Since the 16th century, the history of Brittany has been mixed with that of France. However, the province has distinguished itself during several periods:
_ It has retained a spirit of independence (symbolised by the Brittany parliament in Rennes) and its challenges to royal order, which lasted from 1675 to the 18th century).
_ It has been at the forefront of France’s maritime excellence thanks to its ports (Nantes, Saint-Malo, Lorient…) and has been home to many well known mariners (Duguay-Trouin, Lamotte-Picquet, Surcouf)
_ The Bretons welcomed the Revolution in 1789, then revolted against the Jacobean Republic.
_ The 1914-18 war saw the death of 22% of the Bretons who fought
_ The second world war and the occupation were particularly eventful in Brittany, where resistance was fierce, the Breton National Party was formed, the ports were destroyed…
Today, Brittany is totally integrated into France, but retains a strong cultural identity, a regional language which is fiercely supported and defended, it’s own music, festivals, religious rites, literature, architecture and gastronomy.
