The architecture is as diversified as Brittany itself. Indeed, the half-timbered houses in  walled towns have not much in common with the small white houses with tiny little openings on the  islands battered by gusty winds. Here and there, the sight of a rich-looking manor  towering over a bay is equally characteristic for the region. 

The influence of changing architectural styles, but also the geological structure of breton soil have contributed to the original aspect of the armorican peninsula's buildings. Although it is particularly marked by the abundance of religious monuments and military defenses, Brittany also boasts a fascinating variety as regards the civil habitat: ochre stone of Loconna, pink and grey granite, slate or blue schist endow breton towns with their very own charm. 

The late persistence of the flamboyant gothic style has particularly influenced urban habitat in Brittany. The heart of breton fortified towns is usually designed around three monuments: the castle, symbol of the political and legal power, the church, symbol of the religious power, and the ancient covered market, representing commercial power. Although the famous half-timbered houses are frequent in many breton towns and cities, every city retains its very own character. You will come across houses with three or four storeys, lining the squares in Rennes, as well as small medieval houses, the so-called “maison à lanterne” in Morlaix. 

In Landerneau, one of the last lived-in bridges in Europe overhangs the river, whilst the colourful façades in Spézet, at the foot of the Black Mountains, offer a startling sight.  In the 1960-70's, a massive destruction took place. Nowadays, restoration is well on the way, much to the delight of lovers of this exceptional heritage to be rediscovered.

FNASSEM (National federation of associations safeguarding sites and monuments) http://www.associations-patrimoine.org/
Tiez Breiz- Houses and landscapes of Brittany http://www.tiez-breiz.org/
Communes of rural heritage http://www.cprb.org/