Brittany (or Breton Breiz, or Bretagne) region is located in NW France. It is a peninsula between the English Channel (on the North side) and the Bay of Biscay (South side) and comprises four departments (like counties in the UK): Finistere, Morbihan, Cotes-d’Armor and Ille-et-Vilaine. Historically the duchy and province of Brittany also included the Loire-Atlantique dept.

Brittany is the most popular summer holiday destination in France, next to the Côte d’Azur, for both French and foreign visitors. The coast, particularly at the western tip, is craggy and rocky, with natural harbours and numerous small islands. With over 2800km of stunning rugged coastlines along the English Channel sea in the north and the Atlantic ocean on the west, Brittany is an enchanting region rich with Celtic historical traditions that will lead you to beautiful countryside of apple orchards and ancient forests with medieval towns and multitude of fishing harbours dotting its coastline. Important rivers include the Odet and Vilaine.

Brittany and the Breton people have retained many old customs and traditions. Breton, their Celtic language (akin to Welsh), is spoken in traditionalist Lower Brittany outside the cities. A region of legends, traditions and religious beliefs that remain strong still to this day. Brittany is one of the six Celtic nations. It was at one time called “Lesser Britain”. If you want to see the real Breizh (Brittany) then you must go to the west of the region, around Kemper (Quimper), Karaez-Plouger (Carhaix-Plouguer). This is where you will find the real Breton people, who will tell you about their myths & legends, share their culture, show you their historical relics. This is a place of beautiful beaches, breathtaking scenery, standing stones and amazing food.

So, typical food fare in Brittany: artichoke, a real French bread stick, Normandy butter and a local Camembert, followed by big juicy peaches! The langoustines and fish soup take some beating too.

If you want to visit: Brittany is a part of France that is easy to reach.

Flying:
Travellers from the British Isles who don’t want to drive can fly to a choice of destinations in or near Brittany. With airports at Lorient, Brest, Dinard/St Malo and Rennes.

Ferry:
If you want to travel to Brittany by car, there are ferry crossings that will take you straight to Brittany, to minimise driving once you disembark.

Road:
The alternative solution is to take a short Channel crossing from Dover, then follow France’s northern coastal motorway via Boulogne and Le Havre. Brittany is very well served by motorways and dual carriageways.

Train:
The most convenient means of travelling by train from London to Brittany is to take the Eurostar and change at Lille; this avoids having to change stations in Paris.