Brittany (Bretagne), the region occupying the rugged western tip of France, is surrounded on three sides by a long (1110km) and varied coastline. There are rugged cliffs dotted with lighthouses, wide estuaries, islands and islets where bird life is protected, and picturesque harbors with strong maritime traditions.
The many white sandy beaches and pretty coves make for wonderful bathing opportunities. Sailing and windsurfing are popular and some of the best scuba-diving in France can be found. The climate is mild because of the Gulf Stream but its Atlantic exposure means that winters can be wet, very windy and bitterly cold.