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To visit the west of Brittany is to see this intriguing region at its most distinctively Breton: a spirited mix of vibrant traditional culture and an innovative society embracing modernity. The cities of Quimper and St-Brieuc show this in their medieval architecture and contemporary buzz, whilst post-war Brest with its powerful maritime heritage has always provided a portal to the wider world.
Celtic culture of all kinds is celebrated throughout the year in many festivals involving song, dance, local culinary traditions and colourful costumes. The Breton language, which sprang from early migrations from Great Britain when Brittany or ‘Little Britain’ came into existence, is still spoken in this area today.
Brittany is most famous for its magnificent coastline, especially spectacular in the west, from the wonders of the Pink Granite Coast in Côtes d’Armor to the pulsating Atlantic breakers on the wild shores of Finistère. Families in search of beach holidays and watersports lovers will find all they could desire for sandcastle-building, swimming, sailing and surfing. Walkers will enjoy the breathtaking route of the shore-hugging GR34 footpath. By contrast, this coast also retains evidence of the Second World War with the Atlantic Wall defences and memorials to the struggles of the Resistance. The fishing ports of Douarnenez and Le Guilvinec still welcome the daily catch home, reserving the marine flavour that characterizes a major fishing area, and some of the largest sailing harbours on the French Atlantic seaboard are to be found here.
The interior of this area is dominated by the Monts d’Arrée, the highest hills in Brittany, a primitive landscape of exposed schist peaks and long views, perfect for outdoor activities or megalith-hunting. Elsewhere the Argoat (land of the woods) offers a lush contrast with deep river valleys and hill-tops strewn with that Brittany trademark, the huge granite boulder.
It’s hard to imagine a greater density of memorable things to see and do than in the northwest tip of France.
