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[[Image:Côte de Granite Rose Brittany France.JPG|right|380px|thumb|Brittany has an expansive coastline]]
[[Image:Flag of Brittany.svg|160px|thumb|[[Flag of Brittany]] (Gwenn-ha-du)]]
[[Image:Bretagne_historique.png|250px|thumb|Historical province of Brittany]]
:''This article is about the historical kingdom, duchy and French province, as well as one of the Celtic nations. For the current French administrative ''région'' of Bretagne, see [[Bretagne]]. For other meanings, see [[Brittany (disambiguation)]].''
'''Brittany''' ([[Breton language|Breton]]: ''Breizh'' [[International Phonetic Alphabet|pronounced]] {{IPA|/bʁejs/}} ; [[French language|French]]: ''Bretagne'', [[International Phonetic Alphabet|pronounced]] {{IPAudio|fr-Bretagne.ogg|/bʁətaɲ/}}; [[Gallo language|Gallo]]: ''Bertaèyn'') is a former independent [[kingdom]] and [[duchy]], and a [[Provinces of France|province of France]]. Brittany is one of the six [[Celtic Nations]]. It is also, more generally, the name of the cultural area whose limits correspond to the old province and independent duchy.
The historical province of Brittany was split between two modern-day ''[[région]]s'' of [[France]]. 80% of Brittany has become the ''région'' of [[Bretagne]], while the remaining 20% of Brittany ([[Loire-Atlantique]] ''[[département]]'' with its ''[[préfecture]]'' [[Nantes]], one of the former capitals of the duchy of Brittany) has been grouped with other historical provinces ([[Anjou]], [[Maine (province of France)|Maine]], and so on) to create the ''région'' of [[Pays-de-la-Loire]] (that is "lands of the [[Loire River|Loire]]"). For the reasons behind the splitting-up of Brittany, and the current debate around a reunification, see the [[Bretagne]] article.
Brittany occupies a large [[peninsula]] in the northwest of France, lying between the [[English Channel]] to the north and the [[Bay of Biscay]] to the south. Its land area is 34,034 [[1 E10 m²|km²]] (13,137 sq. mi). The region is divided into five departments: to the west is [[Finistere]], [[Côtes-d'Armor]] lies to the North, [[Ille-et-Vilaine]] is in the north-east, [[Loire-Atlantique]] is to the south-east and [[Morbihan]] lies in the middle.
In January [[2005]] the population of Brittany was estimated at 4,271,000 inhabitants. 72% of these live in the Bretagne ''région'', while 28% of these live in the Pays-de-la-Loire ''région''. At the [[1999]] census, the largest metropolitan areas were [[Nantes]] (711,120 inhabitants), [[Rennes]] (521,188 inhabitants), and [[Brest, France|Brest]] (303,484 inhabitants).
==History==
:''Main articles: [[History of Brittany]] and [[Prehistory of Brittany]]
[[Image:Carnac megalith alignment 3.jpg|thumb|220px|The [[megalith|megalithic]] alignments at [[Carnac]] testify to the organisation of the prehistoric population of Brittany]]
[[Image:Château de Vitré Place St-Yves.JPG|thumb|220px|Fortress of [[Vitré, Ille-et-Vilaine|Vitré]], on the Brittany Marches]]
Human habitation in the area now called Brittany goes back to the late [[Paleolithic]], or Epi-Palaeolithic, period. Megaliths erected in the 5th of the [[Veneti (Gaul)|Veneti]], [[Osismii]], [[Namneti]], [[Coriosolitithe]] area in the [[Iron Age]].
In [[56 BC]] the area was conquered by the [[Roman Republic|Romans]] under [[Julius Caesar]]. The Romans called the district ''[[Armorica]]'' (a [[Latin]]isation of a Celtic word meaning "coastal region"), within the larger province of ''[[Gallia Lugdunensis]]''. The modern ''[[département in France|département]]'' of [[Côtes-d'Armor]] has taken up the ancient name. After the collapse of the Roman empire, Britons, or [[Celts]] from [[Great Britain]], displaced by the Saxon colonisation of what became [[England]], settled in Brittany, and it is from this period its present names date. It is believed that the Breton language is the result of this immigration rather than a continuation of [[Gaulish]].
An excruciating [[Normans|Norman]] siege of [[Dinan]] (seen on the [[Bayeux Tapestry]]) influenced chief male ancestors of the late [[House of Stuart]], also an important maternal line to the present [[Duke of Norfolk]], to relocate to [[Great Britain]]. Bretons also accompanied the [[Norman conquest of England]], emigrating mostly to what became [[Richmondshire]] (in Yorkshire).
==Sights==
Brittany is famous for its [[megalith]]ic monuments, which are scattered over the [[peninsula]], the largest alignments are near [[Carnac]]. The purpose of these monuments is still unknown, and many local people are reluctant to entertain speculation on the subject. The words ''[[dolmen]]'' (from "daol" table and "maen" stone) and ''[[menhir]]'' (from "maen" stone and "hir" high) come from the Breton language, even though they are hardly used in Breton.
Brittany is also known for its [[calvary|calvaries]], elaborately carved sculptures of crucifixion scenes, to be found in churchyards of villages and small towns, especially in Western Brittany.
Significant urban centres include:
* [[Nantes]] / Naoned
* [[Rennes]] / Roazhon
* [[Brest, France|Brest]] / Brest
* [[Lorient]] / an Oriant
* [[Quimper]] / Kemper
* [[Vannes]] / Gwened
* [[Redon, Ille-et-Vilaine|Redon]] / Redon
* [[Saint-Brieuc]] / Sant-Brieg
* [[Saint-Nazaire]] / Sant-Nazer
[[Image:Saintmalo.jpg|thumb|220px|The walled city of [[Saint-Malo]] was a former stronghold of corsaires]]
The walled city of [[Saint-Malo]] (Sant-Maloù), a popular tourist attraction, is also an important [[seaport|port]] linking Brittany with [[England]] and the [[Channel Islands]]. It also was the birthplace of the acclaimed author [[François-René de Chateaubriand|Chateaubriand]] and explorer [[Jacques Cartier]]. The town of [[Roscoff]] (Rosko) is served by [[ferry]] links with England and [[Ireland]].
The island of [[Île d'Ouessant|Ushant]] (Breton: ''Enez Eusa'', French: ''Ouessant'') is the north-westernmost point of Brittany and France, and marks the entrance of the English Channel. Other islands off the coast of Brittany include:
*[[Bréhat]] / enez Vriad
*[[Batz]] / enez Vaz
*[[Molène]] / Molenez
*[[Sein]] / enez Sun
*[[Glénan islands]] / inizi Glenan
*[[Groix]] / enez Groe
*[[Belle Île]] / ar Gerveur
*[[Houat]] / Houad
*[[Hoëdic]] / Edig
*[[Île-aux-Moines]] / Enizenac'h
*[[Île d'Arz]] / an Arzh
==Language==
[[Image:Road signs bilingual Breton in Quimper.jpg|thumb|Bilingual road signs can be seen in traditional Breton-speaking areas]]
[[Image:BlasonBRETAGNE.jpg|100px|thumb|Traditional coat of arms]]
[[French language|French]], the only [[official language]] of the French Republic, is today spoken throughout Brittany. The two [[regional language]]s have no official status with regards to the state, although they are supported by the regional authorities within the strict constitutional limits: [[Breton language|Breton]], strongest in the west but to be seen all over Brittany, is a [[Celtic language]] most closely related to [[Cornish language|Cornish]] (Breton has in fact slightly more in common with Cornish than Welsh), and [[Gallo language|Gallo]], which is spoken in the east, is one of the [[Oïl languages]].
From the very beginning of its history and despite the end of the independence of Brittany, Breton remained the language of the entire population of western Brittany, if not bishops and French administrators or officers. French laws and economic pressure led people to abandon their language to the one of the ruler, but until the 1960s, Breton was spoken and understood by the majority of the western inhabitants. Since the beginning of the 20th century, it has been very efficiently fought by the French administration and educational system (''"It is forbidden to spit on the ground and to speak Breton"'') in the process of promoting [[French language|French]] as the sole language of the country.
Breton was traditionally spoken in the west (the "[[Breizh-Izel]]" or "[[Basse-Bretagne]]"), and Gallo in the east (the "pays Gallo" or "[[Haute-Bretagne]]"). The dividing line stretched from Plouha on the north coast to a point to the south-west of Vannes. French had, however, long been the main language of the towns. The Breton-speaking area formerly covered territory much further east than its current distribution.
In the Middle Ages, Gallo expanded into formerly Breton-speaking areas. Now restricted to a much reduced territory in the east of Brittany, Gallo finds itself under pressure from the dominant Francophone culture. It is also felt by some to be threatened by the Breton [[language revival]] which is gaining ground in territories that were never part of the main Breton-speaking area.
Privately funded ''Diwan'' ("Seed") schools, where classes are taught in Breton by the immersion method, play an important part in the revival of the Breton language. The issue of whether they should be funded by the State has long been, and remains, controversial. Some bilingual classes are also provided in ordinary schools.
Despite the resistance of French administration, bilingual (Breton and French) road signs may be seen in some areas, especially in the traditional Breton-speaking area. Signage in Gallo is much rarer.
A large influx of English-speaking immigrants and [[second-home]] owners in some villages sometimes adds to linguistic diversity.
==Music==
{{Main|Music of Brittany}}
Some of the musicians for which Brittany is known are: the most famous, [[Alan Stivell]], but also [[Denez Prigent]], les frères Guichen, Carré Manchot, Ar Re Yaouank, Sonerien Du, Loened Fall, [[Yann Tiersen]], etc.
==Religion==
[[Image:Bretagne Finistere StJeanTrolimon 11032.jpg|thumb|Sculpted "calvaries" can be found in many villages]]
The first Christian missionaries came to the region from [[Ireland]] and [[Great Britain]]. With more than 300 "[[saint]]s" (only a few recognized by the Catholic Church), the region is strongly [[Roman Catholic Church|Catholic]]. Since the nineteenth century at least, Brittany has been known as one of the most devoutly Catholic regions in France, in contrast to many other more secularised areas. The proportion of students attending Catholic private schools is the highest in France. As in other Celtic regions, the legacy of [[Celtic Christianity]] has left a rich tradition of local saints and monastic communities, often commemorated in place names beginning ''Lan'', ''Lam'', ''Plou'' or ''Lok''. The [[patron saint]] of Brittany is Santez Anna [[Saint Anne]], the Virgin's mother. But the most famous saint is Saint [[Ivo of Kermartin]] ('saint Yves' in French, 'sant Erwan' in Breton), a [[13th century|13th-century]] priest who devoted his life to the poor.
Once a year, believers go on a "pardon", the saint's [[feast day]] of the [[parish]]. It often begins with a procession followed by a mass in honour of the saint. There is always a pagan side, with some food and craft stalls. The three most famous pardons are:
* from Sainte-Anne d'Auray/Santez-Anna-Wened, where a poor farmer in the 17th century assured the saint give him the order to build a chapel in her honour.
* from Tréguier/Landreger, in honour of St Yves, the patron saint of the judges, advocates, and any profession involved in justice.
* from Locronan/Lokorn, in honour of St Ronan, with a ''troménie'' (a procession, 12 km-long) and numerous people in traditional costume,
In Brittany, there is a very old [[pilgrimage]] called the ''Tro Breizh'' (tour of Brittany), where the pilgrims walk around Brittany from the grave of one founder saint to another. The seven founder saints of Brittany are:
* St [[Pol Aurelian]], at Saint-Pol-de-Leon/Kastell-Paol,
* St [[Saint Tudwal|Tudual]] (''sant Tudwal''), at Tréguier/Landreger,
* St Brieuc, at Saint-Brieuc/S-Brieg,
* St Malo, at Saint-Malo/S-Maloù,
* St [[Samson of Dol]], at Dol,
* St Patern, at Vannes/Gwened
* St Corentin (''sant Kaourintin''), at Quimper/Kemper
Historically, the pilgrimage was made in one go (a total distance of around 600 km). Nowadays, however, pilgrims complete the circuit over the course of several years. In 2002, the Tro-Breizh included a special pilgrimage to [[Wales]], symbolically making the reverse journey of the Welshmen Sant Paol, Sant Brieg, and Sant Samzun. Whoever does not make the pilgrimage at least once in his lifetime will be condemned to make it after his death, advancing only by the length of his coffin each 7 year.
Some old pagan traditions and customs from the old Celtic religion have also been preserved in Brittany. The most powerful folk figure is the [[Ankou]] or the "Reaper of Death" because even [[Jesus]] and the [[Mary, mother of Jesus|Virgin Mary]] obey him. He is a skeleton wrapped in a shroud with the Breton flat hat. He makes his journeys by night carrying an upturned scythe which he throws before him to reap his harvest. Sometimes he is on foot but mostly he travels in a cart, the Karrig an Ankou, drawn by two oxen and a lean horse. Two servants dressed in the same shroud and hat as the Ankou pile the dead into the cart, and to hear it creaking at night means you have little time left to live.
==
Although some white [[wine]] is produced near the [[Loire River|Loire]], the traditional drinks of Brittany are:
* [[cider]] ([[Breton language|Breton]]: ''chistr'') - Brittany is the second largest cider-producing region in France;
* a sort of [[mead]] made from wild honey called ''[[chouchen]]'';
* an apple [[eau de vie]] called ''lambig''.
Some [[beer]]s are also now produced. Historically Brittany was a beer producing region, however, due to import of wine from other regions of France, beer drinking and production slowly came to an end in the early to mid 20th century. In the 1970s, due to a regional comeback, new beer breweries started to open. Around twenty breweries are now open.
[[Whisky]] is also being produced, and there is a small handful of distilleries that produce excellent whiskies. Another recent drink is the ''[[kir]] Breton'' ([[Creme de cassis|crème de cassis]] and cider) which may be served as an [[apéritif]].
Very thin, wide [[pancakes]] made from [[buckwheat]] flour are eaten with ham, eggs and other savoury fillings. They are usually called ''[[galette]]s'' (Breton ''galetes''), except in the western parts of Brittany where they are called ''[[crêpe]]s'' (Breton ''krampouezh''). Thin crêpes made from wheat flour are eaten for [[dessert]]. Other [[pastry|pastries]], such as ''[[kouign amann]]'' ("butter cake" in Breton) made from bread dough, butter and sugar, or ''[[far (breton)|far]]'', a sort of sweet [[Yorkshire pudding]], or ''[[clafoutis]]'' with prunes, are traditional.
Surrounded by the sea, Brittany offers a wide range of fresh sea food and fish, especially [[mussel]]s and [[oyster]]s. Among the sea food specialities is [[cotriade]].
==Climate==
Since Brittany is on the west coast of France, it has a warm temperate climate. Rainfall occurs regularly - which has helped keep its countryside green and wooded - but sunny, cloudless days are also common.
In the summer months, Brittany can reach temperatures of about 30 degrees [[Celsius]], but is still comfortable compared to parts of France south of the [[Loire River]]. It generally has a moderate climate during both [http://www.discover-brittany.info/pics/climatesummer.gif summer] and [http://www.discover-brittany.info/pics/climatewinter.gif winter], and rain is not uncomfortably common or rare.
The most popular summer resorts are on the south coast ([[La Baule-Escoublac|La Baule]], [[Belle Île]], [[Gulf of Morbihan]]), although the wilder and more exposed north coast also attracts summer tourists.
==
There are several airports in Brittany serving destinations in France and England. [[TGV]] train services link the région with cities such as [[Paris]], [[Lyon]], [[Marseille]], and [[Lille]] in France. In addition there are ferry services that take passengers, vehicles and freight to Ireland, England and the Channel Islands.
==Trivia about Brittany==
* The Breton national anthem [[Bro Goz ma Zadoù|Bro Gozh ma Zadoù]] is set to the same tune as the [[Wales|Welsh]] and [[Cornwall|Cornish]] anthems.
* A number of [[Breton]] independence groups exist and they enjoy increasing, but minority, support in [[election]]s.
* Another famous Breton is the girl [[Bécassine]] (http://www.wnsstamps.ch/stamps/FR053.05/fr.html), a character from a strip cartoon.
* Legendary road bicycle racer [[Bernard Hinault]] was born in the town of Yffiniac in Brittany.
* [[Henry VII of England|King Henry VII]] spent quite some time living in Brittany ([[1471]] - [[1485]]).
==See also==
*[[Battle for Brest]]
*[[:br:|Wikipedia in Breton]]
*[[Bleimor (Breton Scouting organization)]]
*[[List of twin towns in the United Kingdom#Cornwall|Twinning/Jumelage between Breton and Cornish towns]]
==External links==
{{Wikisource1911Enc|Brittany}}
* [http://www.agencebretagnepresse.com/ Brittany Press Agency]
* [http://www.webbreton.com/ Guide and Reference about Brittany]
* [http://brittany.france-province.net Over Brittany in pictures]
* [http://www.breizh.net/identity/ Personelezh Breizh e saozneg - Breton identity in English]
* [http://www.histoire-bretagne.com/ Istor Breizh- History of Brittany]
* [http://www.ofis-bzh.org Ofis ar brezhoneg - Office of the Breton Language]
* [http://www.antourtan.org/radio_fr.html Skingomz e Breizh - Brittany Radios]
* [http://www.chez.com/buan1/history_of_brittany.htm Istor Breizh e saozneg - History of Brittany in English]
* [http://www.brittany-bretagne.com/pg/dates.htm Deizoù Istor Breizh e saozneg - Dates of Brittany's History in English]
*[http://brittany.angloinfo.com/ AngloINFO Bretagne] residents' information in English
*[http://france-for-visitors.com/brittany/index.html Visiting Brittany]
*[http://poormansfortune.com/ Breton music in the USA] - In English
*[http://www.houseinbrittany.com/ Information & Accommodation in Brittany] - In English
*Self catering accommodation in Brittany: [http://www.brittanygite.co.uk]
*[http://www.bretonsdumonde.org/ Bretoned ar bed - Bretons du Monde]
* [http://www4.culture.fr/patrimoines/patrimoine_architectural_et_mobilier/sribzh/main.xsp?execute=parsed_query&query=region:|Bretagne|&tri=region&tri=dpt&tri=com&tri=adrstri&tri=lieu&tri=edif&tri=tico {{fr}} Cultural Heritage]
{{Celtic nations}}
[[Category:Brittany|*]]
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