France - The Big Sea And The Little - The Gulf Of Morbihan In South Brittany (9/151)

France - The Big Sea And The Little - The Gulf Of Morbihan In South Brittany (9/151)

Ar Morbihan, the "Little Sea" in Celtic, is a bay of the Atlantic (the Big Sea) in southern Brittany. Like two encircling arms, the two peninsulas of Quiberon and Rhuys enclose the Gulf of Morbihan with their long white beaches. While the climate is mild, thanks to the nearby Gulf stream, navigating between the hundreds of islets and islands of the bay can be quite a challenge due to the treacherous currents of the sound. The region is not only a haven for birdwatchers, nature lovers and vacation seekers, it is also home to Brittany's largest collection of prehistoric stone relics. The 3000 menhirs of Carnac are only the most famous of the many megaliths lining the coast. The local Bretons fight hard to preserve their historic and natural treasures against the interference of the central government in Paris. Their heritage lives on in the towns and cities as well: While historic Vannes is a jewel of half-timbered quaintness, the working-class and harbor town of Lorient is proud of its martial past as a naval port.