Much of Brittany's charm lies in its Celtic culture and in its intimate relationship with the sea. The region's intricately fretted shoreline - mirrored in the Gothic tracery of its cathedrals and the delicate patterns of its traditional lace head-dresses - possesses some of France's finest coastal scenery, while its festivals of traditional music and culture are among the liveliest and most colourful in Europe.

Although for centuries the ocean has been a hard taskmaster for Breton sailors, for today's visitor it is both playground and larder. Brittany can boast dozens of classic seaside resorts such as Dinard, Bénodet and La Baule, and offers some of the best yachting, windsurfing, sea-kayaking and coastal hiking in France. And when it's time to eat, the harvest of the sea - from mussels and oysters to lobster and sea bass - adorns the menu. Washed down, of course, with a crisp Muscadet from the vineyards of Nantes.