|
Regional info
Normandy/Brittany
France One of the most beautiful parts of France, but also one full of mysteries. Its original Celtic name was Armorica meaning 'land near the sea'. Brittany was an independent country for a long time and only became part of France in 1532. Normandy received its name from the Normen, the Vikings who deep into the French countryside to carry out their raids. They claimed the land we now know as Normandy from the French king in exchange for a ceasefire. Menhirs go back to Celtic times and are still a presence in this area today. They are huge elongated stones known as megalites, or menhirs in the Celtic language. They were crafted from rocks with primitive tools and are impressive to see. The Locqmariaquer menhir weighs over 340 tons. Menhirs have a significant presence at ritual ceremonies and can sometimes be seen in large circles. These are a vast contrast to the concrete remains that litter some of the beaches from the allied invasion in 1944. The whole region is seeped in mystic tales about magic potions and magicians. Although this region has an historic background, it also boasts beautiful green hills with charming half-timbered houses and excellent beaches.
|
|
Typical Normandy/BrittanyThe pink coloured north coast of Brittany is called Côte the Granit Rose. This huge pink/red granite rocks were a mystery for ages. Volcano experts came up with the answer: once this piece of Brittany was created by a huge volcano eruption, and the lava came to the surface only after many ages of erosion. The original lava colour then came through, and over ten kilometres the coast is a rocky line with all colours between pink and red.
|
Where Normandy and Brittany meet the best known isle is Le Mont Saint Michel, which is not an island anymore with high tide (and the water runs very hard). Close by lies Dol de Bretagne with its glorious cathedral. There's another one in Quimper you don't want to miss. The pearly white beaches are real family magnets, and sea food lovers will find pleasant restaurants everywhere with a view to the sea.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nederland
Ireland
België
Italia
Magyarország
Danmark
Österreich
Deutschland
Polska
United Kingdom
