Lower Brittany

Lower Brittany

Map showing the dialects of the Breton language, including those in Lower Brittany.

Lower Brittany (French: Basse-Bretagne; Breton: Breizh-Izel) refers to the western part of the historical province of Brittany in France. It is distinguished from Upper Brittany (Haute-Bretagne) by its cultural and linguistic heritage, particularly the use of the Breton language.

Geography

Lower Brittany encompasses the western departments of Finistère, the western part of Côtes-d'Armor, and the western part of Morbihan. The region is characterized by its rugged coastline, rolling hills, and numerous small islands.

Language

The primary language historically spoken in Lower Brittany is Breton, a Celtic language closely related to Cornish and Welsh. Breton is divided into several dialects, which are shown in the accompanying map. These dialects include Kernevieg (Cornouaille), Leoneg (Leon), Tregerieg (Trégor), and Gwenedeg (Vannetais).

Culture

Lower Brittany is known for its rich cultural traditions, including Breton music, Breton dance, and Breton festivals. The region has a strong maritime heritage, with fishing and seafaring playing significant roles in its history.

Economy

The economy of Lower Brittany has traditionally been based on agriculture, fishing, and maritime activities. In recent years, tourism has become increasingly important, with visitors attracted to its natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Related pages

• Brittany
• Breton language
• Upper Brittany
• Celtic languages