Below
Brest, the pretty Crozon Peninsula stretches its fingers into
the Atlantic. This headland lies inside the Parc Regional d'Armorique
which reaches inland to Huelgoat, where pleasant wooded walks
can be enjoyed. Across the Baie de Douarnanez, to the south, lies
another rocky outcrop terminating in the impressive Pointe du
Raz. Inland, the ancient capital, Quimper, and preserved village
of Locronan are worth a visit.
South
of here, the coastline softens, punctuated by wooded river inlets
around attractive Benodet, the fishing port of Concarneau and artists'
haven, Pont-Aven. Below busy Lorient, miles of unspoilt sands sweep
down to the Quiberon Peninsula and intriguing Golfe de Morbihan,
an area littered with prehistoric monuments. Not to be missed are
the stone avenues of Carnac and the delights of old Vannes and Auray.
Moving
inland, a patchwork of forests and fields covers much of the countryside.
To the south-east, near the pretty chateau town of Josselin, lies
the fairytale Foret de Paimpont, linked by legend with Merlin
and King Arthur. Rennes the modern-day capital, features an attractive
old quarter as do nearby Fougeres, Vitre and Combourg.
Brittany
is proud of its past. Eco-museums abound, and the old ways are
kept alive at village fetes where visitors and locals sit down
en masse to feast and enjoy traditional Breton customs and costume.
On saints' days, pilgrims still gather to parade through the ancient
parishes.
"For
a holiday that can offer spectacular coastlines, beautiful countryside
and tranquil medieval villages within an easy drive, look no further
than Brittany." - Paul and Mary Johnson (Talvern, Guemene-sur-Scorff)
