Constituting the westernmost cape of the European continent, the Breton peninsula is located in the middle latitudes, midway between the Equator and the North Pole. It offers a steep coastline that winds along cliffs and long beaches for some 2,700 kilometers. Bordered by the English Channel to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the south, and the Mer d'Iroise in the bay of Brest, Brittany is a delight for nature lovers, who enjoy hiking the many customs trails with their coves, islets and lighthouses.
The four departments of the Brittany region (Finistère, Côtes-d'Armor, Morbihan, Ille-et-Vilaine) are marked by the Armorican Massif and the largest seafront in metropolitan France. From the bay of Mont Saint-Michel to the Loire estuary, each segment has a tourism name linked to a local element, including the Côte d'Emeraude (from Cancale to Cap Fréhel), the Côte de Granit Rose (from PerrosGuirec to Trébeurden), the Côte des Légendes (from Brignogan-Plages to Plougonvelin), the Côte d’Iroise (from Plougonvelin to Pointe du Raz) and the Côte de Mégalithes (from PontAven to Mesquer).
A heritage of defensive monuments
Brittany's strategic position destined it to playing a highly defensive role over time. The peninsula successively resisted attacks from British, Dutch and Spanish fleets before bowing to the German Occupation. From this past, Brittany has many remains that were built to protect the ports: citadels, lookouts, fortifications, blockhouses erected on the coast to watch over it and better control access of both military forces and smugglers.
Surrounded by imposing ramparts, the walled city of Saint-Malo was strengthened by a Royal Fort in 1689, built on Vauban's orders. It became a Fort National in 1789 and owes its fame to the Malouin privateer Surcouf.
In the Bay of Morlaix, the Château du Taureau, built in 1542 by the bourgeoisie of Morlaix, in an effort to block the entrance of the river from the British, is classified as a Historical Monument. The Crozon peninsula has played a major strategic role in protecting Brest, so it has built an important military heritage over the years (Tour Vauban in Camaret, Fort de Landaoudec in Crozon).
Breton lighthouses, part of Brittany's imagery
Since the 18th century, Breton lighthouses have been warning seafarers of the dangers of the coastline. Today, around 80 lighthouses still transmit their signals along the Breton coast...
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