Much of Brittany's history dates back to its Celtic roots. The
landscape is littered with ancient and mysterious standing stones
and the local language (sadly in danger of dying out) is based on
Celtic, more closely resembling Welsh than French. The Celts came
from Britain in around the 6th century with their culture,
traditions and folklore that still reign supreme in the region
today, particularly in the rather arid interior, lending Brittany a
touch of mystery and enchantment. Keep your eyes open and you may
even imagine you spy a Cornish pixie in the underbrush! The Bretons
maintained an independent state until the 16th century in this
northwest corner of France, which protrudes into the Atlantic with
an irregular coastline featuring inlets, cliffs, offshore islands
and stretches of white, sandy beach.
It is the coastline that has made Brittany the most popular
summer holiday destination in France, next to the Côte d'Azur, for
both French and foreign visitors. The coast is liberally sprinkled
with resorts and campsites, always full during the summer
season.
