ABOUT: VPG-DVD-193 - BRETAGNE Brittany in the rugged west of France features picturesque old towns, castles and fortresses plus austere medieval cathedrals. Nostalgia and romantic harbour villages still exist here and it is also a land of menhirs and fishermen. Rennes is the capital of the region and it is here that our journey through Brittany begins. It is a small town in which both medieval and classical buildings stand side by side. In 1720 a disastrous fire that raged for seven days destroyed a number of historic houses. Several crooked, partly renovated frame-work houses are situated in the alleys of the old town, their carved windows and oriels create a medieval atmosphere. Thirty two kilometres south is Vitré, a picture postcard town with a city wall, narrow lanes and a castle. English troops besieged the town for many years until the lords of the castle finally paid a large ransom for their freedom. Le Mont Saint Michel with its historic buildings is located on an eighty metre high granite mound and is like something from a fairytale. Powerful fortifications surround the small town and the abbey at the top of the rock. Due to its unique location and architectural splendour this picturesque village is often referred to as the Wonder Of The Occident. Dinan is a small enchanting French town on the banks of the Rance is one of the most beautiful and well preserved mediaeval towns in Brittany. The western part of France has many faces and Brittany truly is a land of myths, castles, fishing villages and historic old towns.