Côtes d’Armor

Cap Fréhel and Fort La Latte

Rising more than 70 meters above sea level, Cap Fréhel offers a breathtaking panoramic view stretching from Mont-Saint-Michel to the island of Bréhat. It is a haven for seabirds. Nearby, Fort La Latte—a medieval fortress perched on a rocky outcrop—fascinates visitors. This historic site was even chosen as a filming location for the movie *The Vikings*.

The Island of Bréhat

Known as the “Island of Flowers” for its lush vegetation and mild climate, the island of Bréhat is just a few minutes away by boat. With no cars, it’s perfect for exploring on foot or by bike. From coves and beaches to heathlands and gardens, every corner invites you to marvel at its beauty. Don’t miss the Paon Lighthouse and the Saint-Michel Chapel for an unforgettable experience.

Saint-Brieuc, the historic heart of the Côtes d’Armor

Saint-Brieuc, the capital of the Côtes d’Armor department, is distinguished by its rich historical and cultural heritage. The Gothic-style Saint-Étienne Cathedral, the Museum of Art and History—which showcases local history—and the Villa Rohannec’h, with its Neo-Renaissance architecture, are must-see attractions. A vibrant city, Saint-Brieuc hosts the Art Rock Festival every year, celebrating contemporary music and street arts.

Small fishing ports and secret beaches

The Côtes d’Armor region is renowned for its small fishing ports, which are true gems of authentic charm and warmth. These picturesque spots invite you to discover the flavors of the sea, offering visitors the opportunity to savor fresh, local seafood such as scallops, oysters, and mussels.

Destinations such as Erquy, Binic, Paimpol, and Saint-Quay-Portrieux stand out for their beauty. For those seeking secluded, wild stretches of sand, the Côtes d’Armor offers beaches where tranquility and nature reign supreme.

Whether you're looking for a swim in clear waters or a moment of relaxation on fine sand or pebbles, beaches such as Le Gouessant, Bonaparte or Le Palus offer exceptional settings, often bordered by dunes, pine trees or imposing rocks.

Cuisine and Specialties of the Côtes d’Armor

The Côtes d’Armor is a paradise for food lovers, showcasing the rich culinary tradition of Brittany with its top-quality ingredients and recipes—whether traditional or modernized.

Discover some of the unmissable specialties to enjoy during your getaway in Brittany.

Seafood and shellfish platters

Renowned for their seafood and shellfish platters, the Côtes d’Armor are the pride of the region’s fishermen. You’ll have the pleasure of tasting oysters from northern Brittany, juicy and rich in the flavors of the sea; bouchot mussels prepared simply or with a touch of cream; and scallops from Saint-Brieuc Bay served as carpaccio, on skewers, or pan-seared with salted butter. Not to mention crab claws, spider crab claws, or lobster claws, perfectly grilled over a wood fire.

These fresh, locally sourced seafood delicacies can be enjoyed at many restaurants along the coast, or right at the fish markets in Erquy or Saint-Quay-Portrieux.

Breton crepes and cider

An emblem of local gastronomy, the Breton crêpe comes in two forms: the sweet wheat crêpe, and the savory buckwheat galette.

Wheat crepes can be topped with whatever you like: jam, chocolate, salted butter caramel, or fruit. As for buckwheat galettes, they’re made with ingredients such as eggs, ham, cheese, sausage, mushrooms, or vegetables.

Served with a glass of Breton cider, fermented from apples and served chilled and sparkling, these crêpes can be enjoyed at many crêperies in the Côtes d’Armor region, such as La Table Bretonne in Courbevoie or Le Goëlic in Tregomeur.

Far Breton and other sweets

Far Breton, an emblematic regional dessert, combines flour, milk, eggs, sugar and prunes. Baked in the oven, it is served warm or cold, and is characterized by its soft texture. It goes perfectly with ice cream or custard.

But the far breton is just one of many delicacies to discover. You’ll also want to try the gavotte, a crispy, lace-like crêpe that originated in Finistère but is made in Dinan; the kouign-amann, a rich cake made with bread dough, butter, and sugar; or the palet breton, a perfectly golden shortbread cookie.

Leisure activities

The Côtes d’Armor is a dream destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, a chance to relax, or a cultural immersion, you’re sure to find something to suit your tastes among the wide range of activities available.

Here is a selection of activities and things to do that you won’t want to miss during your stay in Brittany.

Hiking on customs trails

Once used by customs officers to patrol the coastline, the customs trails are now open to hikers. They wind along the coast, offering exceptional views of the sea and the surrounding landscapes. Accessible on foot, by bike, or on horseback, these trails will lead you to discover gems such as the Pink Granite Coast, Cap Fréhel, the island of Bréhat, and the Bay of Saint-Brieuc.

These trails are an integral part of the GR 34, a long-distance hiking trail that circumnavigates Brittany.

Water sports and beaches

For water sports enthusiasts and beach lovers, the Côtes d’Armor offers an idyllic setting. The coastline offers a wide variety of water sports, such as surfing, kitesurfing, windsurfing, kayaking, sailing, stand-up paddleboarding, and e-foiling.

The beaches—whether of fine sand or pebbles, lined with dunes, pine trees, or rocks—are perfect for swimming or simply relaxing. Pléneuf-Val-André, Sables-d’Or-les-Pins, and Perros-Guirec are among the most popular beaches.

Cultural and historical tours

Rich in culture and history, the Côtes d’Armor department invites you to discover its exceptional heritage. From museums to castles, monuments, churches, chapels, and menhirs, the region’s cultural diversity and richness await you. Charming villages such as Dinan, Tréguier, Guingamp, and Lannion will immerse you in the unique atmosphere of Brittany.

It also offers an opportunity to learn about Breton dances, songs, costumes, and legends—all central elements of the region’s identity.

Local events and festivities

Throughout the year, the Côtes d’Armor comes alive with local events and festivities. Music, theater, film, literature, and art festivals celebrate creativity and cultural diversity. Folk festivals, fairs, markets, and religious festivals pay tribute to the region, its cuisine, religion, and Breton traditions.

Highlights include the Art Rock festival in Saint-Brieuc, the Chant de Marin festival in Paimpol, the fête de la Saint-Loup in Guingamp and the Vieilles Charrues festival in Carhaix.

Conclusion

The Côtes d’Armor, a department in Brittany, promises unforgettable experiences during your trip. With breathtaking landscapes, fascinating heritage, exquisite cuisine, and a vibrant cultural scene, it has everything you need to satisfy your desire for nature, culture, sports, and relaxation.

Don’t wait any longer—start planning your getaway to the Côtes d’Armor today. Take advantage of the best deals and advice through Armor Destination, the department’s official tourism portal. There, you’ll find everything you need to plan your trip: useful information, suggested itineraries, lodging options, restaurant recommendations, a variety of activities, and a calendar of events.

Visit wikipedia to kick off the Breton adventure that awaits you in the Côtes d’Armor!

Côtes-d’Armor – FAQ

Where can you go for a walk in the Côte d’Armor?

The Côte d’Armor offers a wealth of places to explore, with something for everyone. You can marvel at the Pink Granite Coast, visit the picturesque island of Bréhat, explore the rich historical and cultural heritage of Dinan, or enjoy the unspoiled beauty of Cap Fréhel.

What are the major cities in the Côtes-d’Armor department?

The major cities in the Côtes-d’Armor department, as defined by their population according to INSEE in 2021, include Saint-Brieuc, Lannion, Lamballe-Armor, Plérin, Dinan, Ploufragan, Loudéac, Trégueux, Langueux, and Pordic. Together, they account for approximately 30% of the department’s total population.

What is the capital of the Côtes-d’Armor?

Saint-Brieuc is known as the capital of the Côtes-d’Armor. It is the most populous city in the department and the seat of the prefecture.

What are the residents of the Côtes-d’Armor called?

Residents of the Côtes-d’Armor are known as Costarmoricains, a term derived from the Breton words «aod» (coast) and «armor» (sea).