Brittany ideal for those prone to homesickness
Once upon a time, Johnny Depp said: “France has a great culture and an amazing history. The most important thing though is that people there know how to live”. And this statement has even been proved scientifically if we trust the quality of life index of 2009, compiled by International Living Magazine who assessed 197 countries on 9 criteria including cost of living, culture, leisure, environment, health and climate. France have always been well ranked in these sorts of indexes, with the other two countries present on the podium being Australia and Switzerland. The UK only finished 25th, behind countries like Lithuania and Hungary.
According to the magazine, one of the key factors for France is the diversity in regions; with each one having its own culture and own way of life. Brittany is a great example as the cultural heritage in this department is quite something.
One of the key factors in the region is the thousands of kilometres of coastline and the mix between sandy beaches and granite cliffs which add charm and give to the region its unique aspect.
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However, Brittany is also well known for its cultural heritage and tradition. It is indeed very popular for the prehistoric caves, present all over the peninsula, and the megalithic monuments such as the ones at Carnac. The Breton architecture is also very traditional, rich and unique in its own way.
Moreover, the region is more than a cultural heritage, it’s also a way of life. Among the favourite food and drink of any French person, a number come from Brittany, such as the world renown crepes (pancakes), galettes (buckwheat pancakes), the “quatre quart” cake, the “gateau Breton” , cider, Muscat, which is a tasty and fruity wine and its own soft drink : Breizh cola.
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Nevertheless, the main advantage of the peninsula for British people is its proximity to the United Kingdom, making the drive or the flight a doddle. And it is no coincidence that more and more British are leaving the south of France to move to this wonderful region more adapted to their culture and way of life. Moreover, it is definitely easier to feel at home in Brittany rather than in the over-crowded, busy regions along the coast line of the Mediterranean. Furthermore, the prices are a whole lot cheaper here compared to the Cote d’Azur or Provence regions, so you could buy a bigger property for an equivalent budget. As a result, some properties such as this lovely villa with good sized garden and outbuildings are underestimated and would cost more if it were located in the South of France.
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However, the element which makes Brittany so special is its architectural uniqueness with houses full of charm and character, for example a half timbered house with 5 acres of land with a spring, near Ploermel for 194,000€, or a charming ensemble of two longeres set in 6 acres, with outbuilding. Located near Callac, it’s on sale for 227,900€