Why Brittany?

If Paris is the heart of France, then I dare to say Brittany is its soul. That is a rather bold – and perhaps controversial – statement given Brittany’s history with France, but I’m going to say it anyway. At least that is how Brittany feels to me. While it would take considerably more time and pages than one blog post to say why I believe that to be true, I’ll try to summarize it here in a few paragraphs.

The Climate

Brittany is green and lush, thanks to its moderate oceanic climate. It just feels good, like you’re wrapped in a warm green blanket. I have visited Brittany at almost every month of the year, one of my favorite trips being in late December/early January. Yes, the Christmas decorations and markets were magical, but for me it was the ability to take a long walk on an early January morning and see green foliage that made me fall even more in love with this area … something I would not have thought possible.

Coming from the Midwest, January and February are months when we do anything to avoid walking outside, due to the bitter cold and a well-founded fear of falling on the clear ice hidden under inches of powdery snow. Where I grew up and currently live, January is two colors: white and grey. White from the snow (which can last from October to April) and grey skies from about November to February. Whereas the majority of plants and trees lie dormant for the winter here, in Brittany they just take a little nap.

When I say I love Brittany for its weather, people giggle; Brittany isn’t known for having spectacular weather after all. And granted, two of our trips were filled with rainy days 80% of the time, but both trips were wonderful despite the soaking rain and I wouldn’t have changed a thing about them. In fact, it was due to a swift and steady downpour that I bought a heavier, waterproof jacket at a little shop at the Port de Dinan and became acquainted with the owner, Marie. Now, when I am in Dinan, I make a point of stopping in for a chat and browse through her newest selection of garments and homeware.

The Sea

Michiganders are blessed to have access to four Great Lakes and over 11,000 inland lakes at their fingertips. We are a good 12 hours from the ocean, so the sea has always been fascinating but slightly terrifying to me. It could be because of family trips to the Cape, and enjoying a dive off of a boat only to find myself swimming in a smack of a few dozen jellyfish. Perhaps it was the time we visited Martha’s Vineyard shortly after the release of JAWS, which had me constantly scanning the surface of the water for a large grey fin.

Wherever this slight fear of the open sea came from, I find myself being drawn to it nonetheless. There is something so peaceful, so calming, about the waves crawling and dancing on the beach, the turquoise waters, and the little treasures left behind when the water recedes.

Of course, the sea is also fierce, choppy, raging, and unyeilding. It is vast and mightly, and for all of those reasons I respect and admire it more each time I am in its presence.

Yes, for whatever the reason, these waters call to me now. I love breathing in the salty air, listening to the variety of sounds that come with a day at the beach, and dipping my toes into the cool, clear water. The more I think about it, I understand the draw now: if something terrifies me, I want to experience it even more. There is a saying that you can’t have courage and live in your comfort zone at the same time, and I believe with all of my heart that it is true. Maybe that is the lesson the sea is teaching me now.

The Forests

Anyone who knows me well understands my love of forests. I believe that all forests are special, but some are downright magical. There are some forests that hold deep truths that one can only find in the quiet of the woods, leaning against a tree, and listening to the trickle of water flowing past rocks in a stream, the stones worn smooth by many centuries of such caresses.

It’s easy to see why stories have been written about this particular place, including one that says that these boulders were thrown by an angry giant, thus resulting in this cascade of massive rocks. I must say, I think it’s entirely possible that that is true.

Whatever the case, those who enter this magnificent forest (and others like it in Brittany) appreciate the tranquil resting spots that allow for quiet reflection and immense gratitute for such a place as this.

Energy

If you know, you know. You get it. You recognize the feeling that comes over you in certain locations, certain areas that make you feel grounded. There are little reminders everwhere, if you look for them, in rocks and forests and streams.

The Cuisine

We all know (or have heard that) the food in France is incredible. It’s also quite healthy, which is an added bonus. Maybe not the mounds of salted butter or the caramel everything that is found in this region, but these remind us to enjoy the simple pleasures in life. My friend Isabelle and I share a love of all things caramel. Sitting across from her at Crêperie de L’amirauté, talking about the joys and pains of life, finishing a delicious meal topped off with a very large caramel ice cream sundae, was one of my favorite memories to date.

Sharing a birthday meal with loved ones at the crêperie Le Passe Simple, owned by the dearest man and his mother, is another memory that I hold with me, that keeps me going, when I miss Brittany so much it actually hurts.

It’s also the specialty desserts of this region that I enjoy, made with fresh and locally produced eggs and milk and fruits. And while I do love a kouign-amann from the local boulangerie …

… it’s the homemade desserts that I find the most special.

For those who love seafood, this region is sheer heaven. The fish is as fresh as it is colorful.

And by fresh, I mean FRESH …

Of course you can opt to taste the local fare without lifting a finger or washing pots and pans …

The Castles

Many people head to the Loire Valley to visit castles, and with good reason. The castles there are absolutely incredible. Immense and magnificent are words that I would use to describe them. But to miss the castles in Brittany would be unfortunate to say the least. Fougeres, for example, is one of the largest castle forts in Europe.

There are castles to be found in this region of all shapes and sizes. If you are wondering just how many and where they can be found, check out this link https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_castles_in_Brittany

The People

I’ve saved the best for last, for it is the people that I have met in Brittany that made me want to move there permanently. I am blessed to have dear friends here in Michigan, friends that have somehow put up with me and my shenanigans for decades, and others that I’ve met through my years at Montessori and/or my work with refugees and immigrants. I respect them and love them all and sincerely hope that they stay a part of my life forever. There is something about the people I’ve met in Brittany that brings me a different kind of comfort. It is, oddly enough, the place that I feel most at home, and I’m ready to finally settle down and grow some roots with the people who make me feel the most grounded.

I am incredibly thankful to have visisted Dinan last November, this time with my father. While he had been to France several times in the past, he had not yet visited this region of France. He walked through the streets of Dinan and met the people that I hold dear there. He ate at my favorite restaurants and even made friends with the women at the local Boulangerie. Within a few days he understood why this area holds such a special place in my heart and why it is here that I plan to spend the rest of my life.

So, why Brittany? It is so much more than I have explained here, but hopefully this gives you more insight as to why this region has my heart and is a must-see on any traveler’s journey.

I would love to hear what place holds your heart. Please let me know in the comments where that is and what you love about it. We can all take a virtual trip with you!

Stay safe and healthy,

Amy, from Tales from Brittany

All photos were taken by me unless otherwise indicated. Please do not use photos in this blog post without permission. Merci.