Brittany

Brittany region

Brittany is the most western part of France and is bordered by the English channel, and the Atlantic ocean.  It has a population of 2.9 million and covers an area of 10,600 Square miles (27,500 km²).  It is famous for:

• A long (700 miles), unspoiled coastline, vast bays, glorious beaches, and a secretive, almost mystical interior.
• A distinctive culture and strong Celtic roots characterized by an ancient language, and the Breton costume and its tall lace women’s headdresses.
• A rich history illustrated by an abundant architectural heritage (standing stones, Roman artifacts, abbeys and cathedrals, castles and medieval towns).
• Seafood – Belon oysters, lobster and scallops.

Traveling to Brittany

• By air: 

  There are two major gateway airports to France, just outside the capital: Orly (ORY) (PHONE: 01-49-75-15-15), 16 km (10 mi) south of Paris, and Charles de Gaulle (CDG) (PHONE: 01-48-62-22-80 in English) -- also known as Roissy -- which is 26 km (16 mi) northeast of the city.
  
  Rennes (RNS), Brest (BES), Nantes (NTE), Quimper (UIP), Dinard (DNR), and Lorient (LRT) all have airports served by domestic flights. Air France flies to them all, except Dinard.
  
  Flying time to Paris is 7½ hours from New York, 9 hours from Chicago, 11 hours from Los Angeles, and 1 hour from London.

• By train:

Numerous high-speed TGVs (trains à grande vitesse) depart daily from Paris (Gare Montparnasse) for both Nantes and Rennes, making this region easily accessible. The trip to either city takes about 2¼ hours. There is also regular train service up the west coast to Nantes from La Rochelle and Bordeaux.

At Roissy (CDG) there's a TGV station (from terminal 2) where you can connect to trains going all over the country.

Between the U.K. and France
Short of flying, the "Chunnel" is the fastest way to cross the English Channel. It's a good idea to make a reservation if you're traveling with your car on a Chunnel train; cars without reservations, if they can get on at all, are charged 20 percent extra.

British Rail also has four daily departures from London's Victoria Station, all linking with the Dover-Calais/Boulogne ferry services through to Paris. There is also an overnight service on the Newhaven-Dieppe ferry. Journey time is about eight hours. Credit-card bookings are accepted by phone or in person at a British Rail Travel Centre.

Car Transport
Le Shuttle (PHONE: 0990/353-535 in the U.K.; 03-21-00-61-00; 01-43-18-62-22 in France).

Passenger Service
In the United Kingdom: Eurostar (PHONE: 0990/186-186).

InterCity Europe (Victoria Station, London, PHONE: 0990/848-848 for credit-card bookings).

In the United States: Rail Europe (PHONE: 800/942-4866).

• By car:

  Rennes, the gateway to Brittany, is 310 km (195 mi) west of Paris. It can be reached in about three hours -- take A11 to Le Mans and then A81 from there (from Le Mans, A11 continues southwest to Nantes).
  
  If you're driving from the United Kingdom, you have a choice of either the Channel Tunnel or ferry services to the continent. Reservations are essential at peak times and always a good idea, especially when going via the Chunnel. Cars don't drive in the Chunnel, but are loaded onto trains.

• By Boat & ferry:

A number of ferry and hovercraft routes link the United Kingdom and France.

A sample fare from Dover to Calais, round-trip (within 5 days): 1 person EUR36.60, two adults plus car, EUR221 (this price doubles if the visit exceeds 5 days). Schedules and tickets are available at any travel agency throughout France or via Internet.

Dover - Calais Folkestone - Boulogne Newhaven - Dieppe Portsmouth - Le Havre

Portsmouth - Caen Poole - Cherbourg Portsmouth - St. Malo Plymouth - Roscoff