10 Interesting Facts about Brittany in France

If you love to travel around the world, then these following facts about Brittany in France may probably help and recommend the best place for you to visit. Brittany, as you know, is a cultural region in the north-west of France. Previously a kingdom and then a duchy, Brittany was united to the Kingdom of France in 1532 as a province. It has also been referred to as “Less, Lesser or Little Britain” and is considered as one of six Celtic nations. To get to know more about the place, here are other facts about Brittany in France you may like. 

Facts about Brittany in France 1: Rich Cultural Heritage

Being the second largest historical region after Paris, Bretagne or Brittany, has several cultural attractions. There are about 2.900 protected monuments in the region. From the fortified towns like Saint-Malo with its Vauban’s citadel on Belle-Île to the best preserved medieval castle of Fougères.

Facts about Brittany in France 2: Etymology

The word “Brittany”, and its French, Breton and Gallo, equivalents “Bretagne”, “Breizh” and “Bertaèyn” derive from the Latin Brittania, which means “Britons’ land”. This word has been used by the Romans since the 1st century to name “Great Britain”, and more specifically the Roman province Britain.

Facts about Brittany in France 3: A 3000-km Costline

Brittany has over 2700 km of beautiful coastline. It is not surprising that it makes Bretagne the country’s number one tourist destination. There are several resorts on the coastline with fine sand beaches. It is the perfect choice for families with children.

Facts about Brittany in France 4: Flora and Fauna

Brittany’s wildlife is typical of France with several distinctions. On one hand, the region, due to its long coastline, has a rich oceanic fauna, and some birds cannot be seen in other French regions.

Facts about Brittany in France 5: The Seafood and Market Heaven

Brittany is well-known for its seafood and pancakes. It is also one of the best producing areas of vegetables, which can be purchased at the local markets. If you are a seafood-lover, Bretagne is the perfect holiday destination for you. Everywhere you go, seafood can be found in abundance: crabs, langoustines, shells, winkles, clams and oysters, whatever you like.

Facts about Brittany in France 6: Education

Brittany has the same education system as the rest of France. As in other French regions, formal education before the 19th century was the preserve of the elite. Before 1460, Brittany did not have a university, and Breton students had to go to Angers, Poitiers, or Caen.

Facts about Brittany in France 7: Home of Festivals

There are several festivals between May and October. These are characterized by vibrating colors, cheerful music and dance. These events range from music- to dance festivals and from folk- to religious festivals. The festivals are very popular with tourists. If you visit one of Brittany’s towns during any festival, make sure you join the marching.

Facts about Brittany in France 8: Music

Since the early 1970s, Brittany has experienced a tremendous revival of its folk music. Numerous festivals were created, along with smaller festou noz (popular feasts). The bagadou, bands composed of bagpipes, bombards and drums (including snare), are also a modern creation, inspired by the Scottish pipe bands.

Facts about Brittany in France 9: Bird Sanctuary Islands

These islands can mean the heaven for ornithologists. Colonies of different species can be observed on the islands: puffins, oyster catchers, guillemots, gulls and cormorants are just some of these. There is also an ornithological rescue center located on the island of Ile Grande, that can be visited by tourists.

Facts about Brittany in France 10: Sports

Football, cycling and sailing are the three most popular sports in Brittany. Major football teams are the FC Nantes, the Stade rennais, the FC Lorient, the Stade brestois, the Vannes OC and the En Avant de Guingamp.

Those facts about Brittany in France should hopefully be one of your reasons to visit the island. One of the most beautiful things in Brittany is its coastline and festival. Once you join the festival, or walk on its coastline, you will never regret of visiting Brittany. Hope those Brittany in France facts would be really interesting for you to read.