Rural heritage, often qualified as “small heritage”, nevertheless contributes greatly to the region's identity. It is actually represented by any building, recent or from the past, not listed as national heritage in terms of historical monuments. It is the result of  traditional know-how that has shown real skill in adapting to the materials, the constraints and the needs of the  inhabitants. This concerns the vernacular heritage (fountains, wash houses, dry stone walls, footbridges, clay architecture, bread ovens, ...), rural housing (“longères” cottages,...) but also, in a larger sense, everything that  concerns customs and local culture, especially the oral traditions. 

Brittany is particularly wealthy as regards this heritage of character. To immerse yourself in the daily activities of men and women of the region is another fruitful way of getting familiar with its history. About thirty towns have received the label “Communes of Rural Heritage of Brittany”, which rewards architectural, ethnological and historical heritage of great quality. They are all determined to safeguard, to develop and to protect their architectural and landscape heritage. 

During your stay in this green rural land, let the hiking trails guide you to the discovery of authentic villages of character. Staying with the local inhabitants, in a self-catering cottage or on a farm is a surefire way to enjoy local specialities and get firsthand information about the region.

Website “Communes du patrimoine rural de Bretagne”, towns of rural heritage of Brittany: www.cprb.org
Website of the DRAC Bretagne: www.culture.gouv.fr/bretagne/