Category: Finance, Real Estate.
Brittany is a region located to the North- West of France.
To the East, Brittany borders Lower Normandy and the Western Loire. The English Channel on its Northern coast, and the Atlantic on the West and South. Landscape: Brittany is a cacophony of diverse landscapes. Long golden sandy beaches are guarded by rugged cliffs where a myriad of wildlife play and nest including some species of rare birds. Never far from the sea, walkers have an abundance of coastal paths to explore stretching north to south. Inland pinewoods cast a glance over gently rolling green valleys whilst rivers meander through farmland untroubled by the passing of time. Attractions: Mont- Saint- Michel.
Unspoilt wide- open spaces together with charming villages wait to be discovered and extend a warm welcome to travellers. Mont- Saint- Michel has evolved from a mere oratory in the 8th century to the breath taking magnificent monastery and national monument that towers above the sea today. The tides around Mont- Saint- Michel are renowned for their strength and are particularly treacherous in the spring when speeds of 18 mph have been recorded. . Linked to the mainland by a causeway accessible only at low tide adds to its enchantment. Saint- Malo. It is an important port and ferry terminal as well as an excellent tourist resort.
Saint Malo was named after a welsh monk who landed here in the 6th century. The old walled city is particularly interesting with cobbled streets, studios of local, small souvenir shops artisans and excellent restaurants. Dinan. Children would enjoy a visit to the local aquarium where helpful staff are only too happy to explain the exhibits and encourage hands on participation. The mediaeval town of Dinan is one of the oldest in Brittany. Walk along the ramparts and enjoy spectacular views, visit the museum and mediaeval church, enjoy a delicious lunch at numerous restaurants using local produce.
Standing proud atop a hillside overlooking the Rance valley it has an abundance of attractions. The fish restaurants are particularly good. Josselin sits at the edge of the Oust canal and is dominated by an impressive medieval chateau, which has been the home of the Rohan family since the 13th century. Josselin. Although the interior has been renovated many of its bygone splendours remain and tours of the Chateau are well worth taking. Foret de Paimpont. There is a fascinating museum in the former stables housing the families collection of dolls.
Also known as the Foret de Broceliande, is all that remains of a primeval wood. A visit to the enchanting village of Paimpont is an excellent starting point to explore the myths further. Legend has it that King Arthur and Merlin the sorcerer have connections with this area. Weather/ Climate. However, it does have a propensity to change from gentle showers of rain to bright blue skies within a few hours. The weather in Brittany does not suffer from huge variations in temperature.
On average the climate on the coast tends to be milder than inland. Cities: Rennes Jan= 8 April= 15 July= 24 Oct= 17� C. Average temperatures in Brittany. Brest Jan= 9 April= 13 July= 20 Oct= 16� C. By rail. Getting there.
If travelling from the United Kingdom, why not use the Eurotunnel? This is a fast and exciting way to visit France and beyond. Catch the train with your car at the Folkestone Kent Terminal and arrive at Calais/ Coquelles 35 minutes later. The service is frequent and operates round the clock, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The Eurostar is an ultra modern high- speed service with a journey time of only 3 hours from London. The EUROSTAR train also operates a foot passenger only service either from Waterloo Station London or Ashford Kent International Terminal directly to Paris.
Paris and Rennes in Brittany are linked by the Atlantic TGV service, which takes 2 hours. You can also catch the TGV train to Brest or Quimper and this journey takes four hours. Trains usually leave every hour between 7am and 1pm from Paris Montparnasse to Rennes. It is possible to travel to Brittany avoiding Paris altogether. It is also possible to travel by coach to the main tourist resorts in Brittany. The TGV service operates directly between Lille( 3 hr 50 min) and Lyon( 4 hr 30 min) to Rennes. Regular coach services connect with all major railway stations throughout the year.
A number of low cost air- lines operate from various locations in the U. By Air. K. directly to Rennes/ Brest. Ferry services are frequent with direct routes to the ports of St Malo and Roscoff. By Ferry. Population. Inland generally is sparsely populated with most residents around the coastline.
With just over 3 million inhabitants- the major towns are Rennes( half a million) and Brest( 300, 000) . Major Towns. Malo. St. St. Discover the old walled city with its narrow cobbled streets. Malo is a major port and ferry terminal as well as a tourist resort.
Visit the Cathedral of St. Do not miss the Chateau de St Malo. Vincent and marvel at the modern stained glass window of the Chancel. Steeped in history the chateau dates from the 14th- 15th centuries. Brest is a naval port with a rich and varied maritime history. Brest. For the inquisitive there is a museum depicting the important episodes in its history together with model boats and rare maritime maps.
Quimper. With the constant flow of cargo vessels from all over the world coupled with local fishing boats, Brest is indeed a modern city that has retained its charm. Quimper is a busy town with attractive half- timbered houses. Prices. (August 2006) There are large variations in prices. Famous for its hand painted pottery and Breton traditions you can find little shops selling costumes and the most delicious crepes and cider. The most expensive area is around Vannes on the southern Brittany coast.
Inland property prices drop dramatically- Central Brittany and Ille- et- Vilaine offer the cheapest prices. Coastal properties are more expensive. Price Guideline. Villas: 300, 000 euros. Apartments: 80, 000 euros( Coast) Farmhouses: 50, 000 euros( needs renovation) Townhouses: 40, 000 euros. Land: from 5 euros per sq. m
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