Finistère, Administrative division in Brittany, France
Finistère is an administrative area in Brittany in northwestern France, covering the westernmost tip of the country. The coast is deeply indented and cut by narrow sea inlets known as abers, which together with rocky promontories shape the landscape.
The area was created in 1790 during the French Revolution as one of the original 83 departments of France. Its name comes from the Latin Finis Terrae, describing its geographic position as the westernmost point of the country.
The name comes from the Latin Finis Terrae, meaning End of the Earth, which reflects its western position on the coast. In coastal towns, you can see fishermen mooring their boats in sheltered harbors and selling their catch directly at the docks.
The area is divided into four districts grouped around the cities of Brest, Châteaulin, Morlaix, and Quimper. Quimper serves as the administrative center, where the main government offices and services are located.
The Breton name Penn ar Bed means Head of the World and underlines the exposed location. This term shares linguistic roots with similar geographic names in Cornwall and Wales, which also point to the Celtic heritage.
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