Emblematic places to visit in Côtes-d'Armor

Your vacation is all set — this year, you’re heading to Brittany! A beautiful region that will take you straight to the stunning Côtes-d’Armor.

The Côtes-d'Armor: Between Seaside Resorts, Medieval Towns, and Fishing Ports

Your vacation is planned, and this year you're heading to Brittany! This beautiful region leads straight to the Côtes-d'Armor. This ideally located department is full of must-visit places: the Pink Granite Coast, Saint-Brieuc—the largest city in the region—the island of Bréhat, Paimpol, Dinan, and of course, the Pink Granite Coast. Follow the guide and discover the iconic sites of the Côtes-d'Armor.

Explore the Pink Granite Coast

The first question everyone asks is, "Why is the granite pink?" The granite contains iron oxide (hematite) within the alkali feldspar crystals, giving the rocks their distinctive pink hue.

The Pink Granite Coast is considered a unique natural site in the world. Several places are worth exploring:

1. The Town of Perros-Guirec

One of the first places to visit is Ploumanac'h, a former fishing hamlet and “favorite village of the French.” Located between Trestraou and Saint-Guirec beaches, it offers a spectacular view of pink granite rocks extending over several hectares, some over 20 meters high!

Perros-Guirec, meaning "Pen-Ros" in Breton ("top of the hill"), is also an ideal seaside resort for water sports. Sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and longe-côte (coastal walking) allow visitors to enjoy the coast’s natural beauty.

Off the coast lies the archipelago of 7 islands: Rouzic, Malban, Les Costans, Bono, Île-aux-Moines, Île Plate, and Le Cerf. A nature reserve protects around thirty bird species—a magical spot for vacationers.

2. The Seaside Resorts of Trégastel and Trébeurden

The Côtes-d'Armor is renowned for its beautiful beaches, perfect for relaxing along the coast. For walkers and hikers, the Customs Officers' Path, GR34, stretches over 2,000 km from Mont Saint-Michel to Saint-Nazaire, revealing wild coastlines, dunes, rocky points, and stunning beaches. Trébeurden is the region's most secluded seaside resort.

3. The Town of Pleubian

This small town of over 2,300 inhabitants (2015 INSEE data) is a natural treasure of the Pink Granite Coast. The "Sillon de Talbert" headland—a 3 km-long sand and pebble peninsula—is a unique European site within a protected Natura 2000 reserve. Birdwatchers and curious visitors will enjoy the walk along the water.

In the town center, historical sites include Notre-Dame-de-la-Mer church, the Héaux lighthouse, and the Creac'h Maoût semaphore.

Explore the Island of Bréhat

To reach the “Island of Flowers,” take a ferry from Ploubazlanec. A microclimate influenced by the Gulf Stream allows exotic plants—jasmine, palms, figs, passionflowers—and flowers like hydrangeas, aloes, and mimosa to flourish.

The archipelago has 86 islets and was the first natural site classified in France in July 1907. Bréhat is near the fishing port of Paimpol and is considered Brittany’s most beautiful island. Notable visits include:

• The Phare de Paon (Peacock Lighthouse)
• The glassworks of Bréhat
• The tidal mill of Birlot
• The saltwater pond of Lenn
• The Vauban bridge

Stroll Through the Towns of Paimpol & Dinan

For three centuries, "La Grande Pêche" (the Great Fishing) sent sailors on long cod-fishing voyages, making Paimpol France's first offshore fishing port. The city center still boasts majestic shipowners' houses, reflecting its rich history.

On foot or by bike, visit the Abbey of Beauport, the Moulin de Craca, and the oyster beds—a perfect blend of history and nature. Dinan, a medieval Breton town, is famous for its half-timbered houses and art scene, protected by kilometers of ramparts. The Château de Dinan is a must-see, and Rue de Jerzual showcases artisan workshops and charming old houses.

Saint-Brieuc, the Largest City in the Côtes-d'Armor

Following the GR34 Customs Officers' Path, you’ll reach Saint-Brieuc, a medieval city full of history.

• The Saint-Étienne Cathedral is one of Brittany's few fortified churches, featuring a 16th-century organ classified as a historical monument.
• Ancient squares and half-timbered houses, some classified as historical monuments, line the city streets.
• The Plouha cliffs and Gwin Zegal harbor, part of the Bay of Saint-Brieuc, are breathtaking natural sites.
• The Maison de la Baie museum educates visitors about the natural and underwater environment across seven interactive spaces.

Did you know? The Bay of Saint-Brieuc is the closest beach to Paris—just 2 hours and 13 minutes away.

The Côtes-d'Armor is a perfect blend of history and nature. From fishing ports like Paimpol to seaside resorts and medieval towns such as Dinan, this Breton region never ceases to amaze.