Local Info:

GENERAL INFORMATION ON THE COTE DE GRANIT ROSE (The Pink Granite Coast

This is a beautiful area of Brittany with spectacular coastline, picturesque villages, towns, harbours and marinas. It has a distinctive charm of ever changing colours and light with a variety of different land and seascapes. Eroded over 300 million years, a landscape of astonishingly shaped granite boulders extending over almost 5.5 miles.

It is full of Celtic tradition and Breton festivals abound during the year. It is enchanting, magical and should be on your “Top 10 Places to Visit”. It will not disappoint you.

Sandy beaches, low rocky cliffs, hundreds of small islands, estuaries and inland lakes. Don’t forget some of the beautiful chateaux such as the Domaine de la Roche-Jagu perched above the Trieux and the Abbaye de Beauport close to Paimpol.

The Pink Granite Coast is great for all outdoor activities such as walking, cycling, tennis, football and horse riding and of course all water sports.


The Sea – explore the spectacular and natural surroundings. The large rise and fall of the tide give you breathtaking changes in coastal landscape twice a day. Participate in the vast array of water sports on offer. Sailing Schools in the area offer regatta sailing, lessons, dinghy and catamaran hire, windsurfing, kayaking on sea and rivers, sand yachting and diving.

Or just enjoy a traditional seaside holiday. Some of our properties are within walking distance of the local beach.

Fishing – enjoy fishing on foot for “shells” at low tide. Limpets, mussels, wild oysters, cockles, clams, periwinkles, crabs, shrimps, prawns. Regulations protect these shell fish in relation to size and quantity you can collect so please check the local regulations as they vary. There is plenty of sea fishing – call in at your local Tourist Information Centre who will be able to give you advise.

Bird Watching. Brittany has been pioneering in protecting its natural environment. The Sept-Iles off Perros-Guirec is the oldest bird sanctuary in Brittany set up in 1913. Boat trips to the Sept Iles archipelago where there are over 27 species of nesting birds (Atlantic Puffins, Cormorants, Gannets and many more). The estuaries provide a haven for seabirds too. .

Breton Festivals. Brittany loves it festivals and has a rich musical heritage. Whatever your musical taste there will be something to interest you. Look out for the Fest Noz - the most popular of Breton cultural events celtic music and dance with the locals. Players and singers invite you to dance to the sound of traditional instruments. Just look for the posters advertising the nearest Fest Noz.

Breton Gastronomy. The Pink Granite Coast is an extravaganza of gastromy! A truly spectacular gastronomic region boasting everything from local salted butter, crêpes and galettes, oysters, cider, Breton beer, a vast array of fresh fish and local vegetables including the speciality “Coco de Paimpol” (white beans). Whatever your taste, there is plenty of quality produce.

Golf. In total there are 32 golf courses in Brittany and it is believed that the area is now the second best for golf in Europe after Scotland. The nearest ones are a 9 hole course at Golf de Begard (www.tregorgoelo.com) – small and informal and an 18 hole course at Golf De Saint Samson, Pleumeur Bodou. (www.golf-saint-samson.com)

Walking. The Pink Granite Coast is ideal for walking – the coastal footpath is gently undulating and well marked.

Treguier. (www.paysdetreguier.com) A “Petite Cité De Caractère”, a town of architectural beauty and authenticity. Attractive timber clad houses, cobbled streets, pretty church, pavement cafes, marina and weekly market. Situated on the estuary of Jaudy, a large harbour. Discover the Seven Islands or the Bréhat Islands by boat, for half a day, day long or more from Treguier. Treguier has an indoor, heated swimming pool, open all year round. Tennis courts – 2 inside and 2 outside.

Ploumanac’h. A small natural harbour at the very heart of the Pink Granite Coast, it has two 14th Century tidal mills. Make sure you visit the spectacular pink granite rocks a short walk along the coastline from the village. Look out for the market on Wednesdays. For information on boat trips to the archipelago of the Sept Iles look at the website www.vedettesdebrehat.com)

Perros-Guirec. (www.perros-guirec.com)
The town is in two parts – the upper area where the majority of the shops are with lots of good restaurants and the lower area which has the marina with more restaurants and shops. There is a Casino and bowling at www.leshaubans.com. Aquarium at Tregastel www.aquarium-tregastel.com. Also indoor swimming pool complex with large pool, solarium, jacquizzi and sauna. www.forum-tregastel.com

Lannion. Large town situated on a river with lots of shops and restaurants, Don’t miss the Thursday market which lasts all day and is the largest market in Brittany. Bowling, restaurant and bar at “Bowling L’eclipse” Good estate agent based in Lannion called Cotes d’Armor on www.agcaimmo.com. Ask for the owner Marie Haag.

Paimpol. The name means “head of the lake” because it was formerly part of a peninsular. In 1852 – 1935, 40 – 50 schooners armed with men sailed from Paimpol to cod fishing in Iceland. The fishing campaign to Iceland built a real identity to Paimpol and its surroundings. Great for restaurants, good for shopping and nice sea food restaurants situated around the harbour and marina with yachts and old sailing ships.. Abbaye Maritime de Beauport (www.abbaye-beauport.com). Paimpol is an ideal departure point for a ferry to the Bréhat Islands.(www.vedettesdebrehat.com)

Begard. A pleasant rural town with a great water park (Armoripark) and activities for young children. Armoripark. There is also a 9 hole golf course. See web address under “Golf” above.

Weather. Common misconceptions and prejudices have portrayed Brittany as a rainy region but its maritime climate is actually mild and bracing. It enjoys mild weather and micro-climatic conditions. Owing to its strong tides – which also influence the weather – Brittany’s iodine rich sea air is unique and has an instant “feel good” factor. Should the weather be unsettled you can rest assured that no other landscape is so stunningly colourful.