Brittany

Région Bretagne
Details
Information
Capital:	Rennes
Population  - Total  - Density	2 906 197 (1999) 107 /km²
Area	27 208 km²
Arrondissements	15
Cantons	201
Communes	1 268
President of the regional council	XX
Départements
Côtes-d'Armor (22) Ille-et-Vilaine (35) Morbihan (56) Finistère (29)
Location

Brittany (French Bretagne, Breton Breizh) is a peninsula in north-west France, bordering the English Channel on the north and the Bay of Biscay on the south. It is an administrative region of France.

History

The region was a part of Armorica, and conquered by the Romans. Around 500 AD, the area was settled by Britons, driven from the British Isles by the Anglo-Saxons. These Britons gave the name to the region. (The name Brittany means "Lesser Britain," by contrast with Great Britain). In the early Middle Ages, Brittany was divided into three kingdoms - Domnonia, Cornouaille, and Bro Waroch - which eventually were incorporated into the Duchy of Brittany.

A large part of the département Loire-Atlantique (including the city of Nantes) was historically part of Brittany, but is now part of the Pays de la Loire region.

Sights

Brittany is famous for its megalithic monuments, which are scattered over the peninsula, notably near Carnac. The purpose of these monuments is still unknown, and many local people are reluctant to entertain speculation on the subject.

Culture

A Celtic language, Breton, is still spoken in some parts of Brittany.

Traditional costume in Britanny around 1900 (larger version)

Miscellaneous

A number of separatist groups exist, fighting for the independence of Brittany.

Referenced By