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BRITTANYPractical Guide to
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06
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CONTENTS
PRACTICAL GUIDE TO BRITTANY 3
4 How to get there
6 How to get around Brittany
8 Getting to know Brittany
20 A selection of eventsand festivals in 2006
28 Tourist offices in Brittany
29 Does Brittany soundattractive ?Tour operators selection
30 Successful holidayingin Brittany
www.brittanytourism.com
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B
B
A
DISTANCESGreat BritainLondon-Paris: 402kmLondon-Rennes: 753km
EireDublin-Paris: 887kmDublin-Rennes: 1239km
BY CARA network of toll-free expresswaysOnly 3 hours drive away from Paris, Brittany hasthe advantage of a good motorway networkwhich is entirely toll-free. From Rennes, a networkof toll-free expressways links all Breton towns.The A84 "Estuaries" motorway takes you straightto Rennes and Brittany's north coast viaNormandy, and has the advantage of avoidingParis.
Traffic InformationBison Futé provides a 24/7 traffic information ser-vice for motorists, enabling them to plan theirroute according to traffic forecasts and find outabout traffic and conditions on the main roadsthroughout France (traffic jams, holiday traffic,accidents, etc.).Bison futé recorded message service:0826 022 022 (e0.15/min) or visitwww.bison-fute.equipement.gouv.fr
BY RAILRennes and Paris are linked by the Atlantic TGVservice which takes 2 hours (daily departuresalmost every hour between 7am and 1am) fromParis Montparnasse to Rennes. The journey fromParis to Brest and Quimper takes 4 hours. If youare travelling from Great Britain, you can take theEurostar which runs daily services from London toParis via Folkestone and Calais. The cross-channeljourney itself takes as little as 35 minutes platformto platform.Bookings: www.eurotunnel.com or08705 35 35 35.
To travel to Brittany avoiding Paris, TGV servicesoperate directly between Lille and Rennes (3 hr 50min) and Lyon and Rennes (4 hr 30 min). A high-speed TGV Paris to St. Malo service was launchedat the end of 2005, enabling passengers to reachSt. Malo directly in under 3 hours. There are tworeturn trains daily (three in summer).Information and main line ticket sales: 08 92 35 35 35 (e0.34/min)www.voyage-sncf.com
Regional train and coach services connect with allmajor rail networks and stop at all Brittany's maintourist resorts.TER regional train and coach information:08 92 35 35 35 (e0.34/min) or ask for the TERregional guide in any train station in Brittany –www.ter-sncf.com/bretagne/
PRACTICAL GUIDE TO BRITTANY4
How to get therewww.brittanytourism.com
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BY BOATBRITTANY FERRIES: Sailings between Portsmouthand St. Malo, Plymouth and Roscoff, Cork andRoscoff, Poole/Portsmouth and Cherbourg, andPortsmouth and Caen.Bookings: www.brittanyferries.comor 08703 665 333
CONDOR FERRIES: Sailings from Weymouth/Poole, the Channel Islands (Jersey/Guernsey) toSt. Malo/Cherbourg.Bookings: www.condorferries.com or0845 345 2000
IRISH FERRIESSailings between Cork and Roscoff, and Rosslareand Roscoff.Information in Ireland: +353 818 300 400 orwww.irishferries.com
BY AIRThere are several daily flights from Paris to Brest,Lannion, Lorient, Quimper and Rennes.
AIR FRANCE WITH BRIT’AIRDirect flights between Paris and Brest/Lannion/Lorient/Quimper/Rennes, Lyons and
Brest/Rennes/Lorient, Nice and Brest/Rennes,Rennes and Strasbourg/Montpellier/Toulouse andBrest and Marseilles.
RYANAIRDirect flights between London (Luton andStansted) and Dinard, and between Dublin andParis.Information and bookings in the UK:0906 270 5656 - Ireland: 1530 787 787 or on thewebsite: www.ryanair.com
FLYBEFlights between Brest and Belfast/Birmingham/Edinburgh/Exeter/Southampton andbetween Rennes and Dublin/Southampton.Information and bookings: 0871 700 0535 (UK) –1890 925 532 (Southern Ireland) or on thewebsite: www.flybe.com
AER ARANNFlights between Cork/Galway/Waterford andLorient.Information and bookings: Tel: 08 18 210 210(Ireland) – 0800 587 23 24 (UK) or on the websi-te: www.aerarann.ie
AURIGNY AIR SERVICESDirect flights from London/ Bristol /Manchester / Southampton via Guernsey andJersey to Dinard.Bookings: 0871 871 0717 – www.aurigny.com
How to get there
5
www.brittanytourism.com
Tourism and
peoplewith
disabilities
The Tourisme & Handicap label guaranteesdetailed, reliable and objectiveinformation on facilities in various touristattractions (sites, sports centres, etc.)for visitors with hearing, mental, physicalor visual disabilities. Awarded to tourism-industry professionals who meet thevarious requirements, the label is easy torecognise as it displays the four disabilitiesconcerned.Since 2005, tourism-industry professionalshave worked to meet the requirements ofthis label to offer adapted services fortourists. In addition, the French Society for theParalysed (APF) is working alongsidetourism-industry professionals to draw up alist of the Breton tourist attractions withfacilities for people with reduced mobility.
For more information visitwww.brittanytourism.com
The French railway "SNCF AccessibilitéService" also provides special disability-related information (in particular on thedifferent facilities available in Brittany's300 or so train stations) to help you planyour trip. You can therefore takeadvantage of the various servicesoffered in the different stations.
For more information contact the nearesttrain station, call 0800 15 47 53 (free phonefrom France) or consult the 'Guide du voya-geur à mobilité réduite' page (in French onthe www.voyages-sncf.com website.
PRACTICAL GUIDE TO BRITTANY
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Heading for the Islands
BY BOATThere are regular sailings throughout theyear between Brittany and its numerousislands.Arz (15 minutes) from Conleau, near VannesTel.: 33 (0)2 97 50 83 83 Bréhat (10 minutes) from Arcouest near PloubazlanecTel.: 33 (0)2 96 55 79 50 Batz(15 minutes) from Roscoff Tel.: 33 (0)2 98 61 77 75 or33 (0)2 98 61 78 87 Ouessant (40 minutes to 2 hours)from Conquet: 33 (0)2 98 89 02 12from Brest: 33 (0)2 98 80 80 80from Camaret: 33 (0)2 98 27 88 22 onWednesdays throughout the year and dailyin season, except SundaysMolène(30 minutes to 1.5 hours)from Conquet: 33 (0)2 98 89 02 12, from Brest: 33 (0)2 98 80 80 80, from Camaret: 33(0)2 98 27 88 22 in seasononly on FridaysSein (1 hour)from Audierne: 33 (0)2 98 70 70 70 from Camaret: 33(0)2 98 27 88 22 in seasononly on SundaysBelle-Ile (45 minutes) From Lorient in season andfrom Quiberon all year round33 (0)2 97 35 02 00 orwww.smn-navigation.fr Groix(45 minutes)from Lorient: 33 (0)2 97 35 02 00 orwww.smn-navigation.fr Iles de Glénan (1 hour 10 minutes)from Quimper, Concarneau, Port La Forêtand Loctudy in seasonBénodet from April to September, Fouesnant Beg-Meil from March toSeptember:Tel.: 33 (0)2 98 57 00 58 or33 (0)2 98 50 72 12 Houat(30 minutes to 1 hour)from Quiberon 33 (0)2 97 35 02 00 Hoëdic(1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 25 minutes)from Quiberon 33 (0)2 97 35 02 00 Ile-aux-Moines (5 minutes) from Port Blanc33 (0)2 97 26 31 45
BY AIRInformation and bookings:Finist’Air Tel.: 33 (0)2 98 84 64 87 for flightsto Ouessant (Brest/Ouessant all year round)
6
How to get therewww.brittanytourism.com
The lives of people living on the Channeland Atlantic Ocean islands are attuned tothe rhythm of the sea. Each island has itsown unique landscape and unspoilt naturalheritage. Each has its own character, and notwo islands are the same. What they do havein common though, is a fragile naturalenvironment. Battered by the wind and sea,the magnificent coastlines of these islandsinevitably suffer from the influx of summervisitors year after year. Try to visit them out-side the summer months when you canexplore them unhindered and appreciatetheir beauty to the full.
PRACTICAL GUIDE TO BRITTANY
Distances (in km) between Brittany's main townsRennes St-Brieuc Brest Quimper Lorient Vannes
Rennes
St-Brieuc 101
Brest 240 144
Quimper 201 119 69
Lorient 149 106 129 64
Vannes 110 100 180 115 53
Paris 352 454 598 570 509 468
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WEATHER"It always rains in Brittany....". According to nationalmeteorological data, it rains less in Rennes than inToulouse, less in Carnac than in Nice and less inBrest than Biarritz. Common misconceptions andprejudices have portrayed Brittany as a rainyregion but its maritime climate is actually mildand bracing. Bordered by the Channel and theAtlantic Ocean, the Armorican peninsula enjoysmild weather and micro-climatic conditions.
Owing to its strong tides - which also influencethe weather - Brittany's iodine-rich sea air isunique and has an instant feel-good factor.Should the weather be unsettled and the skychangeable, just remember that no other landscapeis so stunningly colourful!
Météo France weather forecasts for the whole ofFrance: recorded message service on 32 50 fromFrance (e0.34/min) or www.meteo.fr
PUBLIC TRANSPORTVisitors can travel around Brittany usingthe vast network of regional trains andcoaches linking up the towns. The rail-way links up the main tourist towns inthe region (St. Malo and Lorient,Saint-Brieuc and Brest, etc.) andinland towns are not forgotteneither. Visitors can travel fromGuingamp and Saint-Brieuc toCarhaix and Loudéac respectively,thanks to the regional train service.Pontivy can be reached by coachfrom Rennes, Vannes and Loudéac.Thanks to very reasonable,comfortable and friendly publictransport, you can travel to all cornersof Brittany!For more information, call 08 92 35 3535 (e0.34/min), visit www.ter-sncf.com/bretagne/ or ask for the Regionalpublic transport guide in any of Brittany'sstations.
The www.brittanytourism.com website features apage for those of you wishing to travel aroundBrittany without a car. It provides ideas for visitingthe region by train or coach. Some taxi companiesalso offer trips lasting several hours or a wholeday. Alternatively, if you are looking to hire a car,you can consult the list of the main hire compa-nies in Brittany.
For more information, visitwww.brittanytourism.com and go to TravelServices/How to get around Brittany.
How to get there
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www.brittanytourism.com
on foot or by bikeTHE CUSTOMS TRAILWhether you are travelling on footor by bike, the region abounds inpaths and trails for discovering itstreasures far from noisy roads. Youcan almost go all the way round theregion on the 'customs trails', whichstretch over 1,300km! The pathbegins in the port of Saint-Nazaire,in the département of Loire-Atlantique, and ends at the footof Mont-Saint-Michel, in thedépartement of Manche. Once usedby customs officers to track downsmugglers making their way acrossthe Channel, these coastal pathsnow provide hikers with outstandingviews of the beautiful and diverseBreton coastline.
NATURE TRAILSThe Nature Trail network (approx.840km of purpose-built paths) takesnature lovers right into the heart ofArgoat and rural Brittany. Thesepaths follow old railway lines,towpaths and wooded lanes and,most often tarmacked, are perfectfor easy cycling, pony trekking,walking and rollerblading.Eventually, close to 2,000km of trailswill be built to enable everyone toexplore the countryside at their ownpace.
CYCLE LANESFeel free to use the many cycle laneswhen exploring Brittany's towns.In Rennes, there is even a bike loanservice that enables you to explorethe town for up to 7 hours (proof ofidentity and a deposit required).These well thought out cycle lanesare ideal for discovering Brittany's
rich urban heritage.
For more information visitwww.brittanytourism.com
PRACTICAL GUIDE TO BRITTANY
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On the customs trail Brittany boasts1,300 kilometres of coastal footpaths
running along capes, headlands, dunesand beaches. These footpaths are suitable
for any walker and follow the entirelength of the coastline, offering superb
views. Although today used by ramblersand walkers, they were once used for
coastal surveillance to combat smugglingand wreck-looting, hence the term
"Customs trails". But times have changedand they are now the preserve of nature-
lovers and keen hikers. Nature reignssupreme in Brittany and the region's
spectacular landscapes are a delight forwalkers. This natural heritage, where
wide-open spaces suddenly give way toenchanting little places, tells a multitude
of fascinating and beautiful tales.
CANALSThe English Channel-Atlantic Ocean linkThis link runs north-south, comprises the maritimeRance, the Ille–et-Rance canal, the canalised sec-tion of the river Vilaine and the maritime Vilaine,and runs through Dinan, Rennes, Redon and LaRoche-Bernard to the dam at Arzal. The EnglishChannel-Ocean link covers 245km and features 64locks.
Nantes to Brest canalAlmost entirely natural, this canal runs from thehistoric centre of Brittany's ducal city to the heartof the largest Breton port, guiding visitors acrossmysterious inland Brittany. Whether you aretravelling on foot, by bike or small boat, this360km-long 19th-century waterway will take youpast the most beautiful Breton valleys, from theErdre to the Aulne via the Vilaine, the Oust andthe Blavet. It crosses numerous granite villagesand flows past ancient abbeys and mediaevalstrongholds. Get a taste of what life was like forthe boatmen and their brave animals as you travelalong the canal and negotiate its 236 locks! This ismore than just your average holiday - the canalinvites visitors on a journey back to the Brittany ofyesteryear.
Blavet canalThis canal meets the Nantes to Brest canal atGuerlédan, between Pontivy and Hennebont.Guerlédan lake, a vast stretch of water, covers12km and is ideal for many watersports. Beachesand banks lining the lake lead to the Nantes toBrest canal.
Ille-et-Rance canalBuilt in 1784 to bypass the English blockade, theIlle-et-Rance canal covers 84km from Dinan toRennes. The course of the canal is dotted withlocks and the town of Hédé boasts no fewer than11 of them on a 2km stretch! The canal alsoprovides an unusual vantage point for admiringBrittany's most outstanding sites. In Hédé, forinstance, you can catch a glimpse of the Châteaude Montmuran, which overlooks the valley tocreate a picture-postcard view.
The VilaineThe Ille-et-Rance canal meets the Vilaine inRennes. After a stop in the Breton capital, set offfor Redon – the crossroads of the Bretonwaterways. If you continue further you’ll arrive inLa Roche Bernard, which towers over the riverVilaine from its rocky spur. From here you canglide past the green banks to the dam at Arzal,a river and sea harbour.
From one bank to anotherThe banks of the rivers and canals are home tomany sites with the Escales d’une rive à l’autrelabel. These sites, classified according to a 1, 2 or3 libellule or “dragonfly” system, comply with avisitor quality charter, awarded according to theirtourist attractions, facilities and services. Hikingpaths, watersport activities, children’s play areas,picnic areas, heritage sites and various services areon offer for those of you setting foot on dry land.In Brittany, the Ille-et-Rance canal up to theChâtelier lock, the Vilaine, the Nantes to Brestcanal, the Blavet and the Aulne have all beenawarded this label.
A BRIEF HISTORY In the 5th century, Bretons from the Islandof Britain – Great Britain to us – emigratedto Armorica, which subsequently becameBrittany. In 845, Nominoë defeatedCharles the Bald and in 939 he foundedthe independent Duchy of Brittanyfollowing the defeat of the Normans. Inthe period 1341-1365, Jean de Montfortbecame Jean IV, Duke of Normandy,taking advantage of the War ofSuccession of Brittany. The reign of JeanIV, from 1399 to 1442, marked the heightof Breton civilisation. François II and hisdaughter Anne were defeated by theValois house several times over. Theybecame allies with England andMaximilien of Austria between 1487 and1490. Duchess Anne married Charles VIIIin 1491, then the French King, Louis XII, in1499. 1532 saw the annexation ofBrittany with France. 1675 witnessed theanti-tax or "Papier Timbré" revolt. AnIntendant was appointed to Brittany in1688. From 1760 to 1770, the conflict bet-ween the Duke of Aiguillon and themagistrate La Chalotais marked theParliament's opposition to the Monarchy.The period from 1793 to 1795 witnessedthe "Chouannerie", or counter-revolution.Finally, in the 20th century, Brittanydeveloped a sense of regional identitywhich is still very much alive today.
GEOGRAPHICAL SITUATION ANDECONOMYBrittany is a region in the West of France,made up of the départements of Côtesd’Armor, Finistère, Ille-et-Vilaine andMorbihan, with Rennes as its capital city.It is renowned for its mild, rainy climatewhich is due to the Atlantic ocean, andenjoys pleasant temperatures all yearround. Brittany is France's most westernregion, and covers a major part ofthe Armorican massif. The coastline ischaracterised by specific types ofagriculture, such as early fruit andvegetables or "primeurs" in the Léonarea, and fishing and canning betweenDouarnenez and Lorient. Tourism is of keyimportance to Brittany's economy. All itscities (except Rennes) have direct linkswith the sea. This is mainly a livestockregion (pigs, poultry and cattle) but cerealfarming is also important as are theagri-food, electrical and automotiveindustries. New information technologiesalso play a key role in the region's economy.And, as far as infrastructure goes, in thepast thirty years the region's expresswaynetwork has undergone substantialdevelopment.
HeritageOutstanding natural heritage
A few landmarks
PRACTICAL GUIDE TO BRITTANY8
Getting to know Brittanywww.brittanytourism.com
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Naturereserves
Getting to know Brittany
9
The French government has set upnature reserves to protect unusualhabitats and species. Brittany has 7nature reserves covering a surfacearea of 1,730 hectares. Having won-derfully preserved its natural andmaritime heritage, Brittany is anideal refuge for endangered speciesof birds and flora.
Sept Iles nature reserve in Perros-Guirec:Brittany's oldest nature reserve (1912)with over 20,000 seabird breeding pairsincluding gannets, Atlantic puffins andcommon cormorants.
Bay of St-Brieuc nature reserve:famous throughout the world for its hightides and a wintering ground for over40,000 birds.
Iroise nature reserve(Molène archipelago):shelters many birds and a colony of greyseals. European otters, dolphins and awealth of marine flora can also be foundthere.
Vénec nature reserve (Brennilis):in the heart of the Monts d’Arrée, thisreserve is home to waterbirds, ducks,grebes and herons as well as peat bogplants.
St Nicolas des Glénan nature reserve(Fouesnant):features an endemic variety of narcissus:the Glénan narcissus.
Marais de Séné nature reserve:old salt marshes and a site of internationalimportance for migratory birds.
Ile de Groix nature reserve:original geology and a wealth of mineralspecies and sea birds.
Bretagne vivante – SEPNB (Brittany'ssociety for nature protection): call 33 (0)298 49 07 18 or visit [email protected]
www.brittanytourism.com
The Conservatoire du Littoral(Coastal Conservation Authority) andThe preservationof sites of interestBrittany is woven from a colourful patchwork oflandscapes such as the world-renowned Pointe duRaz, Pink Granite Coast, Cap Fréhel and Gulf ofMorbihan. The Conservatoire du Littoral was setup to protect the coastal environment andthe banks of large lakes. Its role is to restorethe countryside and maintain the ecologicalequilibrium of endangered sites. Land bought upby the Conservatoire may include a monument ofhistoric interest, an archaeological site, anornithological reserve, marshland or particularlyendangered mud flats. It becomes the inalienableowner and undertakes all restoration work.Whether re-establishing a dispersed dune,preventing the encroachment of scrub, prohibitingaccess to motor vehicles - it does everything in itspower to ensure that natural harmony is restored.
Regional Natural ParksBrittany boasts two Regional Natural Parks (RNP) -Armorique Regional Natural Park and BrièreRegional Natural Park. They have the followingambitious goals - develop initiatives for receivingvisitors and improving knowledge of the area,protect and promote natural and cultural heritage,help the given park to develop while respectingthe quality of the environment. Armorique RNPcovers 172,000 hectares, including 60,000 hectaresof sea and coastline. From west to east, this parkboasts the Iroise sea islands, the Crozon peninsula,the maritime Aulne and the Monts d’Arrée. TheBrière RNP covers 40,000 hectares and is todayconsidered to be one of Europe's leading parks forbiological wealth thanks to its sea birds andaquatic plants.
Spring tidesThe rise and fall of Brittany's tides is a rare sightto behold twice a day!The coastal landscape changes twice a day as thesea covers and uncovers the beaches and rocksalong the shore. At flow tide the sea rises,transforming sand and rocks into a blue-tintedseascape. Ebb tide forewarns of the sea's retreat,when seaweed, pebbles, shells and crustaceansare stranded on sand left rippled by the motion ofthe waves. The tides clean the shoreline and replenishoxygen levels in coastal waters, which is essentialfor sustaining marine life. Twice a day, every sixhours, the sea moves under forces exerted by thesun and moon. Nowhere is the landscape quite sovaried, nor the view so changeable.High tide is ideal for swimmers and all types ofwatersports. Low tide offers the opportunity todiscover fauna generally lurking underwater. The"estran", or shoreline between high and lowtides, is a vast paradise for on-foot fishing,as groups of people armed with baskets andshrimping nets hunt for shellfish, shrimps andother shoreline treasures.
High tide timetable for the year 2006 (tidal coefficient in excess of, or near 100)
Date Morning Evening
30 January 98 102
31 January 105 107
1 February 107 105
2 February 102 98
27 February 92 100
28 February 106 111
1 March 114 116
2 March 115 113
3 March 108 102
28 March 96 103
29 March 109 112
30 March 115 115
31 March 113 110
1 April 105 98
26 April 93 98
27 April 102 104
28 April 105 105
29 April 103 99
10 August 98 102
11 August 105 106
12 August 106 105
13 August 102 97
7 September 94 101
8 September 107 111
9 September 114 115
10 September 113 110
11 September 105 99
6 October 98 105
7 October 110 113
8 October 114 114
9 October 111 107
10 October 101 94
4 November 94 99
5 November 103 105
6 November 105 104
7 November 102 98
(Source: shom, tide timetable)
PRACTICAL GUIDE TO BRITTANY
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CITIES OF ARTBrittany is a region with a wealth of architecturaltraditions as can be seen in its towns and cities.The ancient religious centres and mediaevaltowns boast beautiful architectural complexeswith a unique style. You can visit 22 small towns ofcharacter, 9 historic towns and 10 Cities of Art andHistory through the events and tours organised byqualified heritage and history guides. To learnmore about the Cities of Art, contact the follo-wing Tourist Information Centres, or order thebrochure "Cities of Art in Brittany" from the
Brittany TouristBoard.
CHATEAUXBrittany is home to more than 4,000 chateaux,manor houses, stately homes and typical St. Maloresidences of a quality and concentration rarelyseen in Europe. Yet, the one thing they all have incommon is an unmistakable "Breton" characterand feel, regardless of their period or style(mediaeval, Renaissance or later).
Immense fortresses such as Fougères, Vitré orChateaubriant once defended the Duchy's terres-trial borders, and hundreds more were built alongthe 1,700 kilometres of coastline over the centu-ries.During the Ancien Régime, many fine residenceswere built by members of Brittany's Parliament,officials of the Crown or by ship owners and mer-chants, who had made their fortunes from cod,spice or coffee trading. St. Malo has a number ofthese richly endowed "Malouinières" open to thepublic and Nantes is home to several “NantesFollies” of similar stature.
BRITTANY'S COLOURFULPARKS AND GARDENSBrittany's parks and landscaped gardens offer arefreshing change on your holiday. Each onepromises delightful surprises - palm trees and lushexotic flowers creating a tropical atmosphere, achateau rising from the sumptuous setting of aFrench-style garden taking you back to the timeof the Sun King, or the colourful borders of anEnglish garden, bursting with poetic licence.With their majestic century-old trees and sym-phony of colours and fragrances orchestratedby the seasons, Brittany’s Parks are reminiscentof a journey to distant lands and times.
A CLIMATE MILD ENOUGHFOR PALM TREESBretons constantly refer to the Gulf Stream, thewarm sea current along the coast, which givesBrittany a microclimate that is quite exceptionalconsidering its latitude. Who would believe thatin winter, Brest enjoys the same temperatures asthe French Riviera! Thanks to the warm winters,Bretons have been able to indulge their taste forexotic plants. A Breton garden tells the tale of avoyage. Palm trees are common, along with yuc-cas and their great spikes of white flowers, or thescent of mimosa in springtime. Camellias, or"Japanese roses", appear quite at home in theBreton soil and Brittany was home to the firstcamellias acclimatised in Europe at the beginningof the last century.
Cities of Art and HistoryAuray . . . . . . . . . . .+ 33 (0) 2 97 24 09 75
Concarneau . . . . .+ 33 (0) 2 98 97 01 44
Dinan . . . . . . . . . . . .+ 33 (0) 2 96 876 976
Fougères . . . . . . .+ 33 (0) 2 99 94 12 20
Nantes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .08 92 46 40 44
Quimper . . . . . . . .+ 33 (0) 2 98 53 04 05
Rennes . . . . . . . . . .+ 33 (0) 2 99 67 11 11
Saint-Malo . . . . . . . . . . . . . .08 25 13 52 00
Vannes . . . . . . . . . .+ 33 (0) 2 97 47 24 34
Vitré . . . . . . . . . . . .+ 33 (0) 2 99 75 04 46
Small towns of characterBazouges-la-Pérouse . . . . .+ 33 (0) 2 99 97 40 94
Bécherel . . . . . . . .+ 33 (0) 2 99 66 75 23
Châteaugiron . . .+ 33 (0) 2 99 37 89 02
Châtelaudren . . .+ 33 (0) 2 96 74 12 02
Combourg . . . . . .+ 33 (0) 2 99 73 13 93
Guerlesquin . . . . .+ 33 (0) 2 98 72 84 20
Josselin . . . . . . . . . .+ 33 (0) 2 97 22 36 43
Jugonles-Lacs . . . . . . . . .+ 33 (0) 2 96 31 70 75
La RocheBernard . . . . . . . .+ 33 (0) 2 99 90 67 98
La RocheDerrien . . . . . . . . . .+ 33 (0) 2 96 91 36 31
Le Faou . . . . . . . . .+ 33 (0) 2 98 81 06 85
Léhon . . . . . . . . . . .+ 33(0) 2 96 87 40 40
Lizio . . . . . . . . . . . . .+ 33 (0) 2 97 74 92 67
Locronan . . . . . . . .+ 33 (0) 2 98 91 70 14
Malestroit . . . . . . .+ 33 (0) 2 97 75 14 57
Moncontour . . . .+ 33 (0) 2 96 73 49 57
Pont-Croix . . . . . .+ 33 (0) 2 98 70 40 38
Pontrieux . . . . . . .+ 33 (0) 2 96 95 14 03
Quintin . . . . . . . . . .+ 33 (0) 2 96 74 01 51
Rocheforten-Terre . . . . . . . . .+ 33 (0) 2 97 43 33 57
Roscoff . . . . . . . . . .+ 33 (0) 2 98 61 12 13
Tréguier . . . . . . . .+ 33 (0) 2 96 92 22 33
Historic townsChâteaubriant . .+ 33 (0) 2 40 28 20 90
Dol-deBretagne . . . . . . . .+ 33 (0) 2 99 48 15 37
Hennebont . . . . . .+ 33 (0) 2 97 36 24 52
Lamballe . . . . . . . . .+ 33 (0) 2 96 31 05 38
Landerneau . . . . .+ 33 (0) 2 98 85 13 09
Lannion . . . . . . . . .+ 33 (0) 2 96 46 41 00
Pontivy . . . . . . . . .+ 33 (0) 2 97 25 04 10
Port-Louis . . . . . .+ 33 (0) 2 97 82 52 93
Quimperlé . . . . . .+ 33 (0) 2 98 96 04 32
Saint-Pol-de-Léon+ 33 (0) 2 98 69 05 69
Architecturalheritage
Details
10
Getting to know Brittanywww.brittanytourism.com
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Brittany's religious heritage is an omnipresentand original feature of the region, and also a
source of Brittany’s particular charm. There ishardly a maritime or inland locality that is notmarked by a stone cross or statue, and churchesand chapel towers remind us of the religious fer-vour of Bretons in centuries past and present.These architectural and artistic treasures lie onand off the beaten track and are well wortha visit. Although Brittany has 9 magnificentcathedrals and superb Romanesque and Gothicchurches, the region owes its originality to itshumble parish churches, tiny chapels nestling inclearings and countless Calvary Crosses dottedalong the roadside. Despite obvious outsideartistic and architectural influences, thesemonuments of local stone - granite, schist or slate- with their weathered patina have a spiritual auraof their very own.
BRITTANY'S PARISH ENCLOSURESWith their triumphal arch leading to the outsideworld, Parish enclosures are a link between theworld of the living and the dead. They are generallylocated around the cemetery and incorporate thechurch, the ossuary and the Calvary. The typicallyBreton Calvary is the Christian version of thestanding stone and the wayside cross, whichnarrates episodes from the Scriptures. Most Parishenclosures are found in Léon (Finistère) and thosein St Thégonnec, Lampaul Guimiliau and Sizunwill delight Breton art lovers. Morbihan's onlyparish enclosure is the magnificent 16th centuryenclosure in Guéhenno, a true architectural treasure.
THE PARDONSThese are the modest chapel fetes or processionsthat flourished in Brittany in the late Middle Ages.Most were rooted in ancient rituals, uniting thesacred and the profane!There are so many Pardons in Brittany that theyhave become specialised. There are blessings atsea - Pardons des Islandais in Paimpol - when sailorspray to a Saint or the Virgin Mary for protectionbefore setting sail, and annual fetes devoted toSaints, such as the Pardon of Ste Anne d’Auray.All Pardon festivals start with Mass followed by aprocession of flamboyant banners, statues, relicsof the Saints and magnificent crosses worked inprecious metal to the sound of Breton songs andcanticles.
THE TRO BREIZHIn the 12th century, there was a tradition oftouring the region and visiting the tombs of theseven Saints who founded Christianity in Brittany.This pilgrimage followed a route defined by theancient roads linking the 7 bishoprics. Thepilgrims knelt before the tombs of St Samson inDol de Bretagne, St Paterne in Vannes, St Corentinin Quimper, St Pol Aurélien in St Pol de Léon, StTugdual in Tréguier and St Brieuc and St Malo intheir respective towns. This tour took the pilgrimson a circular route around the peninsula, hencethe name Tro Breizh (Tour of Brittany) andguaranteed them their place in heaven. After fal-ling into oblivion for several centuries, the Tour ofBrittany today unites ramblers and believers in ajourney round Brittany's religious heritage.The Association Tro Breiz organises a modern-dayTro Breizh, with a walk from St. Malo to Dol deBretagne in early August. For details, contact the Association Tro Breizh,Place de l’Evêché, 29250 SAINT POL DE LEON -email: [email protected] or 33 (0)2 98 69 11 80
SAINT YVESA native of Tréguier, Yves Helory de Kermartinwas appointed as an Ecclesiastical judge at theage of 27 and took charge of a small Parish nearTréguier. Both fervent and incorruptible, he becamethe advocate of the poor and meek, as hisreputation as an honest man and ascetic spreadthroughout the region. Death interrupted hisnoble work at the age of 50 and Yves deKermartin was canonised in 1347 by Pope ClementVI who made him one of the fewofficial Breton Saints. He leftbehind the cult of St. Yves whichrapidly spread beyond the regionalborders. This defender of thepoor, widows and orphansbecame the great dispenser ofjustice, the redresser ofwrongs and the Patron Saintof Lawyers. Every year, on the3rd Sunday in May, thePardon of St Yves or thePardon of Lawyers takesplace in Tréguier, a pilgrimagedestination for lawyers from allover the world.
SAINTE ANNETo repress pagan beliefs, the clergy conducted acampaign of preaching to impose the Cult of theHoly Family around the 6th century. Celtic reli-gion, although strongly marked by Paganism, ack-
nowledged the existence of a single Godmanifested on earth by a series of divi-nities. The goddess Ana "grandmotherof all" in the Celtic tradition, foundher equivalent in St. Anne, mother ofthe Virgin Mary, who became thePatron Saint of the Bretons, and wasattributed with unlimited powers ofprotection. The Cult of St. Anne tooka spectacular turn in Brittany whenshe miraculously appeared to a pea-sant on the site of the present-dayBasilica of St. Anne d’Auray in 1623.This is now the most popularPardon in Brittany (26 July).
Religious heritagePardonsa fewdatesfor 2006:
Getting to know Brittany
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21 MayPardon de Saint-YvesTréguier (22)
24 & 25 JunePardon de Sainte-BarbeLe Faouët (56)
9 JulyPetite TroménieLocronan (29)
25 & 26 JulyPardon de Sainte AnneSainte-Anne d’Auray (56)
15 AugustPardon Notre Dame de la ClartéPerros-Guirec (22)
15 AugustNotre-Dame de la JoiePenmarc'h (29)
15 AugustPardon de la Madone des motardsPorcaro (56)
15 AugustNotre-Dame de La TronchayeRochefort-en-Terre (56)
26 & 27 AugustSainte-Anne-la-PaludPlonévez-Porzay (29)
8 SeptemberNotre-Dame du Roncier Josselin (56)
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The BretonlanguageBreton is a Celtic language belonging to the Indo-European family, which falls into 2 groups - Gaelicand Breton. In the 5th century, Armorica's popula-
tion was renewed due to massive emigrationfrom the Island of Britain (Wales,
Cornwall, Devon, etc.).Armorica became Brittany
and Breton, its language.During the 3rd
Republic, the FrenchMinistry of
Education soughtto relegate theBreton language.Today, there is amarked revivalin Breton lan-guage learningand the numberof Breton spea-kers is estima-ted at 700,000,
notably due tothe development
of Breton languageteaching and, in
particular, the Diwanschool movement.
Diwan schools are layschools founded by teachers
and parents and are free toattend and open to all. There are 31
centres throughout Brittany with some 2,000pupils. Neither a patois, nor a minority localdialect, Breton is a true language in itself and iscurrently spoken by 250,000 people.
LegendsBROCELIANDE FORESTBroceliande forest, the heart of Brittany's worldof make believe, will take you back to the time ofKing Arthur and his court. Many of the livelyepisodes in the quest for the Holy Grail were set inthis wood in Little Brittany, whose thickets, peaks,heaths and clumps of forest now make up theForest of Paimpont. The same site was also thesetting for the ambiguous love story betweenVivian the Enchantress and Merlin the Magician.He built her a crystal citadel beneath the lake atChâteau de Comper (Concoret, Morbihan) andit was here that Vivian raised Lancelot, theincredible knight. She also imprisoned Merlin inthe same citadel, using nine magic rings that wereas hard as rock, so that she could be with himforever. Learn more about the magical tales fromBroceliande forest at the Centre de l’imaginaireArthurien in the Château de Comper.
THE CITY OF YSThe City of Ys stands somewhere beneath thewaters in the Bay of Douarnenez. This city, once sopowerful that it governed all of Gaul, was ruledby King Gradlon, the King of Cornouaille. It wasprotected from the sea by a dyke and gates towhich only the king had the key. The old king wasa widower who outlandishly spoiled his daughter,Dahut. She therefore grew up with no parentalcontrol whatsoever and soon fell into a life ofdebauchery, influencing the city's residents tofollow her example. She even became the Devil'smistress and, once he had convinced her to stealthe keys to the dyke, she opened the gates andflooded the city. Averted by Saint-Guénolé,Gradlon had just enough time to save himself byescaping on his horse and was ordered by the
Aber, aven: estuary (Aber-Wrac’h, Pont-Aven)
Aman: butter
Argoad, argoed (argoat, argoet):wooded, inland region
Armor (arvor): coast
Avel: wind
Bara: bread (Bara mar plij - Please mayI have some bread)
Beg (bec): point, extremity, summit(Beg-Ar-Méné - mountain summit)
Bihan (bian): small (Enez Bihan - smallisland)
Bras (braz): big (Mor-Braz - the ocean)
Breizh: Brittany (hence the BZHemblem used by many motorists)
Demat: Hello
Digemer mad: Welcome
Enez (inis): island (Enez Du - blackisland)
Fest-noz: night festival
Gast!: Damn! (most frequent swearword)
Gwenn (guen): white, sacred
Gwin: wine (gwin ru - red wine)
Heol: sun
Kastell: chateau, fortification(Plougastell - castle parish)
Kenavo: Goodbye
Ker (car): town, village, hamlet
Kozh (koz, koh, coz): old
Krampouez: crêpe
Lan: hermitage, monastery (Lanildut)
Loc: isolated place, hermitage
Loc’h: lagoon, coastal lake
Mad: good: (Bloavez mad! - HappyNew Year!)
Meur: grand, majestic, important
Mor: sea (Mor Bihan - small sea)
Nevez (neue, newe, neve, nehue): new
Nozvat: Good night
Penn: head, end, summit (Penn Ar Bed- Finistère [Land's End])
Plou: ancient parish
Roc’h (roch, roh): rock
Ti (ty): house
Yec’hed mat!: Good health!
CultureBreton tradition
Glossaryof Breton terms
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saint to leave his daughter behind. Legend has itthat she turned into a mermaid and still lives inthe flooded city. Fishermen sometimes hear hersinging or ringing a bell beneath the waters.
ANKOUAnkou waits for the dead at the cold and mistygates to hell, situated somewhere around YeunEllez, in the Monts d’Arrée. Depicted as a skeletonwith a scythe in his right hand, he drives aimlesslythrough the night on his creaking chariot. Thisdeathly convoy can be heard from the farawayheaths and sunken lanes. If you are unluckyenough to hear the noise or, worse still, you comeface to face with the convoy, your days arenumbered. This reaper of souls spares no one, butcarries away both rich and poor alike to the placeof eternal rest. Central to Armorican culture, theAnkou is often sculpted on wayside crosses invillages around the Monts d'Arrée and can evenbe seen on certain churches such as the church inBrasparts or on the Brennilis wayside cross.
Sound and lightshows and story-telling walksHalfway between the imaginary world and reality,sound and light shows and story-telling walks area fun way of discovering Brittany's cultural heritage.Combining music, dance and even fireworkdisplays, the magnificent sound and light showsbring Brittany's history and legends to life.
For more information visitwww.brittanytourism.com
SOUND AND LIGHT SHOWS11 to 14 Aug 2006Etincelles aquatiques in Martigné-Ferchaud (35)Tel.: 33 (0)2 99 47 83 83
Mid-August 2006Pierres et légendes re-enactment, Abbey of BonRepos, Saint Gelven (22)Tel.: 33 (0)2 96 24 90 75
STORY-TELLING WALKSFrom July to SeptemberCentre de l’imaginaire Arthurien, Château deComper (56)Walks in Broceliande forest.Tel.: 33(0)2 97 22 79 96
All year roundLegend’O Thérapie, Brennilis (29)Tel.: 33(0)2 98 99 62 36
Getting to know Brittany
PRACTICAL GUIDE TO BRITTANY 13
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Brittany'semblemsTHE BRETON FLAG
"Gwenn ha Du" (whiteand black) Brittany'sflag, created in 1923,is a common sightthroughout the region.It features 9 stripes - 5
black for the five ancient countries orbishoprics of Haute-Bretagne: Dol,Nantes, Rennes, Saint-Brieuc and St. Malo,and four white stripes symbolising thefour ancient countries or bishoprics ofBasse-Bretagne: Cornouaille, Léon, Trégorand Vannetais. In the upper left-handcorner there are ermine motifs on a whitebackground.
THE ERMINEThe heraldic ermine wasused in many Europeancountries. Adopted inBrittany by the line of theDukes of Montfort, itended up becoming "the"emblem of Brittany and isfound on the coats ofarms of many Bretontowns, and on signs andproducts.
THE TRISKELL(from the Greek "tris-kelês" meaning "threelegged"). This decorativemotif only resurfacedin Brittany in the1920s, but was widely
used by the ancient Celts. Of course, weshould not suddenly claim that it hassome kind of mysterious meaning. Likethe wheel, the triskell can symbolise thesun or perpetual motion. The motif is nowvery popular in the six Celtic countries andis perhaps the most famous of all theCeltic emblems.
Lancelot and Viviane in Broceliande forest.S. et J.B. Rabouan
Evariste Luminais, the flee of King Gradlon.(Museum of Fine Arts of Quimper)
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At the end of the 19th century, Brittanywas discovered by certain, now-famousartists and many of the region's natural
treasures were captured on canvas forever.It inspired great artists such as ClaudeMonet, Henri Matisse, Auguste Renoir,Pablo Picasso, Paul Gauguin and many
others who came here seeking newsources of inspiration. Their stay in
Brittany played a key role in the develop-ment of their pictorial skills, in particularfor Matisse: "I only had bistre and earth
tones on my palette (…) I was enchantedby the burst of pure colour. I came back
from my trip with a passion for all thecolours of the rainbow".
Brittany has been an endless source of inspirationfor countless French and foreign artists in the pastand continues to be so today. Painters, sculptors,photographers and comic strip artists have alldiscovered a region with a wealth of customs, atrue sense of identity, outstanding landscapes andan atmosphere particularly conducive to artisticcreation. The many faces of contemporary art arerevealed to visitors in special events, state-commissioned works of art and artists' studiosopen to the public all over Brittany. TouristInformation Centres will be happy to provide youwith details.
CONTEMPORARY ARTSThe Domaine de KerguéhennecThe Domaine de Kerguéhennec in Bignan(Morbihan) is one of the largest sculpture parks inEurope. The centre is an unusual French model ofthe genre with resident artists and exhibitions.Many original works are displayed in the vast 500-hectare grounds, including Marta Pan's floats onthe lake, the sonorous reflections of Max Neuhausand the row of red flower pots in a transparentglasshouse.
ART DANS LES CHAPELLES ARTFESTIVAL AROUND PONTIVY From July to SeptemberExplore Contemporary Art and Religious Heritage.Art chemin faisant…art festival in Pont Scorff
June to SeptemberContemporary art in a rural setting, with 6Exhibitions and 6 Natural Sites. Art à la Pointe in the chapels of Cap Sizun
July & AugustContemporary Art, 8 Exhibitions and 2 CircuitTrails through 8 Cap Sizun chapels.L’Athanor – Musée Etienne MartinThe Park of Bois-Orcan in Noyal-sur-Vilainedisplays the works of the sculptor Etienne Martin.
A variety of options are available tovisitors wishing to follow in the footstepsof those famous artists captivated byBrittany's charms. The collections inBrittany's museums and galleries are anideal way of learning why this regionbecame a haven for artists(incomplete list)
CÔTES-D'ARMORMusée Mathurin MéheutPlace du Martray, 22400 LAMBALLEMaison d’artiste de la Grande Vigne103, rue du quai, 22100 DINANMusée du Châteaude la Duchesse AnneRue du Château, 22100 DINANMusée de Saint-BrieucCour Francis Renaud, Rue des lycéensmartyrs, 22000 SAINT-BRIEUCMusée Ernest Renan20, rue Ernest Renan, 22220 TREGUIER
More addresses:L’ Imagerie19 rue Jean Savidan, 22300 LANNIONGalerie du DourvenDomaine départemental du Dourven,22300 TREDREZ-LOCQUEMEAU
FINISTÈREMusée des Beaux-Arts22, rue Traverse, 29200 BRESTMusée des JacobinsPlace des Jacobins, 29600 MORLAIXMusée de Pont-AvenPlace de l'Hôtel de Ville,29930 PONT-AVENMusée Départemental Breton1, Rue du Roi Gradlon 29000 QUIMPERMusée des Beaux-Arts40, Place Saint-Corentin, 29000 QUIMPERMusée de LocronanPlace de la Mairie, 29136 LOCRONANMusée de la MarineChâteau de Brest, 29200 BRESTMusée de la pêche3 rue Vauban, 29900 CONCARNEAUMusée-Château de KerazanKerazan, 29750 LOCTUDYMusée Yan' Dargent29400 SAINT-SERVAIS
More addresses:Maison Marie Henry10 rue des Grands Sables, Le Pouldu,29360 CLOHARS CARNOETTour Vauban de Camaret-sur-MerPointe Rocamadour,29129 CAMARET-SUR-MERLe Quartier10, esplanade F. Mitterrand,29000 QUIMPERCentre atlantique de la photographieLe Quartz2-4 avenue G. Clemenceau, 29200 BRESTMai photographies18, route de Guengat 29000 QUIMPERCentre d’art contemporain La Passerelle 41, rue Charles-Berthelot, 29200 BREST
Art in BrittanyBrittany, an artist's haven
Brittany'smuseums and exhibitioncentres
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PRACTICAL GUIDE TO BRITTANY
M. Maufra, view of the port of Pont Aven(Museum of fine Arts Quimper).
J. P. Raynaud “Mille pots bétonnés pour une serre ancienne”
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Browse Brittany’santique shops
Do you like browsing through antique shops andhunting for trinkets, paintings and objects fromanother time? If so, you won’t be disappointed asBrittany is full of flea markets and garage sales inthe summertime. The region also has its specialities,famous Quimper pottery for instance. Items bea-ring the HB Henriot mark are the most soughtafter but the traditional yellow and blue floraldesign and the petit Breton pattern (dating from1850) are also popular. Collectors also search forpaintings by Mathurin Méheut or art deco crea-tions from the Seiz Breur (seven brothers inBreton) movement.
Lace lovers will be able to find wonderful pieces inthis region, which has a long-standing tradition oflace making. As for paintings, do not expect tofind a Gauguin but you may come across works bysome early 20th-century Breton schools. In fact,with a bit of luck you might get your hands on awood engraving by Charles Cottet, a sketch byMathurin Méheut or a lithograph by HenriRivière.You’ll also come across somevery fashionable maritimeantique shops in allthe coastal towns.They are packedwith old modelboats, antiquen a v i g a t i o ninstruments(telescopes,s e x t a n t s ,compasses),m a r i t i m ef u r n i t u r e ,for examplesmall, maho-gany chests ofdrawers andr o s e w o o dchests, and worksby official FrenchNavy painters.
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ILLE-ET-VILAINEMusée des Beaux-Arts20, Quai Emile Zola, 35000 RENNESMusée Emmanuel de La Villéon51, Rue Nationale, 35300 FOUGERESMusée de Bretagne20, Quai Emile Zola, 35000 RENNESMusée d'Histoire de la villeet du pays MalouinChâteau-Hôtel de Ville35400 SAINT-MALO Musée du ChâteauChâteau de Vitré, 35500 VITRE
More addresses:Fonds Régional d'Art Contemporain3, rue Noyal, 35410 CHATEAUGIRONVillage des artistes2 Place de l’Hôtel de Ville35560 BAZOUGES LA PEROUSEArcade-les Urbanistes
25, rue Caserne 35300 FOUGERESParc du Bois Orcan l’Athanor
Château du Bois Orcan,35530 NOYAL-SUR-VILAINE
La Criée, Centre d’artcontemporainPlace Honoré-Commeurec,35000 RENNES
LOIRE-ATLANTIQUEMusée des Beaux-Arts10, rue Georges Clémenceau44000 NANTESMusée Intercommunal
des Marais Salants29 bis, rue Pasteur,
44740 BATZ-SUR-MER
More addresses:Fonds régional d'Art Contemporain
La Garenne-Lemot Gétigné,44190 CLISSON
MORBIHANMusée de la Cohue9 & 15 Place Saint-Pierre,56000 VANNESMusée des peintres1, rue de Quimper, 56320 LE FAOUETMusée Historique de la CitadelleVaubanBelle-Ile-en-Mer, 56360 LE PALAISMusée de la Compagnie des IndesLa Citadelle 56290 PORT-LOUIS
More addresses:Le Château de Rochefort-en-TerreLe Bourg, 56220 ROCHEFORT-EN-TERREGalerie Le LieuMaison de la Mer Quai de Rohan56100 LORIENT
Brittany'smuseums and exhibitioncentres
COMIC STRIPSBrittany appears to be an ideal region for comicstrip lovers. It has been associated with the genresince the very beginning, notably thanks to theBreton Bécassine character created in 1905.However, these origins have paled intoinsignificance next to today's industry withits wealth of publications and the hundredor so famous and less famous authors. Although the genre was criticised andconsidered for a long time as "sub-cultu-re", the exciting stories, short texts, dra-wing style and bright colours have becomepopular with all ages. Fairs and festivalshave popped up all over Brittany, the mostfamous being Quai des bulles in Saint-Malo, Tonnerre de bulles in Brest, Bulles anOriant in Lorient and the Festival dePerros-Guirec.
The main Comic Strip festivalsEarly April BULLES AN ORIENT, LorientMid-April FESTIVAL DE B.D., Perros-Guirec Mid-June TONNERRE DE BULLES, Brest3, 4 & 5 November 2006 QUAI DES BULLES,Saint-Malo
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Brittany hosts almost 300 fes-tivals, a hundred or so of
which are not to bemissed and aremostly held insummer. From
rock to jazz,electro or even
traditionalmusic, variety
is the keyword here.
Although tra-ditional musicis still popular,
it has been givena new lease of
life. A far cry fromthe Brittany of yes-
teryear, hundreds of thou-sands of young people now
enjoy listening to traditional music anddiscovering up-and-coming musicians. The
most famous festivals include Lorient'sInterceltic Festival, Quimper's Festival de
Cornouaille, the Vaches au Gallo festival inLouvigné-du-Désert, the Route du Rock in
Saint-Malo, Astropolis in Brest (devoted toelectronic music), Festival des Terre-Neuvas
in Bobital, the Transmusicales in Rennesand Les Vieilles Charrues in Carhaix – one
of the largest festivals in Europe!For more information consult the festival
dates at www.brittanytourism.com
FESTIVALS IN BRITTANYBretons certainly know how to party! In additionto the traditional 'fest-noz' evenings, Brittanyoffers visitors a wide range of events that are cer-tain to give your holiday that party feel. Take yourpick from seaside festivals to events devoted toliterature, comic strips, painting and lots more...Whether in Lorient, St. Malo, Quimper or Vannes,you’ll certainly find something to suit your musicaltaste. Have a look at the calendar of events belowor visit www.brittanytourism.com to plan yourbreak.
CONCERT BARSFar from the buzzing festivals and vast concerthalls, concert bars provide the perfect setting fordiscovering new music genre and up-and-comingmusicians. In fact many renowned French musi-cians were discovered in Brittany's concert bars.Yann Tiersen in Le Sablier in Rennes, LouiseAttaque in Les Hespérides in Plouneour-Trez,Matmatah in Le Quai Largo in Plouhinec, Dan arBraz in Le Petit village in Lanfains... and these arejust some of the big names to have performed onsmall Breton stages. These bars host small andfriendly concerts that are popular with all musicfans. Brittany boasts at least thirty concert barsthat regularly welcome famous and less famous,national, regional and even local groups much tothe delight of everyone.
PLAYERS AND PIPE BANDSIn the musical duos symbolising traditional Bretonmusic, one musician plays the “biniou” or bag-pipes and the other, the “bombarde”- an earlyoboe. They are 'sonneurs' or players and havemany strings to their bow - singing, story telling,dance calling or leading processions. They arepresent at all events and travel from fetes to marketsand from dances to weddings. Today, theseplayers perform at Festou-Noz, playing the musicof yesteryear on traditional instruments. Thebagad is a group of players similar to a Scottish orIrish pipe band. In principle, it comprises 21 musi-cians - 8 playing the biniou, 6 on the bombarde, 4tenor drummers, 2 bass drummers and one bigdrum. The best-known bagads are the 'LannBihoué', 'Bagad de la Royale' (French navy) or the41st Infantry Regiment of Chateaulin.
CONTESTS,A SHOWCASE
OF TRADITIONAL MUSICA real institution, contests are the leading
traditional music events in the region. Theyprovide musicians with a challenge, enablingthem to compare their talents with those of othercandidates from the same group, musical field(bagad for example) or region in Brittany. Giventheir importance, these contests provide artistswith their ticket to the different concerts and fes-
Mid-FebruaryLes hivernautes pop/rock festivalQuimper
3rd weekend in AprilFête du chant traditionnel singing festivalBovel
Early MayFestival En Arwen traditional music festivalCléguérec
MayRock’N’Solex rock festivalRennes
1st weekend in MayVal Latina Latin music festivalPléneuf val André
13 to 22 May Fest’Yves Breton festivalBrittany25 to 28 May
Rencontre Internationale de la ClarinettePopulaire clarinet festivalGlomel
1 to 4 JuneFestival Art Rock art & music festivalSaint-Brieuc
June La Gallésie en fêteBreton culture festivalMonterfil
July/AugustEstiv’arts rencontres musicalesinternat art and music festival Ploërmel
JulyAu pont du rock festivalMalestroit
Early July Festival des Terre-Neuvas music festivalBobital
Early JulyLes Tombées de la nuit music festivalRennes
3 to 9 JulyFolklores du monde world folklore festivalSt-Malo
Mid-JulyFestival Kann Al LoarLanderneau
Mid-July to mid-AugustArts dans la rue street entertainmentMorlaix
20 to 23 JulyFestival des Vieilles Charruesmusic festivalCarhaix
16 to 24 JulyFestival de Cornouaille Celtic festivalQuimper
Every Thursday in July & AugustJeudis du port musical ThursdaysBrest
Breton festivalsMain music festivals in 2006
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4 to 14 MarchTravelling cinema festivalRennes13 to 17 AprilSpi Ouest France sailing eventLa Trinité/MerEarly AprilBulles an Orient comic strip festivalLorient20 to 23 AprilLivres & mers fairConcarneau16 & 17 AprilFête de la coquille Saint-Jacquesscallop festivalErquyApril Festival de la bande dessinée comic strip festivalPerros-Guirec28, 29 & 30 AprilEstivales du Rire comedy festival Dinard5 to 8 MayFête de la morue cod festivalBinic12 to 16 MayFestival Etonnants voyageurstravel literature festivalSt-MaloMay/JuneFestival sport natureCôtes d’Armor11 to 12 JuneTonnerre de Bulles comic strip festivalBrest17 JuneMont St Michel Bay marathonCancaleLate June Solidor en peinture painting festivalSt-MaloJuly to SeptemberEstivales photographiques photography festivalLannionJuly to SeptemberArt dans les chapelles art festivalPontivy
6 to 9 July50th anniversary of the Coursedes grands voiliers sailing ship race St-Malo13 to 16 JulyFête des brodeuses craft festivalPont L’Abbé22 & 23 JulyFête des remparts festivalDinanEarly JulyFêtes historiques history daysVannes29 & 30 JulyFêtes médiévales mediaeval daysHennebont11 to 14 AugustLes étincelles aquatiques sound and light showMartigné Ferchaud12 AugustLa nuit du livre book eveningBécherel15 to 17 AugustFête du Livre book festivalBécherel13, 14 & 15 AugustFête du Menez Homfolklore and painting festivalPlomodiernLate AugustFestives Halles street entertainmentQuestembertEarly September Il était une fois la Guerche fairLa Guerche de Bretagne Early OctoberBritish film festivalDinard3, 4 & 5 November 2006Quai des bulles comic strip festivalSt-Malo11 to 19 NovemberFestival européen du film court film festivalBrest
tivals. Some are very famous, such as the one inGourin (particularly for biniou/bombarde duos),the 'Bogue d’Or' in Redon (for songs from Haute-Bretagne), the national bagadoù championshipand even the 'Kan ar Bobl' (general contest) inPontivy, which has launched the careers of renownedartists such as Denez Prigent or Yan FanchKemener. Contact the local tourist informationcentre for information on the contests near you.
THE FEST NOZ TRADITIONBreton traditional music has its own way of com-municating its infectious gaiety. The Festoù Nozoriginally took place at the end of a major com-munal task. Today, nobody waits for the corn tobe threshed to bring out the biniou (bouez, inBreton) and the bombarde, and there is not a vil-lage in Armor or Argoat that escapes this fever,particularly during the summer. Players and sin-gers invite you to dance in the open air or indoors.And there is no time to sit down and listen to therepertoire as a fest-noz is for dancing to theintoxicating rhythm of traditional instruments,violins, flutes, guitars or drums. You don’t have aregional costume? Well, it doesn't matter as jeans,shorts and T-shirts are perfect for dancing! Handin hand, you’ll meet people of all ages from allwalks of life, all there to enjoy themselves. Anddon't worry about your two left feet as there is
always someone to teach you the steps of traditionalBreton dances, such as the Gavotte, Plin or Fisel.Just look for posters displayed around the town,advertising a fest-noz. There will certainly beone near your holiday location and maybe you’llbe lucky enough to hear the famous Tri Yann orAr Re Yaouank, whose concerts bring wholetowns to life!
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29 & 30 JulyFête de la crêpe pancake festivalGourin
24 to 29 JulyJazz à Vannes jazz festivalVannes
Mid-JulyFestival des 7 chapellesclassical music festivalGuidel
AugustAstropolis electronic music festivalBrest
4 & 5 AugustVaches au Gallo music festivalLouvigné du Désert
Early AugustInterceltic FestivalLorient
6 AugustFête des ajoncs d’or traditional festivalPont-Aven
12, 13 & 14 AugustFestival du bout du monde music festivalCrozon
13, 14 & 15 AugustFêtes d’Arvor folk festivalVannes
12, 13 & 14 AugustRoute du rock music festivalSt-Malo
13 to 21 AugustFête de la Saint-Loup Breton dance festivalGuingamp
15 to 21 AugustFête des filets bleus fishing festivalConcarneau
OctoberFestival de musique anciennemusic festivalLanvellec
Late OctoberFête du marronLa Teillouse chestnut festivalRedon
Late OctoberFête de la Saint-Simonmusic festivalSaint Briac
4 to 5 NovemberFestival des Chanteurs de Ruestreet festivalQuintin
Early DecemberTransmusicales music festivalRennes
Main music festivals in 2006
Others main events and festivals in Brittany in 2006
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In Brittany, the different terroirs or landsare just as diverse as the flavours they
produce and this region, which is steepedin tradition, naturally has its celebrated
dishes, such as the seafood platter inArmor and the sweet crêpe pancakesin Argoat. For Bretons, gastronomy is
synonymous with tradition and socialisingbut we'll let you be the judge of that as
you browse the many markets or stop fora bite to eat in one of Brittany's bistrots!
Seafood, vitality on a plate!Not only is the sea around Brittany ideal forwatersports, it is also a breeding ground for sea-food and shell fish – the stars of Breton gastrono-my. Whether you choose the local harbour café orthe more expensive seafood restaurant, be sure toorder a fresh seafood platter – you won’t bedisappointed!
Oysters
Oysters are usually eaten raw with lemon juice orshallot vinegar, rye bread and salted butter. Thesedifferent products of the land go particularly wellwith the salty flavour of oysters. Brittany boasts 12great types of oyster - Cancale, Paimpol, Rivière deTréguier, Morlaix-Penzé, Nacre des Abers, Rade deBrest, l’Aven-Belon, Rivière d’Etel, Golfe duMorbihan, Quiberon, Penerf and Croisicaise. Eachtype has its own qualities and each consumer, hisor her preferences, but in general oysters are attheir tastiest in months containing the letter 'r',that is from September to April.
Fish auctionsThe first buyers arrive at daybreak to admire the fish,arranged on the quayside according to category andsize. They gather before the goods and face the
auctioneer,
who interprets all the nods and gestures andensures that the auction goes smoothly. The quaysideadopts a stock market atmosphere with oilskinsreplacing business suits and ties. Nowadays, anincreasing number of auctions are conducted bycomputer and are exclusively for professionals.Fortunately, however, some ports have carried onthe tradition and so you can still get a taste of thisfascinating world. Contact your nearest TouristInformation Centre for more information.The main fish auctions open to the public:Concarneau, Loctudy, Audierne, Roscoff andSaint-Quay-Portrieux.
Salted butter - an essentialingredient.Salted butter Salted butter is an essential ingredientin Breton cuisine. The rich, lush Breton pasturesproduce fragrant milk, which is then made intocreamy butter, salted with sea salt. Butter takespride of place on all Breton tables and is perfectwith a slice of bread and a seafood platter -another vital element of Breton gastronomy.Breton biscuits - whether 'palets', 'galettes' or'crêpes dentelle' – all owe their mouth-wateringrichness to butter, which is also a key ingredient inall Breton pastries thanks to its unique, traditionalflavour.Far Breton pudding and Kouign-amann cakeFar is a traditional Breton pudding. Many differentrecipes exist but the Farz forn is perhaps the mostfamous. Commonly called the Far Breton, thiscreamy golden flan is popular as a family dessertand can also be found in all bakers’ shops.The basic Far recipe includes wheat flour, sugar,eggs, milk and butter but there are many regionalvariations. Some people add raisins or appleswhile
Crêpes and galettes - an institutionCrêpes and galettes are indisputably part ofBrittany's culinary heritage. The main differencebetween galettes and crêpes lies in the battermixture. Galettes are made from buckwheat flourand are served with savoury fillings, such as ham,cheese and eggs. Crêpe batter is prepared with
wheat flour and crêpes are served as a dessert,most often just with sugar and butter.
Crêpes and galettes vary in flavour andtexture according to the different
areas of Brittany so be sure to trythe Basse Bretagne crêpe or the“galette-saucisse” sausagepancake in Rennes!
An easycrêpe recipeMakes approx. 24 crêpes - Preparation: 15 minutes,
Resting time: 1 hour minimum,overnight is best.
Ingredients: 250g wheat flour - 4 eggs -175g sugar - 3 sachets vanilla sugar - _litre fresh whole milk - 1 pinch of salt -oil - 250g salted butter for frying.
Sift the flour into a large bowl, make awell in the centre of the flour and breakan egg into it. Using a wooden spoon,slowly mix the egg into the flour startingfrom the centre of the well. Add theother 3 eggs, one by one. Add the sugar,vanilla sugar and salt and then mix whilegradually adding small quantities of milkinto the centre of the mixture. Cover thebowl with a clean cloth and leave to restfor at least an hour (overnight is best).Melt a knob of butter in the pan andspoon in half a ladle of the mixture.Tip the pan around from side to side toevenly coat the base with batter.This technique produces a very thincrêpe. Cook the crêpe for about 1 minuteuntil the edges start to turn golden.Flip the crêpe over by lifting it upbetween your thumb and index fingerand then cook the other side. Repeatthese steps until you have used up allthe mixture. It is best to eat themstraight away but you can keep themwarm in an open oven on a low heat.
Breton farpuddingwith prunesServes 6- Preparation: 10 minutes,- Cooking time: 40 minutes.
Ingredients: 125g flour - 125g sugar -2 sachets vanilla sugar - 4 eggs -3 dessert spoons rum, 1/2 sachet bakingpowder - 75cl whole milk - 1 pinch of saltbutter for the tin - approx. 250g prunes.
Pre-heat the oven to 240°C or gas mark 8.Sift the flour into a bowl and then mix inthe vanilla sugar, salt and baking pow-der. Make a well in the centre and breakthe eggs into it. Then, using a woodenspoon, slowly mix the eggs into the flourmixture starting from the centre.Meanwhile, heat up the milk with therum and prunes. Slowly pour the warmliquid into the flour and egg mixture andwhisk quickly (the prunes should beadded to the mixture last of all). Pour themixture into a buttered, round cake tinand pop into the oven. Cook for 10minutes at 240°C then reduce the heat to200°C or gas mark 6 and cook for a fur-ther 30 minutes. Leave to cool beforeremoving from the tin.
Gastronomy
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others prefer prunes, which are ideal as their aci-dity goes perfectly with the creamy flavour of thebatter. Spices such as cinnamon and vanilla arealso added to bring a touch of the exotic to thislocal pudding. Kouign-amann means butter cakeand it is made from risen dough mixed with saltedbutter. To make a perfect cake, you'll need tochoose the best quality butter and leave thedough to rest for the right amount of time. Thistreat, originally from Douarnenez, is most oftenmade by pastry chefs and is perfect for afternoontea after a long walk or a trip out at sea.
Brittany’s marketsBreton market days are lively and colourful andevery town and village boasts its own uniquearray of produce. Feast your eyes on each stall andenjoy the different produce, scents and coloursthat change according to the seasons. “Galettessaucisse” vie with Roscoff onions, fresh oystersand elegant scallops and fruit and vegetables(cabbages, flowers, artichokes, strawberries, etc.)can be bought directly from the local farmers.Contact the nearest Tourist Information Centre orTown Hall to find out when the different marketsare held.
CiderMentioned from the 6th century onwards, ciderconsumption grew considerably in the MiddleAges. Today, cider is a popular drink in Brittanyand, like wine, each different cider has its ownflavour and colour. Breton cider is traditionallyserved with crêpe and galette pancakes and hasits own following of connoisseurs. The cider ofCornouaille was awarded the AOC quality label in1998 but cider from other regions, such asMorlaix, Hennebont or the Val de Rance, is just asdelicious.
ChouchenChouchen is a type ofmead or “nectar of thegods”. It is made fromwater and fermentedhoney and was thepreferred drink ofthe Celts. In daysgone by, meadwas said to havemade the Godsdrunk andhumans, immortal.Today, Chouchenis enjoyed as anapéritif or digestif.
The Breton beertraditionJust like cider, beer is anemblematic Breton drink. Over thelast twenty years, beer brewing has been given anew lease of life thanks to dedicated brewers whoare striving to promote this tradition that datesback to the 17th century.Today there are about fifteen breweries in thefour 'départements' of the region, half of whichcan be found in Finistère. Only a handful of them,such as La Coreff, are considered as breweries intheir own right though. The others are 'micro-breweries' as they produce less than 8,000 hecto-litres per year.A wide range of interestingly-named Breton beeris now therefore available for all to enjoy. Themost well-known brands include Coreff deMorlaix, Lancelot barley beer and the black wheatbeer Telenn Du – an important ingredient inBreton cuisine. Some brewers have also added atouch of originality to their beer, take for examplethe Mor-Braz brewery (in Theix) whose beer isbrewed from sea water! Lancelot brewery alsodeserves a mention as it produces Breizh cola –Brittany's very own cola drink! Although theyseek originality, Breton brewers do have onething in common - they all love brewing. Some oftheir factories are open to visitors and the morecurious among you can go along and discoversome of the secrets of the industry.
Consult the list of Breton breweries atwww.brittanytourism.com
Brittany’sbars
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Brittany’s bars are an integral partof local life. There is always a Cafédu port or harbour café filled withlocal fishermen. They enjoy the oddglass of dry white wine and chatabout work, for instance Loïc whobroke his propeller on a rock lastweekend. On the marina you’ll find the slightlymore upmarket Yachtsman’s bistrot,rich in panelling and brass. Hereyou’ll bump into yachtsmen backfrom a regatta or practice race oryou’ll arrive for the end of a sailingclub meeting, which is alwaysrounded off with a nice pint.In the towns, villages and even onthe islands, you’ll find varioustheme bars, which are perfect for aconcert or story-telling evening withfriends. You’ll find rock, traditionalBreton music, sea shanties or evenstory-telling evenings. Some barshave a very artistic feel and holdpainting or photography exhibi-tions. For the thinkers amongst you,there are philosophical or literarybars, ideal for reading the latestnovel or collection of short storiespublished in the region over anespresso coffee. Thanks to the"Celtic Connection", you’ll also comeacross Irish, Scottish and Bretonbars.Each bar has its own personalityand catchy name, for example LePhare felu or Eccentric Lighthouse,La vache qui lit or The ReadingCow! There are also those whichpromote the Breton language -Le Pesked, Le Digor Kalon orLe Gwenojenn. Ask the barmanfor a translation; he’ll be delightedto help out.For a list of picturesquebars in Brittany, visitwww.brittanytourism.comand go to the Breizh Trotters page.
www.brittanytourism.com
The 'Crêperies ambassadrices'Brittany knows no bounds thanks to theambassador crêperies network! This label,created in 1999, brings together crêperies fromall over France and abroad and guaranteesauthenticity as far as crêpe quality and Bretonatmosphere are concerned. If you know of acrêperie that meets these criteria, you can passon the address to the Brittany Tourist Board andyou may win a meal for 2 in this crêperie!Visit www.brittanytourism.com
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A selection of events and festivals in 2006www.brittanytourism.com
HAUTE-BRETAGNE WILL BEDRAWING ON ITS ENERGY
in spring 2006
The Fête des Énergies, organised by the Brittany Tourist Board, will be held all over the départementon 4 weekends from mid-April to mid-May and will be open to everyone.You will be able to organise your weekend according to the events taking place in the different townsand villages. These events will be linked to the identity, expertise and traditions of each individualarea. The Printemps des Energies – the perfect excuse for a weekend away this spring.This special pre-summer event is an ideal opportunity for a weekend away as a couple or with the fami-ly or friends. Come and release some energy and take part in some of the organised events.
Programme of festivities: www.bretagne35.com, Printemps des Énergies page
FESTIVAL DES COQUECIGRUESMUSIC AND THEATRE FESTIVALJanuary – April 2006 / Rennes areaThe Coquecigrues festival includes live showsstaged in unusual heritage sites in Rennes andits surrounding area. It aims to attract familiesby putting on performances for adults at thesame time as, and next door to, tea-time showsfor younger audiences (3 years and up).
Contact: 33 (0)2 99 31 21 25www.lescoquecigrues.com
EUROPEAN FESTIVAL OF ANCIENTGREEK AND LATIN10 - 12 March 2006 / BécherelFollowing a successful first year, this unusual festi-val is being held again, and this time will focus onmusic and dance. It will be chaired by MadameMussat (President of the Orchestra of Brittany) andsupported by representatives from Hungary,Finland and Portugal.
The festival will include adaptations of ancientGreek and Golden age music, discussions on poetsand love led by A. Foulon, and once again Astérixin Latin and ancient detective novels.
Contact: Becherel Tourist Information Centre33 (0)2 99 66 75 23
MONT ST MICHEL BAY MARATHON17 June 2006 / CancaleStarts at 5pm on Saturday 17 June 2006 in Cancale1. St. Malo: Marathon village. Medical conference
and a jog around the ramparts in the morning.
2. Cancale: Start of the marathon. From there youmay catch a glimpse of Mont St Michel at thefar end of the bay…
3. The bay: By running through many different vil-lages you will discover this magnificent region.
4. Mont Saint Michel: This “marvel” is well worththe effort but keep your stamina up for the lastleg which is always the longest.
Contact: Marathon de la Baie – 33(0)2 99 89 54 54www.montsaintmichel-marathon.com
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LES TOMBÉES DE LA NUIT / “SONSPUBLICS” MUSIC FESTIVALJuly 2006 / Rennes
Unique artists arouse the audience’s curiosity andenthusiasm with their unusual and creative showsand concerts in the city of Rennes. The festival,which features curious performances and surprisingsounds, prioritises resident artists and creationsthat explore new ways of developing therelationship between artist and audience. Enjoy unseen, unexpected and unusual materialwith plenty of music, as, after all, this is essential-ly a music festival.
Information: Festival Les Tombées de la Nuit –33(0)2 99 32 56 56 - www.lestdnuit.com
TALL SHIPS’ RACEThe 50th AnniversaryTall Ships’ Race6 - 9 July 2006 / St. Malo
Formerly known as the “Cutty Sark Tall Ships’Race”, this race is returning to St. Malo’s quays tocelebrate its fiftieth anniversary.The race is a major international event and its goalis to encourage young people from around theworld to sail together in a sea regatta. Close toone hundred sailing ships will gather at St. Malobefore setting off for Lisbon, Cadix, Corunna andAntwerp in front of thousands of admiring specta-tors. Once again, the race promises to be a won-derful show.
Contact: Amis des Grands VoiliersSail Training Association France www.amisdesgrandsvoiliers.org
13TH LES ÉTINCELLES AQUATIQUESsound and light show11 - 14 August 2006 / Martigné-Ferchaud
Once again this year, air, water, fire and earthspirits will gather around the Etang de la Forgelake, enticing audiences to enter the “Pays de laRoche aux Fees” area where dreams come face toface with reality and the imaginary world meetsregional traditions. This show, featuring sound, dance, firework andwater jet displays, has already been enjoyed by150,000 spectators.
Contact: The Martigné-Ferchaud TouristInformation Centre - 33(0)2 99 47 83 83 -www.etincelles-aquatiques.org
REDON CHESTNUT FESTIVALOctober 2006 – “Pays de Redon” area
The “Pays de Redon” area comes alive withfestivities during October, or the Mois du Marron.La Bogue d’Or is a festival of song, storytelling andtraditional music from Gallo country, the Taverneaux marrons market sells chestnuts and regionalproduce and the grand Foire Teillouse - an ancientchestnut fair – has been revived with music andsong.Information and programme: Redon TouristInformation Centre - 33 (0)2 99 71 06 04 –[email protected]
For further informationon events in Haute
Bretagne ille-et-Vilainein 2006 visit
www.bretagne35.com
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A selection of events and festivals in 2006www.brittanytourism.com
CLARINET FESTIVALGlomel, early MayBreton musicians invite fellow music lovers fromall over the world to celebrate the clarinet –a popular instrument that is central to Bretonculture. Festival-goers will enjoy both traditionaland jazz music in a unique and friendlyatmosphere.
www.clarinette-populaire.org
MUSIC, MUSIC EVERYWHERE
LIVING TRADITIONS
A LESSON IN HISTORY
FÊTE DES REMPARTS 2006Dinan, 22 and 23 July
Every other year, Dinan, a Town of Art and History, hosts one of Europe’s major mediaeval festivals. 50troupes, 800 actors and 5,000 people in mediaeval dress take to the flag-decked squares and streets. Thefestival includes tournaments, a mediaeval market, encampments, tales, dancing, battles, equestrian artsand torchlit ‘pavane’ dancing throughout the town’s narrow streets.
www.dinan-tourisme.com
FESTIVAL DE LA SAINT-LOUPGuingamp, mid-August
2,500 musicians and dancers from all over Brittany, Ireland, Scotland and Galicia fill the squares, streetsand gardens to perform concerts and shows and lead festou-noz dances. This famous Celtic week is ahigh point for Breton culture.
www.dansebretonne.com
DOMAINEDE LA ROCHE JAGU ESTATEPloëzal, June to October
The beautiful Roche Jagu castle overlooks theTrieux estuary. It houses a large annual exhibitionand its 30-hectare estate, featuring gardens, apalm grove and a waterfall, hosts events all yearround.
www.cotesdarmor.fr
ABBAYE DE BEAUPORTPaimpol, May to October
This Norbertine abbey, opposite Île de Bréhat, canbe visited all year round. During the holiday sea-son, both night and day, visitors can enjoy magicalmoments in this outstanding maritime setting,which offers art exhibitions, nature walks andguided tours along the coast.
www.abbaye-beauport.com
BON REPOS, WHERE LEGENDSARE MADESaint-Gelven, AugustBon Repos Abbey is set in a magical area betweenQuénécan forest and Liscuis heath. Every year, theabbey hosts a major historical re-enactment –a fine light and sound show.
www.bon-repos.com
ART ROCK FESTIVALSaint-Brieuc, mid-MayThis festival – a subtle mix of music, dance,street entertainment and multimedia – brings ataste of rock music to Brittany every year. Thisfestival features all kinds of genre and boaststop names and newcomers.
www.artrock.org
FESTIVAL DES TERRE-NEUVASBobital, early JulyThis festival successfully combines pop music,new groups and festive rock with top names andpays a fitting tribute to the Newfoundlandfishermen on the Sunday.www.festival-terre-neuvas.com
FESTIVALS IN TRÉGORLannion / Perros-Guirec / Tréguier,July and AugustA vast programme of classical music concertsawaits visitors all summer long in Tréguiercathedral, Brélévénez church and Saint-Gonerychapel on the Pink Granite Coast.
FESTIVAL DE LANVELLECLanvellec, October
This festival, held in the churches of Trégor, boaststhe biggest names in Baroque music. The magicalsettings add to the charm of the festival, whichattracts people from all over Europe.
www.france-festivals.com/lanvellec
CITÉ RAP FESTIVALSaint-Brieuc, late OctoberThese Regional Urban Culture Events invite thepublic to discover hip-hop through concerts,dance, resident musicians, graffiti, writing, DJs andworkshops. Organised by Bretons and worldfamous artists, this festival promises to be unlikeany other.
www.citerap.fr.st
FÊTE DE LA COQUILLE SAINT-JACQUESScallop festivalSaint-Quay-Portrieux, 29 and 30 April
The Côtes d’Armor département is Europe’s leading scallop producer. Every year, visitors are invited to atraditional harbour to find out more about this tasty shellfish.
www.coquillesaintjacques.com
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A SPORT FOR EVERYONE
AUTUMN FESTIVALS
CAP ARMOR EVENTSCôtes d’Armor, July and AugustCap Armor is an original sports and cultural event for everyone over 12. Each centre organises a selectionof free or reasonably priced activities, which are run by experienced instructors allsummer long.
IMAGIMER MARITIME FILM FESTIVALSaint-Cast-le-Guildo, late SeptemberWatch archive films, recent films, animations and documentaries and see the maritime world in adifferent light. Visitors can meet the film-makers and enjoy this festival dedicated to the sea and cinema.www.festival-imagimer.com
CAMPAGNE DU RIREComedy festivalCôtes d’Armor, October and NovemberWith its shows, concerts and cabaret evenings, this festival promotes comedy in all its forms. For a wholemonth, the Campagne du Rire takes over Côtes d’Armor – laughter and enjoyable moments are guaran-teed.
www.oddc22.com
PAROLES D’HIVERWinter tale festivalCôtes d’Armor, DecemberThis festival, based on tales, stories and the world of make-believe, is one of the largest Frenchlanguage events devoted to the spoken word. Gathered in unusual settings, the public is charmed by themagic of storytellers who come from all over the world.
www.oddc22.com
Further informationCôtes d’ArmorTourist Board
33 (0)2 96 62 72 01www.cotesdarmor.com
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MONTH OF SPORT AND NATURE Côtes d’Armor, May/JunePeople of all ages are invited to try out many different sports (hiking, sailing, golf orclimbing). The most adventurous among you can take part in the marathon, biathlon orlong-distance trek. Don’t miss this friendly sporting event.
www.cotesdarmor.fr
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A selection of events and festivals in 2006www.brittanytourism.com
CHAPEL ARTJuly to SeptemberContemporary art and religious heritageEvery summer since 1992, L’Art dans les Chapelles (Chapel Art) has been inviting twenty visual artists,during the 1st weekend of July and the 3rd weekend of September, to engage with an exceptionallyrich and diverse heritage, namely that of the mainly 15th- and 16th-century chapels which dot thevalley of the river Blavet in the region of Pontivy. Each artist takes on one chapel. The invitationextended to the public is two-fold – to discover the creativity of our own era and to take a fresh lookat our heritage.
Information and bookings: Tel.: 33(0)2 97 51 97 21Website: www.artchapelles.com
SPI OUEST FRANCE13 to 17 April 2006
The sailing capital of France, La Trinité-sur-Mer, hasbeen hosting the Spi Ouest-France - BouyguesTélécom race every Easter weekend for the past 27years. This is the largest one-hull gathering inEurope. The race, organised by Ouest-France andthe Société Nautique de La Trinité-sur-Mer sailingclub, kicks off the competitive season and includesseveral heats over a four-day period.
Contact: www.spi-ouestfrance.com
INTERCELTIC FESTIVALOF LORIENT28 July to 6 August 2006 - Lorient
The Interceltic festival of Lorient was founded in1971 and is the largest annual gathering ofartists from the Celtic world. Every August, asmany as 4,500 creative artists come to the Bretonport of Lorient to take part, arriving fromScotland, Ireland, Wales, the Isle of Man,Cornwall, Asturias, Galicia and Brittany, as wellas from other parts of the world. This is theannual showcase of the Celtic countries and theirlongstanding traditions. All kinds of musicians(traditional, classical, folk, jazz or rock), singers,dancers, artists, sculptors, writers, film-makers,and lecturers take it in turns to perform their arton stage, in the streets or marquees. 650,000people flock to Lorient for the 10-day festival.This year’s guest of honour is Australia.
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CENTRE DE L’IMAGINAIREARTHURIENArthurian Centre at theChâteau de Comper2 April to 15 October 2006
This centre, set in the Château de Comper, is centralto Brittany’s legendary heritage, introducingvisitors to the legends of King Arthur and theKnights of the Round Table, Arthurian legend as awhole and Celtic mythology.Tours to legendary sights in Brocéliande forest areconducted by our storytelling guides and thecentre also organises conferences and fun, theme-based activities.Additionally, there is an impressive bookshop,featuring over 500 books on the subject of fairiesand knights, ranging from academic titles tocartoon strips.Since 1997, the centre has been organising theSemaines Arthuriennes festival with shows,mediaeval entertainment, storytelling walks andconcerts.
Contact: Centre de l’imaginaire Arthurien,Château de Comper, 56430 CONCORET,Tel./Fax: 33 (0)2 97 22 79 96www.centre-arthurien-broceliande.com
DOMAINE DE KERGUÉHENNEC
The Domaine de Kerguéhennec estate is located inBignan in the Morbihan and houses one of thelargest and most beautiful sculpture parks inEurope. This original centre is a rare Frenchexample of the genre and also organises exhibi-tions and welcomes resident artists. The vast 150hectare-grounds feature numerous original works,including Marta Pan’s floating sculptures on thelake, Max Neuhaus’ sound works and Raynaud’sred flower pots.
Contact: Centre d’art contemporainTel.: 33 (0)2 97 60 44 44www.art-kerguehennec.com
THE 27TH JAZZ À VANNES FESTIVAL24 to 29 July 2006
The Jazz à Vannes festival features famousmusicians and newcomers who perform open-airconcerts under the magical Jardins de Limur limetrees. For a whole week, the streets and bars comealive to the sound of jazz music. New talents arewaiting to be discovered in the afternoons andconcerts are held in the Auditorium des Carmes inthe early evening, followed by a jazz parade andmany exhibitions. For six whole days, Vannes turnsjazz crazy!
Further information: Tel.: 33 (0) 2 97 01 62 44
FESTIVAL INTERNATIONAL DU FILMINSULAIREFilm festivalAugust 2006 – Island of Groix
The aim of this annual festival is to promote islandcinema in a competition open to documentariesdevoted to the human aspects of island life. Everyyear, an island destination is chosen and specialshowings of films not included in the competitionare dedicated to this destination. Musicalentertainment during the festival is provided byartists from the chosen island or archipelago.In 2005, we hosted Cape Verde, and this year ourguest will be Madagascar. Contact: Festival international du film insulaire.Tel.: 33 (0)2 97 86 57 44 - www.filminsulaire.com
FESTIVAL INTERNATIONALDE LA PHOTO DE MERSea picture festival
Vannes - 13 April to 8 May 2006From 13 April to 8 May, Vannes will be hosting the2nd International Sea Picture Festival. Over a three-week period, fifteen exhibitions willbe presenting the sea in all its forms through theeyes of photographers from all over the world.These photographs will be displayed in the city’shistorical monuments, outdoors and even on thesea itself, revealing the marine environment in allits wealth and diversity. The sea, synonymous withpassion, pain, poetry and pleasure, takes overthe city and emphasises its maritime identitythroughout the festival. Entertainment, photographycourses, technical tips, the chance to meet withprofessionals and guided tours are also available ina unique central venue in the heart of the city nearSaint-Pierre Cathedral. Further information: [email protected]
Further informationon festivals and eventsMorbihan Tourist board
33 (0) 825 13 56 56www.morbihan.com
Marta Pan, Parcours flottant.
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PRACTICAL GUIDE TO BRITTANY26
A selection of events and festivals in 2006www.brittanytourism.com
DOUARNENEZ 200627-31 July 2006Don't miss this 20th anniversary edition!
Douarnenez - a fishing and coastal naviga-tion port at the western edge of Brittany -will be celebrating the 20th anniversary ofthis festival in July 2006. Each year, hun-dreds of sailing ships and thousands of sai-lors come from all over the world to partyin Finistère.
During this unique and exciting event,sailors provide entertainment in the formof music and sea shanties against abreathtaking backdrop of hundreds ofboats from all corners of the globe. Tocelebrate its twentieth anniversary, thisbiennial festival is organising an immenseflotilla of boats of all shapes and sizes.You can also look forward to hundreds ofmusicians, maritime heritage societiesfrom all over France and further a field,and the Place des marins – a small villagein the centre of the festival with seashanties, traditional French dancing eventsand a great atmosphere. This long-awaited twentieth edition also promisesexhibitions, films and debates.
Contact: 33 (0)2 98 92 29 29www.douarnenez2006.com
PRINTEMPSDE CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-FAOUEaster Sunday – Châteauneuf-du-FaouThe Printemps de Châteauneuf - an Easter Sunday music and dance festival- bears witness to the growing popularity of Breton culture. Forty of thebest singer/musician duos from all over Brittany will take it in turns toperform during the Fest-Deiz/Fest-Noz. This friendly festival features 5,000dancers and brings together people of all ages for 8 hours of fun in CentralFinistère… Singers and musicians will put on concerts in this setting,decorated with huge standing stones. This really is an event to remember!For more information call 33 (0)2 98 21 97 57
21ST FESTIVAL EUROPÉENDU FILM COURT DE BREST 11 to 19 November 2006 in Brest
9 days of cinema and as many as 250 short films, collected from all overEurope (Italy, Estonia, Ireland, Sweden, etc.), will enable you to travel tofaraway places, daydream, laugh or even cry. And whether they last five orforty-five minutes, each film has its own universe and each director theirown view of the world.Watch the latest European films and cartoons, which are certain to pleaseall ages. The festival includes the official European competition (nineprogrammes), Cocotte Minute competition (films lasting under sixminutes), programmes for young audiences (3 years and up), a panoramicview of Brittany, cinema/concerts, debates with film directors and exhibitions.
Festival Européen du Film Court de Brest Association Côte Ouest - BP 3124729212 Brest cedex 1Tel: 33 (0)2 98 44 03 94 - www.filmcourt.fr
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PRACTICAL GUIDE TO BRITTANY
20TH FESTIVAL DES ARTSDE LA RUE2 to 9 August 2006 in Morlaix
Morlaix's Festival des arts de la rue (FAR) was createdin 1986 and is one of the oldest street theatrefestivals to have adopted new theatrical writingtechniques for public areas. The aim of the festival is to invite locals andvisitors on a journey to the heart of the townthrough a variety of shows calling on variousdifferent aspects of street entertainment - dance,theatre, circus tricks, music and fine arts. Thissurprising festival will have you laughing anddaydreaming and may even get you thinking... With this fun and original artistic circuit, MorlaixFAR promotes artistic creation in the town. 2006sees the 20th anniversary of the festival, which willbe held from 2 to 9 August.
Contact: Le Fourneau, 11 quai de la douane, 29200 BrestTel. 33 (0)2 98 46 19 46www.artsdanslarue.com
MUSÉE DE PONT AVEN24 June to 25 September 2006 in Pont Aven
Breton painters and their spiritual quest, 1860-1960This exhibition presents the religious themes inspi-red by Brittany through the works of EmileBernard, Maurice Denis, Charles Filiger, Paul
Sérusier, Charles Cottet, Louis Désiré-Lucas, AlbertClouard, Adolphe Beaufrère, Otto Weber, GeorgesCornélius, Jan Verkade, André Even, MarcelGonzalez, Jules Paressant, Jean Mingam, PierreGilles, Sébastien, Jean Frélaut, ...Man is naturally attracted to all things holy andsacred and painters are no exception as at onetime or another in their lives they tackle the sub-ject of faith.
Museum open every day. June to September from10am to 12.30pm and from 2pm to 6.30pm -July/August: 10am to 7pm - Price: c4 – Reducedprice c2.50
Musée de Pont-AvenPlace de l'Hôtel de Ville 29930 Pont-Aven Tel. 33 (0)2 98 06 14 43 Fax 33 (0)2 98 06 03 39 -email: [email protected]
There are many other events inFinistère each year.
Take for example the FestivalKann Al Loar in Landerneaufrom 8 to 15 July 2006, the
Mondial Folk de Plozévet from17 to 22 August, the Festival de
Cornouaille in Quimper from15 to 23 July, the Fête desBrodeuses in Pont L'Abbé,the Fête des Mouettes in
Douarnenez and the Festivaldes Filets bleus in Concarneau
from15 to 20 August 2006.
For further information onevents in Finistère in 2006, visitwww.finisteretourisme.com orcontact the various different
touristinformation centres.
15TH FESTIVAL DES VIEILLESCHARRUES20, 21, 22 & 23 July 2006 in CarhaixDuring its fifteen-year history, the Festival desVieilles Charrues has become one of the greatestrock festivals in Europe. Each year, more than150,000 festival goers flock to the 3-day event,held in the small town of Carhaix in CentralBrittany.
A cross between a popular festival and a majorcultural event, the Festival des Vieilles Charruesfeatures more than 1,000 artists and 80 shows on 5different stages. Hopeful newcomers performalongside big names from the international musicscene, for example REM, The Cure, Patti Smith,Massive Attack, Deep Purple, Iggy Pop, Texas,Beck, Ben Harper, Placebo, Manu Chao and manyothers may have watched the likes of The Kills, TheCoral, The Streets, Joseph Arthur and DevendraBanhart.
[email protected]: 0 820 890 066 (c0.099/minute)www.vieillescharrues.asso.fr
Paul Sérusier, l’apparition de la vierge.
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Côtes d'ArmorBELLE ISLE EN TERRE 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) 2.96.43.46.03CALLAC 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] SUR MER 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) 2.96.83.90.52ILE DE BREHAT 33 (0) [email protected] LES LACS 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] DE BRETAGNE 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] GUIREC 33 (0) [email protected] VAL ANDRE 33 (0) [email protected] LES GREVES 33 (0) [email protected] BODOU 33 (0) 2.96.23.91.47infos.tourisme@pleumeur-bodouPLOUGRESCANT 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] CAST 33 (0) [email protected] BRIEUC [email protected] JACUT DE LA MER 33 (0) [email protected] MICHEL EN GREVE 33 (0) 2.96.35.74.87ST NICOLAS DU PELEM 33 (0) 2.96.29.52.51ST QUAY PORTRIEUX 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) 2.96.92.22.33TREVOU TREGUIGNEC 33 (0) 2.96.23.71.92
FinistèreARGOL 33 (0) 2.98.27.75.30AUDIERNE 33 (0) [email protected]
BANNALEC 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] CAP SIZUN 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] DE L'ODET 33 (0) [email protected] PLAGES 33 (0) [email protected] S/MER 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] PLOUGUER 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) 2.98.86.02.11CHATEAUNEUF DU FAOU 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] CARNOET 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected]'H 33 (0) 2.98.06.33.44GUISSENY 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) 2.98.99.72.32ILE DE BATZ 33 (0) [email protected] D'OUESSANT 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] FORET FOUESNANT 33 (0) [email protected] PLOUARZEL 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) 2.98.27.78.46LANDIVISIAU 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) 2.98.27.59.04LE CONQUET 33 (0) [email protected] GUILVINEC 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] S/MER 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected]'H 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) 2.98.26.71.05PLOEVEN 33 (0) [email protected]
PLOMODIERN 33 (0) [email protected] LANVERN 33 (0) [email protected] DU FAOU 33 (0) 2.98.86.90.07PLONEVEZ PORZAY 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] TREZ 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] AVEN 33 (0) [email protected] CROIX 33 (0) [email protected] L'ABBE 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] S/BELON 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] RENAN 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] NIC PENTREZ 33 (0) [email protected] POL DE LEON 33 (0) [email protected] S/MER 33 (0) 2.98.27.78.06jckerspern@voilà.frTREGUNC 33 (0) [email protected]
Ille et VilaineBAIN DE BRETAGNE 33 (0) 2.99.43.98.69BAZOUGES LA PEROUSE 33 (0) 2.99.97.40.94tourisme.baz@voilà.frBECHEREL 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] DE BRETAGNE 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] GUERCHE DE BRETAGNE 33 (0) [email protected] FERCHAUD 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) 2.99.34.61.60syndicat.initiative.guipry.messac@wanadoo.frMONTFORT S/MEU 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] MALO 33 (0) 8.25.135.200
[email protected] BRIAC S/MER 33 (0) [email protected] LUNAIRE 33 (0) [email protected] MEEN LE GRAND 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected]
MorbihanAURAY 33 (0) [email protected] ILE EN MER 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] CHAMP 33 (0) [email protected] S/SCORFF 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] DE GROIX 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] GACILLY 33 (0) [email protected] TRINITE PORHOET 33 (0) [email protected] TRINITE SUR MER 33 (0) 2.97.55.72.21tourisme@ot-trinité-sur-mer.frLANGUIDIC 33 (0) [email protected] FAOUET 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) 2.97.60.00.37LORIENT 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) 2.99.91.36.01PENESTIN S/MER 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] SCORFF 33 (0) [email protected] CROUESTY 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] EN TERRE 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] ANNE D'AURAY 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected] 33 (0) [email protected]
PRACTICAL GUIDE TO BRITTANY28
Tourist offices in Brittanywww.brittanytourism.com
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Does Brittany sound attractive ?
PRACTICAL GUIDE TO BRITTANY 29
www.brittanytourism.com
GREAT BRITAINPACKAGE HOLIDAYS IN HOTELS
Aa motoring holidaysTel: 01256 493 801
AeroscopeTel: 01608 650 103
Albatros holidaysTel: 01708 879 100
Allez FranceTel: 01903 748 100
Belle FranceTel: 01797 223 777
BotelTel: 01709 700 256
Brittany best breaksTel: 0800 085 7739
Brittany direct holidaysTel: (020) 8644 7881
Brittany FerriesTel: 08705 360 360
Condor ferriesTel: 0845 641 0259
Classic breakawayTel: 0149 253 2532
Cresta holidaysTel: 0970 161 0910
Crystal holidaysTel: 0870 888 0023
Driveline EuropeTel: 0170 222 300
France nordTel: 0121 353 6457
French expressionsTel: 0207 431 1312
French life holidaysTel: 0870 444 8877
Hotel abroadTel: 01689 858 598
InterhomeTel: 0208 891 1294
Leisure directionTel: 0800 0857 739
Select FranceTel: 0186 533 1350
Stena line holidaysTel: 0990 74 7474
Travelscene limitedTel: 0208 427 4445
Unicorn holidays hertsTel: 0158 283 4400
VFB holidaysTel: 0124 224 0340
SELF CATERING
AgritourTel: 0208 994 6002
Albatros holidaysTel: 0170 873 2276
Allez France holidaysTel: 01903 748 100
Brittany ferriesTel: 08705 360 360
BowhillsTel: 0148 987 7627
Cresta holidays
Tel: 0970 161 0910
Driveline Europe
Tel: 0170 222 300
Eurovillage
Tel: 0160 673 4400
Four seasons
Tel: 0113 256 4373
France nord
Tel: 0121 353 6457
French life holidays
Tel: 0870 444 8877
Inter home
Tel: 0208 891 1294
Just France
Tel: 0280 878 04400
Lagrange UK
Tel: 020 7371 6111
Stena line holidays
Tel: 0990 74 7474
Sunselect villas
Tel: 01299 271 717
Vacances en campagne
Tel: 0179 886 9433
VFB holidays
Tel: 0142 240 339
Welcome holidays
Tel: 0175 670 4865
ART TOURS/ARTS & CRAFS
Lsg theme holidaysTel: 0150 9239 857
French country cruisesTel: 0157 282 1390
CHATEAU TOURS/CHATEAU STAYS
Brittany ferriesTel: 08705 360 360
French expressionsTel: 0171 431 1312
COACH TRAVEL/RAIL TOURS
Bebb travelTel: 0144 32151 00
Leger travelTel: 0170 983 0333
Shearings holidaysTel: 0194 244246
Travelling togetherTel: 0176 326 2190
COOKERY COURSES & GASTRONOMY
Allez France holidaysTel: 01903 748 100
Lsg theme holidaysTel: 0150 9239 857
Page and moy ltdTel: 0116 250 7000
FAMILIES (STAYING WITH FRENCHFAMILIES)
Brittany ferriesTel: 08705 360 360
French life holidaysTel: 0870 444 8877
HOLIDAY VILLAGE
Allez France holidaysTel: 01903 748 100
Driveline EuropeTel: 0170 222 300
French life holidaysTel: 0870 444 8877
Lsg theme holidaysTel: 0150 9239 857
P&O européen ferriesTel: 0870 6000600
MOTORING HOLIDAYS ANDFLY&DRIVE
Aa motoring holidaysTel: 01256 493 801
Allez FranceTel: 01903 748 100
Brittany direct holidaysTel: (020) 8644 7881
Brittany ferriesTel: 08705 360 360
Cresta holidaysTel: 0970 161 0910
Driveline EuropeTel: 0170 222 300
French expressionsTel: 0207 431 1312
Just FranceTel: 020 878 04400
Vfb holidaysTel: 0142 240 339
CYCLING MOTORCYCLING
Belle FranceTel: 01797 223 777
Stena line holidaysTel: 0990 74 7474
GOLFING
Albatros holydaysTel: 0170 873 2276
Brittany ferriesTel: 08705 360 360
Cresta holidaysTel: 0970 161 0910
Driveline holidaysTel: 0170 222 300
French expressionsTel: 0207 431 1312
French life holidaysTel: 0870 444 8877
Traveling togetherTel: 0176 326 2190
WALKING HOLIDAYS
Lsg theme holidaysTel: 0150 9239 857
Sherpa expeditionsTel: 0208577 2717
WEEKENDS/SHORTS BREAKSFRENCH FAMILIES
Brittany direct holidaysTel: (020) 8644 7881
Brittany ferriesTel: 08705 360 360
Cresta holidaysTel: 0970 161 0910
French life holidaysTel: 0870 444 8877
Just FranceTel: 020 878 04400
Select FranceTel: 0186 533 1350
Sherpa expeditionsTel: 0208577 2717
CARAVANNING/CAMPING
Allez FranceTel: 01903 748 100
Brittany ferriesTel: 08705 360 360
Care free travel serviceTel: 024 7642 2024
Four seasonsTel: 0113 256 4373
French life holidaysTel: 0870 444 8877
Haven EuropeTel: 0870 242 7777
Keycamp holidaysTel: 0870 7000 123
Matthews holidaysTel: 01483 284 044
Select FranceTel: 0186 533 1350
Stena line holidaysTel: 0990 74 7474
Solaire holidaysTel: 0121 778 5061
IRELANDHOTEL HOLIDAYS
Abbey travelTel: 01 804 71 00
Brittany ferriesTel: 08705 360 360
Keller campotelTel: 0905 43 888/42 131
Travel aroundTel: 01 66 10 622
SELF CATERING
Alpha travelTel: 061 413 988
Brittany ferriesTel: 08705 360 360
Irish ferries holidaysTel: 01 661 0533
Molloy travel ltdTel: 0509 20 350/20 376
Travel aroundTel: 01 66 10 622
CAMPING CARAVANING
Brittany ferriesTel: 08705 360 360
Keller campotelTel: 0905 43 888/42 131
Keycamp holidaysTel: 021 277 889
Molloy travel ltdTel: 0509 20 350/20 376
Navan travel ltdTel: 046 21 617/21 005
Sweeney travelTel: 091 841 552
Travel aroundTel: 01 66 10 622
USAwww.discoverbrittany.comTel: 1 866 427 4882
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ACCOMMODATION
Hotels and tourist apart-ments in Brittany (no. 3)An index of addresses,prices and services iscontained in this usefulguide to choosing a hotelin Brittany. Features hotelchains and traditionalhotels offering guaranteedcomfort and friendliness.
Camping, caravaning andcamper van sites (no. 4)Organised by departementand location, campsites listtheir services according tocategory. Facilities indica-ted by the guide includenumber of pitches, towingand static caravan hire,availability of meals on-siteand provision of gamesroom.
Camping Plus (no. 24)30 category 3 and 4 starcampsites belonging to the"Camping+" chain offer aquality reception whichmeets the gold standardlevel of facilities set out in acustomer charter.
Self catering in Brittany -Villas and apartments(no. 6)This catalogue provides fullinstructions on how to rent aproperty for your Brittanyholiday. Letting agenciesoffer a selection of traditionaland modern propertieslisted by region and accom-panied by a photo. Pricesand description of the levelof comfort are alsoincluded.
Hotels of charm andcharacter (no. 66)Combining charm andauthenticity, these Brittanyhotels invite you to samplea genuine French "art devivre". Modern comfortand a warm welcome arethe special ingredients foran unforgettable stay.
Brittany best breaks(no. 99)The answer to all yourdemands for your nextholidays in Brittany...Thisbrochure gives you the keyfor planning your holidays:spa breaks, shorts breaks,bed and breakfast, villagesand cottages, selectedhotels… All you need tochoice the best way to stayin Brittany.www.brittany-best-breaks.com
GASTRONOMYTables et Saveurs deBretagne (no. 19)The "Tables et Saveurs deBretagne" brochure offers aguide to Brittany's centresof culinary excellence. Thebest-known chefs invite youto share the results of theirexpertise, creativity andtalent. All the restaurantsrecognised by the guide-books as the best places toeat are included, so that you know where to go tosample cuisine of exceptional quality.
Successful holidaying in Brittanywww.brittanytourism.com
REPLY-SLIPInformation serviceTo receive our brochures, send this reply-coupon to our information serviceBretagne INFOS - 1 rue Raoul Ponchon - 35069 RENNES CEDEX - FRANCEFax : 33 (0) 2 99 28 44 40 or by e-mail : [email protected]
Name ...........................................................................................Address................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Town............................................................................................Country ..............................................................................................................
Phone number..............................................................................e- mail...................................................@..........................................................
� Brittany best breaks � Hotels of charm and character� Hotels in Brittany � Guest rooms� Campsites in Brittany � Tables et saveurs de Bretagne� Camping plus � Brittany’s natural heritage� Self catering in Brittany � Brittany’s Cités d’art� Leisure in Brittany � Golf courses in Brittany
Looking for advice on preparing for yourstay or choosing a holiday destination inBrittany?You can rely on the quality and depthof the information contained in thebrochures suggested below to help you.
To receive a copy of the brochures,simply complete the reply-slip at thebottom of this page and address to:
Bretagne Infos1 rue Raoul Ponchon35069 RENNES - France
We will send you the documentationwithin a week. You can also ask forBrittany brochures on our website :
www.brittanytourism.com
If you're passing through Paris and wouldlike to visit Brittany, La Maison de laBretagne can offer documentation andhelp with arranging your stay.Don't hesitate to see us at203 Boulevard St Germain, Paris 7e,(nearest Métro: rue du Bac).
✂
Hôtels& résidences de tourisme
en Bretagne
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LOCATIONSen Bretagne
www.tourismebretagne.com
LOCATIONSen Bretagne
Bed and breakfast (no. 5)Under the "Gîtes deFrance" label in thisguide you'll find all the pos-sibilities for staying in"Chambres d'hôte", or B&Btype accommodation,where you're sure of atraditional warm welcomefrom your hosts.
2005
www.brittany-best-breaks.com
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Successful holidaying in Brittanywww.brittanytourism.com
EXPLORING
Brittany’s natural heritage(no. 36)A land of contrast, Brittanyconceals a rich, protectednatural and cultural heritage.This brochure offers youthe chance to discover theregion‘s many faces byexploring on it by foot,bike, horse or even bykayak.
Brittany's Cités d’Art (no. 22)The ancient heart ofBrittany boasts 41 'SmallTowns of Character','Towns of Art and History'and 'Historic Towns', whichmake ideal tourist andcultural destinations andare not to be missed.Brittany's Cités d'Artbrochure provides informa-
tion about all these towns. Through beautifulpictures, it presents the beauty, quality anddiversity of Breton urban architectural heritage,which is today well maintained.
Leisure activities inBrittany (no. 37)Here is a guide to discove-ring history, geographyand science which beginswith a journey downthrough the ages touringmegaliths, chateaux,museums and towns.Brittany has a rich natural,as well as cultural, heritagewith nature reserves,parks, gardens, zoos and aquariums. Don't forgetthe full calendar of folk festivals and fêtes to helpyou plan your stay.
Golf in Brittany (no. 7)This guide presents a perso-nal view of each of thirty 9and 18 hole courses. Eachcourse has its own particularfeatures and offers deals toencourage visitors to makethe most of this sport inBrittany.
Brittany tourist informationpointYou can obtain all the litterature requiredfor your next Brittany holiday at thefollowing address :
Crêperie Chez Lindsay11 Hill RiseRichmondSURREY TW10 6 UQFax : 44 (0) 208 332 0129
200
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BretagneNature et Randonnée
Brittany’s natural heritage and rambling
© S
& JB
Rab
ouan
Visitwww.brittanytourism.com
to plan your next holiday
Surf the wave
to Brittany and see all
it has to offer
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