Basse-Bretagne (Breizh Izel in Breton) denotes the parts of Brittany west of Ploërmel, where the Breton language was traditionally spoken, and where the culture associated with this language is most prolific. The name is in contra-distinction to Haute-Bretagne, the eastern part of Brittany, of predominantly Romance culture.

History

The Naming

Other régions divide up into "Basse" (lower) and "Haute" (upper) areas - for example Basse-Lorraine, Bas-Poitou, Basse-Normandie. The upper and lower terms refer to the relative positions of the capital. In the case of Brittany, Nantes and Rennes have both been the capital. The French word "bas" has sometimes negative connotations, often implying inferior.

The term "Breizh Izel" is mentioned numerous times in Breton songs of the 19th century and 20th century, possibly because the Breton word "Izel" holds no negative connotations.

The Frontier of Basse and Haute-Bretagne

Having been based on linguistic domains, the frontier corresponds very roughly to administrative border policies. It had already been established by the 14th century, and has changed only slightly since, hand in hand with the pushing back of the Breton language.

In 1588, the historian Bertrand d'Argentré defined the border as running from the outskirts of Binic southwards down to Guérande, leaving the communes of Loudéac, Josselin, Malestroit in Haute Bretagne. In 1886, Paul Sébillot moved the frontier deeper into Breton territory, the line then running from Plouha to Batz-sur-Mer. Maps in the 17th century favour the latter.

External links

In French

• Carte de 1695, présentant la limite
• À la recherche de la frontière Présentation du livre de Fañch Broudic ISBN 2-906373-44-3