If you come from Normandy and plan on heading on to Brittany you would do well to visit the magic island of Mont-Saint-Michel (MOHN-san-mee-SHELL). The picturesque island looks like a make believe castle although most of it is actually a Gothic abbey and not a palace. Visit the island not just for the sights but also for its famous omelette. You can find the “original” omelette at Hotel de La Mere Poulard although a search for the recipe in the internet will yield dozens of varying results.

After a visit to the enchanting island of Mont-Saint-Michel you can then proceed downwards to Brittany, which is actually the westernmost point of France. Here you will be fascinated not only by the rugged coastline but the hardy people bred by the sea. In Brittany you will find the legacy left by the old Breton seafarers and the Britons who settled there around 500AD. Here you will find small fishing villages as well a large port where fishing fleets sail once a year. Brittany is also known for its old beliefs and superstitions and if you visit the little villages there you might even see an oldster or two dressed in the traditional costume of long black dresses with a high, starched lace cap.

The popular attractions in Brittany include Rennes, its capital, and Nantes. Rennes is a metropolis where you will surely get a feel of the Breton’s history. The tourist attraction here is the Palace of the Breton Parliament where you can get a taste of history as well as soak in some art with its display of 17th century pictorial art.

Nantes is known as the European capital of good living where you can almost taste iodine and salt from the aroma brought by the Atlantic breezes. Enjoy the cafes, visit the botanical gardens, and indulge yourself in Muscadet, the most famous of Nantes wines.

Must have souveneirs from Brittany are the exquisite handmade lace and beautiful pottery from Quimper (kam-PAIR). Must try food are seafoods prepared with a special sauce called Amorican, cider, buckwheat pancakes, and port-salut cheese.