Travel Topic: Brittany, France

Most individuals, when they think of a vacation to France, think of either Paris or Cannes. Yet, one of the most underrated travel destinations of the country is north-west France: Brittany.

I even spoke with a friend from Paris. And, when asked if he’s ever been up to Brittany, he had no idea where Brittany was! And he’s from Paris

Brittany has a rich and traditional history intertwined with Britain and France culture. Most peculiar, they are likened to the Celts. What’s even more interesting is their Celtic links boasts an entirely different native language then French…why did I have to study it then? Anyways, Brittany’s political history is often stereotyped as strictly French. Some refer to the region as “Gallo-Romance” matter. However, this is an error. A misconception being that the Gallo section of Brittany has reforged links with Britain (Normandy’s “sidekick”). The Hundred Years’ War has dulled these facts; however, they still hold true today. The true natives know it, and now you do, as well

Although I enjoy history, it doesn’t play a major factor in my decision of where to travel.

What does? Beauty.

Cote D’emeraude Saint Malo is built in granite rock in the English Channel.  The bathing resort of Saint Malo is known for its castle, the cathedral of Saint Vincent, and its 14th century ramparts which overlook the sea. Saint Malo is the birthplace of famous French writer and statesman, Chateaubriand.

The Parish Closes of St. Thegonnec, Guimiliau and Lampaul-Guimiliau, which were built as early as 1532, are symbols of Brittany’s Catholic and Celtic heritage. These granite religious structures are an intricate mesh of skilled of craftsmanship and imagery. Churches, altarpieces and crosses are adorned with elves, gods and fairies carved in wood.

Located in the heart of traditional Brittany and flanked by the Odet and Steir rivers, Quimper is famous for its faience ceramics which have been produced by skilled craftsmen since the 17th century. The Gothic Cathedral of Saint Corentin has exceptional 15th century stained glass windows. Pont-Aven, Home to artist colony known as the “School of Pont-Aven” led by the painter Paul Gauguin, is a pretty market village of white houses.

Mont Saint Michel is a rocky tidal island and a commune in Normandy, France. It is located approximately one kilometer off the country’s north coast, at the mouth of the Couesnon River near Avranches.

Pictures say enough about Mont Saint Michel: