Brittany, the rugged west of France with picturesque old towns, castles and fortresses and the surf of the Atlantic that constantly laps against its rocky coastline. Its ancient name of Armorika meaning “The land of the sea ” underlines the historical significance of the ocean for those who live in this part of the world.

English troops besieged Vitré for many years until the lords of the castle finally paid a high ransom for their freedom. The besieging army thus withdrew. The well fortified town subsequently enjoyed much prosperity and has remained in tact right up until the present day.

Le Mont Saint-Michel with its historic buildings and eighty metre high granite mound is like something from a fairy tale. Powerful fortifications surround the small town and the abbey on top of the rock and due to its unique location and architectural splendour this picturesque village is often referred to as the Wonder Of The Occident.

Saint Malo is the proud and solemn “Town Of The Corsairs”. Today’s yacht harbour once contained pirate ships that were used to attack unsuspecting merchant ships laden with rich cargo. This old pirate citadel located on the Emerald Coast is built from granite and looks as though it is an integral part of the rock.

Dinan is a small and enchanting French town on the banks of the Rance is one of the most beautiful and well preserved mediaeval towns in Brittany. Today, cobbled lanes and several half-timbered buildings highlight the town’s colourful history.

Brest was once the most important military harbour and submarine base in France but during the Second World War it was constantly bombed and more than half of it was destroyed. Its rebuilding programme introduced a number of new attractions such as the Océanopolis, a super-modern sea park that features a large number of animals and plants.

The western part of France has many faces. The Romans once called it, “The end of the world”. A land of myths, castles, fishing villages and picturesque old towns. Brittany, even today, is a wild and natural paradise!