Brittany’s got talent | France

France is known all around the world as a romantic destination.  Most of its visitors head to the famous capital, Paris, to see landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Champs Elysee, or the Louvre Museum.  What tourists don’t know is that somewhere north-west of France, a place called Brittany exists.  Brittany, previously regarded as the Little Britain, used to be a separate monarch which eventually united with France during the 1500s.  Now, this Celtic nation is known for its huge historic monuments and local traditions that can captivate the hearts of its visitors.

Megalithic sites at Carnac, Brittany, France by Steffen Heilfort

One unique and fascinating location in Brittany is the Megalithic sites at Carnac.  Found at the southern part of Brittany, these sites showcase prehistorically arranged standing stones that amount to more than 3,000 pieces.  These perfectly aligned megaliths are believed to be a Roman army that was magically turned to stones by Merlin.  Tours are arranged by local travel agencies for the convenience of the tourists.  Aside from seeing these megalithic sites, tourists can plan to extend their oneness with nature by camping in Carnac or by taking windsurfing or sailing lessons at the Bay of Quiberon.  At Carnac, you are sure to be amazed at how the standing stones were arranged at a time when technological machineries were not yet available.

Another area in Brittany that is a must-see and must experience is Locmariaquer.  Locmariaquer, about 7 miles away from Carnac, boasts of its beaches facing the Atlantic Ocean.  Similar to Carnac, Locmariquer also has prehistorically arranged megalithic stones that were believed to be erected during the Neolithic period.  It also has a burial monuments and statues that are thousands of years old.  The gargantuan stones that are aligned make visiting tourists believe in the existence of giants.  However, touring the other sights of Locmariaquer will refresh tourists’ religious beliefs as there are several churches around the area that were built hundreds of years ago.  Some of the churches are worth visiting are the Notre Dame de Kerdro, which was built in the 1000s by the Quimperle monks, and the Chapelle du Moustoir, which was built in the 1700s.  Don’t think that Locmariaquer will only satisfy tourists’ spiritual yearnings; this place can also satisfy tourists’ gastronomical needs.  As Locmariaquer is located near the bay, its coastal area is a source of the freshest and even the rarest oysters one can find.  Tourists can attest that this area has the best oysters as oyster cultivation in Locmariaquer dates back to the 1800s.

Cote Emeraude Fort La Latte, Brittany, France by Benh LIEU SONG

Finally, touring France will not be complete if one doesn’t take sight of at least one of the many existing castles in the country.  Brittany is one area that still has well-maintained castles that can bring visitors back in time. One of the worthwhile castles to be visited is the Fort La Latte that is located in Cotes-d’Armor in Brittany.  The view of this castle from either side is pristine waters of the Atlantic.  The structure has even been used as a location of some Hollywood films.

Now that you know of the unique sites and activities to do in Brittany, plan your trip now!

This travel article was written by Hannah of Independant budget holiday guide, www.packedup.co.uk

Tags: burial monuments, celtic nation, champs elysee, eiffel tower, little britain, local travel, louvre, louvre museum, megaliths, neolithic period, oneness, quiberon, religious beliefs, roman army, romantic destination, sailing lessons, standing stones, windsurfing

Category: France, Travel Tips