Côtes d’Armor

Its highest point’s on the beachfront! Head for the Plouha cliffs, the highest in Brittany! 106 metres above the waves, with breathtaking views…and a generous whiff of sea spray into the bargain.

A good strong dose of character and history, and the taste of the open sea! Here are Côtes-d’Armor’s star towns – absolute must-visits :

Saint-Brieuc : combines nature and culture. Lush green valleys, paths with views over the open sea and Art Deco & Street Art combo… A surprising patchwork!

Lannion: gateway to the Pink Granite Coast, combines tradition and modernity.

Guingamp: a little city of real character where medieval heritage and contemporary art cross paths between half-timbered houses, a former prison that’s been turned into an art centre, and sculptures on display in the open air.

Dinan: an enchanting medieval city on a hillside overlooking the Rance.

Paimpol: captivates visitors with its little port, half-timbered houses and shipowners’ former residences. And of course… you can’t possibly leave without sampling the famous Paimpol oysters!

Feel like getting off the beaten track? Good idea! Côtes-d’Armor has more than one well-guarded secret!

• In Tréguier, a town with the “Little City of Character” label, you saunter along narrow cobbled streets, admiring its half-timbered houses and gothic cloister.
• As regards nature, head for the Sillon de Talbert, a long sliver of pebbles stretching seawards.
  If you’re a fan of little Breton ports, don’t miss out on Dahouët and its natural harbour. More discreet treasures, but well worth going out of your way for.
• Lake Guerlédan, a live-size playground for hiking, mountain-bike, kayak, paddleboarding and climbing enthusiasts.
• The Valley of the Saints and its rolling landscape dominated by granite giants.
• The Nantes-Brest Canal, winding its way through the département between locks and villages. On foot, by bike or even in a canoe, immerse yourself in the heart of Brittany.
• The Corong Gorges and their huge boulders, steeped in legend, in the midst of the forest. Who knows…perhaps you’ll come face-to-face with a river otter!

Feel like spreading your towel on fine sand or taking a dip in a well-hidden cove? Here are some of Côtes-d’Armor’s unmissable beaches:

• Plage du Corps de Garde (Guardhouse Beach) in Binic can only be reached on foot along the GR®34 trail. A wild beach that’s a haven of tranquillity and crystal-clear waters.
• Sables d’Or Beach in Sables-d’Or-les-Pins is a stretch of golden sand watched over by pine trees. And you can be sure that its name keeps all its promises!
• Grève Rose Beach in Trégastel is surrounded by the coast’s famous pink granite rocks and is popular with boardsports enthusiasts and contemplatives alike.
• Lanruen Beach in Erquy stretches between cliffs, dunes and pinewoods. Nature holds sway here: gorse, heather, immaculate white sand and sculpted rocks compose an invigorating little corner of paradise.
• Saint-Guirec Beach in the heart of GR®34 resembles a scene from a picture postcard: pink granite, château on the horizon and oratory with its feet in the sand.

There’s a whole range of enchanting stopovers along Côtes-d’Armor’s coastline, including little fishing ports, villages of character and seaside resorts. Here are a few must-visits for you to explore:

• On the Pink Granite Coast, head for Ploumanac’h, Plougrescant, Trégastel and Trébeurden, with their sculpted rocks, little ports and fine sandy beaches.
• Saint-Brieuc Bay, Binic-Étables-sur-Mer, Saint-Quay-Portrieux, Pléneuf-Val-André, Erquy and Paimpol each have their own atmosphere: what with hidden coves, family seaside resorts and lively little ports, the coastline is discovered to the rhythm of the tides and… the GR®34 trail!
• As regards Cap Fréhel, succumb to the charms of Saint-Cast-le-Guildo’s spacious beaches, Saint-Jacut-de-la-Mer’s wild headlands and the cape’s spectacular panoramas, between cliffs and emerald-green sea.

Good news – each season has its own special charm!

In spring, the air is mild and trails are quiet. The perfect season for exploring the coastline and its ports. Winter is the cocooning season: an invigorating walk and a wellness stopover at the Thalasso Roz Marine Perros-Guirec, and there you are – batteries recharged!

But you know what? Autumn’s the season we like best! The Indian summer season when the rocks are enveloped in golden light and the atmosphere is more intimate… and above all, it’s a long way from the summertime bustle. You can enjoy your surroundings as if they were created just for you!

Need to plan your next getaway and make a list of spots you don’t want to miss out on? You’ll find downloadable tourist maps and guides on Côtes-d’Armor’s official website.