Brittany
The ramparts of Saint-Malo
Strolling along these almost 2 kilometers of ramparts, one imagines Saint-Malo-born Jacques Cartier setting sail in 1534 for Newfoundland, the Gulf of St. Lawrence and what was to become Canada. We also think of the corsairs, sailors in the service of the King of France who pursued enemy ships in accordance with the laws of war. Built between the 12th and 18th centuries, and spared during the Second World War, the ramparts of Saint-Malo, listed as a historic monument, are one of the region’s greatest tourist attractions.
The ramparts of Saint-Malo, ©iStock
Brennilis nuclear power plant
By far the majority of the country’s electricity is generated by nuclear power : to date, France has 56 reactors. A controversial national singularity, recently reaffirmed by political and industrial authorities. A complex and expensive technology, but one whose management is a source of growth at every stage of its development, including when it comes to dismantling older facilities. Such is the case of the Brennilis power plant at the tip of Finistère, whose "deconstruction" worksite is open to visitors.
A nuclear reactor pool, public domain
Broceliande Forest, King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table
A few kilometers east of Rennes lies a land of mystery. A magical land where a mythical forest grows, the forest of the fairy Morgane, the knight Lancelot and King Arthur, Broceliande. Here, beneath the foliage, between ferns and rocks, the memory of epic battles between Scots, Saxons and Angles continues to nourish the imagination of Europeans and their descendants. From the late-night vigils of the Middle Ages to the TikTok videos of the 21st century, legends never die. In fact, we’re still looking for the Grail...
The rock of the Brocéliande forest, ©iStock
Lorient Interceltic Festival
Every year at the beginning of August, dozens of musical groups from all Celtic countries converge on Lorient. The program includes sea shanties, rock concerts, jazz bands and classical quartets. The days are punctuated by a parade of folk delegations. In the evenings, popular balls, the famous fest-noz, bring festival-goers together in the same way as peasants used to do after work in the fields. The "Interceltique" is a must for those who want to embrace the Breton spirit.
The Cap Caval bagad, public domain
Buckwheat pancakes
In the 12th century, knights returned from the Crusades with buckwheat in their muskets. Grown locally, especially from the 16th century onwards, buckwheat became a staple food for peasants, particularly in the form of a thin layer of round dough known as the galette bretonne. An exclusively savoury speciality, it is sometimes eaten dipped in soup. Since 2006, the "crêperies gourmandes" label has been awarded to quality establishments.
Humm, a pancake... ©iStock
