France - Brittany: The Emerald And Granite Coast (14/151)

France - Brittany: The Emerald And Granite Coast (14/151)

The Gauls named Brttany "Aremorica" which means the "land before the sea". Its northern coast borders on the English Channel, the southern and western coasts on the Atlantic. Since time immemorial the life of the people at the emerald and granite coast has been determined by the sea. The imposing fortress walls of the old corsairs' town St. Malo bear witness to this. Its bold seafarers brought riches and renown to the town. Life in other places, now picturesque harbours such as Paimpol or St. Briac, was once dominated by high-sea fishing: in his novel "The Iceland Fishermen" the French author Pierre Loti recorded a vivid description of their hard life. The oyster fishermen of Cancale lead a comparatively easy existence: their beds are located close to the coast, and their delicious seafood is in great demand throughout France. The landscape is just as varied as the life of the fishermen. Thanks to the mild maritime climate palm trees grow in the garden of Montmarin Castle. At Cap Frehel, in contrast, the sheer cliffs loom 75 metres above the roaring waves. The Cap is famous not only for its impressive cliffs, but also for the variety of its birds.