places of interest around the coast of brittany

Coastal Interest

Places of interest around the coast of Brittany
*Brittany* is the land of fables, passing down legends of pixie-like Korrigans scampering among rocks in the heath, giants heaving granite inland and melodic mermaids singing in the waters surrounding its three shores. Even King Arthur and his knights are said to have tread the land, their escapades mirroring Brittany's written history. Situated on the northwestern coast of France, this mystic peninsula's residents speak both French and Breton, an unusual language derived from its Celtic roots. *The Granite Rose Coast - Places of interest* These places are within easy reach of Wisteria and Jasmin Cottages. The Geolo Coast (Coast of Brightness) This is the name of the coast between St. Brieuc and Paimpol. It is characterised by a wild rugged coastline with cliffs, complemented by the many picturesque seaside resorts and good, sandy beaches. Way-marked paths stretch right along the coast from St. Brieuc north Paimpol and beyond. The most notable is the GR34, which was known as the excise men’s route, from the days when customs men used to patrol it in search of smugglers. Special attractions in the area: These include Pointe de Guilben, Abbey of Beau Fort, Chappelle of Perros-Hamon, Tower of Kerroch, and the Moulin de Crac. Off the coast, amongst other islands, is Les Sept Iles, 40 hectares of natural habitat for coastal life and birds, such as seals and puffins. From June to September, the steam train runs from Paimpol to Pontrieux all along the Trieuc, a small tidal river Saint Brieuc. St. Brieuc, the capital of the Department of Cotes-d’Armor, is on the north coast of Brittany, west of St. Malo. It lies between the Gouet River and the Gouedic River, close to St. Brieuc Bay. It is a busy market town that was named after St. Briocus, a 5th Century Welsh monk who was active in the area. Worth visiting is the Cathederal de Saint Etienne, originally built over 200 years from the 13^th to 15^th centuries, but rebuilt later. The old town features picturesque architecture, including 15/16^th century half timbered and corbelled houses. Vantage points on the boulevards bordering the ravines give views of activities at the fishing port, Le Legueth. There are museums, pleasant parks, a weekly market, fairs and other events. The area around offers interesting walks and, of course, beaches. *Paimpol* 45 Kms north west of St. Briuec via route D7. This small town by the north coast with its busy fishing port and yachting harbour is well placed for visiting nearby lovely small beaches of Brehec, the seashores of Pors Pinand, and the whole 13 km of wild coast. Around the fishing port are narrow, winding streets, lined with old timbered houses. Activities include tennis and a lido, scuba diving, kayak, lessons at a sailing school and sailing. For walkers there is a footpath GR34, with its outstanding panoramas on the footpath. The Tuesday market is known for its oysters and fish. *Plouha.* The highest cliffs in Britaany are here, a Maritime History Museum, and Bonaparte Beach, from which allied airmen shot down in Brittany were evacuated during WW2. The area offers fine beaches, and cliff top paths with panoramic views. Gwin Zegal nearby is one of the last anchorages in Europe where the boats tie up to wooden posts. Ploubazlanec. Is about three km north of Paimpol; from here the ferry takes visitors to the famous Ile de Brehat. Boat trips from Ploubazlanec and other nearby locations offer Breton music or sea fishing, or tours around the Islands and archipelago. *Saint Quay Portrieux.* This seaside resort and fishing port is the landing port for Coquilles St. Jacques (scallops). There is an annual scallop festival, and fish auctions. Beaches, Casino, cliff top paths, views and a lighthouse. Nearby, to the north, is the beautiful beach of Le Plaus plage. The later changed colour with the tides and becomes almost black, due to the black ilmenite crystals in the sand. Some of the best beaches in the Cotes d’Armor are in this area, such as Chatelet, Casino and Countess beach.

Places of interest around the coast of Brittany

Brittany is the land of fables, passing down legends of pixie-like Korrigans scampering among rocks in the heath, giants heaving granite inland and melodic mermaids singing in the waters surrounding its three shores. Even King Arthur and his knights are said to have tread the land, their escapades mirroring Brittany's written history. Situated on the northwestern coast of France, this mystic peninsula's residents speak both French and Breton, an unusual language derived from its Celtic roots.

The Granite Rose Coast - Places of interest

These places are within easy reach of Wisteria and Jasmin Cottages.

The Geolo Coast (Coast of Brightness)

This is the name of the coast between St. Brieuc and Paimpol. It is characterised by a wild rugged coastline with cliffs, complemented by the many picturesque seaside resorts and good, sandy beaches. Way-marked paths stretch right along the coast from St. Brieuc north Paimpol and beyond. The most notable is the GR34, which was known as the excise men’s route, from the days when customs men used to patrol it in search of smugglers.

Special attractions in the area: These include Pointe de Guilben, Abbey of Beau Fort, Chappelle of Perros-Hamon, Tower of Kerroch, and the Moulin de Crac. Off the coast, amongst other islands, is Les Sept Iles, 40 hectares of natural habitat for coastal life and birds, such as seals and puffins. From June to September, the steam train runs from Paimpol to Pontrieux all along the Trieuc, a small tidal river

Saint Brieuc.

St. Brieuc, the capital of the Department of Cotes-d’Armor, is on the north coast of Brittany, west of St. Malo. It lies between the Gouet River and the Gouedic River, close to St. Brieuc Bay. It is a busy market town that was named after St. Briocus, a 5th Century Welsh monk who was active in the area. Worth visiting is the Cathederal de Saint Etienne, originally built over 200 years from the 13^th to 15^th centuries, but rebuilt later. The old town features picturesque architecture, including 15/16^th century half timbered and corbelled houses. Vantage points on the boulevards bordering the ravines give views of activities at the fishing port, Le Legueth. There are museums, pleasant parks, a weekly market, fairs and other events. The area around offers interesting walks and, of course, beaches.

Paimpol

45 Kms north west of St. Briuec via route D7. This small town by the north coast with its busy fishing port and yachting harbour is well placed for visiting nearby lovely small beaches of Brehec, the seashores of Pors Pinand, and the whole 13 km of wild coast. Around the fishing port are narrow, winding streets, lined with old timbered houses. Activities include tennis and a lido, scuba diving, kayak, lessons at a sailing school and sailing. For walkers there is a footpath GR34, with its outstanding panoramas on the footpath. The Tuesday market is known for its oysters and fish.

Plouha.

The highest cliffs in Britaany are here, a Maritime History Museum, and Bonaparte Beach, from which allied airmen shot down in Brittany were evacuated during WW2. The area offers fine beaches, and cliff top paths with panoramic views. Gwin Zegal nearby is one of the last anchorages in Europe where the boats tie up to wooden posts.

Ploubazlanec.

Is about three km north of Paimpol; from here the ferry takes visitors to the famous Ile de Brehat. Boat trips from Ploubazlanec and other nearby locations offer Breton music or sea fishing, or tours around the Islands and archipelago.

Saint Quay Portrieux.

This seaside resort and fishing port is the landing port for Coquilles St. Jacques (scallops). There is an annual scallop festival, and fish auctions. Beaches, Casino, cliff top paths, views and a lighthouse. Nearby, to the north, is the beautiful beach of Le Plaus plage. The later changed colour with the tides and becomes almost black, due to the black ilmenite crystals in the sand. Some of the best beaches in the Cotes d’Armor are in this area, such as Chatelet, Casino and Countess beach.