Regions of France

utting out into the Atlantic the most westerly of France’s regions, Brittany (Bretagne), is surrounded on three sides by a long (1110km) and varied coastline. There are rugged cliffs dotted with lighthouses, wide estuaries, islands and islets where bird life is protected, and picturesque harbours with strong maritime traditions. The many white sandy beaches and pretty coves make for wonderful bathing opportunities. Sailing and windsurfing are popular and some of the best scuba-diving in France can be found here. The region is described as two lands - Armor meaning "land of the sea" and Argoat, at the interior, meaning "land of the woods". While the coastline gets plenty of visitors, much of the inland is unexplored with some parts surprisingly remote and depopulated. For those venturing inland there are plenty of lovely areas to be found, such as around Heulgoat, known for its enchanting forests. For many years the people of Brittany, Bretons, have seen themselves as inhabiting a country separate from France and some still speak the Breton language. Traditional Breton customs are most evident in the far western half of the peninsular, particularly in Cornouaille on the south-western tip. Breton costume is often still worn on special occasions. Ferry links at Roscoff, St Malo and the nearby ports in Normandy have made this an area very popular with UK visitors and together with an influx of summer French tourists it is a region that is gaining in popularity, but still has a genuine appeal and sense of identity. BRITTANY J The Festoù Noz was traditionally the feast which took place after a communal chore in Breton villages and towns as a means of relaxation after a hard day’s work. Nowadays it has become a wonderful excuse to listen to traditional music, eat, dance and make merry! The Fest Noz dance, with its infectious music played on violins, flutes, guitars and drums, is for everybody to join in, with simple steps and hands linked. They are held all through the summer months particularly in all villages and towns. The music has recently undergone a huge revival. FEsT NOZ 10