Brittany (French Bretagne, Breton Breiz) is a peninsula in north-west France, bordering the English Channel on the north and the Bay of Biscay on the south. The region comprises four départements of France: Ille-et-Vilaine, Côtes-d'Armor, Finistère and Morbihan.
In Roman times, the region was a part of Armorica, and conquered by the Romans. Around 500 BC, the area was settled by Britons, driven from the British Isles by the Anglo-Saxons. These Britons gave the name to the region. (Brittany has sometimes been called "Lesser Britain," by contrast with Great Britain). A Celtic language, Breton, is still spoken in some parts of Brittany.
Brittany is famous for its megalithic monuments, which are scattered over the peninsula, notably near Carnac. The purpose of these monuments is still unknown, and the local people refuse to entertain speculation on the subject.
A large part of the département Loire-Atlantique (including the city of Nantes) was historically part of Brittany, but is now part of the Pays de Loire region.
A number of small separatist groups exist, fighting for the independence of Brittany.
Not to be confused with Britney Spears