Brittany is located on a peninsular that juts out in to the Atlantic ocean in the northwest of France, it is made up of four departments: Côtes-d'Armor, Ille-et-Vilaine, Morbihan and Finistère. Warmed by the Gulf Stream Brittany enjoys a mild temperate climate similar to the southwest of England.

The spoken language is predominantly French but many people in Brittany still speak the traditional Celtic Breton language which is very similar to the Cornish language. Signposts in some areas of Brittany are bilingual with French at the top and in Breton underneath.

Brittany is well known for its Celtic past and its megalithic monuments most notably near Carnac in the Morbihan department. More that 3,000 prehistoric standing stones and dolmens can be found at Carnac and the whole region is steeped in myth and legend.

Cotes-d'Armor

Côtes-d'Armor which lies to the north of the region is famous for its wild rugged beauty and pink granite coastline, it is peppered with mediaeval towns and villages. Dinan is one of France's prettiest towns and well worth exploring. It is a medieval citadel with ancient ramparts and timber framed houses set in narrow cobbled streets. Perros Guirec further along the coast is also very attractive and has plenty of sheltered coves and beaches.

Finistère

Finistère is situated on the west coast of Brittany, its name means end of the earth. Its main town is Brest which has a large natural harbour and is an important port and naval base. sadly most of the town was destroyed during WWII but parts of the old town still remain. Just off the coast of Finistére lie the Iles d'Ouessant a beautiful group of small islands which form part of the Parc Naturel Régional d' Armorique.

Ille-et-Vilaine

Ille-et-Vilaine is found in the east of Brittany, notable towns include St Malo an historic walled citadel which sits on the mouth of the river Rance. Once an island St Malo is connected to the mainland by a causeway. Rennes is the capital city of Brittany and has a vibrant night life, close by is the legendary forest of Brocéliande a vast primeval forest which lies to the southwest of the city which is an area of outstanding natural beauty and filled with Arthurian legend.

Morbihan

Morbihan lies in the south of Brittany and its name means little sea in Breton. Main towns include Vannes another gorgeous Mediaeval town filled with half timber framed houses and narrow cobbled streets which are best explored on foot. Just off the coast of Morbihan is the island of Belle Isle which means beautiful island, Belle Isle is the largest of Brittany's many islands and measures 17km by 9 km.

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