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Brittany,
though a compact and coherent region of France it is indeed
a land of contrasts |
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seas buffet its jagged coastline, reshaping the ancient
granite. Whilst inland quiet villages and an abundance
of eerie forests provide countryside not unlike Devon
and Cornwall in the UK; but without the people. Tranquility
personified! Brittany has the lowest per capita population
in France, with two and a half times the land area of
UK but a similar population; therefore Brittany is almost
empty by comparison. |
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the north coast, St-Malo, an old pirates' town, with
fine beaches and mixing centuries of architectural
styles. Dinard, Queen of the Emerald Coast, is often
compared favourably with Mediterranean resorts. To
the east, Mont-St-Michel, though technically a few
metres into Normandy, is a magnet for visitors. Castles
such as Fougeres and Vitre testify to a once hostile
relationship with the rest of France. |
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But
best of all, the people of Brittany have managed to protect
the attractions demanded by modern tourism from being
destroyed by the visitors themselves, and in the friendliest
manner possible.
ACCOMMODATION |
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Mont-St-Michel:
The key tourist attraction in France. This awe-inspiring
monument with the dramatic silhouette of the abbey will
leave you with a lasting image of Normandy. |
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Fougeres:
A traditional cobbling and cider-making centre with an
attractive ruined castle. It and the surrounding older
parts of the town make an interesting visit; especially
as it is now largely pedestrianised. |
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Vitre:
14 miles south of Fougeres. There is a touch of the middle
ages about Vitre, with its narrow alleys and tightly packed
houses. It has a formidable castle originally built in
the 11th century. |
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Cancale:
Delightful seaside setting, with ample opportunity to
sample, in addition to the beach, oysters from the local
beds in the multitude of restaurants. |
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St
Malo: Interesting ancient walled town of this onetime
pirate base; excellent wide sandy beaches. |
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Dinard:
Old-style seaside resort with good beaches, an interesting
Saturday market, a casino and strong English connections. |
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Dinan:
Interesting black and white half-timbered houses with
overhanging balconies amongst the cobbled streets in the
old town. |
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Climate:
Benefiting from the effects of the Gulf stream, Brittany's
climate is surprisingly mild for its northern position
and is, on average, a few degrees warmer than southern
England. |
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Golf:
Nine local courses - including St Malo and Dol de Bretagne -
within 30/40-minute drive. |
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Fishing:
Small trout stream at the bottom of the paddock at La
Heyais and 300 metres of bank along the road at La Folie. |
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