Map of Brittany

With an amazing 750 miles of twisting, turning coastline, it's no wonder that so much of Brittany's rich heritage is linked to the sea. In parts, towering cliffs and rugged rock formations create the most dramatic scenery imaginable, whilst elsewhere there are glorious sandy beaches and classic resorts that are perfect for just about every conceivable water sport.

And in between these two extremes you'll discover literally hundreds of charming little sheltered bays and inlets, many of which form harbours for Brittany's traditional fishing villages where little has changed for centuries. Like almost everything about France's most westerly region, its coast has a character that is absolutely unique.

So Many Places to explore...

Inland, Brittany's fabulously beautiful countryside is equally diverse, with green rolling hills, peaceful river valleys, prehistoric sites, and enchanting forests.

Medieval towns and villages steeped in history and legend are everywhere, and numerous traditional festivals take place during the summer months, particularly in the west of the region where the Breton culture is strongest.

Regional cuisine specialities include a variety of seafood and lamb dishes, artichokes and crêpes, all of which can be very pleasantly accompanied by the locally brewed sweet cider.

A Warm Welcome

Bretons are by nature extremely hospitable people, and interested visitors can expect a warm welcome, possibly even an invitation to join in the proceedings in some way. A sure way to increase your standing with the locals is to attempt a few words of the Breton language, which is most widely spoken in the western half of the region, and also the capital city of Rennes. The word for good is mat, and two phrases guaranteed to seal your popularity in a bar full of Breton speakers are petra 'po - What are you having? and Ma zro zo - It's my round.

• Find out more about Brittany