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Brittany & Normandy
Gentle countryside, sandy beaches and rugged peninsulas
Discover this land of ancient myths and legends, roam through gentle countryside of cider orchards and grazing cows, alongside timbered farmhouses. Relax on the fabulous sandy beaches, or explore little coves with rock pools and enjoy the magnificent ocean views against a backdrop of rugged peninsulas and storm-weathered cliffs.
Leisure and sport
An excellent way to enjoy Brittany is by boat along its many waterways to resorts and nearby islands. Visit Benodet by river from Quimper, or explore some of the small islands along the coast, such as Ile de Bréhat or Ile de Sein. Dont miss a walk or boat trip to the magnificent Mont St Michel with its monumental C12th church and summer music festivals. There are watersports galore sailing, wind-surfing, surfing and much more. The country-side is also great for cycling, with lots of quiet country lanes. Rouen, the ancient capital of Normandy and city of Joan of Arc is great for a day out with a splendid cathedral, cobbled streets and half-timbered houses.
Towns and resorts
Brittany has plenty of pretty seaside resorts and fishing ports full of holiday charm and local seafoods, such as the Breton port of Audierne, or Cancale on the north coast renowned for its oysters. The larger resort of Carnac is best known for its prehistoric stone monuments dating from around 2000 BC, whilst the elegant La Baule on the Loire Atlantique coast has miles of sandy beaches, marina, casino and many sporting attractions. This elegance is mirrored on the Normandy coast in resorts such as Deauville and Trouville with racecourses, casino, marina and baths.
How to get there
Ferries to St Malo, Roscoff, Caen and Cherbourg offer easy access, reducing the drive to a few hours. There are low cost flights into Rennes and Brest as well, or Eurostar to Paris and a TGV connection to Rennes.
Food and Wine
In this area the sea reigns supreme, and fabulous seafood abounds! Lobster, crayfish, oysters and much more in abundance. Dont miss the traditional moules marinières! For desert, Brittanys other speciality is pancakes and galettes, a great way to end a meal, washed down with some local Breton or Norman cider for a slightly stronger beverage try some Calvados apple brandy from the Normandy department of the same name which will certainly warm you from head to toe!
Brittany
Average temperatures
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec 8 9 13 15 18 22 23 23 21 16 11 8
Average days of sunshine
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec 8 9 13 14 15 14 15 15 13 11 8 7
Normandy
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