Côtes d'Armor

Looking for an unforgettable getaway in Brittany? Explore the Côtes d'Armor, your ideal destination! Located north of the Brittanythis department has a lot to offer A breathtaking coastline, diverse landscapes, a rich heritage and exquisite cuisine.

Whether you're a nature lover, a culture buff, a sports enthusiast or looking for relaxation, the Côtes d'Armor will meet all your expectations.

This guide is your passport to discovering must-see sites, savoring local specialties, indulging in a variety of activities and finding the best addresses for a complete Côtes d'Armor experience. Ready for adventure?

Must-sees in Côtes d'Armor

The Côtes d'Armor is a land of discovery, whether you're drawn to the charm of the coast or the tranquility of the inland. Let's discover the must-see sites that make this Breton region so famous.

The Pink Granite Coast

An exceptional natural site, the Pink Granite Coast, which stretches for some twenty kilometers between Perros-Guirec and Trébeurden, enchants visitors with its landscape of unusual rock shapes and pinkish hues. The customs path offers a breathtaking view of this natural spectacle. By sea, kayak or boat, the adventure is just as fascinating. The village of Ploumanac'h, voted France's favorite village in 2015, and its emblematic lighthouse, are also well worth a visit.

Cap Fréhel and Fort La Latte

Rising more than 70 meters above sea level, Cap Fréhel offers a breathtaking panorama, from Mont-Saint-Michel to the island of Bréhat. It's a haven for seabirds. Nearby, Fort La Latte, a medieval fortress set on a rocky outcrop, fascinates visitors. This historic site was even chosen as the setting for the film Les Vikings.

The island of Bréhat

Known as the Isle of Flowers for its lush vegetation and mild climate, the island of Bréhat can be reached in just a few minutes by boat. Car-free, the island is ideal for exploring on foot or by bike. Between coves and beaches, moors and gardens, every nook and cranny is an invitation to marvel. Don't miss the Peacock lighthouse and Saint-Michel chapel for an unforgettable experience.

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

The capital of the Côtes d'Armor region, Saint-Brieuc boasts a rich historical and cultural heritage. The Gothic-style Saint-Étienne Cathedral, the Museum of Art and History, which bears witness to local history, and the Villa Rohannec'h, with its neo-Renaissance architecture, are must-sees. A dynamic city, Saint-Brieuc hosts the annual Art Rock festival, celebrating contemporary music and street art.

Small fishing ports and secret beaches

The Côtes d'Armor region is renowned for its small fishing ports, a veritable showcase of authentic charm and conviviality. These picturesque spots invite you to discover the flavors of the sea, offering visitors the opportunity to savor fresh, local products such as scallops, oysters and mussels.

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

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.

Gastronomy and specialities of Côtes d'Armor

The Côtes d'Armor is a paradise for lovers of good food, showcasing the rich Breton gastronomy with its top-quality products and recipes, both traditional and modernized.

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

Seafood and shellfish platters

Renowned for its seafood and shellfish platters, the Côtes d'Armor is the pride of the region's fishermen. You'll have the pleasure of tasting oysters from Northern Brittany, juicy and rich in marine flavors, Bouchot mussels prepared simply or topped with cream, scallops from the Bay of Saint-Brieuc served in carpaccio, on skewers or pan-fried with salted butter. Not forgetting crab, spider crab or lobster claws, perfectly grilled over a wood fire.

These fresh, local seafood delights can be enjoyed in many restaurants along the coast, or directly from 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.

The wheat pancake can be topped with jam, chocolate, salted butter caramel or fruit. As for the buckwheat pancake, it's made with ingredients such as egg, ham, cheese, sausage, mushrooms or vegetables.

Accompanied by a glass of Breton cider, fermented from apples and served chilled and sparkling, these crêpes can be discovered in numerous 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 far breton is just one of the many delicacies to discover. You'll also be tempted by gavotte, a crisp, lacy pancake from Finistère, produced in Dinan; kouign-amann, a rich cake made with bread dough, butter and sugar; and palet breton, a golden, shortbread cookie.

Leisure activities

The Côtes d'Armor is a dream destination for those with a passion for outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for adrenalin, relaxation or cultural immersion, you'll find what you're looking for among the wide range of activities on offer.

Here is a selection of activities and leisure activities not to be missed during your stay in Brittany.

Hiking on customs trails

Once used by customs officers to monitor the coastline, the customs trails are now open to hikers. They wind along the coast, offering exceptional panoramic views of the sea and surrounding countryside. Accessible on foot, by bike or on horseback, these paths will lead you to discover such jewels as the Côte de Granit Rose, Cap Fréhel, Ile de Bréhat and Baie de 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 multitude of water sports activities, including surfing, kitesurfing, windsurfing, kayaking, sailing, paddling and e-foil.

The beaches, whether of fine sand or pebbles, bordered by dunes, pines 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. Museums, castles, monuments, churches, chapels and menhirs, the diversity and cultural richness of the region are yours to discover. Charming villages such as Dinan, Tréguier, Guingamp or Lannion will immerse you in the unique atmosphere of Brittany.

It's also an opportunity to learn about Breton dances, songs, costumes and legends, all central to the region's identity.

Local events and festivities

Throughout the year, the Côtes d'Armor vibrates to the rhythm of local events and festivities. Music, theater, film, literature and art festivals celebrate creativity and cultural diversity. Folk festivals, fairs, markets and pardons pay tribute to the land, gastronomy, religion and traditions of Brittany.

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 of Brittany, promises unforgettable discoveries for your trip. With its breathtaking landscapes, fascinating heritage, exquisite gastronomy and dynamic culture, it has all the ingredients to satisfy your desire for nature, culture, sport and relaxation.

Don't delay, plan your Côtes d'Armor getaway now. Take advantage of the best offers and advice thanks to Armor Destination, the department's official tourism portal. Here you'll find everything you need to plan your stay: useful information, suggested itineraries, accommodation options, restaurant recommendations, a wide range of activities and a calendar of events.

Visit wikipedia to start your Breton adventure in the Côtes d'Armor!

Côtes-d'Armor - FAQ

Where to go for a walk in Côte d'Armor?

The Côte d'Armor offers a multitude of places to explore, to suit all tastes. You can marvel at the Côte de Granit Rose, visit the picturesque island of Bréhat, explore the rich historical and cultural heritage of Dinan, or appreciate the unspoilt beauty of Cap Fréhel.

What are the major towns in Côtes-d'Armor?

The main towns in Côtes-d'Armor, as defined by Insee by 2021, include Saint-Brieuc, Lannion, Lamballe-Armor, Plérin, Dinan, Ploufragan, Loudéac, Trégueux, Langueux and Pordic. Together, they account for around 30% of the department's total population.

What is the capital of Côtes-d'Armor?

Saint-Brieuc is known as the capital of Côtes-d'Armor. It is the department's most populous city and home to the prefecture.

What are the inhabitants of 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).