Major Towns & Cities
St. Malo is nowadays a major port, ferry terminal and tourist resort. The city has a strong seafaring tradition and, indeed, is often referred to as the "City of Corsairs". The corsairs or privateers in question are the Malouin privateers who preyed on English ships in the English Channel during the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. The majority of the Old Town of St. Malo was destroyed during World War II but impeccably rebuilt in the original style. The Roman Catholic Cathedrale Saint-Vincent was originally founded in the 9th century and was rebuilt during the 12th century, although not completed in its current form until 1987. The Cathedrale is renowned for its medieval and modern stained glass. Choral concerts and organ recitals, which take place on a regular basis, are also popular. The 15th century Chateau de Saint Malo today houses the Musse de l'Histoire de Saint Malo which displays exhibits dedicated to the illustrious, and less illustrious, past of the city. |
 View of St. Malo |
Brest, too, has a rich maritime history. The city and port of Brest occupies a strategic position at the crossroads of many sea routes and can only be reached by sea via a narrow channel. Historically, many sea battles were fought off the coast of Brest. The city itself was largely destroyed by bombing during World War II and today is characterised by the geometrical arrangement of its streets. Attractions include the Naval Museum which describes and depicts all the major events in the history of Brest and the "Oceanopolis" marine complex which replicates marine habitats from around the world and includes penguins, seals and sharks amongst its exhibits.
Quimper or "Kemper" as it is known in the Breton language, is the oldest city in Brittany. Its Breton name describes a "confluence of rivers" and that is exactly where Quimper stands on the estuaries of the Odet and Steir rivers. Quimper has been a centre of pottery production since Roman times and its traditional hand painted pottery is famous all over the world. The city has something of an olde worlde feel to it with, for example, a cathedral – dedicated to Saint Corentin, the first bishop of Quimper – originally dating from the 13th century. Modern shopping facilities and a modern transport system are, nevertheless, features of Quimper.
Holiday Rental Accommodation in Brittany
Holiday rental accommodation in Brittany is readily available in just about any size, shape and location that you care to mention. From modern urban apartments, suitable for a single person or a couple, to luxury rural villas sleeping 12 or more people, all of the accommodation is easily accessible from the United Kingdom via, for example, the airports at Brest and Dinard and the port of St. Malo. Traditional stone built holiday cottages are popular as are villas, farmhouses, longeres, and gites. Most are newly renovated and decorated and include all modern conveniences, standing on their own plot of land. Some may also include more rustic features such as wood burning stoves or open log fires.
