Where we have been living is a rural part of Brittany called the Cote d'Armor, where, in isolated towns close to the coast, signs are more oft than not written in Celtic than French. Which frequently reminds us of the remoter parts of the west coast of Wales and Ireland where we've seen similar things.
The Celts started moving into this part of the world as early as 800BC. Most likely their early involvement revolved around the tin mining trade that was becoming lucrative all around the Mediterranean as the Bronze Age evolved: tin was vital in the manufacture of bronze.
The Romans started moving their muscle about around 50 BC, and took no time taking control over this little corner of the world, naming it Armorica, from 'are' meaning on or at, and 'mori' meaning the sea. Which is how this part of Brittany eventually became known as Cote d'Armor. Near the sea.
As the Roman power waned then, around 450AD, wealthy Britons, escaping troubles at home with burly Anglo-Saxon invaders, chose to come and settle here. More and more came as the decades and centuries passed. Which is how this part of the world came to be called Brittany.
The very roots of the Celtic language still spoken in parts of Brittany stem from these aristocrats. They brought their language and culture with them; their myths and legends, including a version of King Arthur's tale; and their bards and beverages: there are at least as many varieties of apple cider in Brittany as there are in Cornwall.
Even their holy men came, Saint Pol being one of them.
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