22 must-do things to do in Cotes-d’Armor
The Côtes-d’Armor, a Breton department of authentic charm, is a treasure trove of natural and historical treasures. With its famous Pink Granite Coast, unspoilt medieval villages and wild, windswept capes, this destination is a concentrate of Breton beauty. Here are 22 must-do experiences to fully discover this exceptional region.
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DownloadSee also the Côtes-d’Armor guide:
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- Explore Brittany’s most beautiful villages
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1. The Pink Granite Coast at Ploumanac’h
The Côte de Granit Rose (22700 Perros-Guirec, rated 4.9/5 on Google out of 440 reviews) is a must-see among things to do in the Côtes-d’Armor, offering a natural spectacle that is unique in the world. These huge blocks of pink granite sculpted by the elements create a magical landscape that stretches for fifteen kilometres, from Trébeurden to Perros-Guirec. The customs officers’ trail at Ploumanac’h allows you to admire the famous Ploumanac’h lighthouse and is one of the most beautiful walking routes in Brittany.
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Although no Navaway tour is yet available specifically for Perros-Guirec, the Pink Granite Coast region is well worth exploring in depth. The waymarked trails allow you to discover this geological wonder on your own, with information panels along the way to enhance your visit to the sites of Brittany.
2. Cap Fréhel and its spectacular cliffs
Overlooking the sea by more than 70 metres, Cap Fréhel (22240 Fréhel, rated 4.7/5 on Google out of 3204 reviews) is one of the most impressive natural sites in the Côtes-d’Armor. These schist and pink sandstone cliffs offer breathtaking views over the English Channel and are a protected Natura 2000 site. The lighthouse at Cap Fréhel, which is open to visitors, allows them to fully appreciate the immensity of the maritime landscape.
3. Fort La Latte, a medieval jewel on the coast
Just a few kilometres from Cap Fréhel, Fort La Latte (22240 Plévenon, rated 4.5/5 on Google out of 1,523 reviews) is a testament to Brittany’s military history. This 14th-century fortress, also known as Château de la Roche Goyon, stands majestically on a rocky spur facing the sea. Its exceptional state of preservation and magnificent natural setting make it one of Brittany’s most photographed castles.
4. The island of Bréhat, the island of flowers
Nicknamed the “island of flowers”, the island of Bréhat (22870 Île-de-Bréhat, rated 4.6/5 on Google out of 892 reviews) has an exceptional micro-climate and lush vegetation. Accessible in a 10-minute crossing from the Pointe de l’Arcouest near Paimpol, this small island measuring 3.5km by 1.5km is enchanting with its flower gardens, pink stone houses and wild coastline. The island can only be explored on foot or by bike, as cars are not allowed.
5. The medieval town of Dinan
Ranked as one of France’s Most Beautiful Detours, Dinan (22100 Dinan, rated 4.7/5 on Google for 2163 reviews) has preserved its medieval authenticity behind its 13th-century ramparts. The historic centre, with its half-timbered houses in the rue du Jerzual and its Saint-Sauveur basilica, immerses visitors in the atmosphere of the Middle Ages. The port of Dinan, below the town, offers a peaceful stroll along the River Rance.
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To fully explore this exceptional medieval city, let us guide you in your discovery of Dinan thanks to the audio tours available in Brittany. Although no specific tour is yet available for Dinan, the town’s rich heritage warrants an in-depth visit to its ramparts, cobbled streets and historic monuments.
6. The Seven Islands, a bird sanctuary
Off the coast of Perros-Guirec, the Sept Îles archipelago (22700 Perros-Guirec, rated 4.7/5 on Google out of 385 reviews) is Brittany’s largest bird sanctuary. This nature reserve is home to more than 20,000 pairs of seabirds, including the famous gannets and puffins. Shuttle buses depart from Perros-Guirec, Trégastel or Ploumanac’h to discover this protected ecosystem.
7. Paimpol, a port of character in the Goëlo region
Made famous by Pierre Loti and Théodore Botrel, Paimpol (22500 Paimpol, rated 4.4/5 on Google out of 1247 reviews) has retained its soul as a traditional fishing port. The cobbled streets of the town centre, lined with shipowners’ houses and craft shops, tell the story of the Newfoundlanders who left to fish for cod in Iceland. The festival of sea chanteys, held every two years in August, perpetuates this maritime tradition.
8. Lac de Guerlédan, Brittany’s largest man-made lake
Nestling in the heart of the Côtes-d’Armor region, Lac de Guerlédan (22570 Mûr-de-Bretagne, rated 4.5/5 on Google out of 1821 reviews) is a veritable showcase of nature. This 400-hectare lake, created in 1930, offers a wide range of activities including boating, canoeing, fishing and hiking. The surrounding forests and the remains of Bon Repos Abbey add a cultural dimension to this exceptional natural site.
9. The Valley of the Saints, Easter Island in Brittany
Located in Carnoët, the Vallée des Saints (22160 Carnoët, rated 4.5/5 on Google for 1882 reviews) is a unique artistic and cultural project. More than 200 monumental 4-metre-high granite statues of Breton saints stand on the hill, offering panoramic views as far as the Monts d’Arrée. The aim is to reach 1000 sculptures, making this site the Easter Island of Brittany.
10. Tréguier, episcopal city of Trégor
Tréguier (22220 Tréguier, rated 4.5/5 on Google out of 743 reviews), a small town full of character situated at the confluence of the Jaudy and Guindy rivers, has a remarkable architectural heritage. Its Saint-Tugdual cathedral, a masterpiece of Breton Gothic art, dominates the town from its three towers. The 14th-century cloister and timber-framed houses in the historic centre bear witness to the wealth of this former episcopal city.
11. Saint-Brieuc and the Bay with the highest cliffs in Brittany
Prefecture of the Côtes-d’Armor region, Saint-Brieuc (22000 Saint-Brieuc, rated 4.2/5 on Google out of 1586 reviews) offers a perfect balance between urban dynamism and natural beauty. The historic centre, with its Saint-Étienne cathedral and half-timbered houses, is well worth a visit. The Bay of Saint-Brieuc, a nature reserve of international importance, boasts the highest cliffs in Brittany (104 metres) and is an exceptional site for observing migratory birds.
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As the administrative capital of the Côtes-d’Armor region, Saint-Brieuc is well worth a guided exploration of its historic centre and emblematic districts. For the best way to discover this dynamic city, take a look at the available itineraries, which will enable you to fully appreciate the heritage of Saint-Brieuc and the exceptional views over the bay.
12. The beaches of Saint-Quay-Portrieux and Val-André
The Costa Rican coast boasts some magnificent family seaside resorts. Saint-Quay-Portrieux (22410 Saint-Quay-Portrieux, rated 4.4/5 on Google for 892 reviews) charms with its fine sandy beaches and natural swimming pool dug into the rock. Le Val-André (22370 Pléneuf-Val-André, rated 4.3/5 on Google out of 1247 reviews) has a 2.5 kilometre long golden sandy beach and a seawall facing the islands in the Bay of Saint-Brieuc.
13. Cape Erquy and its pink sandstone cliffs
Extending eastwards from Cap Fréhel, Cap d’Erquy (22430 Erquy, rated 4.6/5 on Google out of 1156 reviews) offers equally spectacular coastal scenery. Its pink sandstone cliffs, heather moors and wild coves make it a protected Natura 2000 site. The seaside resort of Erquy, famous for its scallops, is an ideal base from which to explore this unspoilt coastline.
14. Moncontour, one of the most beautiful villages in France
Perched on its rocky spur, Moncontour (22510 Moncontour, rated 4.5/5 on Google for 387 reviews) is one of France’s Most Beautiful Villages. This small medieval town, surrounded by ramparts, boasts cobbled streets, half-timbered houses and middle-class residences. The church of Saint-Mathurin, with its remarkable 16th-century stained-glass windows, bears witness to the artistic wealth of this fortified village.
15. Pontrieux, the little Breton Venice
Nicknamed “Little Venice of Brittany”, Pontrieux (22260 Pontrieux, rated 4.3/5 on Google for 542 reviews) unfurls its charms along the Trieux. This town in the Trégor region, bisected by the river, is enchanting with its flower-filled washhouses, colourful houses reflected in the water and peaceful marina. Take a boat trip to discover the many wash-houses along the river.
16. The customs trail (GR34)
The GR34 crosses over 200 kilometres of the Côtes-d’Armor, offering some of the finest views of the Breton coastline. This long-distance hiking trail, which follows the old customs path, links the department’s most emblematic sites: from the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel to Cap Fréhel, then from the Pink Granite Coast to the Bay of Saint-Brieuc. Each section reveals unique landscapes and unforgettable panoramas.
17. The Plougrescant chasm and its lunar landscapes
North of Tréguier, the Plougrescant chasm (22820 Plougrescant, rated 4.4/5 on Google out of 298 reviews) is one of the most breathtaking natural spectacles in the Côtes-d’Armor. This geological curiosity, carved out by marine erosion, reveals all its power during storms when the waves rush into this crevice with a deafening noise. The Saint-Gongon chapel, built between two rocks, adds a poetic note to this tormented landscape.
18. Beauport Maritime Abbey
Listed as a Historic Monument, Beauport Abbey (22500 Paimpol, rated 4.5/5 on Google out of 1247 reviews) bears witness to the spiritual and economic influence of the region in the Middle Ages. Founded in 1202, this Premonstratensian abbey enjoyed a privileged location facing the sea. The remains of the abbey church, cloister and conventual buildings, nestling in a green setting overlooking the Bréhat archipelago, provide an exceptional backdrop for understanding medieval monastic life.
19. Lannion and the Léguer valley
Lannion (22300 Lannion, rated 4.3/5 on Google for 893 reviews), gateway to the Pink Granite Coast, is well worth a visit for its rich architectural heritage. The historic centre, with its corbelled houses and monumental staircases leading up to the Brélévenez church, bears witness to the past prosperity of this trading town. The Léguer valley, which winds its way down to the sea, offers bucolic landscapes dotted with chapels and manor houses.
20. The islands and islets: Milliau, Renote and Grande île
The Costarmorican coastline is dotted with numerous islands and islets, making it a great place to explore. Ile Milliau (22560 Trébeurden), accessible on foot at low tide from Trébeurden, offers a nature walk in the heart of granite chaos. Île Renote (22730 Trégastel) is a natural laboratory where you can observe the formation of pink granite rocks. Ile Grande (22560 Pleumeur-Bodou) is home to the famous radome and the Cité des télécoms.
21. Water sports and board sports
The Côtes-d’Armor is an exceptional playground for water sports enthusiasts. Sailing conditions are ideal in the Bay of Saint-Brieuc and around the Bréhat archipelago. Surfing is practised on exposed beaches such as Erquy and Saint-Quay-Portrieux. Sand yachting takes advantage of the large sandy beaches of Val-André and Sables-d’Or-les-Pins. Sea fishing, from the department’s many harbours, is a great way to discover the Channel’s wealth of fish stocks.
22. Gastronomic specialities from Costarmorca
A land of gastronomy, the Côtes-d’Armor offers a generous cuisine that celebrates the products of the sea and the land. The scallops of Erquy, fished using traditional methods, are among the most famous in France. Kouign-amann, a Breton pastry rich in butter, originated in Douarnenez but is now found throughout the department. Galette-saucisses, buckwheat pancakes and farmhouse cider are the perfect accompaniment to discovering this authentic region.
In conclusion, the Côtes-d’Armor offers an exceptional concentration of authentic Brittany, with its wild nature, historic heritage and living traditions. From the imposing cliffs of Cap Fréhel to the medieval streets of Dinan and the geological wonders of the Pink Granite Coast, each site reveals a unique facet of this unspoilt region. This remarkable diversity makes the Côtes-d’Armor a destination of choice for anyone looking to discover the real Brittany, away from the crowds and as close as possible to its true soul. To make the most of your stay, take a look at the tours available to help you discover these Breton gems.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit the Côtes-d’Armor?
The best time to visit is from May to September, when the weather is milder and the days longer. Spring (April-May) is particularly recommended for discovering the island of Bréhat in flower, while summer offers the best conditions for water sports and swimming.
How many days does it take to visit the Côtes-d’Armor?
A week is the minimum length of time needed to discover the essential sites of the Côtes-d’Armor. For an in-depth exploration including hiking, cultural visits and relaxation, allow 10 to 15 days. A long weekend of 3-4 days will allow you to see the must-sees, such as the Pink Granite Coast, Cap Fréhel and Dinan.
Where to stay in Côtes-d’Armor?
Saint-Brieuc offers an excellent central base with plenty of accommodation. For a seaside break, opt for Perros-Guirec, Saint-Quay-Portrieux or Val-André. Lovers of authenticity will opt for Dinan, Paimpol or Tréguier. Campsites and self-catering cottages offer the chance to stay close to nature.
Are the Côtes-d’Armor suitable for families with children?
Absolutely! The supervised beaches of Val-André and Saint-Quay-Portrieux are perfect for families. The coastal paths offer accessible walks, while sites such as the Vallée des Saints and the aquariums at Trégastel will captivate the youngest visitors. Numerous adapted water sports activities are on offer during the summer season.
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