The Gulf of Morbihan is a natural harbour on the coast of the Département of Morbihan in the south of Brittany. This English name is taken from the French version: le golfe du Morbihan. It is more accurately called ‘the Morbihan’ directly from its Breton name which is Ar Mor Bihan, meaning ‘the little sea’ (Compare the Welshy môr bychan), as opposed to the Atlantic Ocean outside, (Ar Mor Bras). Legend says that there are as many islands in the Gulf as there are days of the year. However, this is untrue and the gulf has about 40, depending on the tide. Many islands are private property, except the largest two, l’Île-aux-Moines and l’Île-d’Arz. read more…
Fougères (Breton: Felger) is a commune and a sub-prefecture of the Ille-et-Vilaine department. Fougères’ major monument is a medieval stronghold built atop a granite ledge, which was part of the ultimately unsuccessful defence system of the Duchy of Brittany against French aggression, and part of a tripartate with Vitré read more…
Vannes (Breton: Gwened) is a commune in the Morbihan department in Brittany in north-western France. It was founded over 2000 years ago. Vannes is located on the Gulf of Morbihan at the mouth of two rivers, the Marle and the Vincin. It is around 100 km northwest of Nantes and 450 km south west of Paris. Vannes is a market town and often linked to the sea. read more…
Penmarch is a commune in the Finistère department of Brittany in north-western France. It lies 18 km south-west of Quimper by road. Inhabitants of Penmarc’h are called in French Penmarchais. read more…
Dinan is a walled Breton town and a commune in the Côtes-d’Armor department in northwestern France. Its geographical setting is exceptional. Instead of nestling on the valley floor like Morlaix, most urban development has been on the hillside, overlooking the river Rance. The area alongside the River Rance is known as the port of Dinan and is connected to the town by the steep streets Rue Jerzual and its continuation outside the walls the Rue de Petit Fort. read more…
