for the autonomy of the region. And local festivals and festivals are completely saturated with the traditions of the people more than anywhere else in France, and they are clearly not intended for tourists, but exclusively for the revival of their own ancient culture.
Cities of Brittany
France is a very beautiful country, rich in cities and towns, settlements and villages. And all of them are completely different from each other, each of the settlements has its own zest. Brittany is no exception. Since 1532, its capital has been the city of Rennes, located in the middle of the peninsula, at its very base. From here to Paris is only two hours away by high-speed train. The main cities in the region are Brest, Lorient, Vannes, Dinard, Dinan, Quimper, Saint-Malo and Ore. Below in this article we will give an overview of the most beautiful settlements of Brittany, which are interesting for their historical and natural attractions. The map of France presented above will help everyone who wants to decide on a route, following which you can visit all these sites, learn a lot of interesting things and expand your horizons.
Brittany North Coast
1. Dinan. Traveling in Brittany, this port town is impossible to ignore. Behind its walls, it carefully preserves the atmosphere of the Middle Ages. Dinan is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful cities in France. Here you can admire the architecture of ancient half-timbered houses, piled along cobbled narrow streets, a fourteenth-century castle, and a magnificent stone bridge over the Rance River. All this tells about the very rich past of this town, thriving thanks to crafts and trade. Many souvenir shops offer products by modern masters: goldsmiths for wood, glass blowers, etc.
2. Dinar. Tours in Brittany must include this town on its list, because it is one of the oldest French resorts. Until the middle of the XIX century, it was a simple fishing village, until the place was attracted by the English aristocracy. And now, like mushrooms after the rain, the villas of the British Lords began to grow, who spent the summer season here, admiring the unusual view of the sea bay and enjoying the mild microclimate. The vegetation here strongly resembles the Mediterranean, and the town itself preserves the former bourgeois atmosphere. Beautiful old villas make up the architectural landmark of Dinara. There are golf courses, a casino and a huge space for lovers of sailing.
3. Saint-Malo. This modern resort, covered with the glory of corsairs, is definitely worth a visit to lovers of surfing and sailing. Huge waves and winds are attractive both for surfers and those who want to simply enjoy the fantastic view of the Atlantic Ocean from the height of the fortress walls of the old city. Walking along the perimeter of the fortress of Saint-Malo will leave in your memory an unforgettable experience.
4. Brest. This city has always been associated with the roar of guns and the sea. It was founded to protect the western borders of the country, and during the Second World War, just like its namesake in Belarus, it was almost completely wiped off the face of the earth. However, today, newly rebuilt, it amazes its guests with the beauty of gardens and the city castle in which the Admiralty is located.
Inland Brittany
1. Rennes. Visiting Brittany (France), it is impossible not to get acquainted with the capital of the region. First of all, it attracts with a diverse culture of life. This is a museum of fine arts, and the famous university, which is a major scientific center, and the theater. When in Rennes, be sure to take a stroll through its parks and the numerous river embankments that cross the city.
2. Vitre. This city has one of the most beautiful castles in France. It reminds one of children's dreams ... One gets the impression that this is a medieval scenery, it is so alive. In addition, the impression is complemented by ancient, but well-preserved cobbled streets, half-timbered houses. As a result, a walk around the city turns into a real time travel.
3. Zhoslen. This town is also famous for its castle, built during the Renaissance by the Rohan dynasty. By the way, their descendants still live in it. However, the object is still open to the public. In Zhoslen you can see Gothic churches, old houses, green terraces, open-air cafes and much more. In addition, a large medieval festival is regularly held here.
South coast
1. Vann. This coastal town is often compared to Cannes. Here you can visit the medieval fortress, the sea harbor, the historical and cultural center with promenades. The village impresses with the architecture of ancient houses of the 15th century, a castle and a magnificent garden.
2. Nantes. This is the historical homeland of Anna of Breton, a city of arts. Today, the ancient architecture of the family nest of the Breton princes and the ultramodern palace of justice coexist here. Tourists are invited to visit the Jules Verne Museum, as well as 16 churches and the Cathedral of Peter and Paul.
Brittany, France. Natural Attractions
Of course, this region is interesting not only for the architectural monuments listed above, but also for other attractions. Visiting Brittany (France is generally famous for its picturesque territories and original settlements, but the region we are considering is something special!), Be sure to make time to get acquainted with these places:
1. Shore of pink granite. It is considered one of the most romantic places in France. It is located between Treberden and Perros Girek, got its name from the pink granite boulders piled on the coast.
2. Ile de Brea is an island off the northern coast of the region. The wonderful picturesque nature of this area attracts many tourists here.
3. Karnak stones. This is a well-known “garden” of megalithic stones, which is often compared to Stonehenge.
4. Pampons forest. In this gloomy forest, stretching over 7 thousand hectares, Celtic Druids used to gather. In addition, it was here that the events described in the tale of King Arthur and the Holy Grail took place.