Finistère

Finistère
Details
Information
Number	29
Region	Bretagne
Prefecture	Quimper
Subprefectures	Brest Châteaulin Morlaix
Population  - Total (1999)  - Density	Ranked 24th 852,418 127 /km²
Area	6,733 km²
Arrondissements	4
Cantons	54
Communes	283
President of the general council	Pierre Maille
Location

Finistère (Penn-ar-Bed in Breton) is a département of France, located in Brittany (Bretagne in French).

History

The name Finistère means end of the earth and may be compared with Land's End on the opposite side of the English Channel. It is not to be confused with Finisterre in Spain.

Geography

Finistère is the most westerly part of metropolitan France.

The largest town in Finistère is Brest. Finistère includes Ile d'Ouessant, known in English as Ushant.

The abers, rugged fjord-like inlets, of the north coast are a notable feature of the landscape.

Economy

The port of Roscoff links Brittany by ferry with Ireland and Great Britain.

Culture

Finistère is the area where Breton survives most strongly as a spoken language.

The Festival de Cornouaille, which takes place in Quimper, is a celebration of Breton music and traditions.

External link

• Conseil Général website (n French)
• Prefecture website (in French)
• http://www.finisteretourisme.com/ (in French)