Everyone more or less familiar with such European countries as France.Someone knows her novels of Alexandre Dumas, someone - on the famous comedy of the twentieth century, and someone on the game and football clubs.Fans traveling certainly visited the French Mediterranean coast and a romantic mood people dream to visit the capital of the country - Paris ... The list could go on forever, but today we look at the other side of France, where the majority of tourists, sports fans, and moviegoers ourthe country was never interested.This state is divided into administrative units - regions in France.In this article we will talk about one of them.This area is little known Russian tourists, but the French themselves are happy to spend their holidays there.We are talking about Brittany.
little about the administrative division of France
region of France - a rather large administrative and territorial units.They were established over 40 years ago with the aim of decentralization of political power in the country.The executive power in each region to elected council, but is controlled by a high-ranking official - prefect.France is divided into 27 parts, regions, 22 of which are in the European part of the country, and presented five islands in the waters of three oceans, in addition to the Arctic.Under the Constitution, the regions of France have a strong management and influence.For example, in high school and school education, vocational training and education, research, the economy, land use, infrastructure (waterways, railways and roads), social policy and so on. D.
However, it is time to return to our maintopic.As stated in the encyclopedia, Brittany - a north-western region and the historical region of France, washed by the Bay of Biscay to the south and from the north to the Channel Tunnel.The capital of Brittany - Rennes.
Geological help
historic region Bretagne (France) lies on the eponymous peninsula that much is given into the waters of the Atlantic Ocean.This peninsula in geological terms is the oldest parcel of land on the territory of France.Its coastline length of 3,700 km is very much indented with numerous headlands, islands and coves.Forming a peninsula of Brittany Armorican Massif is an ancient Precambrian Shield period.It is believed that during the division of the continental plates, he was part of West Africa.
Relief
Brittany (France), is characterized by elevated terrain, but low (its maximum height is 107 meters) and relatively flat.The rugged valleys and rivers landscape is somewhat reminiscent of Ireland or Scotland.Human impact for several centuries so transformed the previously very infertile terrain, which is typical for this area alternation of meadows, fields, and other plots with artificial strips of bush and forest got its own name - "Bocage".
Climatic conditions The climate in this region is mild, moderate, due to the influence of the warm waters of the Gulf Stream.Summers are warm and quite early.The average temperature in July is +24 ° C.Winters are mild and very wet, however, despite this, the precipitation falls here a bit - up to 1000 mm per year.The average temperature in January is +7 ° C.North-west of France is characterized by strong winds from the sea, off the coast of which can reach considerable strength, as penetration into the territory quickly lose their head.It is to fight against the elements locals and developed a system of well-known wood strips Bocage.
Background
ancient Armorica, or, as they called this place the Romans, Country by the sea, to the V century BC was inhabited by tribes of the Celts, and after - immigrants from the British Isles.They gave the region its current name.In the Middle Ages, Brittany was associated with Britain through sea route, much more than with mainland France.Most modern cities like Saint-Lo, Saint-Brieuc and Saint-Malo, was founded by Irish or Welsh missionaries and were named in honor of the ancient saints, which are probably already impossible to find in any lists.
Language and Culture
To this day, the people inhabiting Brittany (France), in its culture and language is quite different from the rest of the population of this country.However, local residents struggling to emphasize their authenticity on an everyday level, and at the official.Breton, epic tradition and complex symbolism retain their identity and value and now, despite the partial assimilation with the French culture.In addition, the thrust is clearly visible in the region to independence, manifested, for example, the widespread use of historical and cultural names in the struggle for the establishment of their particular domain on the Internet, and even in the creation of a political party "Democratic Union of Breton."This organization was in favor of the autonomy of the region.And as local festivals and celebrations, and all imbued with the traditions of the people more than anywhere else in France, and they are clearly not designed for tourists, but only for the revival of their own ancient culture.
Cities Brittany
France - a very beautiful country, rich in cities and small towns, settlements and villages.And they absolutely do not like each other, in each of the settlements is the highlight.No exception and Brittany.Since 1532 its capital is the city of Rennes, located in the central part of the peninsula, from its inception.From here to Paris, just two hours away by express train.The main town of the region are Brest, Lorient, Vannes, Dinard, Dinan, Quimper, Saint-Malo and Ore.Later in this article we give an overview of the most beautiful towns of Brittany, which are interesting for its historical and natural attractions.Map of France, the above will help everyone who wants to determine the route, following which you can visit all these objects, learn a lot and broaden their horizons.
North Coast of Brittany
1. Dinan. Traveling to Brittany, the port town can not ignore.For your walls, he cherishes the medieval atmosphere.Dinan is considered one of the most beautiful cities in France.Here you can admire the architecture of the old half-timbered houses, piled along the cobbled narrow streets, the castle of the fourteenth century, a luxurious stone bridge over the river Rance.All this tells of a very rich past of this town, thanks to a thriving crafts and trade.Many souvenir shops offer products of modern masters: goldsmith wood, glass blowers, etc..
2. Dinar. Travel Tours in Brittany required to include in its list of this town, because it is one of the oldest French ski resorts.Even before the middle of the XIX century, it was a simple fishing village, the place is not attracted the English aristocracy.And, like mushrooms after rain, began to grow Villa British lords who spent here the summer season, while enjoying an extraordinary view of the sea bay and enjoying the mild climate.The vegetation here is strongly reminiscent of the Mediterranean, and the town keeps the old bourgeois atmosphere.Beautiful vintage forks make architectural attractions Dinara.There is a golf course, a casino and a huge space for lovers of sailing trips.
3. Saint-Malo. This modern resort, covered with glory corsairs, is certainly worth a visit fans of surfing and sailing.Huge waves and wind attractive for surfers and for those who simply want to enjoy the fantastic views of the Atlantic Ocean from a height of city walls of the old city.Walking around the perimeter of the fortress of Saint Malo will leave in your memory unforgettable.
4. Brest. This city has always been associated with the roar of cannon and the sea.It was founded to protect the western borders of the country, and during the Second World War, as well as its namesake in Belarus, has been almost completely razed to the ground.Today, however, rebuilt, it amazes its guests the beauty of the gardens and the city castle, which is located in Admiralty.
Inner Brittany
1. Rennes. Visiting Brittany (France), it is impossible not to meet with the capital region.First of all, it attracts a diverse culture of life.This Museum of Fine Arts, and the famous university, is the largest science center, and a theater.Being in Rennes, make sure stroll through its numerous parks and embankments of the rivers that cross the city.
2. vitro. in this city is one of the most beautiful castles in France.He recalls a childhood dream ... One gets the impression that this medieval scenery, as he is alive.In addition, the supplement seems ancient, but well preserved cobbled streets and half-timbered houses.As a result, walk around the city as it is transformed into a real journey in time.
3. Josselin. This town is also famous for its castle, built in the Renaissance dynasty of Rohan.By the way, there are still living descendants.However, the object is still open to the public.In Zhoslene can see Gothic churches, old houses, green terraces, outdoor cafes and much more.In addition, there are regularly large medieval festival.
South Coast
1. Baths. This coastal town is often compared to Cannes.You can visit the medieval fortress, sea harbor, the historical and cultural center with the waterfront.Settlement striking architecture of the old houses of the XV century, the castle and the magnificent gardens.
2. Nantes. This historic homeland Anne of Brittany, the city of the arts.Today there coexist and ancient architecture family nest Breton princes, and ultra-modern palace of justice.Tourists are invited to visit the museum Jules Verne, as well as 16 churches and the Cathedral of Peter and Paul.
Brittany, France.Natural Attractions
course, this region is not only interesting architectural monuments listed above, but also in other places.Visiting Brittany (France generally known scenic areas and original settlement, but we are considering the region - it is something special!), Be sure to make time to get familiar with these places:
1. Pink Granite Coast. is considered one of the most romantic towns in France.It is located between Treberdenom and Perros-Guirec, got its name because of the pink granite boulders shade piling at the coast.
2. Ile de Brea - an island off the northern coast of the region.Wonderful picturesque this area attracts many tourists.
3. Carnac stones. This is commonly known "garden" of megalithic stones, which are often compared with Stonehenge.
4. Pamponsky forest. In this dark forest stretches over 7000 hectares, before going to the Celtic Druids.In addition, this is where the events described in the story of King Arthur and the Holy Grail.
