Brittanyis one of the 18regionsofFrance. The regional capital isRennes.The region of Brittany was created in 1941 on 80% of the territory oftraditional Brittany. The remaining 20% is now called theLoire-Atlantiquedepartmentwhich is included in thePays de la Loireregion, whose capital,Nantes, was the historical capital of theDuchy of Brittany.
Brittany, lying in the northwest corner of France, is one of the great historic provinces of France. The most Atlantic of France's regions, Brittany is proud of its Celtic heritage, that sets it apart from the rest of France. It enjoys a mild climate somewhat warmer though not necessarily drier than the climate of the southwest of England. The name "Brittany" derives from the Britons who, back in the Dark Ages, came south across the English Channel to seek refuge from the Anglo Saxon invaders who were pushing them out of a large part of the island of Great Britain.