north france
... symbiosis. Langued'oïl The north of France. A land of heterogenous cultural roots, with Teutonic influence in the east, Frankish influences in the central and east-central regions, Viking influences in the north and west-central, and strongly Celtic spheres in the west. The Langued'oïl (the term refers to the early French version of the word for "yes" - "oiel", now spelled and pronounced "oui") has been at one and the same time a forested backdrop in front of which the Mediterranean cultures played out their roles, but also the region from which centralization and power emanated. BRITTANY The ancient region of Armorica saw a huge influx of British refugees in the 6th century as a result of the Anglo-Saxon invasions, and this created the basis behind Breton culture. This isolated peninsula in the far north-west of France developed it's own traditions and language early, and its rulers, though often vassals to the French Kingdom, were just as often calling themselves Kings. Originally, the region was divided into separate districts; Broërech, Cornouaille, and Domnonée - these eventually merged by the end of the 6th century to form Brittany. NORMANDY Northern France, along the coast of the English Channel. The Norman pe...