Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / France / Brittany
 |  | Fact File : Brittany |
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| | | Brittany | | Did you know?
The flag of Brittany has nine horizontal black and white stripes, representing the nine ancient bishoprics of the region.
Country
France.
Language
French and Breton — the native language of Brittany is still spoken in some areas, especially in Finisterre.
Visas
You do not need a visa to go to France, but take your passport.
Getting there
The easiest way is by car ferry from Portsmouth or Poole to St Malo. From mid-March to mid-November, Brittany Ferries sails between Plymouth and Roscoff. Condor runs one catamaran per day from Poole to St Malo between late May to September. Alternatively, take a cross-Channel ferry to Calais or Cherbourg and face a longish drive. Take the Eurostar to Calais and then hire a car, or take Eurotunnel, the car-carrying shuttle, over to France. Flights to Paris are competitively priced or you can fly to Dinard.
Flying time from London
One hour to Paris.
Getting around
You can take a train from Paris to Brittany from Gare Montparnasse. Trains run right round the Breton coast, making them an ideal way to get to coastal towns and sights. They don't run in the interior, where buses take over. However, the best way to explore is by car or bicycle.
Currency
Euro.
Costs
Half pint of beer £2; roll of film (24) £2.30; moderate restaurant meal £6; litre of petrol 70p; four-mile taxi ride £4.
Weather
France has a temperate climate, similar to that of the UK with mild winters. Brittany is France's wettest area with 200 days of rain a year - the national average is 164.
Time difference
One hour ahead of the UK.
International dialling code from the UK
00 33.
Voltage
220V, 50Hz. Plugs are two pin, so adapters are needed.
Opening hours
Most museums close on either Monday or Tuesday. In July and August - France's annual holiday period - many shops and businesses will shut down completely. Shop opening hours vary but most take a long lunch and stay open till 7pm. Few shops open on Sunday.
Health — before you go
No jabs needed. We have reciprocal medical care agreements with France - take an EHIC form with you (available from your post office).
Health — when you are there
No major health problems in France. French pharmacies are usually marked by a green cross and can be very helpful.
Warnings
Check before swimming off the coast of Brittany, as there are many strong currents.
Emergency
Police, tel 17; Ambulance, tel 15; Fire, tel 19; British Embassy: 16, Rue d'Anjou, Paris. Tel 01 44513100.
Customs
Talking about independence from France. Brittany retains its regional identity after becoming part of France in 1532 and some people still believe that there should be devolution. Traditional costumes include a lace head-dress for women.
Pets
Under the pilot Pet Travel Scheme you can now take your dog or cat to France, with all the required paperwork and vaccinations. This takes several months to set up — check with your vet for details.
Tipping
By law, cafe, restaurant and hotel bills include service. Most people leave loose change in a restaurant. In taxis a tip would round up the fare.
Tourist office
French Government Tourist Office, 178 Piccadilly, London W1V 0AL. Tel 09068 244123 (60p per minute).
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| | Available rental properties in Brittany |
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| |  | | Village House Near the Sea in South Brittany
Walking distance to white sand beaches and the lovely port town of Audierne which has all the amenities and a Saturday market.
|  | | Comfortable family farmhouse Gite
Originally a traditional stone and slate farmhouse, our Gite is now a relaxing family holiday home in a tranquil location that can sleep up to 6
|  | | the cottage
stone built studio cottage near to sandy beechs and harbour towns set on the atlantic coast line of brittany a joy to explore this part of france
|  | | Moullec
This beautiful start of the century cottage (60m2), is situated in the direct surrounding of a village, 250m from the sea. It has been completely reno
|  | | Le Cottage
5 minutes from the beach in the grounds of a 17th century manor, a charming, very well-equipped cottage (75 m2). The folding bed is on the landing and
| | Click here for more properties... |
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