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Finistère (29)Brittany / Morbihan / Loire Atlantique / Ille-et-Vilaine / Cotes d'armor / Finistere
The department numbered 29 in France is Finistère ( Penn-ar-Bed in Breton). The name Finistère means end of the earth and may be compared with Land's End on the opposite side of the English Channel. The abers, rugged fjord-like inlets, of the north coast are a notable feature of the landscape. It is also home to the ancient region of la Cornouaille, the name by the ancient Celts who fled here from Cornwall. There are plenty of references to King Arthur and his knights too, as much part of folklore here as in Britain.
Quimper is the ancient capital of la Cornouaille and is particularly famous for its pottery, the H.B. Henriot workshops can be visited here and there is a shop to purchase some of the pottery. Behind the workshops is the pottery museum, showing three and a half centuries of the art. There is also the twin spires cathedral to visit, which was started in 1239, with the Breton Museum next door and the Musée des Beaux Arts opposite. Morlaix ( Montroulez in Breton) is instantly recognisable by the 19th century viaduct that spans the valley where the town lies. An estuary port, Morlaix prospered from piracy, and was more notorious than St Malo.
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