Brittany, in French called Bretagne, is located on the north-west of France. It occupies an ample
peninsula and lies between the English Channel to the north and the Bay of Biscay to the south.
During its history, Bretagne (antiquely known as the Armorican peninsula) has seen many
turbulent periods, but it has been a flourishing land since Neolithic and Celtic times. The historic
settlements in the region are found in the numerous Neolithic monuments: they were graves
mainly composed by a dolmen (a stone chamber) for the body, covered by a small hill. There
are also many Neolithic menhirs, standing stones scattered here and there across the region.
The history of Bretagne has a long gap between the Neolithic period and the arrival of the
Romans, even if it is sure that in Iron-Age a strong Celtic culture appeared.
Several immigrants came to the peninsula from Ireland, Wales and southern England, changing
deeply the character of it and transforming it into Brittany, or Little Britain: they brought their own
brand of Christianity and their enthusiastic legends.
Bretagne has been a Breton Kingdom and later a Breton duchy. In this period, forts and walls to
protect the towns were built, as well as impressive new Gothic cathedrals. In the 16th century,
the Gothic style gave its way to the Renaissance; the duchy lost its independence and passed
to the French domination, which was competing with Holland and England.
In the 19th century, the relations between French and Great Britain improved, the Breton
industry developed and tourism started to increase in the region, making it shining even during
the hard times of the world war.
Bretagne has of course a magical and inspiring atmosphere, which boosted several tales,
legends, paintings (like those of Gauguin and the school of Pont-Aven), as well as the traditional
dances and songs.
Bretagne has several attractions: the megalithic monuments (the largest site is in Carnac); the
calvary sculptures (with crucifixion scenes), several manors and chateaux, various fortified
towns, such as Saint-Malo; and marvellous churches and cathedrals. Besides Saint-Malo, the
main urban centers in Bretagne are Nantes, Rennes, Brest, Saint-Nazare, Lorient, Quimper,
Vannes, Saint-Brieuc and Redon.
The coast of Bretagne is beautiful and it is particular for its color: a special pink rock is the mark
of the C?te de Granit Rose (pink granite coast), which stretches for more than 30 km and it is
one of the most astonishing coastlines of Europe.
A holiday in France deserves surely some days spent in Bretagne. Several accommodations
are available across the region, such as hotels, campsites, farms and rental apartments.
The special atmosphere of this French region is ideal for a romantic break with your loved one.
An idyllic experience is to paddle in a sea kayak to explore the coastline, discovering the
charming creeks and observing the local fauna, in the Gulf of Morbihan, especially at sunset.
In Pont-Aven, the Bois d'Amour is a natural beautiful location that inspired Gauguin and other
artists: walking in the luxuriant green, crossing the river on the small bridges, visiting the art
galleries and boutiques are some examples of how to spend the time for you and your partner in
this attractive spot.
You can also explore Saint Michel by a horse-drawn carriage, admiring one of the most
beautiful bays of the world.
Another romantic spot is Huelgoat, in the heart of the Monts d'Arr?e, beside a lake: here it is
possible to walk in the near forest, which evokes the legends of Bretagne, thorough the "Sentier
des Amoureaux" (Lovers' Lane). This is the land of the Breton leprechaun, the "Grotte du
Diable" (Diable's cave) and the "Roche Tremblante" (Trembling rock).
The modern art in Bretagne is not confined only to the art galleries, but you can also discover it
in one of the many chapels in the heart of the region, where the sacred mixes with the modern.
Through the Blavet valley, you will find an improbable match between the religious heritage and
the contemporary creativity, which will surely don't let you indifferent whether it moves you, it
surprises or it fascinates you.
A special place also to visit with your love one is the megalithic site of the 'Roche aux Fees'
(Fairies' Rock), one of the most gorgeous in Bretagne. This spot is also home to the numerous
Breton legends that flourish even today. One of these legends is used to find out if a relationship
will have a happy ending or not: to discover this, each partner has to count the number of
stones in the covered walkway; if both will say the same number, they will surely be happy.
Author Resource:
If you are looking for villas in France , visit the authors web site for great vacation rentals.
![[Valid RSS feed]](http://www.look4articles.com/images/icon_Rss.png "XML Feed For RSS"){kind=icon}
Category Rss Feed
Print This Article
Add To Favorites
![[Valid RSS feed]](http://www.look4articles.com/images/rss.jpg "XML Feed For RSS")