About
Brittany and Morbihan
Breton
history
Old Breton history goes back to the Paleolithic
Era (before 5000 BC), when hunter-gatherers
roamed the country.
Between
3500 and 1500 BC, new a new people came
to Brittany from the Mediterranean who brought
with them their traditions and religion.
Later the Celts arrived and settled in the
Eastern parts of the country. In
the first Century BC, the Romans conquered
Brittany.
In the 3rd century AD, Christianity arrived.
Culture
and Language
The people of Brittany had many religious
and heathen beliefs, miraculous fountains,
holy stones and supernatural legends are
but a few of them.
The
Breton language is the only Celtic language
spoken on the continent. Like in Scotland,
Wales and Ireland on the British Isles,
there is a real movement in favour of keeping
the old Celtic language alive in Brittany
today. It is supported by dynamic cultural
associations and some local communities.
The Climate in Brittany
Since Brittany is on the west coast
of France, it has a warm temperate climate.
It does rain sometimes, which is one of
the reasons its countryside is so green
and wooded, but it would be an unusual week
if there was not more sun that cloud. Expect
temperatures up to 30 degrees during the
height of the summer period.
Picturesque
Towns and Villages
Brittany has over 4,000 chateaux, manors
and stately homes and La Maison Blanche
is centrally situated for visiting the abundance
of fascinating medieval towns, villages
and castles in the area.
A
few of the best are Auray, Vannes, Rochefort-en-Terre,
Josselin, Malestroit, La Gacilly, Hennebont,
Quimper and Pontivy - all within easy driving
distance.
Wander
the cobbled streets and discover hidden
alley ways with atmospheric bars and tiny
shops selling unusual gifts and crafts.
Auray:
An lovely old town with lots of little shops
and restaurants, and an excellent market
on Monday mornings for food lovers. The
picturesque old port of St Goustan, down
by the river, has some very good restaurants
on the water's edge.
Josselin:
Josselin is a beautiful medieval town set
on the river Oust, boasting a 'wow' factor
château coupled with a pretty town
square with many restaurants and cafes overlooking
the Basilica de Notre Dame du Roncier. Very
good medieval festival in mid July.
Vannes:Vannes
is a big town, situated on the edge of the
Golf du Morbihan. The old quarter has lots
of good restaurants and smart shops hidden
down cobbled alleyways. Excellent market
on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Famous jazz
festival, end of July.
Find things to do in Brittany - Click here >>
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