DESTINATION:
Brittany
Modern-day Brittany covers an area the size of Belgium and is made up of four separate départements, each with its own distinctive character. An independent duchy for over six centuries, it became part of France following the defeat of the Breton army and the subsequent marriage of the Duchess Anne to King Louis XII in the 16th century. To this day, however, Brittany has retained a cultural identity distinct from the remainder of France, and many of its inhabitants are still familiar with the Breton language which has close associations with Welsh and Cornish.
The landscapes of Brittany are dramatic and varied. Its long, jagged coastline frames a mix of peninsulas, estuaries and picturesque harbours, whilst inland what was once dense forest is now a patchwork of fields, a testament to the importance of agriculture in both the region and the country as a whole. Brittany’s towns, too, are distinct in character - the walled ports along the northern shore stand in contrast to the medieval half-timbered quarters in the easternmost parts of the region.
Recommended duration – 7 nights/8 days – a shorter tour focussing on one city only is possible.
KEY VISITS (Recommended)
- RENNES – the administrative capital of Brittany, the city traces its origins to an ancient settlement at the confluence of the Ile and Vilaine rivers. Despite severe destruction following a fire in 1720, the medieval heart can still be imagined by walking through the lively pedestrian area whilst the 18th century grand designs are very much in evidence around the two royal squares known as the PLACE DU PARLEMENT and PLACE DE L’HOTEL DE VILLE. There are many architectural gems to explore in the city, including the PALAIS DE JUSTICE, which once housed the region’s governing body, and is characterised by a beautifully symmetrical exterior. Other buildings of note include the HOTEL DE VILLE, whose construction began in 1734 as part of the town restoration programme, and the HOTEL DE BLOSSAC, an elegant private residence typical of those built for the French aristocracy of the day.
- VITRÉ – a fortified town enjoying a dramatic and prominent position perched high above the Vilaine valley. It is known principally for its medieval château and was once the border town between France and Brittany. The town became increasingly important due to the cloth trade, and the many splendid half-timbered houses in evidence today were constructed by wealthy merchants who lived there.
- MONT-ST-MICHEL – enjoying a dramatic, yet unlikely location perched on an islet at a point where Normandy meets Brittany. The abbey dominates the site, and in line with conventions of feudal society at that time, the dwellings for the fishermen and farmers were relegated to the lower levels. It is protected by high walls and these, along with the natural sea defences, contributed to its aura of impregnability. Today a UNESCO World Heritage site, the monastery, which traces its origins to a small 8th century church, enjoyed its heyday during the 12th and 13th centuries when pilgrims flocked to honour St Michael.
- DOL-DE-BRETAGNE – here we will visit the Cathedral of St Samson, the former seat of the Archbishop of Dole, which was suppressed during the French revolution.
- CHÂTEAU OF JOSSELIN – undoubtedly one of Brittany’s renaissance highlights and, uniquely, has remained in the hands of its owners, the Rohan family, since the early 15th century. The château’s majestic turrets overlook the river Oust, and the sumptuously flamboyant gothic façade is particularly striking. Inside, the rich decorations include a magnificent fireplace dating back to the 16th century as well as a fascinating collection of family portraits which adorn the walls of the antechamber.
- PONT AVEN – towards the end of the 19th century this small town became a magnet for aspiring artists of the day. Originally a market town of little significance, its picturesque location drew the attention of Paul Gauguin along with many of his contemporaries who came here seeking inspiration from the Breton landscapes and people. The school of painting, which resulted from this migration, bears the town’s name, and today Pont Aven still attracts large numbers of artists who display their works in both commercial and public galleries.
- QUIMPER – the ancient capital of Cornouaille is considered to be the cultural capital of Brittany. The Celtic heritage dominates everywhere, from dual-language road signs to the shops which sell traditional arts and crafts. Visits will include the 13th century Cathedral of St Corentin, the finest example of gothic architecture in Brittany, and the Musée Départemental, which displays Breton costumes, furniture and the faience, for which Quimper is famous and to which it owes its development as an important regional centre.
- POINTE DU RAZ – France’s most westerly point (the equivalent of Land’s End), and a site of breath-taking natural beauty.
- LOCRANON – during the late Middle Ages the fabrication of cloth for sails brought prosperity to Locranon, and as a result its lasting legacy is a town abounding with fine renaissance architecture. Weavers and merchants became very wealthy due to the provision of sails both to the French and British navies, and after trade died the historic town centre remained virtually untouched.
- VANNES – once home to a sea-faring tribe which was subsequently defeated by the Romans, the medieval town, with the cathedral and marketplace at its centre, grew up within the Roman camp established in the 3rd century. Vannes was an important town during the period preceding the union with France in 1532 and was a favourite residence of the Dukes of Brittany. Visits here will include the Museum of Prehistory, which is dedicated to the people of the Neolithic period and boasts one of the finest prehistoric collections in Europe.
- CARNAC – one of the world’s greatest prehistoric sites. Almost 3,000 standing stones dating from around 4,000 BC are aligned here in an extraordinary fashion.
- CHAPEL OF KERMARIA AN ISKUIT (Plouha) – a remarkable chapel, classified as a Monument Historique, and containing an extraordinary series of polychrome frescoes depicting the Danse Macabre.