France impressions
Brittany
my calendar
Die Cote d'Émeraude:
T he Départements Ile-et-Vilaine and the west of the Département Cotes d'Armor stand for the Cote d'Émeraude. In the north-east of Brittany, the sun shines much more often than you think. Miles of white sandy beaches and small bays, the Atlantic shimmers in all shades of blue. Wonderful towns, castle ruins and forests. Have fun discovering ..
The places and surroundings:
Dinard:
Beautiful and glamorous coastal town, the streets are reminiscent of San Francisco in miniature size. Many small sandy beaches and a coastal path (promenade du clair de lune) that runs along the water all the time (it can be flooded during high tide and storm). Many beautiful, old villas can be admired along the way. The beautiful Parc du port Breton is well worth a visit. Old trees, plants and beautiful flowers invite you to stroll through the park.
Dinan:
for me personally the most beautiful city I've ever been. The cobblestone streets, the colorful houses, flowers ...... Dinan is indescribable. The harbor district on the Rance river is quaint and idyllic, in restaurants and bistrots you can sit comfortably on the bank. If you like, you can rent a boat and go to Lehon (also a very pretty village). But you can also walk to Lehon (hiking trails on both sides of the Rance). Dinan is a MUST go on a trip to Brittany.
Saint Malo:
Saint Malo and its impressive Ville clos. A great city with a lot of flair, beautiful alleys and shopping streets and the beautiful location right on the coast. At low tide you can go for a long walk on the sandy beaches. There are many nice bistrots and restaurants. But certainly overcrowded in the main season.
Cancale:
the coastal town is known for its fresh oysters, which are fished and offered on site. The place is pretty and a beautiful coastal path is ideal for hiking. The sea shines turquoise and blue.
Saint Briac sur Mer:
nice little coastal town with beautiful beaches and dune landscapes, idyllic and quiet. Nice walks on the beach and in the dunes.
Beautiful, hidden sandy bays.
Erquy:
beautiful coastal village, interesting for its Cap d'Erquy. There you can hike wonderfully and extensively. The quarry is also very interesting. In the harbor you can sit in the café and enjoy the atmosphere.
Saint Suliac:
Located on the banks of the Rance River, it is one of the 100 most beautiful villages in France. Beautiful stone houses and quaint streets. Saint Suliac is a really nice place not to be missed.
Montcontour:
medieval town inland. Beautiful, picturesque streets and half-timbered houses. In the restaurant le Chaudron Magique you eat in a kind of knight's hall and feel like you're in the Middle Ages.
Montcontour is 100% worth it!
Dol-de-Bretagne and the Mont Dol
Nice place with half-timbered houses, invites you to stroll. The Dolmen of Dol is impressive.
The only mountain in the region, the Mont Dol is beautiful. Huge, old trees, a windmill and the view extends far over the plain.
Travel tips on the Cote d'Émeraude:
Foret de Broceliande:
The legendary Foret de Broceliande can be reached in just over an hour from the coast. The grave of Merlin, megaliths and a mystical forest in beautiful surroundings. The oak "La chaine à Guillotin", estimated to be 1000 years old, is a must-see. An unbelievable atmosphere around the tree that gives you goose bumps. There are several hiking trails in the forest or around the lake of Paimpol. The Arbre d'or (the golden tree) is a memorial for a great fire in 1990. The water castle Chateau de Josselin is also very beautiful.
Fort Latte / Plévenon:
beautiful old castle, which is located on a narrow headland directly on the coast in the Plévenon area. Very well-preserved, medieval castle complex with great views of the sea in all directions. Interesting story about the castle. A visit is really worth it!
Chateau de Hunaudaye:
Castle ruins from the 13th century near Plédéliac. The castle is surrounded by water and is very impressive and well preserved. All around forests and small ponds, a very idyllic landscape. There are goats running around the castle.
On the banks of the Rance:
The Rance River flows into the English Channel between Saint Malo and Dinard. The banks and places on the river are particularly idyllic and there are countless hiking trails such as in Minihac sur Rance. The river is ideal for swimming, boating or surfing.
The Cape Pointe du Grouin near Cancale:
beautiful cape with a magnificent view from the rocks of the surf and the sea. Nice paths and vegetation. Especially impressive in a storm. Here you can relax and enjoy the sea air.
The sculpted rocks of Rotheneuf:
near Saint Malo you can find these impressive rock sculptures by the sea, which the clergyman Adolphe Julien Fouéré carved into the rock from 1894 to 1907. A really great place and something very special that you should definitely see!
The coastal path from St. Lunaire:
This wonderful little hike starts at the car park at the corner of the D786 / Rue du Clos du Marais. Simply follow the sign (red and white rectangle) on the opposite side of the street. This great path runs on a hill and rewards with views of the beaches and the coast.
My restaurant tips:
L'Arganier (Marokkanisch) in Dinard - Le Relais de Broceliande in Paimpont - Le Chaudron Magique in Moncontour - L'Atelier Gourmand in Dinan
Die Cote Granit Rose
T he east of the Cotes d'Armor department is also called the Cote de Granit Rose. This coast between Trégastel and Perros Guirec is definitely one of the most beautiful coasts in Europe. The huge rocks and offshore islands are reminiscent of the archipelago in Sweden. Snow-white sandy beaches and turquoise water surrounded by a beautiful landscape.
The places and surroundings:
Trégastel:
Coastal town directly on the famous customs officer route of the Cote de Granit Rose. The coastal path is unique! The peninsula Ile Renot trumps with beautiful small sandy bays and large rocks. A quiet and nice place to spend your vacation and a good starting point to explore the area. A hike through the Vallée de Traouiero between Trégastel and Perros Guirec is also very nice. A mystical forest with rocks, lianas, ferns and imposing trees.
Perros-Guirec:
larger, tourist place with many hotels and restaurants. A nice little center with a very nice weekly market. Beautiful beaches (Plage de Trestraou or Plage de Trestingel)
Saint Guirec:
pretty little place located in the most beautiful bays in the area. The Plage de Saint Guirec is particularly idyllic and the color of the water is like in the Caribbean.
Pontrieux:
beautiful, picturesque village with cobblestone streets and stone houses inland on the Trieux river. You can take boat trips and see the old wash houses on the riverside. This place is really gorgeous and shouldn't be left out
Tréguier:
very nice small town with many half-timbered houses surrounded by the rivers Jaudy and le Guindy and a small port on the river. The city center invites you to stroll. Overall very idyllic and worth seeing!
Other excursion tips:
Chateau la Roche Jagu:
very beautiful castle from the 15th century, which was renovated in 1968. Large, park-like garden, located above the Trieux river not far from Pontrieux. A nice walk through the park and the adjacent forest path is really worth it.
The Ile Grande near Trebeurden:
Peninsula on which you can hike wonderfully. Beautiful bays and mystical dolmens and wonderful tranquility.
Burgruine Chateau de Tonquedec:
south of Lannion is this impressive castle ruin with 11 towers from the 15th century. The surroundings are very idyllic and the ruins are definitely worth a visit!
Pointe de Bihit:
near Trebeurden is this rocky peninsula, which is strongly reminiscent of Scotland. Nice footpaths on which you can explore the peninsula.
My restaurant tips:
Ker Louis in St. Guirec - La Maison in Trebeurden - Chez Mario in Trégastel - Auberge de Tregor in Tréguier - Puffins in Trégastel (super Pizza) - Vielle Eglise in Trégastel Bourg
