Living along the coast comes with different climatic challenges. Although temperatures are mild, the weather can change rapidly. Large storms off the Atlantic can cause significant damage to coastal towns. Constant rain, especially during the winter months, often cause flooding, a problem that is increasingly impacting the region due to climate change. France saw one of its rainiest February months since 1959 this year! Several monthly rainfall records were broken in the Brittany region. The rainfall caused severe damage around Rennes and other cities, and the Vilaine water level rose several feet. Water, after all, can be dangerous.
To navigate the rugged coast, lighthouses line the coastline to help ships during inclement weather conditions. Harbors are designed to withstand the harsh oceanic climate during winter months with seawalls and breakwaters (called brise-lames) often employed to reduce the impact of waves and rising tides. In Saint-Malo, over 3000 wooden breakwaters exist and are under constant renovation. Some have been protecting the town for over 200 years!
The architecture in Brittany is also designed around rain. Steeply pitched, slated roofs help shed rain, and stone buildings common in the region resist erosion. Different cities have also increasingly begun to harvest renewable wind energy for power.
Water may be dangerous, but the Bretons are ready for it!
