Brittany - Some Opinions Please:)

[jimbeaux]

I watched a Travel Channel program the other night on Brittany. I must admit my ignorance toward this place. My questions would be:

1) Is it more French than British, visa versa, or a nice mix of both? It seemed that the outlying towns and fishing villages were a little more "Brit like" while the interior was more French.

2) On a visit to the continent, is this worthy of a stop over or is a pass by in order?

Thanks for your input....Jim B



>> Edited by jimbeaux on Thursday 16th February 02:44

[Timmy30]

I'm sorry I thought you meant Spears...

Sorry "Is it more French than British" I shall out that question to a French colleague tomrrow......she'll go mental

>> Edited by Timmy30 on Thursday 16th February 02:47

[jimbeaux]

Timmy30 said:

I'm sorry I thought you meant Spears... Sorry "Is it more French than British" I shall out that question to a French colleague tomrrow......she'll go mental >> Edited by Timmy30 on Thursday 16th February 02:47

Let's not pi$$ off the French over this....on the other hand....let's....Thanks!

[speedychrissie]

its not exactly a small place. im not sure you can "experience brittany" in a pass of it. if you want to see very french places then you can, whereas there are bound to be rather anglicised parts if that is what floats your boat.

i really like most of france. so i would recommend that you attempt to see some of it, but what parts and for how long depends on what you want.

[jimbeaux]

speedychrissie said:

its not exactly a small place. im not sure you can "experience brittany" in a pass of it. if you want to see very french places then you can, whereas there are bound to be rather anglicised parts if that is what floats your boat. i really like most of france. so i would recommend that you attempt to see some of it, but what parts and for how long depends on what you want.

Thanks; I have been around France a few times; just wondered if Brittany is different enough to spend time. I am planning on a pond-hopping within the year, bringing the wife along for some "non-business" travel.

>> Edited by jimbeaux on Thursday 16th February 02:54

[ErnestM]

Considering that you live in Louisiana, Jimbeaux, I too thought that Mrs. Federlinewhotsherface had commited some new post-sprog transgression to which the details only locals where privy to...


ErnestM

[jimbeaux]

ErnestM said:

Considering that you live in Louisiana, Jimbeaux, I too thought that Mrs. Federlinewhotsherface had commited some new post-sprog transgression to which the details only locals where privy to... ErnestM

I wouldn't touch that skank with...with.....TallBloke's tool!

[polus]

jimbeaux said:

ErnestM said: Considering that you live in Louisiana, Jimbeaux, I too thought that Mrs. Federlinewhotsherface had commited some new post-sprog transgression to which the details only locals where privy to... ErnestM I wouldn't touch that skank with...with.....TallBloke's tool!

lol

[Balmoral Green]

Brittany is to France what Wales or Scotland is to the UK, not politically, but it is fiercely proud of being different, moreso than any other region. A bit like the Catalans are in Spain. It is however still very French, I couldnt say any of it is like England in any cultural way or form, but it is a very popular holiday spot for the Brits, particularly for family holidays with kids. and as DBSV8 has said, loads of Brits live there. I lived at Pointe St Gilles in Benodet for about four years.

[muley]

SWBMO and I have had a few good holidays there. It's a bit like Cornwall but with good roads, free parking and excellent food.

Lovely scenery, too.

Only downside is the weather - the last two summer holidays we had there were seriously wet and cold.

[Eric Mc]

During the 1970s (no doubt inspired by the antics of Irish Republicans), a strong separatist movement grew up in Britanny. The Bretons are Celtic at heart and many still speak their ancient language (called Breton, not surprisingly). Breton is not like French at all and is much closer to Welsh and Cornish.

The Bretons also have a very distinctive form of music and dance. One instrument in particular is associated with Breton music - the bombard. This is very similar to the "chanter" of a Scottish bagpipes, but is much louder (and there is no wind bag attached).
The most well known proponent of Breton Music is Alain Stivell. He produced some popular albums in the 1970s - which were popular outside of France. He even did some concerts in Ireland at the time - I remember my sister going top see him at the old National Stadium around 1975.

[Balmoral Green]

Pointe de la torche on a windy day is fantastic, stand near the gun emplacement and ancient burial site (nice the way the germans built the emplacement just to the side of the ancient site, althouth the cairn was in the better position, very considerate of them), unzip your coat and grab the bottom corners, you can almost hang glide as you lean into the wind and spray. Watch the surfers and sand yachts, then its off for cidre and crepes.

[tollytuff]

spent a couple of weeks in brittany a few years ago. really enjoyed it, as mentioned, like cornwall only less people/cars and slightly warmer.. some lovely beaches around le conquet, and very easy to find an empty beach all for yourself.

avoid brest (seriously), as i believe we flatened it in 1943. but quimper (no, really!) is a very beautiful city (and i hate cities!)..

[bor]

What Eric said.

More affinity with Ireland/Wales/Jockland rather than England, which reassuringly is still hated. Fairly rugged coastline, windy, not too warm in my experience. Brilliant for seafood. Generally an expensive place to live due to an influx of rich Parisians/English etc.

My wife is from Concarneau (seaside town), so we spend a lot of time there. It's nice enough, but I can't say it would be my first choice holiday destination.

[dougc]

I can only repeat what others have said. I love the place. The people are much more friendly than any other part of France. The food is fantastic, the pace of life is relaxed and scenery is great, especially on the Northen coastline.

The Breton people are fiercely proud of their heritage and independence - the roadsigns are often in 2 languages and in cafes, bars and restaurants its not uncommon to have a 50:50 split of poeple speaking French and Breton.

Well worth a visit.

[alfaman]

spent a week there once in the Summer - was very enjoyable .

Good food , lovely beaches , generally much less crowded than the UK ,

better scenery than Cornwall , bigger hills and better views.

Quimper was a nice town, we stayed in a Gite in the countryside

[jimbeaux]

Thanks guys, I appreciate your views. It will definately be on the "consider" list.

[xm5er]

Lovely place but I would echo what a few others have said, you need to spend a week or more there to get under its skin. That said St Malo would make a nice low key day trip.