As spring has gently settled in France, and with the May holidays just around the corner, we are all on the lookout for the perfect spot to drop our bags for a weekend, a week, or even a bit longer if the heart desires. And since at Bonbon, we’re always keen on great deals, this time, we’re taking you on a journey to discover the Côtes d’Armor. On the agenda: 350 km of wild coastline, pink cliffs straight out of a fairy tale, a gastronomy that will make you tear up with joy, and medieval villages that make you feel like you’ve traveled back in time. Here are five reasons to settle in the 22 — and never want to leave.
Breathtaking landscapes
First of all, you can’t talk about the Côtes d’Armor without mentioning nature. Here, there’s no need to choose between the sea and the forest, the
Two come together in a breathtaking ballet. From Perros-Guirec to Cap-Fréhel, from high and majestic cliffs to deep and mysterious lakes, a wealth of rich and varied landscapes await you, ready to fulfill all your expectations. The archipelago of the Seven Islands will delight bird watchers, and the granite chaos of the Toul Goulicet Gorges will elevate your spirit. We’d like to warn you: once you’ve tasted the beauty of a sunset at Fort-la-Latte, life may seem a little less vibrant. Unique viewpoints await, where the wild nature is adorned with spectacular monuments, like the Abbey of Beauport or the Château de la Hunaudaye.Voir cette publication sur Instagram
An Unmatched Gastronomy
A few months ago, Brittany was voted the favorite region for tourists for its gastronomy. This is a distinction that deserves celebration, especially for one delightful reason: butter (and all the delicious things it helps create, starting with galettes and kouign-amann). But the Côtes d'Armor offer you one more tempting reason: fresh, local oysters that you can enjoy to your heart's content without a reservation and without breaking the bank. Indeed, the bay of Saint-Brieuc is one of the top oyster farming areas in France, where you can buy delicious shellfish directly from the producers. At the port of Binic or along the coast of Paimpol, pair them with a little glass of white wine and some delicious scallops to ensure you don't miss out!
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
A guaranteed change of scenery, without leaving France
For those who dream of magical travels to the ends of the earth, we have news for you: there's no need for an 11-hour flight to escape the routine and discover something new. If the Pink Granite Coast has nothing to envy from Corsica, then Lac de Guerlédan and the Kerne Uhel pond will make you feel like you're crossing the Atlantic to the Canadian Great Lakes. With its 200 granite giants representing Breton greats, the Valley of Saints is like a one-way ticket to Easter Island. Finally, it’s impossible to talk about the wonders of Côtes d'Armor without mentioning the medieval town of Dinan, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in the region, which takes you on a journey through the ages. Strolling up the Jerzual street is like traveling back in time to discover its historic charm.
See this post on Instagram
A Wealth of Activities
The great news is that all these treasures are accessible in a thousand and one ways. You can explore on foot, for instance, by walking along the legendary Customs Path, or by biking (we especially recommend the Vélomaritime from Plouër-sur-Rance to Plestin-les-Grèves). To continue...In sports, we enjoy this aquatic playground: sailing in Paimpol, surfing with a view of Cap Fréhel, or even kayaking in Bréhat, there's something for everyone. And for those who swear by culture, no worries, we have plenty to offer: the Abbey of Bon Repos, the flower-filled washhouses of Pontrieux, or the Sound Discovery Center in Cavan, everyone is sure to find the activity that suits them, delighting young and old alike, and providing you with unforgettable moments with family or friends.
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
A stay that's more than affordable
On top of it all, the Côtes d’Armor offer you the very best of Brittany to satisfy every desire, and they do it in a way that fits every budget! With accommodations of all kinds and restaurants that seem endless (some even let you enjoy the best local specialties with your feet in the water), it’s not hard to find some great deals to keep a budget for all the fun activities and visits that are abundantly available. And since good news never comes alone, all these wonders are accessible by train, thanks to numerous TGV stations! So, what are you waiting for to book your next getaway?
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
Practical Information
How to get there:
From Paris: TGV Montparnasse → Saint-Brieuc in about 2h15. Transfer from Rennes → Dinan or Guingamp (about 1h). By car: approximately 4h30 via N12.
From Rennes: 1h15 to Dinan by car.
From Lille: about 4h30 by car, or take the train from Paris + TGV.
Where to stay?
Les Bruyères du Cap (Cap Fréhel) — enjoy the stunning view of the heath and the sea, just a stone's throw from the GR34.
Le Manoir de Rigourde (Dinan) — a charming 17th-century granite building with beams and a lovely garden in the heart of medieval surroundings.
Kastell Dinec'h (Tréguiers) — a hotel-mansion nestled between hedgerows and a river.
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
Don't miss out!
The Customs Path GR34 between Perros-Guirec and Trégastel (2 hours, free).
The crossing to the island of Bréhat from the tip of Arcouest (~10 € round trip).
The Guingamp market on Friday mornings — featuring Breton cheeses and charcuteries.
The ramparts of Dinan at sunrise — free entry, chills included.
The Saint-Jacques Shell Festival (every spring): this year in Erquy, alternating with Paimpol and Saint-Quay-Portrieux.
