Brittany
If France was a painter’s palette and each province a color, Brittany would certainly be blue. Blue colors Brittany’s land and seascapes, and clings to the memory of anyone who visits there even for a short time. There must be a hundred shades of this pervasive color, from the classic French blue trim on the fishing boats docked at Lesconil to the deep blue water at high tide in Belon; from the aquamarine of the hand-tied fishnets (the famous filets bleus of Concarneau) to the electric blue of the lobster traps in Morlaix; from the navy blue sails of a schooner off of Roscoff to the whimsically painted sky blue deux-chevaux Citroën parked in Pont-Aven.
La Cornouaille
A true capsule of Brittany’s past, Cornouialle once a medieval kingdom is still known today in France as “the most Breton part of Brittany “.
PONT L’ABBE
This is the most traditional of all Cornouaille towns, and thus the most traditional town in Brittany. The town rises above a harbor at the estuary of the Odet River twenty miles south of Quimper. Here the old women still wear the tallest of Brittany’s sixty-six regional coiffes. Pont L’Abbé has long been known for its intricate embroidery, which adorns both coiffes and black velvet costumes.
QUIMPER
The twin steeples of Quimper’s Saint Corentin cathedral, set in the town’s main square dominates the skyline of this old capital of Cornouaille. Several old cobblestone streets lead into the Place Saint-Germain and are still lined with four-hundred year old houses, handsome mansions and chestnut trees. Once a year at the end of July the town host one of the largest and liveliest folk festivals in Brittany, La Fete de la Cornouialle. For a full week the town becomes a stage for the program of parades, dances, musical events and theatrical performances. Quimper is also world renowned for its Faienceries. The faience industry was founded in the 17th century and today these white-glazed faience depicting painted Breton figures, flowers, and symbols are sold throughout the world.
PONT-AVEN
Pont-Aven draws its many French and foreign tourists with its historic legacy as a once-important artistic community of Post-Impressionists. Shortly after his arrival in Brittany, Paul Gauguin invited a group of young Post-Impressionists to come and paint with him in Pont-Aven; these included both French and American painters who eventually formed the Pont-Aven School of painters. Pont-Aven streets are filled with antique shops, and enchanting chaumieres, (thatched roof cottages).
Saint-Malo
An ancient, wall city surrounded by 13th century ramparts, Saint-Malo was badly damaged during the bombing raid in World War II. Most of the old city of Saint-Malo was totally destroyed. Devastated after the war, the people regrouped and restored the old city, virtually to the last stone. The old city is almost entirely surrounded by water and by the strong North Atlantic winds. Even as a pastime, sailing in Brittany is a rugged activity, requiring skill, stamina and protective gear. Sailboat races in the Saint-Malo harbor are an on going tradition.
Mont Saint-Michel
Le Mont Saint-Michel is to France, Victor Hugo said “ what the Great Pyramid is to Egypt” The most visited attraction in France, Le Mont St-Michel is an island which rises off the NE coast of Brittany and is joined by a walkway to the mainland. Resting on top of this very high island is a fascinating monastery.
Gastronomy
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| Seafood platter |
Breton seafood platter
The authentic Breton seafood platter must contain at least three types of crustaceans and three of shellfish. However, the composition varies depending on the season, and the life cycle of the crustaceans and shellfish. Frequently it comprises crabs, various types of oysters and clams, periwinkle, shrimps or Langoustines and prawns…served on a bed of seaweed.
Climate
Located on the west coast of France, Brittany has a warm, temperate climate. Rainfalls occur regularly which has helped keep its countryside lush, green and wooded, but sunny, cloudless days are also common.
In the summer months, temperatures in the regions can reach 86 degrees Fahrenheit, but remain comfortable compared to parts of France south of the Loire. Brittany attracts summer tourists from its neighboring countries in Germany, England, Sweden, Denmark but also Spain since their summers are too hot.
Transportation
There are several airports in Brittany which serve destinations in France and England. TGV or bullet train services link the region with cities such as Paris, Lyon and Marseille. In addition if you prefer to travel by sea, there are many ferry services that take passengers and their cars to Ireland, England and the Channel Islands.
Why you should get married in Bretagne
Brittany or Bretagne as it is called in France is the country’s most beautiful and rugged region. Brittany is a fascinating mix of spectacular coastline, ancient towns, magical islands and inland woods. It is a land rich in culture, tradition and history. When you travel through this peninsula, you’ll discover people whose language, customs and dress remain a vivid homage to their past.
Bretons are renowned for their friendliness and many speak French as well as Breton (a Celtic-based language similar to Welsh) and English. The province takes on a medieval feeling as many of the people still wear traditional lace head-dresses and the region seeps with fairy-tale stories and fables. Said to be the final resting place of Merlin and where King Arthur and Guinevere married, Bretons are famous for their supernatural stories, creatures and magical fountains. Brittany has an abundance of Chateaux and Manors which will accommodate any wedding.
References: www.Wikipedia.com,Pierre Deux Brittany, www.fodors.com, www.westernfrancetouristboard.com, www.answers.com,
