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Description:
Ille et Vilaine is one of the original 83 departments created during the French Revolution on March 4, 1790. It was created from part of the province of Brittany. Known as Haute Bretagne (upper Brittany) the region is traditionally the Gallo, or French speaking, part of Brittany.
The department is named after its two main rivers, the Ille and the Vilaine.
Geography
The department of Ille et Vilaine is in the east of Brittany. The area is bordered to the north by the English Channel and to the East by Normandy.
The capital of the region is Rennes which is also the capital of Brittany.
Ille et Vilaine is crisscrossed by canals and waterways with the River Rance running through and forming a natural border.
Climate
Ille et Vilaine has a temperate climate with wet, mild winters and dry, warm and sunny summers. The region receives an annual rainfall of less than 700mm and over 1,850 hours of sunshine each year.
Tourism
Ille et Vilaine has an abundance of holiday accommodation to suit all personal needs and budgets.
Although the department has the smallest coastline in Brittany, the Emerald Coast, it still has numerous long and sandy beaches. The beaches of Dinard, Saint Malo and the Baie du Mont Saint Michel are perfect for families.
The most popular attractions in Ille et Vilaine are the large aquariaum in Saint Malo and the Saint Malo castle ramparts. Other places worth a visit include the Parlement de Bretagne, Musee des Beaux Arts, Chateau de Fougeres and the Fort National.
Ille et Vilaine has festivals and events which attract visitors from all over the world including the 'Festival des Tombees de la Nuit', 'Transmusicales Rock Festival', 'Fete du Chant Traditionnel' and the 'Foire de la Teillouse' .
Sports and other Activities
With its wide stretch of coastline on the English Channel the Ille et Vilaine is an ideal setting for sports such as Sailing, Kayaking, Kitesurfing and Swimming.
There is also a wealth of watersports available on the many rivers and waterways cutting through the region. Alternatively, visitors can easily hire a barge and cruise through the region at their own pace.
Popular land based sports include Hiking, Golf, Cycling and Horseriding.
Transport
Ille et Vilaine has two airports; Dinard airport has limited flights to the Uk and Rennes airport has flights to most European destinations. Saint Malo is the regions main ferry port and services both England and Ireland.
The road network within the Ille et Vilaine is very good and it is easy to get around by car or bus. Rennes is connected directly to Paris via a moterway. All the towns in the area are also connected to both the TVR and TGV rail lines.
Economy
The average household income in Ille et Vilaine is 14,781 € per year - less than the national average of 15,027 € per year.
In the last couple of decades the department has attracted business and industry, such as Citrone, to the area which has also meant a fast growth in population in some areas most notably around Rennes.
More Information
Articles and further information is available on all of the following towns and villages in Ille et Vilaine;
Arrondissements
Cantons
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Check out Guide2Brittany for Ille et Vilaine property, Ille et Vilaine accommodation, Ille et Vilaine events, Ille et Vilaine news and classifieds in Ille et Vilaine.
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