PAIMPOL
In the land of « Icelandic fishermen », the schooners of yesteryear are now a mere memory, but Paimpol is still profoundly influenced by this period.
Dont’ miss: Arcouest cape.
Ou : landing stage for the island of Bréhat (10 minutes to cross)
ILE DE BREHAT:
You’ll find yourself in a different world, the « car-free » island « of flowers and pink rocks ». The contrast between the Mediteranean-style southern island with its brightly coloured shutters and lush flora, and the northern island with its Irish accents and wind-beaten moorland, is striking.
TREGUIER “ Small Town of Character ”
This 5th century bishopric is the birthplace of St-Yves (patron saint of lawyers) and Ernest Renan. It boasts incredible architecture – the cathedral of St-Tugdual (one of Brittany’s founding Saints) with its amazing cloister and the old parts of the town dotted with half-timbered and timber-framed houses and Ernest Renan’s childhood home. |
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Accomodation at the Hotel Aigue Marine*** in Tréguier or at the Caste Beau site*** in Ploumanac’h.
PERROS GUIREC
Perros Guirec has many attractions: in bottom, roads, the fishing harbour and yachting marina; higher, the borough around the church, Saint-Jacques (12nd century) finally beaches of Trestaou from where a coastal path will take you past magnificent rocky landscapes to Ploumanac'h.
Don’t miss: The landscape is probably one of the most breathtakingest in Ploumanac’h.
THE 7 ÎLES
The Sept-Iles bird sanctuary is home to more than 17 000 pairs of seabirds including gannets, Atlantic puffins and razorbills (seals can also be spotted here).
MORLAIX
Set in the hollow of the bay which bears its name and overshadowed by an impressive viaduct, Morlaix represents the geographical, historical and tourism crossroads between the areas of “Léon”, “Trégor” and the “Monts d’Arrée”. Follow the footsteps of Anne de Bretagne in the steep alley-ways leading to the viaduct or along the medieval streets lined with hal-timbered and corbel houses. Don’t miss the unique archirtecture of the “maisons à lanterns” in Morlaix.
ROSCOFF «Small Town of Character »
Famous for its spa and oceanographic research centre, this pretty seaside town has retained its architectural heritage.
The island of Batz : departure from Roscoff, day trip excursion (10 minutes on boat).
Or: departure from Carantec, only on summer period. To discover the Louët Island, le Château du Taureau, Morlaix bay and to stay the day on Batz Island.
Accommodation “ chez Janie » – at the Hôtel du centre** in Roscoff
First option:
THE PARISH ENCLOSURES
Specifically Breton, it recounts episodes from the Holy Story and in former times was used by Curates for religious instruction.
Don’t miss to visit the Parish Enclosures of: Guimiliau, Lampaul- Guimiliau, Saint-Thégonnec, La Martyre, Commana, Sizun and Pleyben..
2nd option: The Rias and the lighthouses. |
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THE RIAS
Just like real fjords, the rias sculpt the coastline and, according to the tide, offer ever-changing landscapes. The “Aber Ildut” will be the first one you come across via a narrow gully. The coast road will lead you to the small harbours of Melon, Porspoder and Argenton, “La pointe de Landunvez” and the pretty village of Kersaint. The road then continues round the incredible “Aber Benoit” site and then cross it to reach “Aber Wrac’h” a verry popular yachting marina.
THE LIGHTHOUSES
Before leaving these Breton fjords, you must have a look to the lighthouses , keeping watch over the Channel or Atlantic.
Amongst the best known open to visitors are: Saint-Matthieu, Trézien, the Stiff, Créac’h, the Ile Vierge in Plouguerneau … The latter, on the île d’Ouessant, has one of the most powerful lights in the world, with a range of 120 km in clear weather.
Don’t miss the breathtaking panoramic view of this wild coastline from the top of the vierge lighthouse, the highest lighthouse in Europe.
BREST
Thanks to its geographical localisation, Brest has always had close ties with the sea. Its natural harbour, a vast 150sq. km stretch of water, means that it can welcome sailors from all over the world. Although the old town was bombed during the last war, the streets of Brest retain an air of adventure and the memory of the Royal and National navy is never present.
Don’t miss: The visit of Oceanopolis, a science and technology centre devoted entirely to the sea, Oceanopolis provide en insight into Breton maritime heritage.
Accommodation at the hotel de la Pointe Saint-Mathieu *** (Pointe de Plougonvelin) or at the Continental Océania*** in Brest (according to availability)
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