The first-name bowl, ambassador of Breton earthenware
It's certainly the best-seller of local souvenirs: the bowl with ears, flanked by a handwritten first name and decorated with a couple in traditional costume, the "Petit Breton" and his companion. Three faience manufacturers share the bulk of the market: Pornic (44), founded in 1947, whose low-priced bowls can be found in every souvenir store. As are those of Céramiques de Cornouaille. Founded in 1690, the Henriot earthenware factory in Quimper perpetuates precious know-how, and its more expensive earthenware is still entirely handmade.
Breton earthenware has also reinvented itself. Henriot regularly entrusts new collections inspired by tradition to contemporary designers. The company has always called on artists, notably those of the Seiz Breur movement such as Mathurin Méheut and René-Yves Creston, to produce works of art that have become precious collector's items. Some are reissued from the original molds, in monochrome enamel, under the name of "blancs de Quimper".
Other players have ventured into the local color crockery market, offering dishes, plates, cups and bowls decorated with revisited traditional motifs, marine elements or humorous characters such as Mam Goz and Mam Goudig, the emblematic Bigouden grandmothers who feature on many souvenirs.
The timeless panoply of the sailor
Here's a lasting souvenir that will enrich your wardrobe: sailor clothing, the great classics of Breton fashion, is at once simple, comfortable, timeless and timeless! Oilskins, sailboats, knitwear and marine sweaters: Brittany has given birth to some of the great names in this field, including Armor Lux, Guy Cotten, Le Glazik and Captain Corsaire.
Typically Breton garments have been brought up to date, such as the kabic, a long hooded coat. Invented by the seaweed farmers of North Finistère, its tightly-woven wool makes it waterproof. Very popular, the vareuse is a short blouse with a slit collar, cut from thick, tightly woven fabric that protects against wind and rain. To keep your head warm, opt for the miki made of wool sheeting, half hat, half cap, with no visor to catch the wind. And when it comes to accessories, recycled sailcloth bags are very much in vogue.
Marine-inspired clothing has been modernized in both form and color. Alongside the historic players, new brands such as Mousqueton have appeared on the Breton fashion scene. Launched at the end of the 1990s, Morlaix-based brand A l'aise Breizh popularized the t-shirt with funny regional drawings and messages. A formula that has since spread far and wide.
You'll find what you're looking for in the many souvenir stores, some of which specialize in marine fashions. Maritime cooperatives, located in every port, are also excellent quality options.
Flavours in tins
Breton gastronomy is rich. But not all its treasures travel easily. It's difficult and risky to return home with a lobster in your trunk or a packet of salted butter in your suitcase. On the other hand, you'll have no trouble bringing home cans, bottles, jars and other preserves. Cookies with the taste of salted butter are one of Brittany's must-have souvenirs, housed in a pretty metal box in the local colors. There are countless cookie factories all over the region: palets, galettes from Pont-Aven or Belle-Isle, crêpes dentelles from Quimper or Gavottes from Dinan... Salted butter caramel is easy to transport, in candy or cream spreads.
For an iodized souvenir, canned fish is ideal: sardines, tuna or mackerel in oil, hake or scallop rillettes, fish soup... Brittany boasts a host of artisanal canneries, including several renowned names such as La Belle-Îloise and Maison Chancerelle. If you prefer meat, opt for tinned pork pâté, such as the famous Pâté Hénaff.
And why not take home a kilo of buckwheat flour, so you can try your hand at the art of making galettes at home? And don't forget buckwheat chips, dried seaweed or the famous Roellinger spices. A bottle of cider or chouchen to wash it all down, and you're all set to keep the flame of Breton cooking alive at home!
Seaside decoration: Breton inspirations at home
To breathe a little Breton atmosphere into your home, choose one of these photos of a storm-tossed coastline or one of these drawings of lighthouses. Ship models, old navigation instruments and marine paintings will give your home a maritime atmosphere. Many ports and seaside resorts are home to a flea market or antique shop, where you can unearth such objects.
Souvenir stores sell all kinds of trinkets decorated with driftwood, fish, seabirds or shells... Local designers, who run shared stores in tourist areas, have largely modernized this seaside decor.
And also...
It's hard to list everything you can bring back, but you can add embroidery kits by Finistère designer Pascal Jaouen, Celtic jewelry such as that from Toulhoat, luxurious glassware from Bréhat, storybooks, shuffleboard and boules games to the list of gift ideas... Not forgetting, of course, all the trinkets stamped with the Gwenn ha du, the Breton flag. The region is also rich in artisan soap factories and cosmetics companies that use local plants and seaweed to produce their products. In addition to the flagship Yves Rocher, based in La Gacilly, there are brands such as Nominoë, Ma Kibell, Heuliad and Algoplus.
